Things to See & Do
Located less than one hour from downtown Chicago, 2.5 hours from Indianapolis, just over one hour from the University of Notre Dame, and less than one hour from Amish Country it is one of the finest luxury inns in the Midwest. Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast is located in Valparaiso, Indiana, just minutes from a wealth of major shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Songbird Prairie is one of the finest award-winning romantic inns in the Midwest. Our awards and accolades speak for themselves – and comments from our past guests enjoying romantic weekends away are a testament to the fact that Songbird Prairie truly is one of the best luxury inns in the Midwest...
- Named “One of the 20 Perfect Summer Getaways for 2008” by Travel & Leisure Magazine
- Named “One of the Top 25 ‘Best Undiscovered Incredibly Romantic Inns” by BedAndBreakfast.com
- Recipient of the coveted “2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns’ Award” from American Historic Inns, Inc.
- 2008/2009 winner of "Best in the Midwest" from BedAndBreakfast.com
- Winner of the 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2017, "Hotel of the Year" for the Casual Coast of Indiana” as selected by Indiana Dunes Tourism
- 2010 Midwest Living "Out and About Chicago"
- 2011 Midwest Living "One of Our 30 Favorite B&Bs"
- 2012 Midwest Living Travel "One of Our 25 Favorite B&Bs" May/June
- 2014 Midwest Living Travel "Indiana Dunes Bucket List" May/June
- 2017 R.O.S.E. Awards Songbird Prairie is the "Peoples Choice" Hotel of the Year!
- 2018 "Best in the Midwest" featured in Midwest Travel Magazine
- 2018 "Official Best Of America" named Songbird Prairie "Best Romantic Getaway in Indiana"
- 2019 "Official Best Of America " named Songbird Prairie "Best Romantic Inn and Spa in Indiana"
- Indiana's Best Romantic Inn and Spa for 2020 From "Official Best Of America"
- The Times "Best of the Region" for 2021
- The Times "Best of the Region" for 2022
Experiencing the luxury of Songbird Prairie is just the beginning! From our beautiful grounds – replete with towering oaks, meadows of green grass and serenading songbirds – to our decadent guest suites that include sumptuous linens, in-suite Fireplaces and therapeutic whirlpools, to complete your getaway experience.
Conclude your romantic weekend getaway with a delicious homemade artfully presented hot breakfast enjoyed on our beautiful sun room . Choose from fresh bakery breads and muffins, farm-fresh fruits and hot artfully presented entrees.
And to make your stay at our romantic bed and breakfast even more inviting, our fabulous location brings you close to so much, but retains your solitude with our quiet country location. For unforgettable romantic getaways or a girlfriends’ getaway, choose Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Northwest Indiana. Songbird Prairie offers more than a Valparaiso, IN. hotel.
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Enjoy it all and then retire to your Lake Michigan bed and breakfast at the end of a long day exploring nature.
At the Lakeshore, you'll enjoy:
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national lakeshore features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks and one National Historical Landmark are located within its boundaries.
The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national lakeshore's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.
The wildlife is also diverse. A wide variety of habitats coupled with the moderating effects of Lake Michigan make the region an ideal home for hundreds of animal species. The park is renowned for its bird life; more than 350 species have been observed here.
365 Things to do in Northwest Indiana
Take a walk along the shores of our natural treasure Lake Michigan
Relax with couples massage at Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa
Ice Skate at the William E. Urschel Pavilion.
Valparaiso Farmers Market Tuesdays and Saturdays
Pumpkin Time at Coulter's Farm
Porter County Fair
Westville Pumpkin Festival
Michigan City Old Lighthouse Museum
Indiana Aviation Museum at Porter County Airport
Learn to play golf at Creekside or Forest Park
Brauer Museum of Art at VU
See an IMAX movie in Portage
Paint your own ceramics at Ceramix 101
"Buckley Homestead" in Lowell
Attend an Indiana Ghost Trackers Meeting
Find hidden treasures while geocaching
Attend the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club Hot Air Balloon Fest (2nd weekend in September)
Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast, March 13, 6 am to 1 pm
Kiwanis Veterans Day celebration
Chesterton European Market, every Saturday May through October
Watch sandhill crane migration at Jasper-Pulaski
Task Force Tips fire equipment museum
Northwest Indiana Paddling Association activities
Canoe or kayak on Long Lake, Flint Lake, etc
Valpo YMCA, Portage Township YMCA
Studebaker Mansion restaurant in South Bend
Take classes at VU, Ivy Tech, Purdue NC, Purdue Cal, IUN
Be a mentor through a program such as Nexus (contact first Methodist Church) or Discoveries Unlimited
Old Jail Museum, downtown Valparaiso
Bellaboo's Play & Discovery Center
Joyful Noise at Sunset Hill Farms
Passion Play at Family Christian Center
Walk or bike the Link (pathways around the "island" along Vale Park and up to Rogers Lakewood)
Sunflower Festival at the Art Barn
Three Floyds Brew Pub in Munster
Go Ice Skating, workout or participate in gymnastics for all ages at Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer
Lake-Front Arts Festival, Michigan City
Tri-state Regatta, Michigan City
Samaritan Skedaddle usually in April, Michigan City
2 Big Hearts 5k- Memorial day week-end, Michigan City
Holiday Festival of lights-Washington Park, Michigan City
Heart shaped pizza at Duneland Pizza in Chesterton
Breakfast at Suzie's Cafe, Valparaiso
Chellberg Farm and Bailey Homestead
Nativity's Rummage Sale
Holly Days on the Square, Valparaiso
Twilight Christmas Parade, Chesterton
Fresh produce at Camacho's Tent on Calumet
Attend a church service
Shop at Bass Pro Shop
Eat at Egg on Your Face
Adler Planetarium in Chicago- there's a free day March 23!
