Road Trips: 21+ Crowd

The Great Outdoors

Indiana Dunes

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure exploring the most diverse landscapes in the Midwest. Hike the towering dunes and through forests, cycle miles of trails, camp under the stars or paddle and fish on our open waters. Keep your eyes open for rare birds and native plant life you won’t find anywhere else. Outdoor activities are available year-round, from relaxing on the beaches in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter. The crown jewels of outdoor activities are the Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park, stretching 25 miles along the south shore of Lake Michigan.

Orchards and U-Picks

Besides being a beautiful time of year to hike in the region, it's also the season for orchards and pumpkin patches! Head out into the fields to pick fresh apples, pumpkins or sunflowers, taste delicious apple cinnamon donuts that melt in your mouth and try to find your way through the corn mazes.

Sips Along the Shore

Breweries & Distilleries

Grab a brew and find your new favorite ales, pilsners, stouts or IPAs during your visit. With more than twenty breweries to choose from, there is one to fit your style! Relax on Shoreline Brewery’s patio, enjoy live music at Zorn, or pair your beer with amazing food at Byway Brewing. Go for a brewery tour, rent a bus and hit a few of your favorites!

Grab some brews to take with you from the nationally-ranked and award-winning Three Floyds' curbside service or download the South Shore Brewery Trail app to find another brewery near you.

If you prefer spirits, plan a visit to Journeyman Distillery - The American Factory in Valparaiso or 18th Street Distillery in Hammond.

Wineries, Cideries & Meaderies

There is no shortage of wineries along the south shore! No matter if you prefer a sweet Moscato or a dry cabernet there is something for you.

We are also home to award-winning meaderies and wineries such as Manic Meadery in Crown Point and Running Vines in Chesterton. If you're seeking cider, head to Aftermath Cidery and Winery.

Make it a relaxing day and go for a tour or a fun evening on the patio with friends at Shady Creek Winery, Anderson’s Winery and among the grapevines at Carpenter Creek.

Live Music and Shows

If live entertainment is your go-to for fun, there is much to enjoy in the South Shore. Head to Hobart Art Theater, The Venue at Horseshoe Casino or Hard Rock Casino for live concerts from local bands and famous artists or laugh out loud alongside well-known comedians. You can also find some big-city concerts happening throughout the region hosted by Hometown Jams.

Festivals and events happening throughout the year as well as breweries and wineries are the perfect places to find live music, open mic nights and more. See what’s on the schedule during your visit!

Casinos

Get ready to rock at the new Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and enjoy slots, table games, live music, and delicious food.

You can also try your luck at other casinos nearby like Ameristar in East Chicago and Horseshoe Casino in Hammond!

Play Like a Kid

Up Your Alley has great food, cocktails and a large selection of draft beer, but the best part is they also have bowling, axe throwing, an arcade, laser tag and cybersport! Not far away is JAK'S Warehouse with rock walls, sky trail ropes courses, indoor bumper cars and go-karts plus plenty of modern arcade games.

Where to Stay

Rent a vacation home for the entire family close to the beach at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals or Miller Beach Vacation Rentals. Stay at the Brewery Lodge in Michigan City - a 12-suite boutique hotel on a 40-acre wooded tract, complete with a craft beer and wine bar.

Visit our blog post for more unique places to stay, here. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, too!