Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan is a virtually undiscovered place where the breathtaking beauty of the land spills over into the cultural and historic sites -- where the charming small town atmosphere has been preserved along with the old fashioned customs of hospitality and friendliness -- where families come to share time seeing the sights, shopping, learning about the history of the area, and enjoying the splendor of nature. It's called LaPorte County, Indiana, and it's waiting to be discovered.
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the southern coast of Lake Michigan provide an outdoor recreational playground with an extraordinary eco-system. Mount Baldy, the tallest "living" sand dune on the southern shore, stands an imposing 123 feet tall and actually moves four to five feet each year. From beachcombing to sailing, fishing to hiking, climbing to picnicking, the cascading sand dunes offer a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
The history of LaPorte County can be traced not only through the geographic changes of the sand dunes, but also through the industries and individuals who settled the area. Their stories can be explored in several meticulously cared for museums and exhibits. Three museums, an art center, and several historically and architecturally noted residential districts add to the historical basis of the communities and offer visitors a glimpse into LaPorte County's.
A favorite pastime for visitors to LaPorte County any time of year is shopping -- a true adventure at Prime Outlets with over one hundred twenty top-of-the-line stores with name brands like Polo, Carter, Anne, Klein, Remington, J. Crew, Corning/Revere Ware, Eddie Bauer, and many, many more. In addition, several retail malls and countless specialty shops offer everything from gourmet foods to local handicrafts. Antique lovers will enjoy three antique malls with nearly 75 dealers each, and almost twenty-five individual antique stores just waiting for the enthusiastic collector.
The result of this blend of ecological, historical, and cultural attractions is a uniquely refined, yet old-fashioned area unlike any other. It is an area dedicated to preserving the richness of the past and the beauty of today, and it is a destination worth exploring again and again. This is your invitation to take a look inside colorful LaPorte County.