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.

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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

June 7-11
Dyer Summer Fest
Pheasant Hills Park, Dyer

June 9
Singing Sands Sculpting Festival
Washington Park, Michigan City

June 10
Kevin Hart
Hard Rock Casino, Gary

June 10
Crown Beer Fest
Crown Brewing, Crown Point

June 15
Hometown Jams Presents: Warren Zeiders
Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso

June 17
Rhythm & Soul Fest
Washington Park, East Chicago

June 17-October 1
American Adventure by Minotaur Mazes
Indiana Welcome Center, Hammond

June 18
Kevin James
Hard Rock Casino, Gary

June 19
Juneteenth Celebration
Martin Luther King Park, Hammond

June 23
Valpo Blues and BBQ Festival
Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso

June 24
Art Bash: All You Need is Love
Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City

June 24
Atlantic City Boys
Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso

June 24
Laughs by the Lake Comedy Night
Mascot Hall of Fame, Whiting

June 24
South Shore Roller Derby
Bulldog Park, Crown Point

June 25
Hometown Jams Presents: Chris Janson
Bulldog Park, Crown Point

July 6
Hometown Jams Presents: Elle King
Bulldog Park, Crown Point

July 8-July 15
177th Annual LaPorte County Fair
LaPorte County Fairgrounds, LaPorte

July 9
Weezer
Hard Rock Casino, Gary

July 12
Ashanti & Ja Rule at Festival of the Lakes
The PAV (the Pavilion at Wolf Lake), Hammond

July 13
Brothers Osborne at Festival of the Lakes
The PAV (the Pavilion at Wolf Lake), Hammond

July 14
Stone Temple Pilots at Festival of the Lakes
The PAV (the Pavilion at Wolf Lake), Hammond

July 14
Ultimate Eric Church Experience Tribute
Friendship Botanic Gardens, Michigan City

July 14
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
Chicago Street Theatre, Valparaiso

July 15
Lil Wayne at Festival of the Lakes
The PAV (the Pavilion at Wolf Lake), Hammond

July 15
Red Not Chili Peppers
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, Valparaiso

July 15
Region Eats Food Festival
Centennial Park, Munster

July 15
Tennessee Whiskey: A Tribute to Chris Stapleton
Friendship Botanic Gardens, Michigan City

July 16
Luis Angel “El Flaco” at Festival of the Lakes
The PAV (the Pavilion at Wolf Lake), Hammond

July 21
Jelly Roll
Porter County Fairgrounds, Valparaiso

July 22
Wine Festival
Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso