LaPorte County, Indiana

LaPorte County straddles the line between Indiana farmland and the Chicago metropolitan area. You’ll find a mix of industry, agriculture, and tourism throughout the county.

Michigan City sits along Lake Michigan, giving the county a beach-town vibe with its marina, beaches, and outlet mall. Meanwhile, LaPorte, the county seat, offers a more laid-back atmosphere surrounded by beautiful lakes.

Indiana Dunes National Park extends into the area, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Folks here are proud of their beaches, farms, and local community, making LaPorte County a distinctive part of northwest Indiana.

CategoryDetails
County NameLaPorte County
County SeatLaPorte
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesLaPorte, Michigan City, Westville, Long Beach, Trail Creek, Kingsford Heights, Wanatah, Kingsbury, Rolling Prairie, Hanna
Interstates and HighwaysI-80, I-90 (Indiana Toll Road), I-94, US-20, US-35, US-421, IN-2, IN-4, IN-39, IN-104, IN-212
FIPS Code18-091
Total Area (Land and Water)613 square miles (Land: 598 sq mi, Water: 15 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Berrien County, Michigan (North), St. Joseph County (East), Starke County (South), Jasper County (Southwest), Porter County (West), Cook County, Illinois (Northwest)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CT) in the northwest portion, Eastern Time Zone (ET) in the rest
StateIndiana
Coordinates41.6106° N, 86.8223° W
EtymologyNamed after the French term “La Porte,” meaning “the door” or “the port”
Major LandmarksIndiana Dunes National Park, Washington Park Zoo, Hesston Steam Museum, LaPorte County Historical Society Museum
Population109,000 (estimated)

PHYSICAL MAP

LaPorte County Topographic Map

LaPorte County is mostly flat, but rolling sand dunes rise near Lake Michigan. The Kankakee River creates wetlands in the southwest corner, while elevation changes become more noticeable near the lakeshore. Our zoom tool helps visualize these varied terrain features.

SATELLITE IMAGERY

LaPorte County Satellite Map

Michigan City appears along the lakeshore, with its harbor standing out as a dark notch. There are distinct contrasts between industrial areas, the blue waters of Lake Michigan, and golden dunes. Farther inland, farmland dominates, with straight-line field divisions.

OUTLINE MAP

LaPorte County Blank Map

LaPorte County has an irregular shape that narrows toward the south. Lake Michigan forms the entire northwestern border, while the Kankakee River marks much of its southern boundary.

Indiana County Map

Indiana map showing boundaries and locations.

Explore the Hoosier State, home to 92 counties filled with scenic backroads, impressive skyline views, and charming small towns. Think of this as your glovebox passport to Indiana, guiding you to classic diner pies, covered bridges, and stunning Lake Michigan sunsets.

Scroll to Top