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

Kouts Pork Fest Aug 24

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…

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Eat & Drink

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…

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