If you're looking for the ultimate northern Indiana road trip to kill some time, look no further! Northern Indiana is filled to the brim with amazing sights, thought-provoking museums, excellent shopping, beautiful beaches, and so much more. We feel like you'll need at least two days to check out some of our very favorite things that northern Indiana has to offer, so hop in the car and get ready to explore!
1. Beverly Shores
We'll begin our journey in beautiful Beverly Shores, Indiana. Beverly Shores is super-luxurious for a good reason. Once upon a time, it was meant to be a resort town. Our favorite place to visit while in Beverly Shores is the Beverly Shores History Museum and Art Gallery, otherwise (and more commonly) known as "The Depot" Museum and Art Gallery. It's usually open from May through October, so make sure to plan your road trip accordingly, if this is a stop you'll want to make.
Address: 525 South Broadway, Beverly Shores, Indiana, 46301
2. Chesterton
Our next leg of the trip will take us to the quaint town of Chesterton, which is full of historic buildings that you've got to check out. For example, the Westchester Township History Museum is inside a stunning Victorian mansion, formally called The Brown Mansion, which was built in 1885. It's also home to some beautiful, historically accurate Victorian gardens, and some super-fascinating history exhibits. It's definitely worth a visit on this Northern Indiana road trip!
Address: 700 West Porter Avenue, Chesterton, Indiana, 46304
3. Duneland Pizza
Once you've had your fill of the Brown Mansion and you've browsed some of the intriguing shops in Chesterton, we suggest lunch at Duneland Pizza. Duneland Pizza is a local legend, and for good reason. It's been here since the early 1970s, and it's been a local staple for just as long. In 2015, the pizza joint was awarded the title of "Best Pizza" during the pizza wars (yes, pizza wars) in the area. Duneland Pizza serves lots of different types of pizza, so come hungry.
Address: 520 Broadway, Chesterton, Indiana, 46304
4. Valparaiso
The next town we suggest you check out is Valparaiso, a pleasant college town with plenty to do. If you enjoyed the art museum earlier in the day, you'll love visiting the Brauer Museum of Art at Valparaiso University. It's an ever-changing experience, so make sure to check the museum's website for information about current exhibits. Once you're through with that, take your pick from dozens of highly-rated restaurants in the area for dinner. You won't regret it!
Address: 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
5. Valpo Velvet Shoppe
If we may suggest dessert, you can't go wrong with Valpo Velvet Shoppe, a local ice creamery known for its incredible house-made desserts. It's been here since 1947, and it serves up more than just ice cream! You can also get some tasty sandwiches, salads, and more here as well. It's even got vegetarian/vegan options, so there's literally something for everyone.
Address: 57 Monroe Street, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
6. Flint Lake Cottage
There are quite a few places to rest your head in Valparaiso, but we think our favorite place might be this adorable Airbnb 20 minutes from Indiana Dunes State Park. It's called Flint Lake Cottage, and it's rustic and adorable with a ton and a half of charm. You get the luxury of private beach access, stunning views, and a very comfortable night. Visit the official Airbnb page for pricing, availability, and more photos.
7. LaPorte
On day two, we suggest you begin with a visit to the town of LaPorte, Indiana. There's a lot to do to spend an entire morning here, so be ready to explore. We strongly suggest you visit Garwood Orchards and Farmers Market, a place where you can buy farm-fresh produce and food right from the farmers themselves. Talk about farm-to-table! There are different things growing and for sale at different points throughout the year, so make sure to check the market's website for hours, current finds, and more.
Address: 5911 West 50 South, LaPorte, Indiana, 46350
8. Michigan City
Finally, you'll want to spend the rest of the afternoon in beautiful Michigan City, where there's SO much to do that we think it could easily be a day trip on its own. For example, the Shady Creek Winery is a local favorite among wine aficionados. It's pleasant, with a warm and laid-back atmosphere. The tastings are nothing short of stellar, so make sure to let yourself indulge.
Address: 2030 Tryon Road, Michigan City, Indiana, 46360
Among other popular activities in Michigan City are the First Fridays Artwalk (which is exactly what it sounds like: an art walk through local galleries on the first Friday of every month) and the Washington Park Zoo. At the zoo, you'll encounter many cute and interesting little critters, like this armadillo here. Also up for your consideration are plenty of shops, galleries, restaurants, and more, just waiting to be visited! Make sure to check with the zoo for the most up-to-date hours and pricing.
(Zoo) Address: 115 Lake Shore Drive, Michigan City, Indiana, 46360
What do you think? What stops will you do, and what will you add to the trip? The possibilities are endless, so use this article as more of a suggestion than a guide. The perfect two-day northern Indiana road trip is entirely up to you and your individual tastes.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
