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Indiana is the perfect summer destination. There are so many fun things to do in northern Indiana. Whether you love outdoor adventures, unique cultural activities, local shopping, or excellent food, you can find it here in the Hoosier state.

If you are looking for a road trip from Indianapolis this northern Indiana itinerary is just what you need! It also works well as a road trip from Chicago. Regardless of where you start, follow this Indiana road trip to explore three sections of northern Indiana. I recommend about two days in each area, but you can adjust the time as needed.

The following restaurants, places to stay, and things to do in northern Indiana are based on the mystery trip I planned for my mom and me. The additional recommendations are places I researched, but we didn’t have time to visit. Pick and choose your favorites to create your perfect northern Indiana road trip!

The Perfect Northern Indiana Road Trip

Fort Wayne

If you’re looking for things to do in northeast Indiana, choose Fort Wayne for your first stop on your Indiana road trip. As the state’s second largest city there is plenty to do both indoors and outdoors.

What To Do in Fort Wayne

Rent Kayaks from Fort Wayne Outfitters

Fort Wayne is known for the confluence of three rivers: St Marys River, St Joseph River, and Maumee River. The best way to explore the rivers is to get out in the water on a kayak, canoe, or SUP.

Fort Wayne Outfitters rents them all. Located directly off the St Marys River they offer easy access to explore all three rivers. The staff is very helpful and will suggest a route. We spent two hours and headed SW as there were no dams or converging rivers. It was an easy, relaxing paddle in nature. We spotted a turtle and a blue heron, along with many ducks.

Ride Sweet Breeze

If you want to go out on the river, but without paddling yourself you can take a river cruise. The canal boat tours last 45 – 90 minutes. As the tour is guided there is an added bonus of learning more about the city.

Walk or Bike Along the Trails

Do you prefer to stick to solid ground? Fort Wayne has a wide network of trails and parks, many of them along the rivers. Bicycles are available to rent from Fort Wayne Outfitters.

Go Back in Time at the Historic Old Fort

One of the best things to do in northeast Indiana is to learn the history of the region. Any history lover needs to visit the Historic Old Fort. The original fort was built in 1815 as a military post. It was the third and last US fort in the area. While it was torn down in 1852, the current fort is an accurate reconstruction of the original. Reenactments take place throughout the year as well as general summer hours where you can take guided or self-guided tours through the buildings.

Make sure you put ‘Historic Old Fort’ and not ‘Old Fort Park’ into your GPS. Your GPS will most likely lead you to the left side of the one way highway, but the parking lot for the Old Fort is on the right. After parking head towards St Marys River where you will find an underground path to reach the other side of the highway.

Parking is available elsewhere in downtown and nearby parks such as Headwaters Park and Lawton Park. You can reach the fort on foot or bicycle on the connecting paths.

Delve into More History at The History Center

Another great place for history lovers in Fort Wayne is the History Center. The museum’s permanent exhibits are organized chronologically beginning with the earliest history of the area and the Miami Tribe. The history continues with the establishment of Fort Wayne, the city’s early industries, and more recent innovations.

Downstairs you’ll find the old county jail. There is some interesting information outside the cells, but I will admit it got a little too spooky for me! Rotating displays showcase different artifacts from the historical society’s collection. The displays focus on a variety of topics from the city and Allen County.

Learn about Lincoln at the Rolland Center for Research

One more place for history buffs is at the Allen County Library downtown. The Rolland Center has a free exhibit on Abraham Lincoln. It covers his early life, his journey to presidency, and his family members. There are also a lot of details about the Civil War in general.

Despite Lincoln and the Civil War being a fairly well exhibited person and event, there was a lot of new information I learned. The exhibit is small, but full of interesting tidbits.

Search for Street Art

Every Indiana road trip needs some color and art included. Like many US cities street art is popping up all over downtown Fort Wayne. Follow this public art map to find as many murals and sculptures downtown as you can.

More Things To Do in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Debrand Chocolate Tours
Allen County Courthouse (self-guided & guided tours)
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Auer Center for Arts & Culture
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Where to Eat in Fort Wayne

Cactus Grill

It can be hard finding really good authentic Mexican in the US. Cactus Grill exceeded my expectations. The modern decor would make you expect more Americanized dishes. While those are on the menu, there are also some really good traditional dishes like La Carnita Asada. The kitchen actually mixed up my order and I received it by mistake. I’m very glad I did as it was incredibly flavorful. The homemade salsas were also delicious.

