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LaPorte, Indiana: Where Boredom Goes to Die – Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

LaPorte is flat country, and the lakes here do most of the work. Nothing out here involves a climb that is really worth mentioning at all. The Dunes are the one exception, and that sand is genuinely hard work. Everything else is walking on the level or else sitting in a boat. Bring the bug spray, because the bog and the lakes both have plenty.

Are you planning a trip to La Porte, Indiana? You’re in for a good visit. This small city runs a long list of activities, strong food and things you will not find elsewhere. Whether you travel with family, with friends or on your own, La Porte has a version of the day for you.

La Porte is a small city in northern Indiana, a short drive from Chicago. Despite the size, it is packed with things to see and do. You can take the city’s history at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum, walk at Luhr Park, or take a Clydesdale horse tour at Sandy Acres Clydesdales. If you want something slower, have a glass of wine at Shady Creek Winery or work through one of La Porte’s boutiques. Whatever you pick, the day in La Porte will look after itself.

Key Takeaways

• La Porte is a charming city located in northern Indiana, just a short drive away from Chicago.
• There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in La Porte, including exploring the city’s rich history, going on a Clydesdale horse tour, and enjoying a glass of wine at a local winery.
• Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, La Porte has something for everyone to enjoy.

The City of La Porte: A Brief Overview

Welcome to La Porte, Indiana. This small city sits in the northwest part of the state, between Gary and South Bend. With a population of just over 20,000 people, La Porte carries more than its size suggests for visitors and residents alike.

La Porte has a history running back to the early 1800s. The city was founded in 1832 and named for the French word meaning “the door.” This name was chosen because La Porte was the gateway west for the early settlers.

One of the things that sets La Porte apart is its architecture. The city holds a number of historic buildings and homes kept in good order over the years. Some of the better-known examples include the La Porte County Courthouse, the Kesling Mansion and the Rumely Building.

In addition to its history and architecture, La Porte is known for its cultural life. The city runs festivals and events through the year, including the La Porte County Fair, the Sunflower Fair and the Old Car Show. There are also plenty of ways into the arts in La Porte, with the Civic Auditorium and the La Porte Little Theatre both running performances across the year.

Whether history, architecture, culture or simply good company is what you want, La Porte, Indiana has it. So what are you waiting for? Come and take what this small city puts in front of you.

Top Tourist Attractions in La Porte

Are you looking for things to do in La Porte? Look at this list first. La Porte has plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Here are the ones you should not miss:

Hesston Steam Museum

All aboard. The Hesston Steam Museum is the stop for anyone who cares about trains. This museum holds a collection of antique steam engines that you can actually ride. Take a run back a century as you go along the tracks under real steam power.

La Porte County Historical Society Museum

History buffs, this one is for you. The La Porte County Historical Society Museum is a proper look at the history of La Porte and the country around it. From Native American artifacts to the early settlers and beyond, this museum covers the lot. Don’t miss the exhibit on the bank robber John Dillinger, who was captured in nearby Crown Point.

Northern Indiana

If the outdoors is your subject, you’ll want the country across Northern Indiana. Head to the Indiana Dunes National Park for hiking and beachcombing, or try the fishing in one of the many lakes around here. There’s more outdoor ground near La Porte than one trip covers.

So there you have it, some of the attractions worth your time in La Porte. Whether trains, history or the outdoors is what brought you, this small Indiana town has an answer.

Outdoor Adventures in La Porte

You’re the outdoor sort, then? Well, you’re in luck, because La Porte has plenty to keep you busy. Whether you want to hike, bike, swim or simply sit under trees, you’ll find it here.

First, let’s talk about parks. La Porte holds several that suit a picnic, a ball game or an afternoon doing nothing. Soldiers Memorial Park is where to start. It has a playground, picnic shelters and plenty of open grass. Luhr County Park is the other option. It runs over 200 acres of woodland, trails and a fishing pond.

If you want something more demanding, head to Indiana Dunes National Park. This park runs over 15 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan, along with sand dunes, forests and wetlands. You can hike, swim, fish or spend the day birdwatching.

