Many points of interest in Northern Indiana are near the lake, but there are also numerous attractions further east in South Bend.

Indiana Dunes National Park was originally designated a national lakeshore, but its status was upgraded. The obvious main attraction is the dunes, but it is also an important migratory stop for birds. Birders also migrate here in the spring and fall to take advantage of this important stopping point south of the lakes.

South Bend is home to the University of Notre Dame, but it also hosts numerous museums. As the former headquarters for the now shuttered Studebaker Corporation, its collection of classic high-end Studebakers was gifted to the city and an impressive museum was created to house them.

These are two options in the north, but the coast and South Bend are must-visit stops.