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History & Heritage

Remember when Indiana was just being settled? Neither do we, but our museums sure make it easy to imagine. Step into homesteads, farms, mansions and estates that will give you a taste of yesteryear. Admire artifacts, collections and exhibits that provide a glimpse into those who came before us. And appreciate the history that surrounds us—from Town Pumps to Lighthouses to Libraries. We invite you to explore Northern Indiana’s heritage.

Beverly Shores

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The Depot of Beverly Shores Museum & Art Gallery

This tiny, pink stucco museum pays homage to the town’s history and groundbreaking architec- ture. It’s also the spot where you can catch the only inter-urban train line in Indiana Dunes Coun- try. While you’re waiting for your train, check out ... Read more

T: 219-871-0832  W: View Website

Bristol

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Bonneyville Mill

Working antiquity and picturesque beauty await you. The water powered mill has produced quality flour for over 150 years. Tour the mill, purchase flour, visit the gift shop and enjoy the park’s beautiful surroundings. 2012 Quilt Gardens mural ... Read more

T: (574) 535-6458  E: info@elkhartcountyparks.org W: View Website

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Elkhart County Historical Museum

Come experience a sense of place. Numerous exhibits illustrate the people, landscape and events that shaped our past and present. Extensive library and archives available. Weekly events and programs. 2012 Quilt Garden pattern Granmother's fan.

T: (574) 848-4322  E: info@elkhartcountyparks.org W: View Website

Culver

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Center of Culver History Museum

Preserving and celebrating Culver's Golden Age (1880s-1920s), the Antiquarian and Historical Society of Culver has established a Museum and a Research Center in most appropriate location: the 1914 portion of the town's public library. Visitors may ... Read more

T: 574-842-2941  W: View Website

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Culver Academies Museum

At the Culver Academies Museum and Gift Shop museum guests will get a glimpse of the beginnings of Culver Military Academy through rare artifacts, including original 1860s and 1870s stoves and clocks sold by founder Henry Harrison Culver as the ... Read more

T: 574-842-8842  W: View Website

Elkhart

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Hall of Heroes Comic and Superhero Museum

Explore the 70+ year history of Super Heroes in comics, toys, film & animation. Features the world's largest collection of comic books (55,000+), super hero memorabilia, original art and props. Call for tours.

T: (574) 293-0755  E: stewartreality@egixmail.com

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Havilah Beardsley House

The 1848 home of city founder, Dr. Havilah Beardsley, presents the story of Elkhart’s entrepreneurial spirit. Tours: Adult $5; Student $2; Children under 5 admitted free with adult.

T: (574) 264-0330  W: View Website

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Lerner Theatre

Newly restored and expanded! 1920s-era movie house turned performing arts complex features a 1,700-seat theatre, flexible banquet hall, classroom space, backstage tours and more. In the heart of downtown’s Arts & Entertainment district. The Lerner's ... Read more

T: (574) 294-4469  E: info@thelerner.com W: View Website

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Midwest Museum of American Art

Features the largest Norman Rockwell lithograph collection and the largest Overbeck Art Pottery collection in the state; also paintings, sculpture and ceramics.

T: (574) 293-6660  E: mdwstmsmam@aol.com W: View Website

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National New York Central RR Museum

The most significant collection of New York Central artifacts in the world. Fun for rail fans and families. Adults $5, children (5-12) $4, seniors (62+) $4, children 4 and under are free.

