Calling all popcorn lovers! Mark your calendars, and be sure to pop on over to Valparaiso for the annual Popcorn Festival held each September. Recently celebrating its 45th year, the festival was originally started as a way to celebrate local popcorn legend Orville Redenbacher. While sponsors have…
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Valparaiso, or Valpo as the locals call it, is known as the county seat of the Indiana Dunes Region. Located about 20-30 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks, the vibrant downtown has much to offer for your visit. There are plenty of attractions and locally owned shopping and…
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Hot Shop Valpo glass studio has been creating unique, handcrafted products for over ten years. Located less than five minutes from shopping, dining, and outdoor activities in downtown Valparaiso, they offer glassmaking classes for a variety of skill levels. What started out as a hobby for the…
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Have you “herd”?! You can see North America’s largest native land mammal grazing on fields in Northwest Indiana! Nestled in the Indiana Dunes region, and minutes from the Indiana Dunes State and National Parks, is Broken Wagon Bison farm, home to over 100 American Bison. Every Saturday from June…
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Have I got a dare for you… complete with physical challenges, scenic views, and even ghost stories! Sound interesting? If so, then be sure to add the “Diana of the Dunes Dare” to your Indiana Dunes National Park itinerary. The “Diana of the Dunes Dare” is a hike located at West Beach, inside the…
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You’re invited to help be a part of preserving and protecting the Indiana Dunes by volunteering during your visit. And the best part is, there are no applications to fill out and you don’t even need to RSVP… all you have to do is show up! How’s that for easy?! The Indiana Dunes’ Volunteer Drop-In…
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Did you know the Indiana Dunes National Park makes maple syrup? It’s true! Each spring, historic Chellberg Farm hosts Maple Sugar Time to celebrate. The annual event is an opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about the region’s history of making maple syrup, beginning with the indigenous…
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Take your leaf peeping to a whole new level with the 3 Dune Challenge (Trail 8) at the Indiana Dunes State Park. This rugged 1.5-mile trail winds through wooded areas boasting plenty of vibrant native trees and autumn foliage and features hikes up the park’s three tallest sand dunes: Mt. Jackson…
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One of the things my family loves most about the Indiana Dunes State Park is, of course, Lake Michigan. Many of our visits have been spent enjoying time together along its sandy beaches. Who can resist the sound of waves gently coming ashore, relaxing on the beach, or climbing nearby Devil's Slide…
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Autumn is one of my favorite times to visit the Indiana Dunes. The summer crowds are thinning, local schools are back in session and leaf colors can be seen peaking across the region. For me, the beach is my happy place and I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye to summer than by enjoying the…
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