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 dining establishments to choose from, and all are within walking distance. Historic small-town charm and modern city living work well together in this inviting Porter County community.
The anchor of Valparaiso’s downtown district is Central Park Plaza, home to the Urschel Pavilion and Northwest Health Amphitheater. Throughout the year, Central Park hosts many outdoor events and festivals, including the Valparaiso Wine Festival, the Blues and Barbeque Festival, and the Fall Harvest Festival.
Valpo’s largest event is its annual Popcorn Festival, which began in 1979 as a way to celebrate local popcorn legend Orville Redenbacher. There is even a statue of Orville nearby, making a great place to “pop” by for a photo-op.
During the summer months, Central Park Plaza shows off with its bi-weekly farmer’s market, outdoor family movies, concerts, and a splash pad. In the winter, the Urschel Pavilion transforms into a covered outdoor ice-skating rink, complete with skate/locker rentals and concessions.
There is no shortage of locally owned small businesses lining the streets, including boutique clothing shops, designer bakeries, toy and candy novelties, quaint bookshops, wineries, breweries, unique restaurants, and local coffee spots. Window shopping is only part of the fun…don’t be shy; step inside!
The city’s “Birds of Paradise” scavenger hunt is a real “tweet” and a fun way to explore the community year-round. But why paradise, you ask? Because Valparaiso means “Vale of Paradise.” Hidden downtown are ten colorful sculptures of native birds. Visitors can stop by the Valparaiso Public Library, during business hours, to pick up a free scavenger hunt coloring book. Inside are clues to help you find each winged sculpture and when you’re finished you can return to the library to claim a prize. (A downloadable one-page clue sheet is also available on the city’s website)
If you’re looking to experience the arts, be sure to check out the show schedule at the historic Memorial Opera House. The theatre, built in 1892 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent renovations during the summer of 2024. In its early years, it welcomed famous names including President Theodore Roosevelt, the Marx Brothers, and American composer John Philip Sousa who wrote “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” Nowadays, local talents are featured in many of the productions including comedy, musicals, concerts, family-friendly plays and seasonal shows.
Just across the street from the Memorial Opera House is the Poco Muse, a free museum dedicated to preserving artifacts from Porter County’s history. They’ve been collecting artifacts for over 100 years, and often feature rotating exhibits to share different pieces. Free, guided tours and postcards are offered, as well as a fun scavenger hunt that takes you through the exhibits in search of answers.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, a bit of art and history, tasty dining options, or outdoor festivals and events, downtown Valparaiso is here to help.