T: (574) 294-3001  E: info@nycrrmuseum.org W: View Website

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Ruthmere Museum

The 20th century was full of grand promise in 1908 when Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley built their elegant Beaux Arts mansion of brick and limestone at the confluence of the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers. Once the centerpiece of Elkhart society, ... Read more

T: (574) 264-0330  W: View Website

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RV/MH Hall of Fame

Located in the RV Capital of the World, where more recreational vehicles and manufactured housing is produced than anywhere else in the nation. This museum showcases the growth, history and accomplishments of the recreational vehicle and manufactured ... Read more

T: (574) 293-2344  W: View Website

Etna Green

Etna Green Museum

Come discover the history of the town of Etna Green at this museum in Heritage Park. There are many items from the Etna Green School Alumni along with the basketball teams memorabilia. Before you leave town, be sure to see the Mural painted by Robert ... Read more

T: 574-858-2632  E: cjulian1918@comcast.net

Goshen

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Goshen College

2012 Quilt Gardens mural location featuring Crazy Patch Friendship Mural

T: (574) 535-7793  E: info@goshen.edu W: View Website

Hudson Lake, LaPorte, Door Village, Westville

The Great Saulk Trail

Many ancient migratory paths of buffalo and other grazing mammals served as the basis of some of our current modern roads. Aboriginal people would often use the paths to hunt these same animals, as well as to travel throughout their territories. Early ... Read more

W: View Website

LaPorte

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LaPorte County Historical Society Museum

With more than 80,000 items on display, this museum houses LaPorte County family heirlooms, a collection of antique firearms, and the Kesling Automobile Collection. An AAA Gemsite

T: 219-324-6767  E: info@laportecountyhistory.org W: View Website

Leesburg

Pound Store Museum

Opened for the first time in 1838 as an Indian trading post, the Pound Store Museum is the county's oldest commercial building. Named for long-time owner John Pound, the store was recently renovated by the Kosciusko County Historical Society. The ... Read more

T: 574-269-1078  E: kcgenweb@embarqmail.com W: View Website

Mentone

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Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum Inc.

Our museum houses the personal memorabilia of Lawrence D. Bell that was willed to the town of Mentone. We have three helicopters on site. A guided tour is provided to educate adults as well as children of the early aviation history of which Lawrence ... Read more

T: 574-353-7318  E: bilinda2@frontier.com W: View Website

Michigan City

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Barker Mansion

The house that freight cars built. This turn-of-the-century mansion built by millionaire railroad industrialist John H. Barker features art objects, original furnishings, rare woods. Special Christmas tours and summer teas.

T: 219-873-1520  E: c_zubler@comcast.net W: View Website

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Old Lighthouse Museum

Original 1858 light station structure, 8 display rooms, Great Lakes history, shipwrecks, era of sailing ships, local history and more.

T: 219-872-6133  E: mchistorical@att.net W: View Website

Middlebury

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Das Dutchman Essenhaus

You'll be happy that Indiana's largest and friendliest family-style restaurant and bakery also offers 89 comfortable guest rooms at Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center within walking distance of the world-famous restaurant. You may need a nap after one ... Read more

T: (574) 825-9471  E: info@essenhaus.com W: View Website

Make a Reservation

Middlebury Community Historical Museum

Reserves and displays artifacts and information about this charming middle-American town and its surrounding areas. Revolving exhibits reflect local history since 1836.

T: (574) 825-0978  E: info@mchm.org W: View Website

Mishawaka

Hannah Lindahl Children's Museum

Please touch!  This hands-on museum is fun for children of all ages.  This is a place where many scientific and historical items are arranged with kids in mind at their eye-level and ready for young hands to examine them.  Children of ... Read more

T: 574-254-4540  W: View Website

Nappanee

Amish Acres

Escape to Amish Acres in Nappanee, Indiana and share the heritage of these intriguing people in quiet celebration of America’s tolerance for diversity. Time stopped over a century ago and preserves, in the Amish, a way of life adhering to nearly ... Read more

T: 574-773-4188 x240  E: janislogsdon@amishacres.com W: View Website

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Amish Acres

Listed in the National Register of Historic places, the 80-acre restored Old Order Amish farm offers room to roam and packages that include some of the region's best entertainment, food and lodging. Surrounded by pastoral beauty, visitors explore 18 ... Read more

T: (574) 773-4188  E: amishacres@amishacres.com W: View Website

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Amish Acres Round Barn Theatre

Indiana’s only professional, resident, musical repertory theatre featuring Plain and Fancy, the story of life and love on an Amish farm, in repertory with six musicals and one comedy. Round BarnTheatre 2012 Season Calendar

T: (574) 773-4188  E: amishacres@amishacres.com W: View Website

New Carlisle

Pierceton

Jas. Townsend & Son, Inc.

