Knightridge Space Observatory Bloomington
Source: cindy47452 / Flickr
Built between 1936 and 1937, the Knightridge Space Observatory was a simple, two-story telescope dome with two rooms, one on each floor, with the upper room created to hold a four-ton telescope that looked out of a retractable window.
The exteriors of the Observatory were made of solid brick while the interiors, including the dome, were crafted out of wood.
A stand-out feature, the dome was fitted with rollers and was placed on a track so it could be moved for best viewing angles.
Eventually, urbanization led to its downfall and led to its subsequent desertion.
Though none of the original instruments can be found within the observatory and most of the structure is dilapidated, the Knightridge Space Observatory ruins are a great exploration site.
More About Fun Things To Do Around Nwi All Year Long
There is so much to do in Northwest Indiana! Some activities are seasonal and others are available year-round. Please check back to see new events added throughout the year!YEAR-ROUND
Event Details
Date: This event also occurs on 12/20/2021, 12/27/2021, 01/03/2022, 01/10/2022 and 50 more dates.
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March 6 -Royal Princess BallMay 1 -Mother/Son Fun BowlMay 21 -Spring Fling Craft FairMay 21 -Family Bike RideMay 21 -Garage Sale in the ParkClick HERE for our Facebook Page 865-2505
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March 6 -Royal Princess BallMay 1 -Mother/Son Fun BowlMay 21 -Spring Fling Craft FairMay 21 -Family Bike RideMay 21 -Garage Sale in the ParkClick HERE for our Facebook Page 865-2505
Brown County State Park
Aeypix / Shutterstock
Indiana is one of the most beautiful states in the US, and when youre among the oaks and pines of Brown County State Park, youll understand why.
Forests cover most of the landscape, so there are lots of trees and shrubs.
Theyre particularly stunning when the leaves change in the autumn.
If youre visiting at other times of the year, you might enjoy the sight of snow-covered hills or jaggedly icy streams with crisp, cold water.
Popular activities at the park include hiking, biking, fishing, camping and horseback riding.
If youre on foot, you can meander along the trails or climb the lookout towers for amazing aerial views of the woods.
If you prefer other methods of transport, you can hop on a bike, board or boat and explore the wilderness at your leisure.
A visit to Brown County State Park is one of the best things to do in Indiana.
Whether youre an artist, photographer, birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys long walks through nature, youll love the fresh air of this scenic destination.
Address: 1801 Indiana 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448, United States
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Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Andrea Coimbra / Shutterstock
Long before the Tiger King became a rite of passage for binge watchers, the Exotic Feline Rescue Center was taking in lions, leopards, pumas, bobcats and other non-domestic felines that needed a place to live after being abused or abandoned.
It isnt a zoo.
There are a limited number of animals to see, and tours take place on gravel roads that lead to natural, leafy habitats under the sun.
You should be prepared to sweat!
If youre okay with a rough-around-the-edges destination, however, you wont find a more authentic wildlife sanctuary in Indiana.
The staff are all volunteers who care deeply for animals, and they work hard every day to care for their charges in addition to promoting awareness and conservation efforts about big cats in general.
Plan a visit to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center if you love animals but want your money to go towards good, grassroots causes rather than commercial zoos.
Address: 2221 E Ashboro Rd, Center Point, IN 47840, United States
Market Street Catacombs Indianapolis
Source: EtanSivad / Flickr
One of the only few tunnels that still exist in the United States America, Market Street Catacombs is one of those hidden attractions in Indiana that lays in plain sight.
If you are a resident or have visited the city, you may have crossed, visited, or ate at one of the many restaurants in the famous City Market in Indianapolis, but, what you may not know is that just beneath your feet is a long stretch of interconnected passageways that were created about a century ago to transport and store meat products and other produce that required a cooler atmosphere to stay fresh.
At the time, the catacombs served as refrigeration for the whole market since there were no freezers or cold storages.
However, in the present day, the tunnels remain concealed and almost forgotten.
Book a tour or buy a ticket to visit the Market Street Catacombs autumn and Halloween are perfect.
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Lincoln Flats Valparaiso Indiana
Lincoln Flats brings innovative cuisine top-notch spirits, beers, and wines and excellent service to the community of Valparaiso, all offered within a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The locally owned and operated restaurant invites everyone in town to eat, drink, and gather. Lincoln Flats is known throughout the area for offering excellent quality food with a nice presentation and plenty of flavor. The restaurant is open for dinner starting at 4:00pm and for lunch and dinner on Saturdays starting around noon. Since Lincoln Flats is a bit on the small side, its recommended to make a reservation.
