South Shore Fall Getaway

Home of the Indiana Dunes National Park

Get ready to relax and enjoy time with family and friends during a fall vacation along the South Shore of Lake Michigan. Located in the northwest corner of Indiana - just 45 minutes from Chicago - the South Shore offers miles of trails, orchards, fun attractions, local wineries, and breweries plus so much more.

Connect with Nature

Northwest Indiana offers a wide array of ways to venture out and explore the natural world. Crunch leaves under your feet along miles of trails, bite into fresh apples picked right off the tree or watch the majestic bison roam and the cranes migrate through the region.

Trails Full of Color

Immerse yourself in nature hiking along the trails, with trees full of color, at the Indiana Dunes National Park or State Park. Combined, the parks offer more than 60 miles of hiking and biking trails where you can try to spot wildlife, climb sand dunes and explore forests, swamps and savannas.

DISCOVER THE TRAILS >>>

Orchards and Upicks

Pick some apples and fill up on treats like apple cinnamon donuts at County Line Orchard. You will find an orchard at Fair Oaks Farms too, along with tons of other activities where you can learn about modern-day farming practices.

FIND AN ORCHARD OR UPICK >>>

Nature in Action

Visit Kankakee Sands to see the bison roaming the prairies. Or head out to Jasper-County Fish and Wildlife Area to watch as thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes make their stopover on their way to the southern states.

COME SEE THE CRANES >>>
VISIT THE BISON >>>

Fair Oaks Farms Getaway

Fair Oaks Farms is an attraction you don't want to miss on your visit! Learn about modern-day farming on their Dairy, Crop, or Pig Adventures, stroll the apple orchard, pick out a pumpkin and dine at the Farmhouse Restaurant. Plus a stay in the contemporary barn-like setting at the Fairfield by Marriott on site.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIR OAKS FARMS >>>

Sip a Drink and Ante Up

Hop on the South Shore Brewery Trail to experience the region’s finest local craft beers. With more than 25 breweries, you are sure to find a style of beer you will love! If wine, cider or mead is more to your liking, the South Shore Winery Trail is sure to have what you’re looking for.

If you want to test your luck, Northwest Indiana is also home to four lakefront casinos.

Adventures with the Kids

Create a fun adventure the kids will remember with even more activities they'll love. Tour Albanese Candy Factory and taste fresh gummi bears. Learn while having fun on an interactive farming adventure at Fair Oaks Farms. Expand your little ones' imaginations at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center. Spend a day with your family just playing games, climbing, bowling, jumping and more at JAK's Warehouse, Sky Zone, or Up Your Alley.

Where to Stay

Our hotels will cater to your every need whether it's a vacation with the kids, a getaway with friends or a romantic escape. Rent a vacation home for your entire group close to the Indiana Dunes at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals or Miller Beach Vacation Rentals.

If you are looking for a couple’s retreat, Serenity Springs is away from it all nestled on 85 private wooded acres.

VIEW ALL ACCOMMODATIONS HERE >>>

Learn More on Our Blogs

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Apples to Apples: Northwest Indiana Orchards

By Dani Howe Danhauer, Social Media Strategist and Carolyn Hricik, Communications Intern Apple

Weekend Getaway with Family + Apple Orchard = Everlasting Memories

If you’re looking to experience a new apple orchard and pumpkin patch that’s not that far from home, then consider County...

A Round of Disc Golf at Lemon Lake County Park

If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive way to spend the afternoon with family and friends outdoors, you should give disc golf a try. My...

Outdoor Bucket List for Northwest Indiana

It is a great time for some much-needed nature exploration. Northwest Indiana is lucky to be home to

Northwest Indiana for birding or just bird enjoying

Photo: More than 15 thousand cranes stop in NW Indiana on their migrations north and south each year. Wild birds are an important part of...

Nature Notes: Kankakee Sands Bison are Changing It Up

Photo by Scott Johnsen My drive to work involves one stop sign and a herd of bison. It hasn’t always been that way… My commute used...

Viewing a Moment of a Majestic Migration - Sandhill Cranes

My grandfather loved birds. He used to bird watch and enjoyed learning about them. This love of birds was passed down to my mom. It was with knowing...

Ask A Brewer - Chesterton Brewery

We were able to catch up with Vern Brown, Founder and Co-Owner of Chesterton Brewery recently to ask

Homegrown & Handcrafted Food and Drinks in Northwest Indiana

Traveling through the South Shore, you’ll find homegrown foods and handcrafted drinks at local wineries, restaurants and attractions. ...

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Things to Do

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30 Unique Attractions

Indiana Dunes

Beaches

Family Fun

Biking & Hiking Trails

Camping at Dunewood Campground Indiana Dunes

Outdoor Recreation

Shopping

Arts & Culture

Breweries, Wineries & More

Hotels

Request a Visitors Guide

Request More Information

Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request a visitor's guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.

• Mail me a Visitor's Guide

• Email me the South Shore Explorer Newsletter

• Download the Indiana Dunes Brochure

• Send me Text Alerts

Fun Along the South Shore on Instagram

Tag your adventure #alongthesouthshore

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Romantic Experience

Request a Visitors Guide

Request More Information

Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request a visitor's guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.

• Mail me a Visitor's Guide

• Email me the South Shore Explorer Newsletter

• Download the Indiana Dunes Brochure

• Send me Text Alerts