Speaking of lakes, La Porte has plenty of those too. Pine Lake is where people swim, boat and fish. It’s ringed with good houses and the sunsets do the rest. Stone Lake is the other option. It’s smaller than Pine Lake, but the fishing and the kayaking are as good. Clear Lake is the one visitors walk past. It’s a small lake surrounded by woods and it suits a quiet afternoon of fishing or simply sitting.

Finally, if the natural world is what moves you, take Pinhook Bog. It’s an ecosystem you will not find twice, holding several rare plants and animals. You can take a guided tour of the bog and hear its history and ecology properly.

So there you have it, outdoor adventurer. La Porte has parks, lakes and country in quantity. Get out there and use it.

Family Fun in La Porte

La Porte runs plenty of family activities that will keep the children happy. Whether the outdoors or something indoors is what you need, La Porte has a version of it.

Get Wild at Washington Park Zoo

Want to see exotic animals at close range? Head over to the Washington Park Zoo, where the collection runs from tigers to kangaroos. The zoo holds more than 90 species, so there is always something you have not seen. Don’t skip the petting zoo, where the smaller children can get their hands on friendly farm animals.

Playground Paradise

If your kids love to play, they’ll love Playground Paradise. This indoor play area has everything from a ball pit to a jungle gym. Your kids can climb, slide, and jump to their heart’s content while you sit back and relax. Plus, there’s a separate play area for toddlers, so even the littlest ones can join in on the fun.

Adventure Awaits

Looking for a little adventure? Check out La Porte’s outdoor options. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and work Pine Lake. Or take a walk through the La Porte County Parks. With miles of trails, you will not run short of ground.

Overall, La Porte is a strong choice for families who want the days filled. With this many activities to pick from, the children will not run out of things to do. So pack the bags, take the children and give the week to it.

La Porte’s Food and Drink Scene

La Porte’s food and drink scene will meet whatever you arrive hungry for. Whether you want a long dinner or a quick meal, La Porte has it.

If you want a restaurant that genuinely delivers, take Mucho Mas Grill. Their Mexican cooking is the reason people come back. Don’t leave without the guacamole, because it is the thing they are known for.

For a classic American evening, head over to Heston Supper Club. Their prime rib is good enough to write home about. And if seafood is what you want, the Friday Fish special is the order to make.

If Italian is what you want, Trattoria Enzo is the place. Their pasta is cooked properly and the salads arrive fresh. Make room for the tiramisu, because it is the reason to stay for dessert.

And if you want something out of the ordinary, head to the soda fountain at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. You’ll find the century has moved backwards as you drink a proper soda fountain drink.

No matter what you feel like, La Porte’s food and drink scene will meet it. So bring the appetite and work through these restaurants.

Shopping in La Porte

You may not think of La Porte as a shopping town, but the range here will surprise you. Whether you want souvenirs, gifts or something for yourself, La Porte can supply it.

One of the strongest places to shop in La Porte is the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets. With over 120 stores, something here will get you. From high-end fashion to home goods, the range covers every taste. And with discounts of up to 65%, the spending feels less like spending.

If you want something you cannot buy at home, check out the local shops in downtown La Porte. From antique stores to specialty boutiques, the finds are there for anybody who looks. And do not skip the local businesses, where you will find everything from handmade crafts to good food.

But shopping in La Porte is not only about buying. It’s about the hour it takes. Take a walk down the historic streets of downtown La Porte and look properly at the architecture. Stop for a coffee or a meal at one of the cafes and restaurants. And with some luck, you will land on a local festival or event.

So whether you shop seriously or simply want a good day out, La Porte will give you both. Shop until you drop, then stop and take what the rest of this town offers.

La Porte’s Agricultural Delights

If you want the country side of this, La Porte has real farming around it. From blueberries to apples, the fresh produce here is worth the detour.

One of the strongest places to start is at Garwood Orchards. This family-owned orchard has been running for over 180 years and grows peaches, apples and pumpkins among the rest. You can pick your own and take a basket home. And with some luck, you will meet the resident goats and chickens.

