Valparaiso
There's More for You in Indiana
When it comes to arts, dining, entertainment, and shopping, Valparaiso is the hottest spot in the Indiana Dunes area. The seat of Porter County, Valparaiso has a downtown district filled with historic architecture and blocks of unique shops and curated boutiques. It’s the kind of place where you can take a culinary tour around the globe or catch a world-class performance, concert, or play.
The Perfect Place to Be
Five-Star Dining
Dive into Valparaiso’s booming culinary scene at one of the city’s fine downtown restaurants, like Blackbird Café, Don Quijote Restaurante and Imports, Main + Lincoln, Meditrina Market Café, Parea, or Roots Organic Juice Café. More great restaurants await you just outside the downtown center, such as Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille, Kelsey’s Steak House, and Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery.
Don’t forget to save room for a creamy scoop of locally made ice cream from Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe or a creation from Designer Desserts.
City-Quality Entertainment
The arts are the lifeblood of Valparaiso. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy Valparaiso’s eclectic scene, which includes live music at the Central Park Plaza and local productions at the Memorial Opera House—a hundred-year-old historic landmark.
Experience a movie experience straight out of the 1950s at the 49er Drive-In Theatre, enjoy another great production at the Chicago Street Theatre, or wander through artifacts from Porter County's history at PoCo Muse.
Play in Valparaiso
Take your itinerary and throw it away. There’s so much to do and see in Valparaiso, you’re going to need a few extra days. Cut loose and have a bit of family fun at Zao Island on one of two miniature golf courses, or hit the go-karts, laser tag course, game room, and batting cages.
In the mood to shop? Check out the city’s one-of-a-kind downtown stores like Bangles Boutique, Indie Indie Bang Bang!, Lifestyles and Old World Market.
If you’re looking for natural beauty, Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest features hiking trails, formal gardens, and a huge, nationally recognized model railway garden.
Economic Development
Valparaiso’s bustling downtown has everything from cozy coffee shops to fine dining. Central Park Plaza is the perfect place to catch a live concert or show on the outdoor stage.
Its other parks offer an array of recreational activities, such as frisbee golf at Rogers-Lakewood Park, bird-watching in the Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, or thrilling off-road bicycling at the Creekside Bike Trail. Butterfly Meadows combines scenic native plantings with picnic tables and a playground, while ValPLAYso, constructed by community volunteers, offers an ADA-accessible playground and is a tribute to civic spirit.
Explore Valparaiso
Visit the Indiana Dunes
Learn More About the City of Valparaiso
Valparaiso, colloquially Valpo, is a city and the county seat of Porter County, Indiana. The population was 34,151 at the 2020 census, and it is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Discover the Valparaiso Chamber
The Chamber strives to promote the continuous improvement of the common good and the quality of life in Valparaiso through the pursuit of new business.
Meet the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation
The VEDC encourages economic growth throughout the Greater Valparaiso area by promoting the business opportunities and advantages that Valparaiso offers.
Explore Valpo Events
Pop into town during the September Popcorn Festival to celebrate popcorn legend Orville Redenbacher. Or check out one of Valparaso's many other events.
Tales from Valpo
Fun Things to Do in Downtown Valparaiso
- 3 minute read
Valparaiso, or Valpo as the locals call it, is known as the county seat of the Indiana Dunes Region. Located about…
Hot Shop Valpo: A Unique Glassblowing Experience in Valparaiso
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Hot Shop Valpo glass studio has been creating unique, handcrafted products for over ten years. Located less than…
Our Guide to the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
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Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is a serene escape for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful…
Unique Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day in the Indiana Dunes Area
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It’s not that we don’t love a day about love; it’s just that Valentine’s Day can…
Locals Love: Top Indiana Dunes Outdoor Dining Experiences
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The Indiana Dunes area really outdoes itself when it comes to outdoor dining experiences. Whether you're…
Valparaiso Inn Bed & Breakfast
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After marrying in 1989, Lizbeth Bryant and James Berman honeymooned in Maine, staying in several Victorian bed and…
3 Interesting Things—Old World Market | Indiana Dunes
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3 Interesting Things—Old World Market [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo9jgBI__IM[/embed] In the heart…
Tour the University
The city is home to Valparaiso University, with exciting cultural, academic, and athletic events year-round. Visitors can cheer on the NCAA-ranked basketball team, enjoy a concert, or marvel at the beauty and majesty of the Chapel of the Resurrection. The school’s MBA and graduate programs provide opportunities for your employees to continue their education and help you grow your business.
Book a Place to Stay
Bed & Breakfasts
Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods…
Hotels & Inns
A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or…
Indiana Dunes
Learn About the Indiana Dunes
Join Ranger Matt in our Dunes 101 Series to explore everything you need to know about the Indiana Dunes, including how to make the most out of your beach experience, where to camp, and the perfect hiking trail for your skill level.
Want to know even more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you’ll learn fun facts about one of America’s most ecologically diverse areas.