Must-See & Do: Explore Porter County Beyond the Dunes

• 675 N. Calumet Ave.
• 219-462-6122

The 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, Indiana, is a classic outdoor movie theater showing double features all summer long near the Indiana Dunes. A favorite Northwest Indiana tradition…

• 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

Chesterton's European Market is an artisans and farmers market located in downtown Chesterton, running every Saturday May through October. Vendors offer artisan cheeses meats, produce, coffee…

• 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.
• 219-510-1300

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…

• 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 Horse Prairie 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, and an on-site pizzeria with beer…

Take on the famous 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park. Climb the three tallest sand dunes, tackle 552 vertical feet, and earn serious bragging rights.

Follow in the footsteps of Alice Mabel Gray, the legendary “Diana of the Dunes.” This scenic West Beach hike blends natural beauty with local history.