The restaurant is located north of downtown within a strip mall. There is free parking and it is close to Tru by Hilton, the hotel I recommend below.

Nawa

The Landing is where Fort Wayne began with the city’s earliest businesses. Now it’s a commercial area in the heart of downtown. Along the pedestrian-only street there are some shops and many great restaurants.

Nawa, a delicious southeastern Asian restaurant, is located at the Landing. My mom and I shared the curry sampler with roti, which was a great way to get a taste of the different curries. We also shared the cashew nut stir fry. I would recommend both!

Famous Coney Island

Opened in 1914, it is Fort Wayne’s oldest and longest running restaurant. They are known for their hot dogs, just like they were over a hundred years ago. While the prices have gone up, at $1.85 for a hot dog, you really can’t complain!

Where To Stay in Fort Wayne

Tru by Hilton

I think of Tru hotels as Hilton’s hip and trendy hotel brand. As a millennial the design definitely appealed more to me than my mom. My mom was not a fan of the squeeze bottles for soap and shampoo. I loved the Fort Wayne details in the lobby along with the games and various seating options.

We both agreed the Tru in Fort Wayne was a really clean hotel, with great service, and good breakfast options. Make sure to try out the pancake maker. If you want to be like the kids sitting next to me, you can even go crazy with all the pancake toppings! An indoor pool and gym are on site in case you want to burn off any of those breakfast calories.

It’s located about 10 minutes north of downtown. It’s a quick drive to all the fun things to do in Fort Wayne, but has free parking and a lower price tag than downtown hotels.

Other Highly Rated Places to Stay in Fort Wayne

Springhill Suites North: I had originally booked here, but changed my reservation due to a Hilton promo. There is an indoor pool and breakfast is included.
Wyndham Garden: Located near the Tru, the hotel is a short drive to downtown. There is an indoor and outdoor connecting pool.
The Bradley: A four star hotel located in the heart of downtown. The luxury boutique hotel is within walking distance to all the best things to do in Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne Visiting Tips

Parking

If you are used to driving in big cities you won’t find Fort Wayne too challenging. There are a lot of one way streets and bridges downtown that do add some confusion. While you need to pay for most of the parking downtown, some attractions offer free parking when you visit. This Fort Wayne parking map gives the locations, hours, and rates.

Amish Country

Indiana has the third largest Amish population in the country. Known as Amish Country, Elkhart and LaGrange counties are home to the majority of the Amish in Indiana. Many of the fun things to do in northern Indiana are within Amish Country.

You could easily spend weeks exploring all there is to do in the Amish Country, but this Indiana road trip focuses on some highlights from Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana.

What To Do in Amish Country

Drive the Heritage Trail

A 90 mile loop takes you through some of the most idyllic northern Indiana scenery as well as the seven thriving small town communities of Shipshewana, Middlebury, Elkhart, Bristol, Goshen, Nappanne, and Wakarusa.

The loop is known as the Heritage Trail and has over 15 quilt gardens and over 20 quilt murals. The large quilt gardens are planted every year in May and bloom into beautiful quilt patterns. The hand painted quilt murals also feature quilt patterns. Map out your route to see this year’s sites.

The following are more things to do as you visit the different small towns.

Walk or Bike the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Another way to enjoy the peaceful Amish countryside is on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. The paved trail connects Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana.

Bicycles are available for rent at Pumpkinvine Cyclery in Middlebury, Essenhaus Inn in Middlebury, Farmstead Inn in Shipshewana, and Lincoln Avenue Cycling in Goshen.

If you are staying at the Essenhaus Inn, as I recommend below, you can connect to the Pumpkinvine Trail from the Ridge Run Trail which goes directly to the Inn’s property.

Wander Around Krider World’s Fair Gardens

Take the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail to the Krider World’s Fair Gardens in Middlebury. These gardens were part of a collection originally displayed at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair. After the fair part of the display was moved to its current location which was across the street from the former Krider Nurseries.