Visit Conner Prairie
Get a spray tan at Endless Tan One or Planet Beach
Go to Veteran's Park in Munster- the only Veteran's Park in the country that recognizes all the wars/conflicts we have been involved in
Spend the day at Centennial Park in Munster
Play Golf at Centennial Park's 9 hole challenging course
Attend a play at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster
Attend the Annual Grape Escape wine festival at Centennial Park in Munster
Check out some books, movies or music from the Lake County Public Library
Attend a meeting of a major service organization in the area, Kiwanis, Rotary or Lions club- They are a terrific asset to every community they are in!!
See the fireworks at Thomas Jefferson Middle School on the 4th of July
Attend the Independence Day Parade in Portage
Enjoy some fudge at the Chocolate Cafe
Go for a drive in the country side
Music in the Park at Woodland Park in Portage
See a play at one of the theaters that are part of the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation or audition for a show
Cruise Night in Rensselaer
Taste of Rensselaer
Little Cousin Jasper Festival in Rensselaer
Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana
Enjoy a picnic lunch with the family while watching an Iron Diamonds baseball game! All games are free!
Utilizing the National Lake Shore
Movies in the Park in Downtown Chesterton every Friday
Walk/Hike/Bike/Run at Coffee Creek
Spring Out to Sunset at Sunset Hill Farm County Park
Buy fudge and other good things at the Simply Amazing Market
Get some art supplies at Glenn L Firme & Associates on U.S. 12 and try your hand at art at the dunes
Visit The Artist's Den on Jefferson in Valpo
Learn to knit at Sheep's Clothing in Valpo
Take an art class at the Art Barn, or Chesterton Art Center
Take a cooking class at Regal Rabbit in Chesterton
Midwest Corvette and Chevy Show
Harley Cruise-In Nights at Harley Davidson of Valparaiso
Tri Kappa Taste of Valpo
Perch Fest in Portage
Northwest Indiana Earth Day at Sunset Hill Farm
Michigan City Boat Show
Pumpkin Fest in Crown Point
Come out to Cedar Lake Summerfest for fun for all ages: live entertainment, fireworks, games, rides, food and more!
Get the famous fried perch at Teibel’s restaurant in Schererville.
Experience the Stations of the Cross on a moving and inspirational journey at The Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John.
Catch one of the amazing performances by Indiana Ballet Theatre.
Feel the music at a LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra concert.
Be inspired by visiting the South Shore Arts galleries throughout Northwest Indiana.
Go to a show at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond and stay to try your luck at the tables.
Enjoy a casino that has action, great dining and comfortable hotel accommodations with Majestic Star in Gary.
Celebrate National Park Week and Earth Day with the annual Green Gary event.
See some great local talent in the wide range of performances at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
Retreat, relax and renew at DunesWalk Inn at Furness Mansion in Chesterton.
Rock out to the bands in the Summer Concert Series at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland.
Take in a show at Towle Theater in Hammond.
Head to downtown Crown Point for the weekly Car Cruise.
Bring your family out to “Explore the South Shore” to discover all kinds of family fun there is along the South Shore.
Learn about the encampments of French Voyageurs, Native American and military units at Voyageur Rendezvous at Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park.
Enjoy artisan breads and sweets from the bread booth in downtown Lowell on Wednesdays in the summer.
Celebrate Crown Beer Fest at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point.
Paddle, bike or walk the Little Cal at the Little Cal Fest in May.
Join in on the Cobe Cup Car Cruise as it “re-races” the 1909 Cobe Cup Race from Crown Point to Lowell.
NWI Natural Family Living Expo at the Lake County Fairgrounds Industrial Building
Midwest Zest Fest in Highland
Browse the selection of tunes at Orbit Music in Mishawaka.
