Begin your journey in the 1920s along historic Cedar Lake, Chicago’s playground. The Museum at Lassen’s Resort and The Dewey Line Steamboat Ride take you back to the Roaring ’20s. At Fair Oaks Farms glance into the future at what farming will look like and how the world will be fed. The amazing Shrine of Christ’s Passion is an experience of a lifetime.
Your South Shore experience begins at The Museum at Lassen’s Resort to discover how Cedar Lake enriched the region and touched countless lives. Step into the 1920s Lassen’s Resort Hotel for an experience that’s filled with creative, fun exhibits sure to capture your imagination.
Departing from the pier at Lassen’s Resort you’ll experience steam on The Dewey Line Steamboat Ride. The authentic 1915 steamboat offers guided tours sharing the past life on the lake that during the 1920s boasted more than 50 resorts. There are four historic routes highlighting northern resorts, southern resorts, Monon railroad route and a combination of all four. Dinner tonight is at Teibel’s Restaurant, Northwest Indiana’s premier family restaurant serving the same homecooked goodness for more than 90 years.
SOUTH SHORE
Candace Nowak
219-301-7753
cnowak@southshorecva.com
alongthesouthshore.com/groups
Begin your day at Fair Oaks Farms a 2018 ABA Best of the Best. There is more than one adventure awaiting your group. The Crop Adventure begins in the Garden at Fair Oaks Farms and reminds us that one of every three bites we take is created with the help of pollination. You’ll take a look at the future of farming and go deep underground and view life from a bug’s perspective. Meet Diva Mooreau in The Dairy Adventure. The 4D movie welcomes you to Diva’s world on the farm.
Take a break for lunch. The Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms has unparalleled hospitality and food made with ingredients sourced on their farm or farms in the region.
There’s one more adventure to discover. Last, but certainly not least is The Pig Adventure to see the modern practices of a working pig farm.
In Merrillville a must stop is ChicagoLand Popcorn with more than 250 varieties of gourmet popcorns. Group tours are welcomed with a memorable popcorn sampling. If one snack stop is good, two must be great. There’s no disappointment at Albanese Candy Factory where the world’s best gummies have been crafted for 40 years. Dinner tonight will be at Four Corners Winery, a rustic and beautiful setting in the country.
The Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John is a not to be missed group favorite. Forty life size bronze sculptures placed in a tranquil garden setting tell the story of the crucifixion and resurrection with music and an audio presentation. Recently completed, one of the newest features of The Shrine of Christ’s Passion is Moses and Mount Sinai. Music, voice overs, lighting and sound effects enhance the experience for visitors. Opened May 2022, Our Lady of Guadalupe Plaza has become a favorite of visitors. A limited number of club cars with guides are available by reservation. Do allow time for the expansive gift shop.
Nearby Morocco also offers an opportunity to view the Bison at Kankakee Sands. From 23 bison introduced in 2016 by the Nature Conservatory, the herd has grown to more than 90. A viewing area provides a natural platform for viewing these magnificent animals.
Enjoy a slower pace that beckons you to unplug and unwind in the third largest Amish community in the US. Traverse tranquil farmland as you learn the history and culture of the Amish. Experience the finest homemade goods, amazing handicrafts, culinary feasts and conversations with the Amish makers.
Roll your own soft pretzel at Jo Jo’s Pretzels made from the King family secret recipe perfected by generations. In a flash, your pretzel will be hot out of the oven and served with your beverage of choice. Following your pretzel break, take a ride back in time on the full-size Carousel, home to multiple handcarved and -painted farm animals. Complete your afternoon shopping in the multiple floor complex of Davis Mercantile filled with home décor, apparel, fabrics, candles, furniture and shoes.
Next, head to Farm Fun & Dinner at Meadow Brook Farm for a country feast complete with homemade donuts. After dinner, tour the 1860 vintage home constructed during the Civil War. Enjoy hands-on fun with a homespun donkey craft followed by and the story of the Jesus Donkey.
VISIT SHIPSHEWANA/ LAGRANGE COUNTY IN, CVB
Sonya Nash, Executive Director CTIS, CTP
260-768-4008, 574-344-0943
Director@lagrangecountycvb.org
VisitShipshewana.org
Meet your local step-on guide after breakfast at your hotel.
Country Roads Off the Beaten Path Backroads Guided Tour is a memorable journey into the heart of Amish Country. Meet business owners in their cottage shops as they demonstrate their artisan goods. Craft your own souvenir to take home. Your guide will share insights along the way. Choose from a variety of fun farm experiences, including Carolyn’s Jams and Jellies, an Amish Toy Maker, an Authentic Amish Harness Maker, Ben’s Pretzels demo & tasting, Menno-Hof Amish Mennonite Interpretive Center, an Amish School, a
Workshop for special needs Amish Adults or Dutch Country Market
Take a hay-wagon ride with your local expert guide into the pasture to hand feed the great American Bison as you learn the intricacies of raising, feeding and managing this wild animal. Lunch is an old-fashioned chuck-wagon barbecue at Cook’s Bison Ranch featuring bison and pulled pork, plus all the fixings, including dessert and beverages. Enjoy some of the best Amish/Mennonite cooking with outstanding entertainment, plus shop for locally crafted furniture and more at downtown Shipshewana’s Blue Gate Restaurant, which features three retail stores, restaurant, bakery, and theater. Tonight, sit in the 1,200-seat Blue Gate Restaurant and enjoy buffet or family-style dining.
Enjoy shopping and a unique experience as you hunt for “Fleas” on The Flea Bag
Scavenger Trail at the Shipshewana Flea Market , the largest flea market in the Midwest. Experience the Flea Bag Trail with a handy map. Shop, people watch and scout for pictures of “The Fleas” in specified locations. Tour Dutch Creek Animal Farm on a guided horse-drawn wagon ride and feed the animals. See where cows, llamas, monkeys, camels, deer, ostriches, kangaroos and porcupine make their home on this alternative farm.
Take part in a once-in-a-lifetime event as you experience a traditional Amish Wedding Feast in the charming setting of “The Carriage House.”
