Welcome to South County
Get beyond the beach and discover quiet living near the edge of the Indiana Dunes area.
Hebron
It may be small in size, but it’s big in pioneering spirit. Once an open prairie set along the beautiful Kankakee River, Hebron is now a town that celebrates its pioneering history with each charmingly preserved downtown building and museum.
It’s a piece of small-town America that you don’t often see anymore, one which draws in locals, visitors, and Hebron-lovers each fall and winter to celebrate the Hebron Block Party and Hebron Winterfest.

Dine
Get a taste of local life. Dive into a piece of old-fashioned pie at The Country Kitchen, a “Land and Sea” dinner at Tres Amigos Mexican, or find a place to picnic along the river.
Do
Railroads and stagecoaches have played a major role in Hebron’s development, a history which visitors can see honored at the Stagecoach Inn and Panhandle Depot museum. View community artifacts, railroad memorabilia, and an exhibit dedicated to military service. Afterward, make a stop at Goodbyes Second Hand Shop, an antique and secondhand shop that ensures a unique vintage find.

Kouts
Close your eyes, and imagine the quintessential Midwestern farming town. Now you’ve got a pretty good idea of Kouts. Driving in, you’ll pass vast green and yellow fields dotted with barns and silos before making your way to Main Street, where local restaurants serve up everything from hearty breakfasts to great pizzas. You’ll quickly notice that everyone knows everyone here—and visitors don’t remain strangers for long.

Dine
Head to downtown Kouts, and grab a bite at one of the great restaurants and pizza parlors along Main Street. If you’re lucky enough to visit during August, be sure to celebrate everything pig-related at the Kouts Pork Fest.
Do
Launch your boat and kayak, or cast a line into the Kankakee River from Dunn’s Bridge County Park. This is a spot that holds a sacred place in the area’s history, which guests and locals celebrate during the Aukiki River Festival that takes place each August.

Tales from the Dunes
Indiana Dunes Blog
Indiana Dunes National Park is 5th in the nation for biodiversity. That’s more than Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Everglades. Read more about monarchs and other diverse flora and fauna.
How to Go Birding in the Indiana Dunes
- 3 minute read
If you're new to birding, there's no better place to start than the Indiana Dunes. With over 370 species…
Getting Warmed Up with the Rough-legged Hawk
- 6 minute read
My ninety-year-old neighbor used to tell me that he was going out fishing… not catching, but fishing…
A Visit from a Good Luck Sparrow
- 5 minute read
December and January are ‘a visiting time’ – a time to escape the chill of winter and explore…
Discovering Trails 2 and 10 at Indiana Dunes State Park
- 3 minute read
One of the things my family loves most about the Indiana Dunes State Park is, of course, Lake Michigan. Many of our…
Discover Trail 7 at Indiana Dunes State Park: A Scenic Hike Through Fall Foliage and Stunning Views
- 3 minute read
Autumn is one of my favorite times to visit the Indiana Dunes. The summer crowds are thinning, local schools are…
More Things to See & Do
Outdoor Adventures
Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from…
Dunes Deals
Shake off the sand south of the Indiana Dunes! Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of…
Indiana Dunes Shop
Don’t just experience the Indiana Dunes; take it home with you. Find your new favorite T-shirt, hoodie, or…
Pet Friendly
There’s a reason Indiana Dunes National Park was named the #1 pet-friendly attraction in the state of Indiana…
Arts & Entertainment
It’s not all sand-fringed lakes and epic sunsets. Here, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene stoked by a…
Volunteer
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!
Book a Place to Stay
Bed & Breakfasts
Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods…
Hotels & Inns
A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or…