The lovely gardens are perfect for a shaded walk. Some highlights of the gardens include a Dutch windmill, a rose garden with the Krider patented Festival Rose, a trestle bridge, and the annual quilt garden.

There are public restrooms in the gardens.

Find Answers to Your Questions at Menno-Hof

Like most visitors to Amish Country, you may have some questions about the Amish way of life. Menno-Hof in Shipshewana is the perfect place to begin your visit and gain an understanding about the history and current lifestyles of the Amish.

Menno-Hof is a cultural center that is set up as a museum. It begins as a guided tour through various rooms that teach the history of the Anabaptists. You are then free to explore the exhibits on your own and discover how the different groups of Amish, Hutterites, and Mennonites came from the Anabaptists.

You’ll learn about how the groups began in Indiana and the differences between the groups. The visit ends with two other guided rooms and another small exhibit. One hour and 15 minutes is the recommended visiting time, but I like to read everything so I spent over three hours! Plus I wanted to ace the quiz at the end……which I did!

Shop at the Shipshewana Flea Market

As the largest flea market in the Midwest, it is one of the biggest draws to Shipshewana. It runs Tuesdays and Wednesdays May through September. With almost 700 booths there are a wide variety of items for sale from antiques to new, discount school supplies. My mom thought it was a little lacking in the antiques department. I was thrilled with all the food vendors and samples.

Wednesday mornings live auctions take place in up to 10 separate rings. I had never seen a live auction before and I was quite amused by the whole process. I don’t know how people can hear and know what is going on! Just like the flea market you’ll see a little bit of everything here.

It is $5 for parking. There is an on-site restaurant, food courts, and food vendors.

Browse the Unique Shops

Shipshewana is known for the flea market, but that’s not the only shopping around Amish Country. Shipshewana is full of shops. Davis Mercantile is a very nice four story indoor mall with shops selling everything from quilting supplies to home goods to nostalgic candy.

If you’re in the market for new furniture, the Amish are known for their quality, handcrafted pieces. They are also known for baked goods and other homemade products. I don’t know how anyone could visit the Dutch Country Market without buying something. Located between Shipshewana and Middlebury, the market is full of locally made goods.

All the Amish communities have some nice shopping areas.

Explore Linton’s Enchanted Gardens

Gardeners, decorators, shoppers, and children will all enjoy Linton’s Enchanted Gardens in Elkhart. As Indiana’s largest home & garden center it is full of plants and all the tools you need for planting. The displays are so beautiful that you don’t need to have an interest in landscaping to enjoy them.

In addition to the nice landscaping and paths outdoors there are activities for the whole family. Activities include gemstone mining, a mini train ride, a petting zoo, swan boat rides, and more!

Not to mention the large shopping area indoors full of home decor, gift items, and clothing. The seasonal and themed displays are very enticing. There is also a small cafe.

More Things To Do in Amish Country

Middlebury Historical Museum in Middlebury
Buggy & Carriage Rides in Shipshewana and Middlebury
Lerner Theater Tours in Elkhart
Ruthmere Mansion in Elkhart
Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart
Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart
Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart
RV Hall of Fame & Museum in Elkhart
Elkhart County Historical Museum in Bristol
Bonneyville Mill County Park in Bristol

Where to Eat in Amish Country

Venturi

Venturi in Goshen is Indiana’s only certified Neapolitan pizza restaurant. It has made it onto numerous top pizza award lists nationwide. I can see why it was packed on a Monday night. The pizza truly is worth all the buzz it receives. Even the simple arugula salad was delicious thanks to top quality cheese and olive oil.

Das Essenhaus Restaurant & Bakery

Located at the Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center in Middlebury, Das Essenhaus is Indiana’s largest restaurant. The restaurant can seat over 1,000 diners at a time! It’s the perfect spot for a hearty homestyle meal.

Don’t leave without having dessert! With so many delicious baked goods, it is very hard to choose. I recommend eating pie in person and taking a cookie to go. It’s clear why the raspberry cream pie is the most popular!

JoJo’s Pretzels

With a location in Goshen and another in Shipshewana, you want to add a stop at JoJo’s Pretzels on your list of things to do in northern Indiana. Stop by for a pretzel at least, but you can also order soups or sandwiches for lunch.