1 Napoleon St, Valparaiso, IN 46383, Phone: 219-510-5046
“Best Things to Do in Valparaiso, Indiana for Locals & Tourists – Restaurants, Hotels” Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach
Adult Only Things To Do In Northwest Indiana
Spending the day with the kids is over. They are fast asleep in bed. Now, its time for adult fun. So lets find some decidedly non family friendly things to do in Northwest Indiana! The casinos are one-of-a-kind adult entertainment and open 24/7. Their restaurants have great food as well. Once in awhile, you may even leave with a cash windfall! For more ideas, check out this list of fun things to do in NWI just for adults.
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Great Things To See And Do In Northwest Indiana This Holiday Season
People looking to get into the holiday spirit will find no shortage of holiday cheer in northwest Indiana.
There are plenty of opportunities to feel that Yuletide excitement this season, from classic musicals like White Christmas to whimsical activities like a mashed potato eating contest.
Anyone looking to check items off their holiday bucket list should start at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, said Erika Dahl, director of communications with the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.
The Indiana Welcome Center hosts A Christmas Story Comes Home through Dec. 31. Part of the celebration is an exhibit featuring six animatronic displays depicting scenes from the movie A Christmas Story.
Along with that, there are many activities and events to celebrate the season and the classic movie like A Major Event, Mommys Little Piggy mashed potato eating contest and Oh Fuuudge! Relay Race. There will also be photos with Santa and a showing of the movie. Kids can even slide down the iconic red slide, like the one seen in the movie.
Our exhibit has become such a tradition, she said. The holiday market has been a big success over the years. Kids can enjoy an event during the day called A Major Event. Were excited to offer all our popular events again this year as well as our free exhibit.
New Harmony Labyrinth New Harmony
Source: paparutzi / Flickr
Originally crafted in the early 19th century by an ultra-religious German Society known as the Rappites, the New Harmony Labyrinth was a center of meditation and reflection.
Perceived by the community as an attempt to overcome the issues of life and a challenge in doing so, the Rappites hope for survival came to an end because of their celibacy vow.
Until the mid 20th century, the labyrinth remained as ruins, but, renovation of the structure in 2008 based on the original blueprint restored the original labyrinth in its original fundamental form.
Standing proudly on the main street, the New Harmony Labyrinth allows free entry to its visitors throughout the year.
You could take the actual challenge and find your way to the Rappite Temple via a channel of mazes, or, you could take a shortcut and reach the center of the temple directly.
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Chicago Street Theatre Valparaiso Indiana
The Chicago Street Theatre has celebrated more than sixty seasons of live theatre productions for the Valparaiso community and the surrounding northwest Indiana region. Originally performing at the Memorial Opera House, the award-winning theater company started its new chapter when they bought the Chicago Street Theatre in 1997, named for the street on which it is located. The theater bathrooms, auditorium, and lobby all underwent extensive renovations that were finished in 2008. Today, the theatre company puts on a variety of different shows every season, such as classics, new works, comedies, musicals, dramas, and family-oriented productions.
154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso, IN 46383, Phone: 219-464-1636
You are reading “Fun Things to Do in Valparaiso, Indiana this Weekend with Friends” Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips
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Hall Of Heroes Superhero Museum
Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum
Located in the small town of Elkhart, Indiana, the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum offers a big experience in a little package.
For starters, it was the first superhero museum ever created.
Before the days of Marvel movies shattering box office records, it was the only one.
Visitors from all around the world came to get their geek on in a fun, vibrant place filled with comic books, art prints, posters, props, toys and memorabilia.
It also has a number of cool and interesting attractions.
For example, theres a replica Batcave, and theres an old-school arcade with video games like Segas Spider-Man and Konamis X-Men.
The exterior wall has even been designed as a copycat of the Hall of Justice from the 1970s Superfriends cartoon!
The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Indiana.
Whether youre a lifelong comics enthusiast or just a fan of certain movie characters, youre sure to have a blast in a place thats completely dedicated to them.
Address: 1915 Cassopolis St, Elkhart, IN 46514, United States
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Kinsey Institute Gallery Bloomington
Source: McAnt / Wikimedia
Founded by and named after Alfred Kinsey, the legendary Kinsey Institute was established in 1947. Tucked away secretively within the premises of Indiana University, the Gallery has been known for its impressive exhibition of artwork representing human sexuality.
With a collection that goes back to 2,000 years in time and comprises creative treasures from all over the world, Kinsey Institute Gallery is celebrated for its groundbreaking research on human sexual behavior.
Significant works include that of artists like Marc Chagall and Picasso and an interesting collection of small pornographic comic books from the 1930s and 40s that came to be known as Tijuana Bibles. The items have been skilfully displayed on a rotating podium.
Open regularly from Wednesday to Sunday, some of the artworks stored at the Museum can be viewed in digital form on their website.
No Other Vehicle Captures The Essence Of Northwest Indiana Better Than This $67000 Ram Truck
No other vehicle seems to capture the essence of Northwest Indiana better then the Ram. Tough, tenacious, and plenty of cool! But we wanted something that was also luxurious and sophisticated. Brad Hallal from Griegers had the perfect solution, a $67,000 Ram 1500 Limited. Yes, you heard righta $67,000 truck!