If sweet corn is your thing, do not miss the annual Sweet Corn Festival. This event celebrates one of Indiana’s main crops with live music, carnival rides and corn on the cob in quantity. And if you want something savory instead, work the food vendors for corn dogs and funnel cakes.

For a different kind of farming, take the lavender products at Thistleberry Farm. This family-owned farm grows organic lavender and turns it into soaps, lotions and culinary lavender for the kitchen. You can also walk through their lavender fields while the crop is out.

No matter what you arrived hungry for, La Porte’s farms will meet it. So take a basket and work through what this Indiana town grows.

The steam museum is the one thing out here that genuinely surprises people. You can actually ride the antique engines rather than only look at them. There is a steam-powered carousel as well, which very few places can say. It is the reason that this town tends to get a second visit. The lakes are good, but the steam is what actually stays with you.

La Porte’s Seasonal Highlights

La Porte knows how to fill a calendar, whatever the season. From summer to winter, there is always something running in this town. Here are the seasonal highlights not to miss:

Summer

Ah, summer in La Porte. The sun is out, the birds are working and the ice cream trucks are on the road. If you are in town in June, take the La Porte County Fair. It’s a week of everything Indiana, with carnival rides, live music and food on a stick. And if you are feeling brave, enter one of the contests, like the pie-eating competition or the hog-calling contest.

Spring

Spring is a good time in La Porte, with the flowers out and the trees coming back. One of the strongest ways into the season is a walk through the gardens at Friendship Botanic Gardens. This 105-acre park grows over 1,000 species of plants, along with a Japanese garden, a pond and a hobbit house. It’s where you go to get away from everything else and be among growing things.

August

August may end the summer, but the events do not stop with it. If you are in town during the first week of August, take the La Porte County Fair again. This time you get cooler weather with the same fair food. Plus there are new attractions each year, like the demolition derby or the tractor pull.

December

Winter in La Porte is worth catching, especially once the snow starts. If you are in town in December, take the WinterFest celebration. This annual event runs ice sculptures, festive lights and a visit from Santa Claus. And if you are feeling brave, get into Pine Lake during the Polar Plunge.

La Porte knows how to fill a calendar, whatever the season. So pack the bags, take the sunscreen or the winter coat, and give it a proper stay.

Where to Stay in La Porte

So you’re planning a trip to La Porte, Indiana and you need somewhere to sleep? Well, you’re in luck, because this small city runs plenty of options. Whether you want a full hotel or a small bed and breakfast, La Porte can arrange it.

First up, we have the Best Western Plus La Porte Hotel & Conference Center. This hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and free breakfast. Plus, it’s conveniently located near some of La Porte’s top attractions, like the La Porte County Historical Society Museum.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check out the Serendipity Bed & Breakfast. This charming B&B is located in a historic home and offers cozy rooms and a delicious breakfast each morning. Plus, the hosts are known for their warm hospitality and great recommendations for things to do in the area.

For those on a budget, the Super 8 by Wyndham La Porte is a great option. This hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Plus, it’s located near some great restaurants and shops, so you won’t have to go far for some entertainment.

If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, check out the Pine Grove Resort. This lakeside resort offers cozy cabins and cottages, perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like fishing, kayaking, and hiking.

No matter where you stay in La Porte, the days will look after themselves. So pack the bags, book the room and give this Indiana city a proper go.

La Porte’s Vibrant Downtown Scene

If you want a good evening in La Porte, the downtown is where it happens. Michigan Avenue is the street for whatever you want from a night out. From concerts to art galleries to gift shops, this downtown has the range.

First, let’s talk concerts. Downtown La Porte carries a real music scene. You can catch a range of acts at venues like the La Porte Civic Auditorium and the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. Whether classical or rock is your subject, both get played here.

But it is not only music that pulls people into downtown La Porte. The historic downtown district holds a number of art galleries and gift shops. You can look at paintings, sculptures and other work at galleries like the Thaddeus C. Gallery and the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. And if you want a gift nobody else will give, check out shops like the Blue Heron Gallery and the Fire Arts Incubator.