I’m into savory so I ordered the garlic pretzel. My mom has a big sweet tooth so she chose cinnamon sugar. Let’s just say I would be ecstatic if I could have one of those pretzels right now.

Rise’n Roll Bakery

The bakery began in 2001 in Middlebury from the front porch of an Amish couple’s house. After a few years the Amish couple sold their bakery and it has since grown to a local chain of about 15 bakeries in Indiana. I visited the Schererville bakery, but the majority are located in Amish Country.

Even if you’re doing a road trip from Chicago and only planning on driving through Indiana, I don’t know why you’re reading this Indiana road trip post, but I’m glad you’re here and you should make time to stop at a Rise’n Roll location. My mom and I think about these donuts all the time! Oh how I could go for another one of their famous cinnamon caramel donuts right now!

Where To Stay in Amish Country

Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center

This is the place to stay in Middlebury. Unlike the modern Tru hotel, my mom loved everything about the Essenhaus Inn. Although I typically prefer a more trendy look, I also really enjoyed the old world, country charm of this inn.

An “inn” makes it sound like a small property, but the place is quite big. The owners refer to their property as a “campus” complete with the hotel, a conference center, shops, the largest restaurant in Indiana, a bakery, mini golf, an indoor pool, and carriage rides. It’s like an all-inclusive, but without everything being included. There is plenty to do without leaving the property.

If you do leave it’s a very short drive into Middlebury and a 15 minute drive to Shipshewana and Goshen. Trails at the property connect to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail that you can use to reach Goshen, Middlebury, or Shipshewana on foot or by bicycle. There are bicycle rentals at Essenhaus.

Other Highly Rated Places to Stay in Amish Country

Farmstead Inn: If you are planning to visit the flea market, the Farmstead Inn is very handy as it is located across the street.
Blue Gate Garden Inn: This is another charming country inn to stay at in Shipshewana with a full breakfast included.
Travelodge by Wyndham: Located in Elkhart, this is a good budget option.

Amish Country Visiting Tips

It’s a unique experience to encounter so many horses and buggies on the roads. Be aware that they travel much slower than the speed limit. You can pass them, but make sure it is safe to do so.

Also it is against the Amish culture to have their photographs taken. Do not ask to take their photos or take photos of Amish people from the front.

Amish businesses are closed on Sundays, which means the majority of places are closed in Elkhart & LaGrange Counties on Sundays.

Indiana Dunes

Continue your Indiana road trip to the Indiana Dunes which covers 15 miles of coastline along Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana. The most popular things to do in northwest Indiana are within the Indiana Dunes National Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park. Both parks make up the Indiana Dunes. The state park is located within the national park.

What To Do in the Indiana Dunes

Start at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your time in the Indiana Dunes. Watch an orientation film about the national park. Talk with rangers and receive recommendations within the parks. Also find out about ranger led programs.

Rent a bicycle from Pedal Power Rentals. Ride the Dunes Kankakee Trail that begins from the visitor center and travels north about 1.9 miles to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Do the Diana of the Dunes Dare

In the early 1900s Alice Mabel Gray, known as “Diana of the Dunes”, left the big city of Chicago and lived a solitary life in nature in the dunes. She was a big advocate of conserving the dunes.

Today you can hike in her footsteps on the Dune Succession Trail (loop 1) at West Beach. It is a short trail, but includes lots and lots of stairs! The viewpoint at the top offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and Chicago in the distance.

The trail leads to West Beach where you can relax or swim in the lake. The bathhouse along the beach has restrooms and showers. It sells food as well. To complete a full loop continue back on the much shorter and flatter paved path to the parking lot. For a longer hike combine West Beach Trail (loop 2) and Long Lake Loop (loop 3) into one large loop hike.

As the only national park beach with a lifeguard, this is also a great place to come if you want to go swimming without hiking.

Hike the Paul H. Douglas Trail

The 3.4 mile out and back trail begins at The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. It then traverses through several different habitats including wetlands, a black oak savanna, across dunes, and to the lake.

Much of the terrain is loose sand and includes some small inclines and declines over sand dunes. The trail is quite narrow in sections. It eventually ends at the beach. As it takes more effort to reach this beach, it is rarely busy and quite peaceful. When I hiked here there was only one other couple the entire time I was there.

