Situated Between Chicago And Indy Is The 'Cape Cod Of The Midwest' For Lake Days, Downtown Shopping, And Dining

It goes without saying that Cape Cod is one of those places where you'll have some of the best experiences in your life. From its pristine beaches and whale-watching opportunities to its quaint coastal towns, there's so much to see and do — but unfortunately, the Massachusetts peninsula ends up being a far-fetched dream for many. Luckily, Hoosiers have a wonderful alternative when they wish to sink their toes in the sand — Culver, considered the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," might just be the next best thing. This Indiana town is situated on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee where water sports opportunities are abundant, the downtown area is full of quirky shops, and the dining scene is underrated.

The early inhabitants of Culver were the Miami Indians and Potawatomies, who chose this area due to its lakefront setting. The 19th century brought the first English settlers, and they began establishing the city as we know it today. By the end of the century, the railroad made its way to Culver, and soon enough, vacationers from Indianapolis, South Bend, and Logansport flocked here to delight in lakeside recreation like boating and fishing. Locals and visitors continue to enjoy these activities, with a side of small-town charm.

Getting to Culver is a piece of cake if you live in Indianapolis — you'll arrive in town within two hours by car. The same applies to Chicago residents; a quick, two-hour drive is all it takes. The journey from Michigan City, an underrated beach town in Indiana, is even shorter — only one hour and 15 minutes. When it comes to accommodation, you'll have a lovely stay at the quintessential Culver Cottage, with comfy rooms, intricate woodwork, and a convenient downtown location. Inn by the Lake is another solid pick, with modern amenities, open spaces, and sunny balconies.

Lake Maxinkuckee is undoubtedly the pride and joy of Culver. As the second largest of its kind in Indiana, the lake offers more than 1,800 acres of fun in the sun. Jeff's PWC and Marine is the top choice for getting your supplies. Whether you need a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or pontoon board, you'll find everything you're looking for, plus a place to dock with their help. The Culver Marina provides similar equipment, as well as electric bike rentals for traversing the shoreline on two wheels.

With your watercraft secured, you're ready for sun-kissed lake days. Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat — Lake Maxinkuckee is teeming with walleye, bluegill, black crappie, and yellow perch. You'll catch many varieties of bass, too — smallmouth, largemouth, rock, and white, to name a few. Even when you're visiting in the winter, ice fishing is on the agenda. Those who prefer to stay dry can simply take in the expansive views. There's another way to admire the lake's beauty, though. Hop on your bike and pedal along the 10-mile Lake Max Trail, with maple tree-lined pathways opening up to serene vistas.

All these outdoor activities will definitely have your stomach growling. To satiate your hunger, make your way to Bourbon Street Pizza to indulge in hand-tossed goodness. Order the Pepperoni Extreme or the Texas BBQ pizza, along with the spicy alfredo or carbonara pasta. The Lakehouse Grille is also worth checking out. The menu boasts buffalo cauliflower and firecracker shrimp for starters, a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers, and appetizing specialty sandwiches. Make sure to try the dishes at Cafe Max, a local favorite eatery. Try the chicken noodle soup, bourbon-glazed salmon, homemade lasagna, or meatloaf sandwich with chips.

With every new city comes a new museum to explore. The Culver Academies Museum and Gift Shop offers precisely that. This unique attraction takes visitors back to the late 19th century when Culver Military Academy was first established. Touring the museum, you'll observe artifacts like early uniforms of cadets, woodcrafters, and other students and officers. You'll also come across exhibits like sheet music, novels set in the academy, old publications reporting positively about Culver, Hollywood movies filmed on site, and other vintage paraphernalia. Don't miss the stoves and clocks that founder Henry Harrison Culver sold back in the day.

For souvenir shopping, head to Three Bird Layne for apparel, jewelry, books, and everything in between. Purchase a checkered laptop case or cheerful stationery to add a pop of color to your work accessories. Get ahead of the cold season and browse its beanies and wool knit mittens collection. Then, refresh your wardrobe with new pieces at Civvies. This women-owned boutique has all kinds of aesthetic clothing items — from Lana Del Rey's grunge Americana vibe to coastal grandma dresses and bloomcore fits. Handmade Happenings, on the other hand, is a cool spot to shop for art, ceramics, candy, and jewelry. Tired of wearing the same wetsuit at the beach? Buy a new one from Maxinkuckee Board Shop at Culver Marina — this is also the perfect place to fill the gaps in your water sports gear.

Before saying goodbye to Culver, swing by One11 in downtown for last-chance haul hunting. From home decor to clothing items, you might score your next bargain right here. For more cozy getaways in Indiana, Syracuse is a charming escape with scenic trails and shops, an hour away from Culver.