One of the many benefits of choosing Bella Largo is our location. Nestled in La Porte, Indiana, residents and visiting families have easy access to a wonderful range of local attractions — from lakeside parks and historic museums to seasonal festivals and charming nearby towns. Here’s a guide to some of our favorites.

La Porte, Indiana

Hesston Steam Museum — 1201 E 1000 N, La Porte

  • A 155-acre museum featuring historic steam-powered trains with 2-mile rides through woods, farms, and over steep grades.
  • Includes a soda fountain with ice cream and a gift shop.
  • Open weekends seasonally (May–October). Admission approximately $5–$10 per person.

Pine Lake — North of downtown La Porte

  • A 540-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Pine Lake Ski Beach offers a sandy shore and picnic areas; Kiwanis-Teledyne Park features a fishing pier and stunning sunset views.
  • Pine Lake Marina rents motorboats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Free access to public areas; rentals have fees.

Luhr County Park — 3178 S 150 W, La Porte

  • A 91-acre park with a free nature center (open March–October) featuring live animals, wildlife observation, and interactive displays.
  • Offers easy hiking trails, a catch-and-release pond, picnic areas, a playground, and a dog park.

Garwood Orchards — 5911 W 50 S, La Porte

  • A sixth-generation, 350-acre family farm open June–October for U-pick apples, blueberries, raspberries, and pumpkins.
  • Farm market featuring homemade pastries, cider, donuts, sweet corn, and fresh produce.

La Porte County Historical Society Museum — 2405 Indiana Ave, La Porte

  • Family-friendly exhibits on local history including vintage cars, Civil War artifacts, and a weapons collection.
  • Hosts the Annual Old Car Show each July. Admission approximately $5/adult, free for kids under 12. Open Tuesday–Saturday.

Soldiers Memorial Park — 250 Pine Lake Ave, La Porte

  • Scenic park near Pine Lake with paved trails, a playground, and event spaces.
  • Home to the Annual WinterFest (late January) featuring ice skating, winter games, and family activities. Free entry.

Sandy Acres Clydesdales — 14336 IN-2, La Porte

  • Tours where visitors can brush and feed Clydesdale horses and learn about their history.
  • Basic tour $10; VIP tour $25. Educational and hands-on for all ages.

La Porte County Fair — 2581 IN-2, La Porte (annually in July)

  • A week-long celebration with carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, livestock auctions, live music, and classic fair food.
  • Admission approximately $5–$10 with free parking.

Sunflower Fair — Downtown La Porte (annually in September)

  • A free fall festival with sunflower displays, arts and crafts, live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities.

Michigan City, Indiana (~10–12 miles from Bella Largo)

Washington Park Zoo — 115 Lakeshore Dr, Michigan City

  • A 15-acre zoo with over 250 animals including tigers, bears, and reptiles.
  • Features animal feedings, a petting zoo, and scenic trails with Lake Michigan views.
  • Open seasonally. Admission approximately $10/adult, $8/child.

Indiana Dunes National Park — Near Chesterton (~10 miles from Michigan City)

  • 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with beaches, hiking trails, and dune climbing.
  • Named a top family beach destination by Parents magazine. Free entry to some areas; parking fees $6–$25/vehicle.

Billy Boy’s Blueberry Barn — 650 Freyer Rd, Michigan City

  • U-pick blueberry farm open seasonally June–August. Staff encourages visitors to eat as much as they’d like while picking.
  • Includes a farmstand with honey and other products. Pricing approximately $3–$5/lb.

Lakeshore Lanes — 2820 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City

  • Family-friendly bowling alley with karaoke Sundays, a concession stand, and kids’ events.
  • A great indoor option for rainy days. Games approximately $3–$5 per person.

New Buffalo, Michigan (~10–15 miles via I-94)

New Buffalo Public Beach — Whittaker St, New Buffalo

  • Sandy Lake Michigan beach with shallow, clear waters, a playground, snack deck, picnic areas, and kayak/paddleboard rentals.
  • Free parking available in town with a short walk to the beach.

New Buffalo Township Memorial Park — 500 E Mechanic St, New Buffalo

  • Features a playground, splash pad, fishing pond, sand volleyball, and a dining pavilion with grills.
  • Winter ice skating rink with skate rentals. Free access.

New Buffalo Railroad Museum — 530 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo

  • Free-admission museum housed in a replica Pere Marquette Depot featuring railroad cars, model trains, and artifacts.
  • Open weekends and holidays through October.

Galien River County Park — 17424 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo

  • Features a canopy walkway, marsh boardwalk, and overlook tower along the Galien River.
  • Easy nature trails suitable for all ages. A peaceful, low-cost outdoor adventure.

Oink’s Dutch Treat — 227 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo

  • Nostalgic ice cream parlor with over 30 flavors of Sherman’s Dairy ice cream and an attached candy store.

Ghost Isle Brewery — New Buffalo

  • Family-friendly restaurant, bar, and craft brewery with spacious indoor and outdoor seating.

Dining in New Buffalo

  • Redamak’s (616 E Buffalo St) — Family-friendly burger joint with a kids’ menu.
  • The Stray Dog Bar & Grill (245 N Whittaker St) — Casual outdoor seating (ground level is family-friendly).

Useful Resources

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