Visit Valparaiso University and Explore the Indiana Dunes

Life at Valparaiso University extends beyond campus. Lake Michigan beaches, hiking trails, downtown districts, and local restaurants are all within easy reach. Students and visitors quickly discover there’s plenty to do nearby — from quiet nature escapes to lively community events.

Discover the Indiana Dunes

Less than 30 minutes from Valparaiso University, the Indiana Dunes has beaches, wooded trails, wetlands, and towering sand dunes along Lake Michigan. It's a great place to spend a few hours outdoors or plan a full day of exploring.

Woman hiking near lake

Students and visitors often head to the Indiana Dunes to:

Hike dune and forest trails
Relax on the shores of Lake Michigan
Watch birds and wildlife
Explore parks and nature preserves

With miles of shoreline and a wide range of ecosystems, the Indiana Dunes offers something different each time you go.

Explore the Area at Your Own Pace

Getting familiar with a new area takes time. For new students, exploring beyond campus is one of the best ways to feel right at home in the region. We offer several self-guided experiences in the Indiana Dunes Tourism app that make it easy to start exploring. There's even a section with coupons to help keep that college budget down!

Go Outdoors with the Discovery Trail

The Discovery Trail highlights some of the Indiana Dunes area's most interesting landscapes and outdoor spaces. Designed as a self-guided experience, it encourages exploration at your own pace. Stops along the trail will introduce you to some of the best spots in the area to see unique wildlife, fields of wildflowers, towering dunes, and even carnivorous plants!

Two young people hike on a sandy dune. Lake Michigan and foliage can be seen in the background.

Find New Restaurants with our Culinary Trails

Getting to know a new area often starts with finding favorite places to eat. Indiana Dunes Tourism's Culinary Trails highlight local restaurants across Valparaiso and the surrounding communities, making it easy to try something new.

Young people sit on red booth seats while they toast with their drinks. A pizza is on the table in front of them.

Each trail is self-guided and can be done at your own pace, so it fits easily into a campus visit, weekend outing, or study break.

Our current culinary experiences include:

These trails help introduce students to local gathering places and neighborhoods, while encouraging exploration beyond the VU campus.

All of these self-guided experiences (and more) are available in the Indiana Dunes Tourism App.

Indiana Dunes App mockup

Download the Indiana Dunes Tourism App

The app has more than culinary trails and self-guided tours! It can help you find local events and festivals, local attractions, and even places to stay for family visiting their student at Valparaiso University.