13 Amazing Things To Do In Northwest Indiana

Are you looking for the best things to do in Northwest Indiana? If yes, your search is over here. Northwest Indiana is considered to have some of the best places to live in Indiana, United States.

Northwest India is the second largest urban area in Indiana. It is also home to Indiana Dunes and is mainly known for museums, parks, nature areas, lakes, wildlife conservation areas, and many rivers.

Let’s uncover what to do in Northwest Indiana for a perfect vacation. Read this article until the end to learn about Northwest Indiana in depth.


1. Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

It is among the best things to do in NWI. Indiana Dunes National Park spreads over 15,000 acres of land and has over 50 miles of trails leading through lush wetlands, sand dunes, and quiet woodlands.

The Indiana Dunes Park is a fantastic destination for hikers, trekkers, campers, and nature lovers. You will also eyewitness the flora and fauna; it is also home to many invasive species.

  • Entry Fee – $15 per person
  • Address – National Park in Indiana, US

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2. Deep River County Park

Deep River County Park

It is among the gorgeous NWI park spread over 1300 acres of land. The park has a picnic shelter for rent, a free library, and a playground, and there is also a fishing area available nearby.

The most popular features of Deep River County Park are hiking trails, picnic shelters, fishing areas, general stores, educational programs, a wedding gazebo, toilets, etc. It is an excellent place for adventure lovers.

  • Entry Fee – Nothing
  • Address – 9410 Old Lincoln Hwy, Hobart, Indiana

3. Indiana Dunes State Park, Among The Best Things To Do In Northwest Indiana

Indiana Dunes State Park

There is a difference between Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park. Indiana Dunes State Park is 75 km East of Chicago. It is an ideal destination for hikers, swimming, birdwatching, cycling, and picnic.

It is a fantastic park in terms of landscapes, views, scenery, etc. The most popular attraction of Indiana Dunes State Park are biking, hiking, birding, dunes, smelt fishing, singing sand, and sunbathing.

  • Entry Fee – Nothing
  • Address – Indiana Dunes State Park, Porter County, Indiana

4. Werner Christmas Wonderland

 Werner Christmas Wonderland

Werner Christmas Wonderland is an ideal destination for Christmas, but you can also visit anytime here during any month. It is a community that helps children and people in society by giving them gifts.

Like collecting new toys, food, leashes, beds, donated blankets, pill pockets, and peanut butter, they also organize many events on a timely basis. Christmas is an ideal time to visit this place to enjoy.

  • Entry Fee – Nothing
  • Address – 9108 Morton St, Merrillville, Indiana

5. Deep River Waterpark

Deep River Waterpark

Deep River Waterpark is considered among the best fun things to do in Northwest Indiana. It is a seasonal summer outdoor waterpark from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

The water park has all the features for all ages, like speed slides, tube slides, body slides, two lazy rivers, a water playground, and a wave pool. Ice skating lockers, gazebos, and health services are also available.

  • Entry Fee – starting from $25 per person
  • Address – 9001 E Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point, Indiana

6. Washington Park Zoo

Washington Park Zoo

The Washington Park Zoo is a park spreads over 15 acres of land on a hilly dune in Michigan City. The zoo is home to around 250 animals surrounded by botanical plants representing more than 100 species.

They also organize many events throughout the year; you check them by clicking here. Washington Park is an ideal destination for animal and nature lovers, perfect for family fun.

  • Entry Fee – $10 per person
  • Address – 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, Indiana

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7. Wicker Memorial Park, Among The Best Fun Things To Do In Northwest Indiana

Wicker Memorial Park

It is a popular park that spreads over 226 acres of land with features like an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a children’s playground, picnic areas, a pavilion, shelters, and a vast water playground.

It also organizes many events throughout the year. It is an excellent spot for weekends, spending time with family, having fun with friends, spending time alone, and spending quality time with a partner.

