South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority

Get out and explore

The South Shore along Lake Michigan in Indiana is an exciting place, with no shortage of outdoor activities and places to explore, fun community events to enjoy, unique attractions to visit and so much more. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the region offers a wonderful quality of life with plenty of green space including the Indiana Dunes National Park. There are also more than 80 different cultures represented in the area, which can be seen in the variety of restaurants and annual festivals.

Visit our website at alongthesouthshore.com and order your Visitor’s Guide today!

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South Shore highlights

South Shore offers so many things to do and places to see. The region has more than 15 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan, a rich arts and culture community, unique attractions, plenty of blueways and greenways, exciting festivals and events, plus local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Below is a list of some of the area’s featured highlights and must-see locations.

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 more than 350 species of birds and hundreds of other animals, and more than 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.

Fair Oaks Farms

Get an up-close look at sustainable farming through three different interactive experiences: the Dairy Adventure, Pig Adventure and Crop Adventure. Once you’ve learned what it takes to run a modern day farm, sample delicious dairy products that were made from milk produced at Fair Oaks Farms. There is also an on-site cheese factory and a “Cowfé” where you can order scrumptious breakfasts and lunches that are made with — you guessed it — farm-fresh products and produce. Be sure to order some of Fair Oaks Farms ice cream before you end your day!

The Shrine of Christ’s Passion

Located in St. John, Indiana, this religious shrine is a multimedia interactive Prayer Trail depicting the last days of Jesus Christ’s life. Walk along the winding, half-mile path with 40 life-size bronze sculptures in a tranquil setting. Enjoy the beautiful music and sculpted gardens that present the story of the crucifixion and resurrection through listening stations along the path with audio recordings narrated by Chicago broadcaster Bill Kurtis.

See the bison at Kankakee Sands

The Nature Conservancy introduced a herd of 23 bison to the Kankakee Sands prairie restoration project in 2016. Now, more than 100 bison roam the one-square mile prairie, and the area is considered to be the easternmost conservancy preserve where bison can be found. Thanks to a designated, slightly elevated viewing area, visitors can easily and safely see the bison roaming and grazing.

Regional Events

February 17 – March 2
“Savor the South Shore” Restaurant Weeks
Various Restaurants in Northwest Indiana

February 21 – 22
Once Upon a Weekend
Fair Oaks Adventure Center, Fair Oaks

February 21 – 23
14^th Annual Black Film Festival
The Glen Theatre, Gary

February 21 – 23
PICKLEMANIA $20K Challenge
Jean Shepherd Center, Hammond

February 21 – 23
Lake County Boat Show
Lake County Fairgrounds, Crown Point

February 22
219 Day | Viva Las Region
Hammond Civic Center, Hammond

February 22
25 Years of Bonfire – AC/DC Tribute
Hobart Art Theater, Hobart

February 22
Elite Fight Night 26: Winter Warriors
Horseshoe Casino, Hammond

February 22
Heartless: Tribute Concert to Heart
Theatre at the Center, Munster

February 22
Shelf Ice Brewfest
Downtown Michigan City

February 23
A Screening of Rookie of the Year
with Thomas Ian Nichols
Hobart Art Theater, Hobart

February 23
Weddings & Whiskey Winter Bridal Show
Journeyman – The American Factory, Valparaiso

February 26
Mardi Gras Masterpiece
The Barker Cottage, Michigan City

February 27
Byway X Revolution Beer Dinner
Byway Brewing Co., Hammond

February 27
Comedian Josh Wolf Live!
Hobart Art Theater, Hobart

February 28
Strangelove & Stupid Girl | Depeche Mode & Garbage Tributes
Hobart Art Theater, Hobart

February 28 – March 16
Singin’ in the Rain
Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso

March 1
American English in Concert
Theatre at the Center, Munster

March 1
Murder Mystery Gala | 1920’s Speakeasy
Halls of St. George, Schererville

March 1 – 2
Maple Sugar Time
Bailly Homestead & Chellberg Farm

March 8 – 9
Maple Syrup Time
Deep River County Park, Hobart

March 14 – 15
Hometown Shamrock Indoor Market
Lake County Fairgrounds, Crown Point

March 15
10^th Annual Annual Corkscrew & Brew
Thomas Centennial Park, Chesterton

March 17
Nighttime St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Crown Point

March 28
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Last Encores
Hard Rock Live, Gary

March 28
Penn & Teller
Horseshoe Casino, Hammond

March 28
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Hobart Art Theater, Hobart

March 29
Elton Jeff & The Honky Cats
Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso

March 29
Legends of Comedy
Hard Rock Live, Gary

March 29
Selena The Show Featuring Karla Perez
Hobart Art Theater, Hobart

March 29
Smokey Robinson Legacy Tour
Horseshoe Casino, Hammond

April 5
Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys: The Brotherhood Tour
Hard Rock Live, Gary

April 6
Tyler Henry – The Hollywood Medium
Hard Rock Live, Gary

April 12
Hometown Jams Presents: Bryan Martin
Hobart Art Theater, Hobart

April 12
The Temptations & The Four Tops: 40^th Anniversary
Horseshoe Casino, Hammond

April 19
Free Entrance Day at the National Parks
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter

April 25
Northwest Indiana Symphony Presents: Tchaikovsky!
Living Hope Church, Merrillville

April 26
Autism Walk – East Chicago
Tod Park, East Chicago

April 26
Winter Artisan Market
Running Vines Winery, Chesterton