The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Albion, Indiana to La Porte, Indiana

Are you planning a road trip from Albion to La Porte, Indiana? If so, you are in for a treat. The journey between these two great cities is filled with picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and unique attractions. From small towns to big cities, this route has it all. In this blog post, we will highlight the top places to see when driving from Albion to La Porte, Indiana.

The Route:

Before we dive into the list of top places to see, let's take a quick look at the route you will be taking. The distance between Albion and La Porte is around 100 miles, and it takes approximately 2 hours to complete the journey. The route mostly consists of driving on US-20 and I-80, but there are plenty of detours and side roads worth exploring. Make sure to use a GPS navigation system to get the most out of your trip.

1. Shipshewana

Our first stop on the list is Shipshewana, a charming little town in Northern Indiana that is known for its Amish community. Here you can explore the rich history and culture of the Amish people, see horse-drawn carriages, and shop for handmade crafts and food. One of the main attractions in Shipshewana is the Flea Market, which is the largest in the Midwest. The market operates from May through September, and it offers everything from antiques to fresh produce.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, you should check out Das Dutchman Essenhaus. This restaurant serves delicious home-style cooking that will make your taste buds sing. The portions are huge, so make sure to come hungry. Another great place to visit in Shipshewana is the Menno-Hof Museum. This museum tells the story of the Anabaptist religion and the struggles and triumphs of the Amish and Mennonite communities.

2. Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in Indiana and is located about halfway between Albion and La Porte. The city has a rich history and is home to many museums and art galleries. One of the must-visit places in Fort Wayne is the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. This zoo is recognized as one of the top 10 best zoos for kids in the country. It features over 1000 animals and 50 different species.

If you're interested in history, you should take a trip to the Historic Old Fort. This fort is a replica of the original built in 1815 and is now a living history museum. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about life in the early 1800s. Another interesting place to visit in Fort Wayne is the Embassy Theatre. This theatre was built in 1928 and is now a National Historic Landmark. It hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year.

3. Indiana Dunes National Park

The Indiana Dunes National Park is a must-see attraction when driving from Albion to La Porte. This park covers over 15,000 acres of land along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park features dunes, beaches, wooded areas, and wetlands. Visitors can hike, swim, fish, camp, and bird watch in the park. The park is also home to the Chellberg Farm, which is a living history museum that tells the story of early farming in the area.

The Indiana Dunes National Park has several trails worth exploring. The Cowles Bog Trail is a beautiful 5-mile trail that offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding wetlands. The West Beach Trail is a shorter 1.5-mile trail that takes visitors through the dunes and over the sandstone cliffs. The park also has several picnic areas and beaches where visitors can relax and enjoy the sunshine.

4. Valparaiso

Valparaiso is a small city located about 10 miles south of Lake Michigan. The city is home to several colleges and universities, which gives it a vibrant and youthful feel. One of the main attractions in Valparaiso is the Taltree Arboretum and Gardens. This arboretum covers over 360 acres and features gardens, woodlands, and wetlands. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a guided tour of the grounds.

If you're hungry, you should stop by Don Quijote Restaurant. This restaurant serves delicious Spanish and Latin American cuisine and has been a local favorite for over 20 years. Another great place to visit in Valparaiso is the Memorial Opera House. This opera house was built-in 1893 and is now a National Historic Landmark. It hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year.

5. La Porte

Our final destination on the list is La Porte, Indiana. This city is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has a rich history. One of the main attractions in La Porte is the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. This museum tells the story of the people and places that shaped La Porte County's history. Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the city's past.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, you should stop by The Roost. This restaurant is located in an old Victorian mansion and serves delicious American cuisine. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. Another great place to visit in La Porte is the Hesston Steam Museum. This museum features several working steam engines and offers steam train and tractor rides during the summer months.

Conclusion

Driving from Albion to La Porte, Indiana is an unforgettable experience that you won't regret. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or culture, this route offers something for everyone. From the charming town of Shipshewana to the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park, this journey has it all. We hope this list of top places to see when driving from Albion to La Porte, Indiana, inspires you to hit the road and start exploring.