La Porte Travel Guide
Plan your perfect visit to La Porte, Indiana with this comprehensive travel guide. We cover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and more!
- Introduction to La Porte
- List of Places to Visit in La Porte
- Hiking/Biking Routes of La Porte
- Best Things to Do in La Porte: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for La Porte
- Food and Drink Scene of La Porte
- Where to Stay in La Porte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in La Porte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of La Porte
- Best Time to Visit La Porte
- Do’s and Don’ts of La Porte
- Safety and Health
- Getting to La Porte: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in La Porte
- Where to Go Next from La Porte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to La Porte
La Porte is a hidden gem in Northwestern Indiana, with a population of just over 20,000 residents. The city is rich in history and culture, and a great destination for outdoor adventurers. La Porte is also conveniently located near popular attractions like Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Park. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the must-visit places, natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, itineraries, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more in La Porte.
List of Places to Visit in La Porte
La Porte has a plethora of attractions that offer something for everyone. Here are the top ones you should definitely add to your itinerary:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
La Porte has an array of museums and historical places that showcase the city’s rich past. Some of the notable ones include:
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La Porte County Historical Society Museum: A great place to learn about the history of La Porte and the surrounding region. The museum has exhibits on local industries, Native American history, and more.
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Hesston Steam Museum: This unique museum is home to a collection of steam-powered machinery that has been restored to its original working condition. The museum hosts steam-powered train rides that run through the woods and around a pond.
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La Porte County Courthouse: A beautiful building that was built in 1892. It was designed by Brentwood Tolan, who also designed the Indiana State Capitol.
Natural Attractions of La Porte: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
La Porte is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the natural attractions that La Porte offers:
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Soldiers Memorial Park: A beautiful park with a stunning view of Clear Lake. It has a playground, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.
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Luhr Park and Nature Center: This park is perfect for hiking and exploring nature. The nature center has exhibits showcasing the flora and fauna of the area, and you can also take guided hikes and birdwatching tours.
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LaPorte County Parks: La Porte County has eleven parks that offer hiking, biking, fishing, and more. The parks have picnic areas and shelters for rent.
Hiking/Biking Routes of La Porte
La Porte has a variety of trails, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Here are some of the best ones:
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Creek Ridge County Park: There are over 4 miles of trails that wind through the beautiful woods of Creek Ridge County Park.
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Maple City Greenway Trail: A beautiful trail that winds through La Porte and is perfect for biking, running, or walking.
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Friendship Botanic Gardens: This 105-acre botanical garden has over 1 mile of trails that wind through the beautiful gardens and woods.
Best Things to Do in La Porte: Activities and Tours
La Porte offers an abundance of activities and tours that will keep you busy during your visit:
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Antique Shopping: La Porte has several antique shops that offer unique and rare finds. Make sure to check out Agora Market and Newbury Square Antiques.
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Wine Tasting: Take a tour of the Shady Creek Winery and taste the local wines.
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Farmers’ Markets: If you’re in La Porte on a Saturday, make sure to check out the La Porte Farmers’ Market. You can find a variety of fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and tasty treats.
Week-Long Itinerary for La Porte
Here’s a week-long itinerary that will allow you to experience some of the best attractions in and around La Porte.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tour the La Porte County Historical Society Museum |
| 2 | Hike the Maple City Greenway Trail |
| 3 | Visit the Shady Creek Winery for a wine tasting |
| 4 | Explore the Hesston Steam Museum |
| 5 | Take a guided hike at Luhr Park and Nature Center |
| 6 | Spend the day at the Indiana Dunes National Park |
| 7 | Relax at the Soldiers Memorial Park |
Food and Drink Scene of La Porte
La Porte has a vibrant food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
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Chicago-style hot dog: A classic hot dog served with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery seed - a must-try for any foodie!
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Lucknow chicken: A flavorful chicken dish that is marinated and cooked in a rich blend of Indian spices.
Local Beverages
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Indiana craft beer: Indiana has a thriving craft beer scene, and La Porte has its fair share of microbreweries. Be sure to try the local beers at Burn ‘Em Brewing and Back Road Brewery.
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Wine: The Shady Creek Winery produces some of the finest wines in the region, and their tasting room is worth a visit.
Where to Stay in La Porte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
La Porte has several options for accommodations that cater to all budgets. Here are some of the top ones:
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Best Western Plus La Porte Hotel & Conference Center: A stylish hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites La Porte: A modern hotel with a fitness center and complimentary breakfast.
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Red Mill County Park: A serene campsite in a beautiful park that offers RV and tent sites.
What to Buy in La Porte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
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Pottery: La Porte has several pottery studios that produce exquisite handcrafted pieces.
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Artisanal cheese: Knowlton’s Ice Cream & Cheese Shoppe produces some of the best artisanal cheese in the region.
Local Culture and Customs of La Porte
La Porte is a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in its history and cultural traditions. Be sure to respect the local customs and practices.
Best Time to Visit La Porte
The best time to visit La Porte is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of La Porte
Do:
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Support local businesses: La Porte has a vibrant small business scene, and your support can make a big impact.
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Take care of the environment: La Porte is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, so make sure to leave no trace and follow the principles of responsible tourism.
Don’t:
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Litter: It’s not only illegal, but it also pollutes the environment.
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Disrespect local customs: La Porte has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect and appreciate it.
Safety and Health
Safety in La Porte
La Porte is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and take basic safety precautions like locking your car and not leaving valuables unattended.
Health in La Porte
La Porte has several medical facilities, including La Porte Hospital, that offer a wide range of medical services.
Getting to La Porte: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near La Porte
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South Bend International Airport: The closest airport to La Porte is the South Bend International Airport, which is located 30 miles away.
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Chicago O’Hare International Airport: The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 95 miles away from La Porte.
Bus Stations Near La Porte
- Greyhound Bus Lines: The nearest bus station is located in South Bend, which is 30 miles away from La Porte.
Other Options
- Car rental: There are several car rental companies in La Porte that offer affordable rates.
How to Get Around in La Porte
The best way to get around La Porte is by car. There are several car rental companies in the city, and driving is easy and convenient. Another option is to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Where to Go Next from La Porte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
La Porte is conveniently located near several popular destinations and excursions. Here are some of the top ones:
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Indiana Dunes National Park: A beautiful national park with over 15 miles of sandy beaches and beautiful dunes.
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Michigan City: A neighboring city with a charming downtown area, several art galleries, and the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets.
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Chicago: The Windy City is just 80 miles away from La Porte and is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the region.
Conclusion
La Porte is a hidden gem in Northwestern Indiana, and with its rich history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures, it’s a great destination for travelers of all ages. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you plan your perfect visit to La Porte.
