The county seat of La Porte County, the City of La Porte is a hub of activity that is constantly growing, developing, and improving. From top-tier dining to world-class entertainment, La Porte has earned its motto of “Live and Love” with friendly smiles and attractive amenities that bring people from across the state for a day, a weekend, and even a lifetime of fun.
Whether you’re looking to discover new joys, relive old favorites, or just live the lake life, La Porte could have exactly what you need. Check out our list of some must-see stops as you plan your next trip to The Maple City.
Restaurants
Drift on Pine
While it isn’t hard to find lake-view dining in the Region, it’s hard to beat La Porte’s Drift on Pine in terms of atmosphere and quality. Inspired by a desire to create a space unique to La Porte, Drift on Pine is the perfect stop for a casual dinner date or lunch after a morning spent on the lake. Elevate your dining experience by dropping in at 1251 Pine Lake Ave!
The Boardwalk Beach Bar and Grill
When summer sun shines in La Porte, the Boardwalk Beach Bar and Grill becomes the place to grab a casual bite while enjoying the beach of Pine Lake. A rotating drink menu, a selection of tasty appetizers, and plenty of live entertainment gives guests plenty of chances to have some fun in the sun. Keep an eye on the cantina’s Facebook page for 2025’s opening day!
Portofino Grill
Portofino Grill has been a dining mainstay of La Porte since its opening in 1998 and is the peak of golf course dining. Even those who aren’t fans of golf can’t ignore the luxurious scenery or mouthwatering meals – including prime rib, seafood, and pastas amongst other delicious dishes. Stop by 3233 N. State Rd. 39 on your next date night for an unforgettable experience.
Sights
The Lakes of La Porte
The Lakes of La Porte are natural amenities drawing attention to the city with their beauty! Pine Lake, Stone Lake, and Clear Lake present a wealth of outdoor opportunities for the eager explorer. During the summer, hike along the lakefront or take the boat out for a spin. You could also wait for winter and enjoy treks through the snow or the annual ice fishing derby!
Joyful Noise Outdoor Instruments
Part of what makes La Porte so unique is the city’s emphasis on the arts. From the annual Arts in the Park program to the Parks and Recreation Department’s pottery, knitting, or dance classes, the city wants its residents and visitors to feel comfortable expressing themselves, and the Joyful Noise Outdoor Instruments are an extension of that desire. These large, publicly accessible instruments are spread throughout the city and offer aspiring musicians a chance to bang out tunes on everything from contrabass chimes to the melodic yantzee. Search for them all on your next visit!
La Porte County Historical Society Museum
The La Porte County Historical Society Museum in La Porte is the culmination of over 150 years of effort by local historians to preserve the rich story of La Porte County. With plenty of exhibits, events, and a friendly group of avid history enthusiasts ready to answer any questions, the Historical Society Museum will help guests travel back in time to learn about the foundations of what would become the City of La Porte.
Event Spaces
Civic Auditorium
The La Porte Civic Auditorium is the city’s premier event venue. It can play host to everything from the annual La Porte Invitational to community events like the Good Life Awards to all of the world-class entertainment that attracts people from across the Region. Whether you’re looking for something to do or a place to do something, the Civic Auditorium is the first place you should be looking.
Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater
When the sun is high in the sky and the heat is driving you to the lake, the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park becomes the concert venue of the summer! From the Arts in the Park concert series to the weekend festivals like LakeFest, you’ll find plenty of excuses to put down your lawn chair, relax, and enjoy some live entertainment.
La Porte County Fairgrounds
While best known for the long-running La Porte County Fair, the La Porte County Fairgrounds are a versatile event space perfect for any gathering. With over a dozen separate spaces available to rent – including the grandstand and motor arena – there’s space for anything you need to make your event a success!
Events
LakeFest
Every year, the City of La Porte’s LakeFest brings three days of music, food, and fun to Pine, Stone, and Clear Lake for a weekend extravaganza! Venetian boat parades, AquaX racing, fireworks – each day of LakeFest brings a new, exciting experience for anyone who attends. The countdown to LakeFest has already begun, so start planning your trip for the end of July!
Fourth of July
Since WWII, the City of La Porte has been named Indiana’s Capital for a Day on the Fourth of July for a reason! The city goes all out in its patriotic celebrations, with parades, fireworks, flyovers, and more. When it comes to Independence Day, La Porte turns as red, white, and blue as anywhere can.
WinterFest
With all its beautiful lakes and outdoor activities, it’s easy to imagine fun in the summer sun, but it doesn’t stop once winter covers the city in snow. The annual WinterFest in La Porte brings three days of cold-weather activities for the whole family! Sleigh rides through the snow, ice fishing, movies, concerts, ice skating – if you can imagine doing it in the snow, you can do it at WinterFest!
La Porte County Fair
The oldest county fair in the state, the La Porte County Fair has had 178 years and counting to refine its experience to perfection! From July 5 to 12, enjoy fair rides, demolition derbies, live concerts, dozens of food vendors, and a chance to connect with your community. The 2025 fair is already being planned, so put your PTO requests in now to make sure you can get to the fair!
Ready to hop in your car and head to the city? Head to the City of La Porte’s website for more information on all of the incredible things happening!