Historic La Porte County in the eastern region of NWI is considered part of the Michiana and Chicago metropolitan areas. Lake Michigan borders the north, and with the Kankakee River along the south and a portion of the Indiana Dunes Park, there is no shortage of natural beauty to enjoy. The county is made up of many small towns and a few larger cities, offering a community for everyone.

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Things to Do

Indiana Dunes National Park

The Indiana Dunes stretch 25 miles east along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Enjoy beautiful lakeside beaches and trails surrounded by prairies, forests and, of course, sand dunes. The landscapes along this region are recognized as some of the most biologically diverse in the nation, acting as a home to over 350 species of birds and hundreds of different animals, as well as over 1,400 species of ferns and flowering plants. Go on a camping trip, take a scheduled tour, paddle your way along the Lake Michigan Water Trail, go fishing, snowshoe along the trails, take your furry friend for a walk and so much more at the Indiana Dunes National Park.

La Porte County Historical Society Museum

There is a rich local history in La Porte, and the La Porte County Historical Society Museum is the place to learn about it all. From events and exhibits to Civil War re-enactments, old cars and more, there’s a piece of history that everyone can enjoy.

Pinhook Bog

Within the Indiana Dunes National Park, you can find Pinhook Bog, which is a designated National Natural Landmark. Comprising roughly 580 acres, a quarter of the bog is a floating, 3- to-6-foot-thick layer of sphagnum moss on top of an ancient, now-hidden lake. Visitors will see all kinds of unique native flora, including tamarack trees, blueberry shrubs and insect-eating pitcher plants. Because this ecosystem is rare and fragile, it’s only accessible by reserving a spot on a ranger-led tour.

Luhr County Park

Luhr Park is a unique location offering four different ecosystems within its 94 acres. With areas of upland forest, wetland, prairie and a stocked pond, there’s always something beautiful to see along the paved trail. Bring a picnic lunch and go fishing, take the kids to the playground, check out the observation tower, bring your furry friend to the no-leash dog exercise area and search for the geocache located within the park.

Hesston Steam Museum

Steam machinery played a large role in the development of the United States and helped improve the quality of life around the world. The Hesston Steam Museum offers a glimpse at this equipment as a living history museum, operating various steam-powered equipment, including railroad locomotives. Since 1956, the La Porte County Historical Steam Society has been educating the community about these machines in an engaging, hands-on way that continues to capture the imagination.

City & Town Spotlight

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