58°FFall brings a fresh perspective to the outdoors in La Porte County. Hike wooded trails, bike along scenic roads, cast a line on Lake Michigan or squeeze in another round of golf before the season ends.
Families can discover playgrounds, nature centers and disc golf courses, while those seeking a slower pace can stroll along the beach or settle into a quiet spot and enjoy the view. However you like to get outside, there’s an autumn adventure waiting.
Find Your Outdoor Spot
From wooded trails and peaceful lakes to sandy beaches and neighborhood parks, there are plenty of places to walk, ride, play and reconnect with nature.
County Parks
Bluhm County Park, Westville – Explore multiuse trails, including paved paths, for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Creek Ridge County Park, Michigan City – Walk along Trail Creek on scenic trails and boardwalks, play a round of disc golf or let the kids enjoy the playground.
Luhr County Park, La Porte – Follow paved trails, fish in the stocked pond or visit the Nature Center for hands-on exhibits. The park also features a playground and off-leash dog park.
Red Mill County Park, La Porte – Hiking and mountain biking trails wind through this park, which includes a state dedicated Nature Preserve and a playground for younger visitors.
Sebert Woods County Park, Michigan City – Take a peaceful half-mile hike through a northern woods-type forest filled with natural beauty.
City Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Washington Park, Michigan City – Walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline, search for beach glass in the sand or head out on the pier for a closer look at the historic Michigan City Lighthouse.
Soldiers Memorial Park, La Porte – Enjoy fishing or kayaking on Stone Lake, follow wooded trails toward Pine Lake or take a ride along the bike trail connecting the lakes.
Kesling Park, La Porte – Follow the walking and nature trail, play a round of disc golf or let the kids explore Fort La Play Porte.
Purdue Northwest Disc Golf Course, Westville – Challenge friends and family to a round on this 21-hole course, then explore the campus grounds to discover its many beautiful and unique outdoor sculptures.
Hit the Trail on Two Wheels
Fall scenery is even better from a bike. La Porte County offers routes for relaxed rides, longer adventures and everything in between.
Bicycle Routes on Ride with GPS – Choose from 20 routes ranging from 13 to 30 miles through the La Porte County Shared Bikeways program. Routes include information about distance, elevation changes and stops for food, attractions or a well-earned break. Riders travel along quiet roads connecting parks, communities and area attractions.
Singing Sands Trail, Michigan City – Michigan City’s portion of the developing Marquette Greenway connects riders and walkers with trails leading toward Indiana Dunes National Park. The paved trail offers an easy way to explore more of the city and surrounding area.
United States Bicycle Route 35 – For a longer ride, explore a section of USBR 35. The multi-state route travels through La Porte County as part of a national network of trails, bike lanes and lower-traffic roads extending north into Michigan and Canada and south through Indiana.
Hike the Indiana Dunes
Just west of Michigan City, Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park offer miles of trails through dunes, wetlands, forests and prairie landscapes. Fall brings cooler hiking weather and brilliant seasonal color to these diverse natural areas.
Trails to Explore
Calumet Dunes Trail: A short, paved trail along the Calumet Dunes ridge, which marks the former shoreline of Lake Michigan.
Great Marsh Trail: An easy hike with views of one of the largest wetland complexes in the Lake Michigan watershed. An accessible trail is also available.
Cowles Bog Trail: A more rugged hike through ponds, marshes, swamps, forests and dunes before reaching views of Lake Michigan.
Take on a Challenge
Three Dune Challenge: Climb the three tallest dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park on a 1.5-mile trail with 552 vertical feet of elevation.
Diana of the Dunes Dare: Follow the story of Alice Mabel Gray as the trail climbs stairs and dunes to scenic overlooks at West Beach.
Reel in a Lake Michigan Adventure
Fall doesn’t mean fishing season is over.
Lake Michigan fishing charters depart from Michigan City in search of salmon, trout, perch and other catches.
Professional charter captains provide the equipment and experience needed for a half-day or full-day excursion on the water. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Michigan City, known as the “Coho Capital of the World.”
Tee Off Among the Fall Colors
There’s still time to hit the links before putting the clubs away for the season. Tree-lined fairways and beautiful autumn scenery make fall an especially memorable time to play a round of golf.
Beechwood Golf Course, La Porte – Autumn color surrounds this 18-hole championship course with a traditional layout designed to put every club in your bag to use. Amenities include a clubhouse, concessions, driving range, putting green and areas for chipping and pitching.
Legacy Hills Golf Club, La Porte – More than a century of golf tradition meets well-maintained greens and fairways. The front and back nines offer distinct challenges, while Back 9 Social provides a relaxing place for lunch and Bistro on the Greens serves a delicious dinner.
Michigan City Municipal Golf Course – Choose between two 18-hole courses surrounded by colorful trees and evergreens. The shorter North Course is welcoming to newer golfers, while the South Course offers a longer and more challenging round.
Make the Most of Fall
Plan a day around your favorite outdoor activity or turn it into a fall getaway. After hiking, biking, fishing or golfing, refuel at a local restaurant and settle in at one of the area’s hotels or vacation rentals.
The colorful season doesn’t last forever. Get outside, take in the beautiful scenery and discover a new way to experience fall.