Okenough talk. Its time to bring it all together. We have the Northwest Indianas top expert driving around in a $67,000 Ram Truck, sharing his top tips for things to do in 2019. What festivals and events will make Speros top destinations for 2019? Speros currently drives a loaded Cadillac. How will a Ram Truck stack up? Will Speros give the truck a good review? Will I have a job writing blogs for Griegers after his review? Your about to find out..
The 2019 Ram did more than impress Spero, it was named Motor Trends 2019 of the Year. Here is what Motor Trends editors had to say,
The fifth-generation Ram 1500 is the latest in a long line of evolutionary leaps for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles bread-and-butter truck. The newest version, more than any other, seems poised to meet the needs of the 21st century truck buyer, with more variety, capability, comfort, convenience, and value than ever before.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but theres no arguing that Ram retains its reputation for stylish functionality. Best-in-class: sophisticated without going over the top, editor-in-chief Ed Loh said.
keep reading!
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Childrens Museum Of Indianapolis
James Kirkikis / Shutterstock
Its impossible to miss the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis.
There are life-sized dinosaurs sniffing at the outside of its five-story, glass-covered building!
The inside is just as wondrous as the outside.
Unlike stiff, stuffy museums, the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis encourages curiosity and discovery, and many of its exhibits are interactive in some way.
Children are actively encouraged to touch the mastodon skulls and run through the rain gardens.
They can also build circuits, clamber on rock walls, play with putty, ride a carousel and climb abroad a steam locomotive.
Are you an adult traveling with kids?
Dont worry the museum has fun activities for you as well.
You can read books, watch movies, admire sculptures and fiddle with hands-on artifacts just like the little ones.
The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis offers almost 500,000 square feet of entertainment.
The fact that its educational is just icing on the cake.
If youre wondering what to do during a trip to Indiana, just follow the dinosaurs!
Address: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, United States
John Dillingers Grave Indianapolis
Source: C. Bedford Crenshaw, aka Bedford at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia
John Dillinger a name in the history of America which could only be associated with theft, robbery, murder, and all things anti-social.
Why should then he rest so securely under layers and layers of iron and concrete?
Dillinger was perhaps one of the most infamous outlaws in the world but when he passed away, his funeral service was attended by over 5,000 people.
Admirers? Maybe not.
But, whoever they were, they definitely wanted to steal something off of it.
Some even managed to shamelessly snatch flowers and dirt from the fresh grave.
Fearing that the remains of Dillingers body were in danger of being stolen, his brother and father decided to exhume the body and rebury it under layers of impenetrable iron and concrete.
Despite the strenuous effort, the headstone has reportedly been replaced at least four times while chunks and corners of the low block, unpretentious structure continue to be chipped off.
Stealing from the grave of a notorious theft seems appropriate or almost a tribute of some sort, doesnt it?
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Things To Do In Northwest Indiana
Things to Do in Northwest Indiana
Parks
There are 19 public parks in Crown Point and 15 in Merrillville that are great sources of outdoor family fun. Parks include a municipal pool, skate park, and ice rink. One of the largest area parks is Hidden Lake Park. The park is open 365 days a year and provides playgrounds, paddleboats, sledding, shelters, softball fields and open, natural areas.
Lake County Fair
For more than 150 years, the Lake County Agricultural Society, Inc. has presented the Lake County Fair as a source of great family fun, entertainment and agricultural awareness. The fair takes place each summer and hosts horse shows, coloring contests, carnival rides, fireworks, demolition derbies and much more. For more information, visit www.lake-county-fair.com.
South Shore of Lake Michigan
The South Shore of Lake Michigan is beautiful and provides countless activities including trails, the South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail, casino boats with hotels, golf, shows, beaches, shopping and restaurants. The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority provides comprehensive information of all there is to see and do along the South Shore and in surrounding Indiana communities. Visit www.southshorecva.com for more information.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and State Park
The Indiana Dunes span 25 miles from Gary east along the shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore sand dunes, wetlands, ponds, prairies and trails.
Deep River Water Park
Taltree Arboretum & Gardens
East Race Waterway South Bend
Source: southbendtribune
First established in the 1840s, the East Race Waterway was originally meant to generate power for a sawmill for the city.
However, after years of desolation, the water channel was filled in and left to be forgotten among the downtrodden surroundings.
In 1984, the local mayor along with the community members put forward a plan to resurrect the water channel and modify it into a waterway where prospective kayakers could train to participate in the Olympics.
The only man-made white-water training program in America at the time, it now retains its title as the first of its kind.
Now, the East Race Waterway welcomes rafters and kayakers from all around the world to navigate the 2,000 feet long channel, irrespective of their level of expertise.
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