History: Visit areas where Native Americans lived and where pioneers settled; learn about the area's role in the birth of aviation and what may have happened to the world's first Ferris wheel; see communities created by the oil and steel industries; and meet characters like writer Jean Shepard, "crazy man" Octave Chanute, the mysterious Diana of the Dunes, and newsboy Billy Rugh...

Nature: Take in the massive, awesome dunes and distinctive prairies; marshes and bogs; rookeries and wildlife refuges...

Wining & Dining: Relish culinary pleasures in historic buildings and lakeside roadhouses; feast on local seafood and ethnic specialties; visit wineries, breweries, soda fountains, and drive-ins...

Outdoor Fun: Spend a day hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, skiing, sledding, or golfing...

Spectating Fun: Come for everything from summertime concerts on the lake to major acts at giant venues; for antiquing, stock car racing, and minor league baseball and basketball...

Special Events: Join in small town festivals devoted to corn roasting, ice carving, kite flying, and the pierogi; and large-scale events like the Gary Air Show and the Wizard of Oz Fest...

Architecture & Sights: Tour an old lighthouse, Carnegie libraries, and a company town; museums devoted to rare autos, steam power, and John Dillinger; homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Thomas Edison...

Plan a family outing to Valparaiso to take in the Hoosier Bat Company, Valpo Velvet ice cream, and the Popcorn Fest. How about a day of canoeing or outlet store shopping in Hobart, topped off by watching the Deep River Grinders play 19th-century-style baseball? Full of places, stories, and facts that sometimes even locals don't know about. Skertic's guide will help you create your own memorable excursions into Northwest Indiana.