Day 1 — Hammond → Valparaiso (≈ 40 miles | ~1 hour)
Start your Indiana leg at the Illinois border in Hammond, where Route 6 enters the state amid the industrial history of the Calumet Region.
Morning — Hammond
- Indiana Welcome & Heritage Stop: Begin at the Indiana Welcome Center, home to exhibits about the “Christmas Story” house and local legends of the steel belt.
- Quick Bite: Try Byway Brewing Company for craft beer and locally sourced brunch options—perfect before hitting the open road.
- Travel Tip: Watch for heavy truck traffic near the interchanges with I-80/94; early starts mean smoother cruising.
Late Morning — Toward Valparaiso
- Enjoy a rolling, tree-lined drive as urban landscape fades into the Indiana Dunes’ outer countryside.
- Optional Detour: Head 10 minutes north to Indiana Dunes National Park if you want to stretch your legs along Lake Michigan’s southern shore before continuing southeast.
Midday — Valparaiso
A thriving university town, Valparaiso balances historic architecture with modern arts and food.
What to Do
- Downtown Valpo: Stroll Lincolnway—boutique shops, street murals, and the Porter County Museum (local history and Route 6 context).
- Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest: 300 acres of trails, native plants, and a restored railway garden.
- Lunch: Stacks Bar & Grill or Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant for a hearty regional meal.
Evening Option
Stay overnight here for easy access to the next day’s destinations. Uptown East Apartments offer traveler-friendly stays near dining and nightlife.
Day 2 — Valparaiso → La Porte → Butler (≈ 100 miles | ~2 ½ hours)
Morning — La Porte (~40 min drive)
Route 6 glides through farmland and lakes toward La Porte, “The Maple City.”
- Pine Lake & Stone Lake Park: Scenic picnic spots and early-morning photo ops.
- La Porte County Historical Society Museum: Classic car collection and regional Route 6 memorabilia.
- Breakfast Stop: Mucho Mas! Grill for Mexican-style breakfast burritos or Twelve Eleven Tavern for comfort fare.
- Local Tip: Look for the historic courthouse downtown—one of Indiana’s most photographed civic buildings.
Afternoon — Across Northeast Indiana
Leaving La Porte, Route 6 cuts through quiet countryside and small towns like Nappanee (Amish craftsmanship) and Kendallville (Mid-America Windmill Museum). These are ideal stops to appreciate the rhythm of rural Indiana.
- Lunch: Main Street Roasters in Nappanee — coffee roasted onsite and fresh sandwiches.
- Photo Stop: Windmills outside Kendallville, a visual callback to Indiana’s agricultural roots.
Evening — Arrival in Butler
End your journey in Butler, a quiet town with a proud railroad past.
- Butler Depot Museum: Small but fascinating look into 19th-century rail commerce and early road connections.
- Dinner: The Tack Room Restaurant for hearty Midwestern fare.
- Stay: Overnight in nearby Auburn, home to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum—a perfect capstone for travelers who love both cars and history.
Travel Tips & Insights
- Best Time to Go: Late spring through early fall offers mild weather and open attractions.
- Driving Note: US 6 is well-paved across Indiana, with frequent opportunities to stop for fuel and food.
- Route Theme Idea: Combine history + local flavor—small-town museums and diners offer authentic Midwest storytelling.