More Things To Do in the Indiana Dunes

The 3 Dune Challenge – climb the three tallest dunes at the Indiana Dunes State Park
Birdwatching on Cowles Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes NP
Century of Progress Homes – homes constructed for the Chicago World’s Fair that you can walk past year round or tour annually in Indiana Dunes NP. Visit the beautiful Dunbar and Kemil Beaches when you are here.
Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm at the Indiana Dunes NP
Porter County Museum in Valparaiso
Brincka Cross Gardens in Michigan City
Old Lighthouse Museum in Michigan City
Chesterton’s European Market in Chesterton

Where to Eat Near the Indiana Dunes

Cool Runnings

If you have been following along with this Indiana road trip you may have noticed the variety in cuisines. In Michigan City I decided to spice things up for dinner even more, literally, with Jamaican food.

They are known for their jerk dishes, especially jerk chicken. The jerk chicken wasn’t just some of the best jerk chicken I have ever had, but some of the best chicken of any kind. The jerk catfish was also very good, but unlike the chicken where the skin could be peeled off, the catfish was very spicy!

There are two locations, one in South Bend and another in Michigan City.

Aladdin Pita

I was really impressed with this Middle Eastern restaurant in Merrillville. The meal began with small dishes of hummus, Baba Gannoush, and pita. As these are listed on the menu as appetizers I was concerned we would be charged at the end. Not only were they included, but a choice of soup was also included with an entree. As our meals were about $13 each, I was happily surprised with the prices, quality of food, and amount of food.

Everything was great, but the lentil soup was the highlight of the meal for both my mom and I.

Don Quijote Restaurant

We didn’t make it here, but this Spanish tapas restaurant looked really good. The restaurant is located in Valparaiso which is known as a foodie city full of great restaurants. The mom and pop ice cream shop, Valpo Velvet Shoppe can also be found here.

Where To Stay Near the Indiana Dunes

Unlike many national parks located in remote areas with few options for accommodations, there are quite a few places to stay around the Indiana Dunes. If you are following this Indiana road trip you may want to stay in Michigan City on the way to the dunes and Merrillville after visiting them and on your way towards home.

Hampton Inn & Suites Michigan City

The Hampton Inn & Suites in Michigan City was built a few years ago. The modern hotel has all the amenities you need for your stay including free breakfast, a gym, and an indoor pool with a hot tub.

Located just south of Michigan City it is tucked away from the city, but it is very close to the interstate. Within a short 15 minute drive you can reach the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center.

Hampton Inn & Suites Merrillville

This Hampton Inn is less than 30 minutes south from the majority of the places in Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. Located right off the interstate it is close to a wide variety of chain stores and restaurants, as well as a few local favorites in Merrillville.

The hotel itself is slightly older, but the rooms have a nice, clean, and classic feel. Breakfast is included in the mornings as well as fresh baked cookies from 3 – 5pm everyday. I’m a big foodie and trust me when I say these cookies were a real treat!

Other Highly Rated Places to Stay Near the Indiana Dunes

Holiday Inn Express: Near the Michigan City Hampton Inn, the hotel is in a great location to visit both of the parks. Breakfast is included and an indoor swimming pool is available.
Spring House Inn: A basic local hotel right outside of the parks with breakfast included.
Gordon Beach Inn: Located in Union Pier it is less than a 10 minute walk to the beach and about a 30 minute drive to the eastern side of the national park.

Indiana Dunes Visiting Tips

Swimming

Always check conditions before going swimming. Lake Michigan often has ocean like conditions and you can easily get caught in big waves or a rip tide. West Beach is the only beach with lifeguards. Conditions will be posted online and at the beach. When I visited, swimming wasn’t recommended due to e coli in the water. We were informed at the fee entrance booth.

Fees

Indiana Dunes National Park is $15 per person or $25 for one vehicle for 7 days. Buy an America the Beautiful pass if you’re visiting several national parks within one year.

Indiana Dunes State Park daily fee is $7 for an in-state vehicle and $12 for out of state vehicles. It is $2 a day to enter as a pedestrian.

The national park and state park fees are separate and not reciprocal, so you need to plan accordingly.

As you can see there are so many fun things to do in northern Indiana. If I helped you plan your Indiana road trip please consider supporting me by Buying Me a Coffee.