Unexpected Midwest stops in northern Indiana

Wild Encounters

Located along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, the shifting sands of the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks create an atmosphere that feels far removed from the Midwest prairies. The park includes several beaches along its 15 miles of shoreline and includes hiking trails that wind through wetlands, forested ridges, swamps, and marshes. An hour’s drive from the Indiana Dunes will lead you to the Kankakee Sands. With 8,400 acres of prairies and wetlands, the Kankakee Sands and surrounding wildlife areas are home to 86 threatened and endangered species. The Nature Conservancy brought 23 bison to Kankakee Sands in 2016 to help with the development of the grasslands. The herd has grown to around 100 bison and can be viewed at the Bison Viewing Area.

For the Kids 

Northern Indiana stands out for families because of its many family-friendly spots that are built around participation rather than observation. The Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum makes comic book history accessible even for visitors who don’t know every character. Kids will be drawn to the life-size superhero displays, while parents will linger over rare comics and vintage toys. At Albanese Candy Factory, giant windows overlook production lines where visitors can watch gummy bears and chocolates move through the factory. After learning about production, you can compare flavors and taste new sweets at the museum’s gift shop. Housed in a former power plant in Fort Wayne, Science Central features interactive exhibits where families can test engineering ideas, explore physics through movement, and engage with science in innovative ways. 

Slow Days

With horse-drawn buggies, small shops, homemade quilts, and wooden toys, Shipshewana’s slower pace feels distinct from northern Indiana’s busier attractions. In the summer months, the highlight is the Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market, one of the largest flea markets in the Midwest. Open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the market features between 300 and 400 vendors that sell everything from antiques, home decor, crafts, and more. For those wanting to better understand the region’s culture, Menno-Hof shares Amish and Mennonites history through interactive displays and presentations. Visitors can learn more through an audio driving tour or a buggy ride.  Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery serves Amish cooking in large family-style portions. Expect noodles, fried chicken, roast beef, and plenty of pie. Fair Oaks Farms offers another kind of slow family-friendly day, centered on agriculture and hands-on learning. Families can move through three interactive spaces to learn more about modern farming. In the Dairy Adventure, kids can try attaching milking equipment, explore the indoor play areas, and watch a short film about how milk reaches the table. The Pig Adventure focuses on animal care and food systems, while the Crop Adventure adds seasonal activities such as orchard visits, apple picking, and family games. Because each area is self-guided, families can move at their own pace. No visit to the farm would be complete without ice cream at the Red Barn Milk Bar.