  • Entry Fee – $10 per person
  • Address – 8554 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, Indiana

8. Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center

Bellaboo's Play And Discovery Center

It is an amusement park made for children, especially children aged nine or above. It is also known as the “Wifi Cafe.” The playing zone spreads over 23,000 square feet of hands-on activities.

The Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center also have restaurants, toilets, and restrooms. The outdoor play area also has places to dig for dinosaurs’ bones, climb a tree, and ride a pedal cart.

  • Entry Fee – $11 per person
  • Address – 2800 Colorado St, Lake Station, Indiana

9. Studebaker National Museum

Studebaker National Museum

Visiting the Studebaker National Museum is among the best things to do in NWI. It is an old museum that displays a variety of military vehicles, automobiles, wagons, and carriages related to the Studebaker Corporation.

The vision of this museum is to develop interest and spark the imagination in people for design, innovation, and related to automobile industries. It is a perfect spot for history and machine lovers.

  • Entry Fee – $11 per person
  • Address – 201 Chapin St, South Bend, Indiana

10. Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve, Among The Best Free Things To Do In Northwest Indiana

Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve

Hoosier State Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located in Schererville. It was established in 1970 and started with 304 acres of land, and now it has grown to 1500 acres of land and is growing consistently.

It is considered among the best fun things to do in Northwest India, also an ideal destination for nature lovers, trekkers, etc. You can also witness many extinct or endangered species in this preserve.

  • Entry Fee – Nothing
  • Address – 135 E Main St, Schererville

11. Old Lighthouse Museum

Old Lighthouse Museum

Old Lighthouse Museum is an old and also less known place by people. But it is an excellent place to visit in Northwest India, especially for those who don’t like crowds or want to escape the city hustle-bustle.

The Old Lighthouse Museum has around seven rooms of exhibits of Indiana’s maritime and local history. Don’t forget to visit this museum’s lantern room and gift shop.

  • Entry Fee – $5 per person
  • Address – 100 Heisman Harbor, Michigan City, Indiana

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12. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion

Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion

It is an excellent scenic spot in Northwest Indiana where people relax, jog, cycle, bike, walk, and enjoy the sunset and sunrise beauty. You can keep your feet on Michigan Lake and feel relaxed.

Only a few people come to this place in the early morning, so it is the best time to visit Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion. It is also considered among the most romantic things to do in Northwest Indiana.

  • Entry Fee – Nothing
  • Address – 100 Riverwalk Dr, Portage, Indiana

13. Julio’s Family Restaurant

Julio's Family Restaurant

While exploring Northwest Indiana, you need a break with some good food and drinks to energize your body. Julio’s Family Restaurant is among the best restaurants in Northwest Indiana.

It is a family-friendly restaurant, so you can also visit here with your family, friends, and loved ones. They have a cuisine, like salads, breakfast, American sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken grill, etc.

  • Entry Fee – Nothing (only pay to eat or drink)
  • Address – 2005 W Court St, Kankakee, Indiana

Conclusion On What To Do in Northwest Indiana

It’s all about Northwest Indiana. Northwest Indiana has everything a person needs on vacation, from natural trails to amusement parks and museums to playing centres NWI has everything.

Now you have the list of the best places in Northwest India. Pack your bag, go to NWI, and start covering all the areas mentioned above individually. Comment your NWI travel experience in the comments.

“Take Care” and “Happy Journey”


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Northwest Indiana this weekend?

1. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion
2. Eat at Julio’s Family Restaurant
3. Old Lighthouse Museum

What are the most romantic things to do in Northwest Indiana?

1. Indiana Dunes National Park
2. Indiana Dunes State Park
3. Ameristar Casino East Chicago

What are the best things to do in NWI?

1. Washington Park Zoo
2. Wicker Memorial Park
3. Deep River Waterpark

What are the best things to do in Northwest Indiana today?

1. Studebaker National Museum
2. Albanese Candy
3. Shrineof Christ’s Passion

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