Enjoy the Lake Life & more in La Porte

story by CARRIE STEINWEG

When it comes to bodies of water in Northwest Indiana, much of the attention goes to Lake Michigan.

But not far from its shores is the City of La Porte, which has several beautiful lakes of its own that offer a different kind of vibe – one that is easily accessible, surrounded by natural beauty and a treasure for both locals and visitors.

Add in the charm of a downtown county seat with unique boutiques, trendy eateries, casual coffee shops, quaint cafes, festivals and more – and you’ve got all the ingredients you need for a perfect getaway.

Three main lakes offer a number of recreational opportunities, with several smaller scenic bodies of water throughout the city. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into water sports, want to relax on a blanket in the sand, love the tranquility of biking or walking near water or just want to sit back and sip a cocktail while you watch the sky darken and the sun sink into the water.

Stone Lake offers a serene atmosphere and is perfect for a laid back day of kayaking or lounging on the beach of this no-wake lake. It’s connected to Pine Lake, the largest of La Porte’s lakes, which is where you can spend an action-packed day on the water or enjoy watching the action from a park, walking path or patio bar. Speedboating, jet skiing and water skiing make this lake the place to be to soak in some rays and feel a boost of adrenaline. Clear Lake is a little quieter – a place to reflect with catch and release fishing, hiking or exploring the surrounding green space. There’s plenty of paved trail along the water, making it a tranquil place to get your steps in or pedal some miles.

Water-Sports-at-LakeFest-La-Porte — Water Sports at LakeFest

The Civic Auditorium is a historical gem that has been very well maintained and continues to be utilized by the community for everything from weddings to sporting events to indoor walking to fundraisers. Built in 1929, it was gifted to the city in 1930 to enrich lives through arts, culture, recreation and fellowship. Over the years it has headlined such names as Bob Hope, Kenny Rogers and Stevie Ray Vaughan and hosted circuses, military bands, theatrical productions and political rallies. Today you can see spot-on tribute bands and big name country entertainers, play some rounds of pickleball, shop at a market, hear a symphony concert or take in some exciting local basketball competitions among its activities within its nostalgic walls.

Visit laportecivicauditorium.com for a full calendar of events.

Beyond the lakes and entertainment, La Porte boasts a beautiful 18-hole championship municipal golf course among its vast parks system. Beechwood Golf Course was designed by William Diddle in the early 1930s with a masterful design that allows you to use every club in your bag.

History buffs won’t want to miss the La Porte County Historical Society Museum with three levels of exhibits, including the W. A Jones Collection of Ancient Weapons and more than 30 vintage vehicles that are part of the Kesling Automobile Collection.

La Porte also has some exquisite 19th-century architecture to be explored thanks to ongoing interest in saving such treasures for future generations by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.

Fishing-at-Pine-Lake — Fishing at Pine Lake

The Downtown La Porte Historic District is a National Historic District that encompasses 70 buildings designed between 1860 and 1930 with stunning examples of Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival and Neoclassical architecture, including the La Porte County Courthouse, a red sandstone structure adorned by gargoyles and stained glass, dating back to 1892.

In the blocks surrounding the court- house are quaint boutiques, antique shops and specialty stores. See works from international artists at Thaddeus C. Gallery, where custom framing is also done. Pink Sheep Bahhhtique carries adorable children’s clothing and accessories and includes a hands-on play space with a pint-sized version of downtown complete with replicas of storefronts. Peruse all things vintage at Freckle Farm Primitives and Antiques. Find your next favorite novel at the independent bookstore, Books & Whimsy. Select some fun fashions and accessories at Sweet Ps, artisan made soaps, crafts and more at Happy Frog and missionary merch for a good cause at A Whole World of Good.

laporte-indiana-downtown-courthouse — Downtown La Porte Indiana

The food scene is varied and encompasses casual to fine dining at places like the Red Door, Evvy’s Coffeehouse & Cafe, Bon Viet, Royale with Cheese and Trattoria Enzo. Drift on Pine overlooks Pine Lake and is the only eatery in the city with rooftop dining. The Boardwalk Beach Bar & Grill has outdoor dining on the water on Pine Lake attached to the Blue Heron Inn, a nice lodging option where you’ll wake up to stunning views and also have a top-notch steakhouse just steps away.

Fun festivals take place throughout the year, including Winterfest in January, La Porte County Fair (the state’s oldest) and LakeFest in July and Sunflower Fair in September.

La-Porte’s-basketball-invitational — La Porte’s basketball invitational at the historic Civic Auditorium.

La Porte, which is French for “the door,” provides a portal into a place where you can escape to enjoy life’s true pleasures and where you’ll want to return again and again. For more information, visit livingthelakelife.org.