Need a laid-back Midwest escape with lakeside charm? Head to La Porte! Nestled in northwest Indiana, La Porte offers peaceful parks, sparkling lakes, and small-town character just minutes from Lake Michigan. Whether you're boating, biking, or browsing antique shops, La Porte is a friendly getaway full of fresh air and relaxed vibes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit La Porte is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer is ideal for lake activities, hiking, and local festivals, while early fall brings beautiful foliage and harvest-season events.
How to Get There
- By Car: La Porte is easily accessible via US-35 and I-94, about 1 hour from South Bend and 1.5 hours from Chicago.
- By Train: South Shore Line connects Chicago to nearby Michigan City, just 15 minutes from La Porte by car.
- By Air: Fly into South Bend International Airport (SBN), then drive 40–45 minutes to La Porte.
Where to Stay
- Best Western Plus La Porte Hotel & Conference Center – Comfortable lodging with an indoor pool, restaurant, and lake views.
- The Blue Heron Inn – Quaint lakeside inn on Pine Lake with a marina, dining, and beautiful sunsets.
- Vacation Rentals & Cottages – Find private lakefront homes, cozy cabins, or family-friendly rentals around La Porte’s lakes.
Top Attractions
⮕ Hesston Steam Museum
Ride historic trains and explore unusual steam-powered sights.
The Hesston Steam Museum in La Porte, Indiana transports guests back in time to the golden age of the railroads, as well as provides an excellent lesson for visitors in steam-powered engines. The museum also includes three different operational trains that offer people of all ages an idea of what it was like during the days of train travel in the United States, including a ride on the full-sized Narrow Gauge locomotive, the biggest train at the museum, which was once used for hauling logs from the mountains out to the West. There are also themed train rides during the holidays.
1201 E 1000 N, La Porte, IN 46350, Phone: 219-778-2783
⮕ Garwood Orchards
Pick fresh produce and enjoy a fun family outing.
Garwood Orchards offers a variety of things to do for visitors of all ages, as well as a wide array of things to eat, including the Garwood Grille, the Bake Shoppe, and U-pick opportunities. Typically open from May through December, the fresh fruit and vegetable destination in La Porte offers guests a chance to pick their own tomatoes, blueberries, pumpkins, apples, raspberries, and strawberries depending on the season. Guests can even enjoy tractor and horse-drawn wagon rides to the Garwood ORchards U-Pick area. The grounds also include a Farm Market, which offers preserves, candy, syrups, popcorn, sauces, salsa, and more.
5911 W 50 S, La Porte, IN 46350, Phone: 219-362-4385
Attractions for Couples
⮕ La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Discover vintage cars and local artifacts on an affordable trip.
The La Porte County Historical Society Museum provides a look back at the interesting past of LaPorte County. Behind the entry doors of the beautiful brick building, visitors will find many exhibits covering a variety of different topics, such as murderous legends, pioneer life, sports heroes, a large collection of rare guns, military items dating back to the Civil War, and much more. More than a dozen period rooms show what life was like in La Porte County, Indiana during different time periods. The La Porte County Historical Society Museum is open from 10:00am until 4:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
2405 Indiana Ave, La Porte, IN 46350, Phone: 219-324-6767
⮕ Heston Supper Club
Savor hearty meals and unwind on a cozy weekend evening.
The Heston Supper Club was once the building around which the small community known as Heston was centered around. A smaller building at the time, it was home to a dairy before evolving into a general store and a tavern, which served as a local meeting place. Formerly called the Heston Bar, today’s Heston Supper Club has become a destination restaurant offering a casual and comfortable atmosphere that welcomes guests from all over the region. The restaurant serves quality American cuisine and has built a reputation over more than thirty years of professional and friendly service, generous portions, and delicious food.
2003 E 1000 N, La Porte, IN 46350, Phone: 219-778-2938
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Downtown La Porte – Explore antique shops, cafés, and seasonal markets in this walkable and friendly town center.
- Pine Lake & Stone Lake – If you love swimming, boating, or paddleboarding, these two lakes are perfect summer spots.
- Fox Memorial Park – Enjoy trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a beach along the shoreline of Clear Lake.
Where to Eat
- Mucho Mas! – Colorful and lively Mexican eatery with delicious tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
- T Bones Pier 11 – Enjoy lakeside dining with hearty steaks, seafood, and outdoor patio seating on Pine Lake.
- Patio Drive-In – Retro roadside stop for burgers, soft-serve ice cream, and classic American comfort food.
If you are interested in local events:
- La Porte LakeFest (July) – Celebrate summer with live music, boat races, fireworks, and family activities by the lake.
- Sunflower Fair (September) – Arts, crafts, food vendors, and live music fill the streets of downtown La Porte each fall.
- La Porte County Fair (July) – One of Indiana’s oldest county fairs featuring rides, concerts, livestock shows, and fair food.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of La Porte, Indiana:
- Michigan City (15–20 min) – Visit Washington Park Beach, climb the lighthouse, or shop at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets.
- Indiana Dunes National Park (25–30 min) – Hike sandy trails, birdwatch, or relax on the shores of Lake Michigan.
- New Buffalo, Michigan (25–30 min) – Cross into Michigan for wineries, charming boutiques, and waterfront restaurants.
- Rolling Prairie (15 min) – Explore quiet countryside, local farms, and scenic backroads perfect for fall drives.
- Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area (20 min) – Great for birding, hiking, fishing, and hunting in a peaceful natural setting.
- South Bend (30 min) – Tour the University of Notre Dame, explore museums, or catch a minor league baseball game.
FAQ:
- What makes La Porte, Indiana a great travel destination?
- A trip to the city of La Porte in Indiana, and the surrounding LaPorte County in general, offers visitors a blend of relaxation and excitement. Situated between South Bend, Indiana and Chicago, the city lies in northwest Indiana and provides an ideal escape from the busier, larger metropolitan cities in the region.
- What seasonal activities can visitors enjoy in La Porte?
- Visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially apples, at the Garwood Orchards.
- What attractions are available for train enthusiasts?
- The Hesston Steam Museum is a great attraction for train fans both young and old.
Recommended Activities for Families
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