Of course, no trip to downtown La Porte is complete without a walk down Michigan Avenue. This street is lined with historic buildings, many of them dating to the late 1800s. You can take the architecture in while you window shop or eat at one of the restaurants and cafes.

So next time you are in La Porte, do not skip the downtown. With its music, its art galleries and its old buildings, it is where an afternoon or an evening goes.

Unique Experiences in La Porte

La Porte is not a standard tourist town. It’s a place where you can do things you will not find elsewhere. From riding a steam engine to singing karaoke, La Porte covers a wide spread. Here are the more unusual things you can do in La Porte:

Ride a Steam Engine

If trains are your thing, you’ll want the Hesston Steam Museum. This museum holds a collection of steam engines that you can ride. You can also take a run on a steam-powered carousel. It’s how you get the history of steam power and an afternoon out at the same time.

Meet Clydesdale Horses

Sandy Acres Clydesdales is a ranch running guided tours of the farm. You can meet their Clydesdale horses and hear about their history and their care. You can also take a horse-drawn wagon ride out through the country. It’s the kind of hour that stays with you.

Water Skiing

La Porte has several lakes that suit water skiing. Pine Lake is where the water sports happen. You can rent a boat and get out on it, or take a lesson from somebody who knows. It’s how you get through a hot summer day.

Picnic Areas

La Porte has several parks that suit a picnic. Fox Park has a lake and plenty of picnic ground. You can also play disc golf or walk the nature trails. It’s how a slow afternoon with friends and family goes.

Tubing

If you want a way to cool off, try tubing down the Little Calumet River. You can rent a tube and float the river with the country going past. It’s the easiest fun on this whole list.

Jam Night

If you play or simply love music, do not miss Jam Night at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. It’s a weekly event where musicians of any standard turn up and play together. It’s a warm room where you meet other players and lose an evening happily.

Karaoke

If you like to sing, head over to Karaoke Night at the Red Arrow Roadhouse. It’s a full room with the volume up and nobody judging. You can also eat and drink properly while you are there.

Pro Shop

If golf is your game, do not skip the Pro Shop at the Legacy Hills Golf Club. They carry what you need to play better, from clubs to clothing. You can also take a lesson from somebody who will actually improve your swing.

Casino

If you are feeling lucky, head over to the Four Winds Casino. They run a range of games, from slots to table games. You can also catch live entertainment while you are there. It’s an easy way to give an evening away.

La Porte is an odd and likeable place that runs a long list of unusual things. Whether history or adrenaline is what you follow, La Porte has a version of it.

La Porte’s Historical Significance

La Porte, Indiana may not be the first place you think of for history, but this small town has a deep past worth working through. From the Civil War to steam locomotives to weapons, La Porte has been part of a great deal.

One of the better-known chapters in La Porte’s history is the Civil War. Many soldiers from La Porte fought in it, and the town supplied troops and resources to the Union Army. If history is your subject, do not skip the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. Here you can read the town’s part in the Civil War alongside everything else it has done.

Another part of La Porte’s history worth reading is its connection to steam locomotives. In the late 1800s, La Porte was a rail hub, and the town mattered in the development of steam locomotives. Today you can still read that in the architecture, and you can ride a historic steam locomotive at the Hesston Steam Museum.

Finally, La Porte has a connection to weapons that will surprise you. The town was once home to the Johnson Automatics Rifle Company, which made weapons for the U.S. military during World War II. Today you can visit the Johnson Automatics Rifle Company Museum and read that chapter of La Porte’s history.

So whether history is your subject or you simply want something different to do, La Porte, Indiana has plenty. Explore the town’s past and you will come out knowing something you did not.

Planning Your Visit to La Porte

So you’ve decided to visit La Porte, Indiana? Great choice. You’re in for a good visit. Whether you work in tourism and want new ground, or you simply want a good vacation, La Porte has plenty.

