Overview
La Porte is a city of 22,000 people (2019) in Northwestern Indiana. La Porte is surrounded by lakes and has a walkable historic downtown. It's dedicated to outdoor recreation.
3 sights · 8 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about La Porte
LaPorte County Courthouse
Historic county courthouse designed by Brentwood S. Tolan and built from 1892-1894. It is Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in style, and was constructed with Lake Superior red sandstone. The building includes a towe…
Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn
The historic 1878 Door Prairie Barn is a unique nine-sided structure, the only remaining barn of its kind in the country. It is still standing today in excellent condition.
Downtown LaPorte Historic District
Downtown LaPorte Historic District is a national historic district that encompasses 70 contributing buildings in the central business district of LaPorte. It developed between about 1860 and 1930 and includes examples of…
Plaza 618
Plaza 618 features areas to sit, relax, dine, enjoy events and entertainment, and interact. The interactive fountain, tables, benches, umbrellas, and a vibrant landscape are just a few of the amenities the plaza provides…
Stone Lake
Stone Lake is 140 acres of water with plenty of fishing to keep anglers happy and the crystal clear waters make canoeing and kayaking especially enjoyable. The Stone Lake Beach House includes a concession stand and restr…
LaPorte County Fair
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Indiana Dunes National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MGC Michigan City Municipal Airport, Michigan City — 8 mi away. Directions
- SBN South Bend International Airport, South Bend — 22 mi away. Directions
- MDW Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago — 55 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $79–$79 a night (typical $79), from 3 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$130, comfortable ~$200.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning LaPorte County Courthouse, Downtown LaPorte Historic District, Sunflower Fair
- Lunch Indiana Deli & Catering
- Afternoon Plaza 618, LaPorte Little Theatre
- Dinner Trattoria Enzo
- Evening 3rd Base Bar and Grill
Day 2
- Morning Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn, La Porte County Historical Society Museum
- Lunch Café Trilogy
- Afternoon Beechwood Municipal Golf Course, LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra
- Dinner Mucho Mas!
Day 3
- Morning LaPorte County Fair
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Get in
Go La Porte Municipal Airport
Get around
Go Transporte
TransPorte is the City of La Porte's public transportation system. It is a demand-response system serving the city of La Porte. Call for a ride -- they will pick you up at the curb, and take you to your destination anywhere in their service area for one low price. All of their vehicles are handicap-accessible with wheelchair lifts, and all are powered with Propane.
See
See LaPorte County Courthouse
Historic county courthouse designed by Brentwood S. Tolan and built from 1892-1894. It is Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in style, and was constructed with Lake Superior red sandstone. The building includes a tower with skylight, gargoyles and contains stained glass. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn (Door Prairie Barn)
The historic 1878 Door Prairie Barn is a unique nine-sided structure, the only remaining barn of its kind in the country. It is still standing today in excellent condition.
See Downtown LaPorte Historic District
Downtown LaPorte Historic District is a national historic district that encompasses 70 contributing buildings in the central business district of LaPorte. It developed between about 1860 and 1930 and includes examples of Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, and Neoclassical style architecture. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Do
Do LaPorte County Fair
Do La Porte County Historical Society Museum
A glimpse of LaPorte County’s fascinating history beckons behind the doors of this stunning brick building, with exhibits about fancy cars, a sports hero, pioneer life, and a murderous legend, plus a vast collection of rare guns. The downstairs level houses the W.A. Jones Collection of Ancient Weapons, one of the most extensive private gun collections in the world. The Kesling Automobile Collection features more than 30 vintage cars, including two made famous in movies: a 1982 DeLorean, like the one featured in Back to the Future, and a 1948 Tucker Torpedo, that appeared in the 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream.
Do LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra
La Porte County Symphony resides within the vibrant arts landscape of Northwest Indiana and serves the 110,000 residents of La Porte County and regions beyond, including the Southwestern area of Michigan. The orchestra season includes three symphonic subscription concerts: two pops and one classical.
Do Sunflower Fair
The Sunflower Fair in beautiful, historic Downtown La Porte is one of the largest area festivals with over 100 craft and nonprofit vendors, food, entertainment and rides. Enjoy the many activities of the day: a rib cook-off, a 5K run and fun walk, sunflower contest, an art walk, scarecrow building, rides, food.
Do Stone Lake (Stone Lake Beach)
Stone Lake is 140 acres of water with plenty of fishing to keep anglers happy and the crystal clear waters make canoeing and kayaking especially enjoyable. The Stone Lake Beach House includes a concession stand and restroom facilities. Patrons will also find a playground, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Eat
Eat Mucho Mas!
Californian-style Mexican dishes in a seat-yourself establishment with a contemporary feel.
Eat Trattoria Enzo (Enzo's)
Cozy, family-owned Italian eatery with a fireplace & rustic wood accents.
Eat Café Trilogy
Breakfast, lunch, and desserts.
Eat Indiana Deli & Catering
Unique sandwiches (named for famous places and people from Indiana) made fresh as you wait. Fresh salads and desserts made daily. Dine-in or carryout is available.
Drink
Drink 3rd Base Bar and Grill
Good selection of craft beers and decent food, outdoor seating in the summer.
Sleep
Stay Arbor Hill Inn
Off Route 35 and a 5-minute walk from the shores of Pine Lake, this upscale inn in a circa-1910 building is 2.2 miles from Soldiers Memorial Park. The themed accommodations are uniquely furnished and feature private bathrooms with period reproductions and 2-person whirlpool tubs, as well as fireplaces TVs and free WiFi. Some rooms have 4-poster beds and sitting areas. Gourmet meals are cooked on the premises and served at individual tables in the dining room, or taken privately. The grounds are lushly landscaped, and there's private parking.
Stay The Blue Heron Inn
This laid-back hotel on the shores of Pine Lake is 2 miles from Soldiers Memorial Park and 10 miles from the hiking trails of Pinhook Bog. Low-key, conservative rooms offer free Wi-Fi and TVs. Upgraded rooms add lake views, in-room whirlpool tubs, and fireplaces, and some also have microwaves, minifridges, and/or decks or patios. Suites add living rooms with sofabeds. Floating boathouses are available seasonally. Breakfast and parking are complimentary. Other amenities include a bar, and an elegant restaurant featuring ornate ceilings and wainscoting.
Go next
Valparaiso is about 20 minutes away on 2 West. On 80/90 East, you will reach South Bend in about 30 minutes.
Nearby
Michigan City
City / town · 8 listings · 11 mi away
New Buffalo
City / town · 10 listings · 13 mi away
Union Pier
City / town · 4 listings · 15 mi away
Chesterton
City / town · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Porter
City / town · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Harbert
City / town · 19 mi away
Valparaiso
City / town · 12 listings · 20 mi away
Indiana Dunes National Park
Park · 13 listings · 20 mi away
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