Lakeville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lakeville, Indiana.
1. Potato Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Potato Creek State Park offers visitors a diverse outdoor experience with hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping facilities. The park features beautiful Worster Lake, which is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming during summer months. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and well-maintained picnic areas throughout the expansive grounds.
2. Thistleberry Farm
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE
Thistleberry Farm provides a delightful agricultural experience with seasonal activities including pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and hayrides. Visitors can enjoy farm animals, play areas, and fresh produce during the harvest season. The farm hosts special events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for families seeking authentic farm experiences near Lakeville.
3. Art-tiques on the Creek
UNIQUE ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
Art-tiques on the Creek showcases a curated collection of local artisan works, antiques, and handcrafted items in a charming setting. Visitors can browse through unique gifts, home décor, and vintage treasures while enjoying the rustic atmosphere. The shop frequently rotates its inventory, ensuring that each visit offers new discoveries for art and antique enthusiasts.
4. Riddles Lake
TRANQUIL NATURAL RETREAT
Riddles Lake provides a peaceful escape for nature lovers with its serene waters and surrounding natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, and wildlife observation in this unspoiled setting. The lake's shoreline offers perfect spots for picnicking and quiet contemplation away from the bustle of everyday life.
5. Warren Dunes State Park
MAJESTIC LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE
Warren Dunes State Park features towering sand dunes and three miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan just a short drive from Lakeville. Visitors can climb dunes reaching nearly 240 feet high for spectacular views or enjoy swimming and beachcombing along the sandy shore. The park offers well-maintained hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, making it perfect for nature exploration year-round.
6. Indiana Dunes National Park
NATURAL COASTAL WONDER
Indiana Dunes National Park protects 15,000 acres of diverse landscapes including beaches, dunes, wetlands, and forests along Lake Michigan's southern shore. Visitors can experience over 50 miles of hiking trails through rare habitats supporting extraordinary biodiversity not found elsewhere in the Midwest. The park offers year-round recreational activities including swimming, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and educational programs at the visitor center.
7. Grand Mere State Park
HIDDEN LAKESIDE GEM
Grand Mere State Park encompasses pristine sand dunes, inland lakes, and diverse forest habitats just across the Michigan border from Lakeville. Visitors can traverse the challenging dune trails for rewarding views of Lake Michigan's coastline and unique dune ecology. The park's secluded beaches offer a quieter alternative to more popular shorelines in the region.
8. Studebaker National Museum
AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Studebaker National Museum houses an impressive collection of vehicles, artifacts, and memorabilia chronicling the legacy of the iconic Studebaker Corporation. Visitors can explore three floors of exhibits featuring over 120 years of automotive history, including presidential carriages and classic cars. The museum's interactive displays and rotating special exhibitions provide an engaging experience for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
9. Notre Dame Stadium
LEGENDARY COLLEGE FOOTBALL VENUE
Notre Dame Stadium stands as an iconic symbol of college football tradition on the University of Notre Dame campus near Lakeville. Visitors can tour this historic 80,000-seat venue, which has hosted memorable gridiron battles since its opening in 1930. The stadium's exhibits highlight legendary coaches, players, and moments that have defined Fighting Irish football history.
10. Bendix Woods County Park
HISTORIC WOODLAND RETREAT
Bendix Woods County Park offers 195 acres of natural exploration, including the famous Studebaker tree sign planted in 1938 that spells 'STUDEBAKER' when viewed from above. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and seasonal activities like maple syrup production and cross-country skiing. The park's nature center provides educational programs about local ecology and the area's automotive history.
11. Rum Village Park
URBAN FOREST ADVENTURE
Rum Village Park encompasses 160 acres of mature forest with extensive hiking and mountain biking trails just a short drive from Lakeville. Visitors can explore the aerial adventure course with ziplines or enjoy the disc golf course winding through the woodlands. The park's nature center offers educational exhibits and programs about local wildlife and environmental conservation.
12. The History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The History Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the St. Joseph River Valley region through engaging exhibits and historic properties. Visitors can tour the 38-room Oliver Mansion, explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, and learn about indigenous cultures, industrial development, and community life. The museum's changing exhibitions and educational programs offer new perspectives on regional history with each visit.
13. St. Patrick's County Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATIONAL HAVEN
St. Patrick's County Park stretches along the scenic St. Joseph River, offering year-round outdoor recreation opportunities near Lakeville. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, and sledding hills that accommodate seasonal activities throughout the year. The park's Red Barn event venue and picturesque setting make it a popular location for gatherings, while its nature education programs engage visitors of all ages.
14. Potawatomi Zoo
HISTORIC ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Potawatomi Zoo, Indiana's oldest zoo, houses over 400 animals representing species from around the world in naturalistic habitats. Visitors can encounter big cats, primates, and endangered species while enjoying interactive experiences like the petting zoo and train ride. The zoo's conservation programs and educational presentations highlight wildlife preservation efforts and create memorable experiences for animal lovers of all ages.
15. East Race Waterway
URBAN WHITEWATER ADVENTURE
East Race Waterway offers the excitement of whitewater rafting on North America's first artificial whitewater course in downtown South Bend near Lakeville. Visitors can navigate challenging rapids in rafts or kayaks with options suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The quarter-mile course provides an unexpected urban adventure with the convenience of multiple runs possible in a single afternoon.