Some souvenirs collect dust. The good ones tell a story.
Tucked between the Indiana Dunes and downtown streets of Porter County, antique shops, vintage boutiques, and consignment stores are less about shopping and more about stumbling into a stranger's past, an unexpected obsession, a find you didn't know you needed until it was in your hands. A dog-eared paperback. A piece of mid-century furniture that somehow survived four decades and three moves. A record you haven't thought about since 1987.
In Valparaiso, Chesterton, and the towns in between, these locally owned shops share the same spirit that draws people to the Indiana Dunes. It's the pull of discovery and the satisfaction of wandering without a plan. Slip away from the beach for an afternoon and see what finds you.
Because the best part of exploring the Indiana Dunes area isn't always what you came for. It's what you didn't expect to take home.
Eclectic and Curiosity Shops
Alley Kat's Curiosity Shoppe
With more than fifty local artists and curators under one roof, Alley Kat's is part gallery, part vintage market, and entirely impossible to browse quickly. Expect vintage, furniture, fashion, gifts, collectibles, and a few things you won't find anywhere else.
Funk My Life Eclectic Gallery
If your aesthetic leans toward Formica dining sets, swag lamps, and vintage couches, this is your place. Funk My Life specializes in pieces from the 1930s through the 1980s. These are the kind of finds that will become conversation pieces.
Three Wicked Apples
At Three Wicked Apples, antiques, novelties, and boutique items share space with a specialty candy bar stocked with sweets. The store also has a space where craft classes are held.
Vintage Clothing and Curated Finds
Cat Eye Vintage
At Cat Eye Vintage, you'll find curated vintage clothing, handbags, and housewares, carefully selected and ready to find a new home.
Picked Vintage
Picked Vintage has a mix of vintage furniture, household items, and local artisan goods.
Valpo Vintage
Sourced directly from estate sales, Valpo Vintage stocks authenticated pieces spanning Art Deco, mid-century, military, sports, artwork, kitchenware, and more. If provenance matters to you, this is your stop.
Antique Stores and Antique Malls
Yesterday's Treasures Antique Mall & Artisan Gallery
Yesterday's Treasures has 20,000 square feet of heirloom antiques, handcrafted art, furniture, jewelry, glass, vinyl records, and more from 70 different vendors. Budget an afternoon for this one!
Russ & Barb's Antiques
You'll find two floors packed wall to wall with genuine antiques at Russ & Barb's Antiques, like crystal, carnival glass, ceramics, figurines, and more. Russ has been running this Chesterton institution for over 40 years and knows his inventory like no one else.
Southern Avenue Antiques & More
A family-run shop with a knack for finding beautiful and unexpected pieces. Expect a mix of antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds with a personal touch at Southern Avenue Antiques & More.
Books, Records, and Specialty Finds
O'Gara & Wilson Ltd. Booksellers
One of Chicago's oldest booksellers now calls Chesterton home. Specializing in used and rare books, O'Gara & Wilson Ltd. Booksellers also carries maps, documents, photographs, and collectibles.
Trusty Spot Records & Tees
Trusty Spot Records & Tees is a family-owned independent record store in the heart of Chesterton, carrying new and used vinyl, officially licensed band tees, and graphic tees.
Consignment and Secondhand Shops
Goodbyes Second Hand Shop
Goodbyes acquires entire estates, which means the inventory is always turning over and always surprising. Antiques, furniture, and more at secondhand prices.
The Closet Exchange
This upscale consignment boutique has a carefully curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. At The Closet Exchange, you'll find designer clothes at a fraction of retail and a staff that actually knows fashion.