We make and sell 18th Century items to re-enactors, historical sites, TV productions and Movies. We have a free catalog of our items.

T: 574-594-5852  E: jon@jas-townsend.com W: View Website

Plymouth

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Chief Menominee Monument

The Trail of Death starts at the Menominee statue south of Plymouth. Chief Menominee and his band of Potawatomi Indians were forced to move from Indiana to Kansas in 1838 and many died. On September 4, 1909 the State of Indiana erected the Chief ... Read more

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Marshall County Historical Society Museum

Newly renovated to help tell the story of the history and people of Marshall County, the Marshall County Historical Society Museum is a key attraction when visiting the county. The museum collects artifacts and documents which illustrate this ... Read more

T: 574-936-2306  E: mchistory@mchistoricalsociety.org W: View Website

Shipshewana

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Menno-Hof

Experience the history and heritage of Northern Indiana's often misunderstood Amish and Mennonites. Travel through five centuries of fascinating history, from their origins in Swizterland, to their arrival in America and their lives in present-day ... Read more

T: (260) 768-4117  E: info@mennohof.org W: View Website

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The Blue Gate Restaurant & Theater

A complete dining, shopping, and entertainment complex in the heart of Shipshewana. Home to the some of the most unique handcrafted furniture and specialty shops in the area. The Blue Gate Restaurant serves up tasty Amish/Mennonite cooking and quality ... Read more

T: (260) 768-4725  E: bgate@riegsecker.com W: View Website

South Bend

Center for History

The magnificent museum campus is anchored by the Center for History, showcasing Copshaholm, which is an elegant 38-room Victorian mansion, plus a charming cottage reflecting the 1930s, a gallery that chronicles local history, a gallery of Notre Dame ... Read more

T: 574-235-9664  W: View Website

College Football Hall of Fame

Legends come to life in the nationally acclaimed College Football Hall of Fame.  Every day is Saturday with action-packed interactive displays and exhibits.  Get into the game and test your skills at the Practice Field or experience the cutting-edge ... Read more

T: 574-235-9999  E: hof@collegefootball.org W: View Website

HealthWorks! Kids' Museum

HealthWorks! is an interactive, hands-on health education center for children (K-6th grade) infectiously contaminating them with ways to stay healthy and unlock the mysteries of the human body.  Let's Play Grossology, Off the Wall, Patients ... Read more

T: 574-287-5437  W: View Website

Military Honor Park

Outdoor miltary park and indoor museum.  Displays include airplanes, tanks, weaponry, uniforms, small artifacts, research library and gift shop.Hours:  Friday – Saturday (March – November): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.... Read more

T: 574-261-2066  W: View Website

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Morris Performing Arts Center

Experience this historic landmark, originally built in 1921 as a vaudeville house. Through the 20s, 30s and 40s, guest artists such as Amos and Andy, Houdini, Imogene Coco and even Frank Sinatra performed at the Morris. The Morris even hosted the ... Read more

T: 574-235-9198  W: View Website

South Bend Chocolate Company

The South Bend Chocolate Company’s Chocolate Museum houses a collection that is among the worlds largest, specializing in North American chocolate companies.  The collection includes rare boxes, tins, pots and containers of every size, shape ... Read more

T: 574-233-2577  W: View Website

South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center and The Natatorium

Many local residents fondly remember the Natatorium as the place where generations of children learned to swim. In sharp contrast to these sentimental emotions, the reality of this building is that it represented, and still represents for many ... Read more

T: 574-234-0207  W: View Website

South Bend Museum of Art

Since 1947, the South Bend Museum of Art has provided insight into the art, history and culture of the region and nation. An architectural delight designed by Phillip Johnson and John Burgee, the museum occupies three levels of Century Center and ... Read more

