Must See & Do
The Indiana Dunes is more than sandy beaches, towering dunes, and miles of trails. From local museums to European-style markets to charming vintage eateries, here are the things you simply must see and do in Porter County. With so many fabulous things to see and do, you might end up extending your vacation!
- 675 N. Calumet Ave.
- 219-462-6122
Experience a blast from the past at a place that has been chosen as one of the top drive-ins in the nation—open weekends in April, May, and September. Open every night from Memorial Day…
- 6425 Daniel Burnham Dr.
- 219-787-6800
This 130,000-square-foot store has everything for outdoor enthusiasts, including boats, fishing gear, and hunting equipment. There is also a giant fish tank, arcade shooting range, and dozens…
- 563 W. 450 North
- 219-759-3523
Get up close and personal with our country’s largest native land mammal at this family-owned bison farm. Take a wagon tour to see a herd of more than 100 bison. Afterward, purchase a variety…
- 220 Broadway
- 219-926-5513
An outdoor family/artisanal market is held in historic downtown Chesterton every Saturday from the beginning of May through the end of October. The European Market does sell fruits and…
- 6550 American Way
- 219-706-3400
This Midwest-based theater strives to create a movie-going experience like no other, complete with advanced ticket sales, plush power recliners and/or premium rockers, expanded concessions…
- 450 W. 100 North
- 219-462-0025
Gabis is a popular location for birding enthusiasts and offers more than 300 acres of dog-friendly walking trails, gardens, woodlands, and wetlands. Their award-winning attraction is a…
- 258 S. Campbell St.
- 269-820-2050
Organic craft spirits are distilled, bottled, sold, and served in the historic American Factory. Journeyman’s new location opens with a distillery, Union Hall restaurant, Sea of Monsters…
- 104 Indiana Ave.
- 219-548-9137
Valparaiso's Historic Memorial Opera House is "Where The Arts Create Community." Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Memorial Opera House’s nostalgic charm offers patrons…
- 419 N. Calumet Rd.
- 219-926-3500
A visit to the Indiana Dunes area isn't complete without a visit to The Port Drive-In—a Chesterton icon since 1957. Dine inside or let carhops come directly to your vehicle to enjoy American…
- 20 Indiana Ave.
- 219-510-1836
The award-winning Porter County Museum is this area's oldest institution devoted to the history and culture of Porter County. Now located in downtown Valparaiso, the PoCo Muse maintains free…
- 2551 Clifford Rd.
- 219-462-6000
Trailyard Kitchen + Bar aims to bring people together. Take a hike, have a drink or sit and laugh with friends. Surrounded by nature and friends— right where we want to be. Trailyard is…
- 57 Monroe St.
- 219-464-4141
People from all over have been traveling to Valpo Velvet Ice Cream for the same homemade, rich, creamy, old-fashioned ice cream treats made by The Brown Family since 1947. Valpo Velvet is a…
- 1700 Chapel Dr.
- 219-464-5000
Home to the renowned Chapel of the Resurrection, which was named one of the 30 most beautiful college cathedrals in the world, Valparaiso University is at the center of the area's cultural and…
- 1050 Horseprairie Ave.
- 219-462-1194
An adventureland for grown-ups and kids alike with two miniature golf courses, go-karts, bumper cars, a game room, batting cages, a giant slide, laser tag, an on-site pizzeria with beer and…
Can't Miss Events
Indiana Dunes Birding Festival
- Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
- Recurring daily
The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is an annual event hosted by the Indiana Audobon Society that…
Chesterton's European Market
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
An outdoor family/artisanal market is held in historic downtown Chesterton every Saturday from the…
Annual Nativity Fest
- Recurring daily
Come and Join us for food, rides, live bands, and of course the return of the Nativity Beer Garden…
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
Watch the sand come alive at this year’s contest! The theme is “Animals,” but sculpting groups are…
Porter County Fair
- Porter County Expo Center
- Recurring daily
Enjoy one of the best county fairs in IN. 10-days of that delicious fair food; summer's best…
Chesterton Art Fair
- Dogwood Park
- Recurring daily
The Annual Chesterton Art Fair is held during the first full weekend in August Over 100 juried…
Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Recurring daily
Celebrate the outdoors at the Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival! The festival runs for TEN…
Kouts Pork Fest
The parade kicks off right down Main Street, and the streets are filled with food vendors, arts and…
Need a reason to get outside? We’ve got three. Challenge friends, family, and yourself to an epic climb up the three tallest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s 1.5 miles…
In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also known as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.”
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesMemorial Opera House - More than a Great Theater Experience
- 1 minute read
Since 1893, the Memorial Opera House has been an impressive part of downtown Valparaiso, hosting hundreds of theatrical and community events over the years. Most people don't know that…
49er Drive-In Theatre: Family Fun With a 1950s Feel
- 1 minute read
Located in Valparaiso, the 49er Drive-In Theatre is Northwest Indiana's only drive-in theater and one of only around 300 in the entire country. This beloved Indiana Dunes area attraction…
The Port Drive-In: A Chesterton Icon
- 1 minute read
Ever wanted to go back in time? As Porter County's only drive-in restaurant, The Port Drive-In is a blast from the past and is one of the Indiana Dunes area's must-sees & dos…