Order double crust pizza at Captain's Pizza in Edwardsburg.
Eat at Hilltop Restaurant in Lakeville.
Enjoy a year-round water park at Splash Universe in Shipshewana.
Relieve history at the Niles-Brandywine Civil War Re-enactment that takes place in the spring at Brandywine High School in Niles.
Shop for fresh produce and plants at Shelton's Farm Market in Niles.
View the world's largest collection of Hudson Cars at Hostetler's Hudson Auto Museum in Shipshewana.
Eat a Whoopie Pie at the Baker's Nook in Elkhart.
Show your Notre Dame pride at the Legends of Notre Dame.
Attend the Maple Syrup Festival in Wakarusa.
Watch locally made films at the River Bend Film Festival in South Bend.
See a show at the Morris Civic Auditorium in South Bend.
Walk through the galleries at the South Bend Museum of Art.
Browse Vinyl LP's, used books and movies, and vintage clothing while sipping coffee at Rumor Has It in Niles.
Shop for discounts in your pajamas on the first Saturday of February at the Shipshewana Pajama Sale.
Savor a dessert from Designer Desserts in Valparaiso, IN.
Annual Lake George Duck Race in downtown Hobart.
Mud Volley Ball Tournament held for charity by the Jaycees.
Try the 3 Dunes Challange at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Pinhook Bog at the National Lakeshore.
Fly or watch remote control airplanes in Wheeler.
Take a tour at Fair Oaks Farms.
Attend a concert by the NWI Symphony Orchestra.
Star gaze at the Lowell observatory field or attend a meeting of the Calumet Astronomical Society.
Come hear a concert of Valparaiso's own South Shore Orchestra.
Watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday at midnight at the Art Theater in downtown Hobart.
Dine al fresco at Lucrezia in Chesterton under the tallest Japanese Maple Tree in Porter County.
2015 NWI Comic-Con in Schererville at the Halls of Saint George.
Take the whole family to Family Day at the Douglas Center.
Take the kids to the National Lakeshore Visitor's Center for a Sunday full of fun.
Spend a Saturday enjoying the Indoor Market at Good to Go by Lucrezia.
Enjoy dinner at Jalapenos and then a night of music and dancing at Woodhollow After Dark.
Have a night of laughs at Wisecrackers Comedy Club.
Have a fun day full of waterslides and swimming pools at Seven Peaks Water Park.
Have a picnic, learn to windsurf and have the kids splash around at Wolf Lake Aquatic Center.
Bring the kids for some indoor fun at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center.
Go where the buffalo roam at Broken Wagon Bison.
Go on an outer space adventure at the Challenger Learning Center.
Enjoy a Hoosier wine experience at Carpenter Creek Cellars.
Ditch the boring butter flavor and try something new at Chicagoland Popcorn.
Spend a warm summer camping with friends and family at Caboose Lake Campground.
Learn to sail at the Hammond Marina.
Take a tour at the world famous Hoosier Bat Company (appointment only).
Tour the JT Shrimp Company and see where all that tasty shrimp comes from.
Spend some time bowling at Olympia Lanes.
Learn about the environment of Northwest Indiana at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education.
See where the famous Dr. Scholl started his business at Lake of the Red Cedars Museum.
Take an old fashioned train ride at Griffith Park Train Rides.
Learn about all those who have served our country at The Community Veterans Memorial.
Enjoy some authentic Dutch cooking at the Touch of Dutch Fest.
Go bird watching at one of many locations throughout Northwest Indiana.
Take a walk along the Rotblatt-Amrany Trail.
Play your favorite sport, no matter what the weather is at The Courts of Northwest Indiana.
Have a Mardi gras party for the whole family at the Crown Point Family Fun Center.
Engage in some paint based combat at Blast Camp Paintball.
Take a look at some amazing modern art at Blink Contemporary Gallery.
Buy furniture, vinyl or even candy at Captain Ed's Furniture Showroom.
Visit the genealogy department of the Valparaiso Public Library.
Take the kids to open gym at Horizon Gymnastic and Cheer Academy (HGCA) Valparaiso.
Roller Skating at Ben Franklin Middle School (courtesy of the Valparaiso YMCA).
Frozen Yogurt at YoAmazing Frozen Yogurt Shoppe.
Take a cake decorating class or painting class at Michael's in Valparaiso.
Enjoy some delicious, homemade food at Fiddlehead Restaurant.
Go ice skating in the winter at Valpo's William E. Urschel Pavilion.
Go apple picking at Garwood Orchard.
Take a brew tour with the South Shore Brewery App.
Hike the Calumet Dunes Trail.
Hike Cowles Bog Trail.
Get something sweet to eat at Butterfingers in Highland.
There's fun for all ages at JAK's Warehouse in Schererville.