T: 574-235-9102  E: info@southbendart.org W: View Website

Studebaker National Museum

Experience 114 years of transportation history at the Studebaker National Museum.  This state-of-the-art museum reflects the design traditions of Studebaker buildings from the 1920s and 1930s.  Exhibits include topics relating to the ... Read more

T: 574-235-9714  E: info@studebakermuseum.org W: View Website

Tippecanoe Place Restaurant

Offers a full lunch and dinner menu and Sunday brunch. Reservations are preferred. Hours: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Dinner: Monday - Friday: 5 p.m. - Close; Saturday: 4:30 p.m. - Close; Sunday: 4 p.m. - Close: Sunday Brunch: 10 a.... Read more

T: 574-234-9077  E: mailbox@tippe.com W: View Website

Syracuse

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Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Inc.

This Historical Museum is a popular attraction. We have had visitors from as far away as India with the Lake being the main attraction. Our Museum is small but people pleasing. No one goes away without talking about at least one thing. It is fun ... Read more

T: 574-457-3599 

Valparaiso

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Porter County Museum of History

Once the sheriff’s residence and local jail, the Porter County Museum is now home to North- ern Indiana’s largest collection of area history and treasures. Exhibits are displayed through- out the building and change often—because they’re ... Read more

T: (219) 465-3595  E: info@portercountymuseum.org W: View Website

Accommodation Suite

Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art

Located in the state-of-art Center for the Arts on the Valparaiso University campus, the Brauer Museum of Art is home to a nationally recognized collection of 19th and 20th-century American art and international religious art. The museum's permanent ... Read more

T: (219) 464-5365  E: gregg.hertzlieb@valpo.edu W: View Website

Wolf Mansion

Several times each year, Wolf Mansion, a private residence on the National Historic Register, opens for tours. And throughout the year, the home also hosts groups of 20 or more that want to have a party or event there. The mansion, built in 1875 by ... Read more

T: (219) 364-8102  W: View Website

Wanatah

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Wanatah Historical Society Museum

The Wanatah Historical Society Museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of historical objects and photographs with significance to LaPorte County and the Wanatah Area. Our railroad museum is dedicated to the preservation of the rich history ... Read more

T: 219-733-2822  W: View Website

Warsaw

Old Chinworth Bridge - Kosciusko Historial Society

The Old Chinworth Bridge is on the National Registry of Historic Places. This old iron bridge spanning the Tippecanoe River was built in 1897. The property now belongs to the Kosciusko County Historical Society, but originally was built on the ... Read more

T: 574-269-1078  E: kcgenweb@embarqmail.com W: View Website

Accommodation Suite

Old Jail Museum

The Old Jail Museum has historical displays pertaining to the history of Kosciusko County, plus a gift shop.

T: 574-269-1078  E: oldjail@embarqmail.com W: View Website

Winona Lake

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Billy Sunday Home Museum

Billy Sunday, known as “the baseball evangelist”, was more than a preacher of the Gospel to Americans of the twentieth century. He was a legend, a star player for the Chicago White Stockings, running the bases in less than 14 seconds - a ... Read more

T: 574-372-5100  E: allisokj@grace.edu

Accommodation Suite

The Remnant Trust, Inc.

The Remnant Trust is a public educational foundation that shares an actively growing collection of original and 1st edition works dealing with the topics of liberty and dignity with some pieces dating as early as 1250. The trust makes this collection ... Read more

T: 574-376-4130  E: remnanttrust@gmail.com W: View Website

Accommodation Suite

The Reneker Museum of Winona History

The story of beautiful Winona Lake from 1895 - 1968 is told through the venue of four museum galleries. The Entrance Gallery depicts the development of Spring Fountain Park, forerunner to the Winona Movement of 1895.

T: 574-372-5100  E: allisokj@grace.edu

destinations

  • Amish Country
  • SouthBend
  • Indiana Dunes
  • Michigan City LaPorte
  • Time to Unwind
  • Shipshewana Amish Backroads
  • Kosciusko County

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