First things first, the logistics. La Porte sits in Indiana’s Cool North, a short drive from South Bend and Michigan City. You’ll want a map or at least a GPS to work your way around Maple City. Trust us, getting lost here costs you an afternoon.

When it comes to accommodation, La Porte runs options across every budget and preference. From small bed and breakfasts to modern hotels, you’ll find something that suits. Make sure to read the reviews before booking, though. You do not want a haunted hotel or a bed with company in it.

Now, the good part. What is actually worth doing in La Porte? Well, that depends on what you like. If history is your subject, take the LaPorte Indiana Courthouse, a building that dates to 1894 and still holds the street. If the outdoors is more your thing, Luhr County Park is the one. It’s where the hiking, fishing and camping happen.

But what about the things people actually remember? Don’t worry, La Porte has those too. If you want a slow lakeside day, Pine Lake is where to go. You can kayak, water ski, or simply sit in the sun. And if food is your subject, the local restaurants and breweries will keep you busy. Make sure to try the local maple syrup, because it is the real thing.

So there you have it. With this guide, you are ready to plan the trip to La Porte, Indiana. Just remember the map, read the reviews and enjoy it. And who knows, maybe you will take to this town and decide to stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really have fun in LaPorte, Indiana?

Absolutely. LaPorte may look like a small town, but it is packed with things to do. From the county park to the historical society museum, everybody gets served. Plus with the people here and the pace of the place, the days go easily.

What are some hidden gems in LaPorte, Indiana?

One of our favorites is Garwood Orchards. This small apple orchard sits outside LaPorte and grows a long run of fresh fruit and vegetables. Plus the staff there are as welcoming as anywhere on this list. Another one people walk past is the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra. This group of musicians puts on serious performances across the year.

Where can I find the best wine near LaPorte, Indiana?

For the strongest wine near LaPorte, head to Shady Creek Winery. This winery pours a long list, from dry reds to sweet whites. Plus with live music and an outdoor patio, it is where an afternoon goes.

What’s the most interesting thing about LaPorte, Indiana?

One of the more interesting things about LaPorte is its history. From Native American settlements to the Underground Railroad, LaPorte has had a hand in shaping the Midwest. Plus with the architecture and the downtown area, it is a town that repays walking.

What are some must-see attractions near LaPorte, Indiana?

Some attractions worth the drive near LaPorte include:

• The Indiana Dunes National Park: Just a short drive from LaPorte, this stunning park offers miles of sandy beaches and beautiful hiking trails.
• The Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets: This outdoor shopping center is home to over 100 stores, including Nike, Coach, and Michael Kors.
• The Hesston Steam Museum: This unique museum features steam-powered trains, tractors, and other machinery from the early 1900s.

Is LaPorte, Indiana the best place to visit in the Midwest?

We may be biased, but we think LaPorte is among the strongest places to visit in the Midwest. With its parks, its downtown area and the people who live here, it suits a weekend away. Plus with easy access to Chicago and other cities, it works as a base for the whole region.

Frequently asked questions about Laporte, Indiana

Which lake near La Porte should you pick for swimming?

Pine Lake, quite easily so. It is where the swimming, the boating and the fishing all happen, and Stone Lake sits smaller just alongside it if you would rather fish or kayak in peace. Clear Lake is the small one that nobody ever seems to photograph. Lake Michigan is out at the Dunes, which is a good deal further. That is four bodies of water, and each does a different job.

What can you actually ride at the Hesston Steam Museum?

The steam engines themselves, mostly. The museum holds a collection of antique steam engines that carry passengers along the tracks, and there is a steam-powered carousel on the site as well. That is a good deal more than a museum of this kind usually offers. The historical society museum is what covers the rest of the story. Do the two together and the town’s history properly lands.

Which park near La Porte works for a family picnic?

Fox Park, in all likelihood there. It has a lake, plenty of picnic ground, disc golf and nature trails, which covers everybody in the party without anybody having to drive again. Soldiers Memorial Park is the one that has the playground on it. Luhr County Park itself runs to over 200 acres of woodland. Pick by what the children need and the whole day sorts itself out.

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