Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Portage, Indiana

East of Gary, Portage serves as an industrial city situated along Lake Michigan and is home to the Port of Indiana.

Though the decline of the steel industry in the 1980s impacted Portage similarly to other communities along the South Shore, it has since seen economic revitalization thanks to the growth of the Port of Indiana (established in 1961) and various manufacturing operations, including a Coke bottling plant.

Notably, Portage includes a section of the Indiana Dunes National Park, which boasts unspoiled beaches and impressive dunes, accessible via trails and boardwalks.

Portage is also an excellent starting point for fishing excursions on Lake Michigan, with numerous charter companies operating out of the marinas along the Little Calumet River.

To the south, the landscape transitions to farmland, presenting opportunities for family-friendly U-Pick orchards during the autumn months.

1. Indiana Dunes National Park

The lakefront landscape is a significant appeal for visitors to Portage, with large sections safeguarded by the Indiana Dunes National Park.

This extensive area spans over 15,000 acres, stretching between Gary in the west and Michigan City in the east, with trails that offer both picturesque and informative hiking experiences within and around Portage.

Close to Portage, the Dune Succession Trail and the Tolleston Dunes Trail provide excellent hiking options. The local beaches are regarded as some of the finest for miles, notably West Beach, which features lifeguards during the summer months.

Nearby in Gary, you will find the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, accessible via the Marquette Trail, which offers an engaging introduction to the various habitats found within the National Park.

This center also features live animal exhibits, a Nature Play Zone, and organized ranger-guided hikes.

2. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail

One of the most beautiful locations in the National Park is actually a former industrial site.

This elevated area at the East Arm of the Little Calumet River provides an excellent vantage point to observe the vast expanse of the lake, watch storm clouds develop, survey the dunes, and spot the Chicago skyline.

A pavilion with a snack bar operates during the summer months, making this a convenient access point to various trails that branch into the park.

The breakwater serves as a great location for fishing and birdwatching, while the Riverwalk Trail features a lengthy riverside boardwalk, offering views of the Port of Indiana.

3. West Beach

West Beach offers a splendid environment for relaxation alongside Lake Michigan, and is patrolled by lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

The beach features a beautiful stretch of soft golden sand, with dunes in the background and stunning views of the Chicago skyline in the distance.

Additionally, the mile-long Dune Succession Trail runs just behind, equipped with wooden stairways and boardwalks that lead you to explore dune tops and interdunal ponds, showcasing how these dunes have been covered by hardwood and softwood trees over centuries.

4. Tolleston Dunes Trail

Walking the 2.7-mile Tolleston Dunes Trail is one of the most enriching experiences within Indiana Dunes National Park.

The Tolleston Dunes represent the second youngest of the park’s four dune systems, originating approximately 4,700 years ago when Lake Michigan’s water level was significantly higher than it is today.

The trail winds its way up to the ridges, offering breathtaking vistas and valuable insights into the evolution of the Lake Michigan shoreline over millennia.

During this short trek, you will encounter various habitats, such as rare black oak savanna and wetlands, with notable plant life including the wild blue lupine and eastern prickly pear cactus.

5. Countryside Park

Located in the southwest of Portage, Countryside Park spans 33 acres and is steeped in historical significance. This area was once a farm, and remnants of the Trager Homestead, dating back to 1900, can still be found here.

This park is home to the Portage Historical Society, which manages the Alton Goin Historical Museum. Established in 2003, this museum features captivating exhibits that document the 200-year history of European settlement in Portage.

Additionally, Countryside Park offers multiple recreational opportunities, including access to the Prairie Duneland Trail, a disc golf course, a fishing pond, a winter sledding hill, a softball field, and a playground.

6. Imagination Glen Park

Imagination Glen is the largest space in the Portage park system, covering over 250 acres on the eastern outskirts of the city.

Featuring abundant woodlands threaded by Salt Creek, this park is perfect for recreation, with numerous facilities, including soccer and softball complexes, as well as two volleyball courts.

Cyclists can enjoy the extensive Outback Trail network, which presents a variety of color-coded routes ranging from “Easier” to “Most Difficult.”

The eastern side of the park also hosts a BMX track, and during winter, three miles of trails are available for cross-country skiing.

7. Iron Horse Heritage Trail

The Iron Horse Heritage Trail is a five-mile, mixed-use paved pathway that extends east-west through Portage, connecting Imagination Glen Park to Woodland Park. This trail follows the path of an old railroad.

Walking or biking through this verdant corridor, characterized by tree canopies that provide ample shade during summer, is popular among families due to its gentle incline and minimal road crossings.

Woodland Park, located at the western trailhead, features a scenic, wooded area that includes an oak savanna habitat, a Veterans’ Memorial, a sledding hill, playgrounds, a dog park, and a community center.

8. Founders Square Park

Situated at the base of the Portage water tower on Main Street, Founders Square has evolved into a hub of vibrant residential and commercial development over the past decade.

What was once an open square is now a dynamic urban environment filled with apartment buildings, townhouses, shops, and services.

At its core, Founders Square Park functions as a town green, providing an excellent venue for picnics and hosting community events during the summer months. Particularly appealing to children is a splash pad featuring interactive jets and sprays.

9. Schoop’s Hamburgers, Portage

Established over 70 years ago, Schoop’s Hamburgers is a vintage diner chain exclusive to the Calumet Region encompassing the South Chicago area and Northwestern Indiana.

The original Schoop’s opened in nearby Hammond in 1948 and it has since expanded to 16 locations, all within a relatively confined geographical area.

Renowned for its signature item, the classic hamburger or cheeseburger features a smash-style, hand-formed patty. Notably, Barack Obama famously ordered four burgers during his campaign visit to this location in 2008.

Schoop’s also offers an extensive breakfast menu that includes options ranging from omelettes to pancakes, waffles, French toast, biscuits and gravy, along with various combo specials and sides.

10. Fishing Charters

Along the East Arm of the Little Calumet River, one can find a series of small marinas serving as bases for various fishing charter companies.

From March to September, Lake Michigan is recognized as a premier destination for trout and salmon fishing, offering experienced guidance from skilled skippers.

Consider notable operators such as M&M Charters, Rainmaker Charters, and Brother Nature Charter Fishing. For those interested in sightseeing, many of these charters also provide scenic cruises to admire the breathtaking dunes and lake views.

11. Blastcamp Paintball & Airsoft

For enthusiasts of competitive shooting sports, Blast Camp offers a highly-rated paintball and airsoft facility spread across more than 20 acres, featuring 13 buildings.

A compelling aspect of Blast Camp is its preservation of genuine military history, located on a former Cold War-era Nike Missile site, which served as Chicago’s last line of defense in the 1950s.

Numerous structures from that era remain, including five radar towers, barracks, a generator room, and a mess hall.

Committed players can explore a fully stocked pro shop carrying the latest gear. The paintballs utilized here are custom-made to provide a less painful experience, with low-impact options available for younger players starting at eight years of age.

12. County Line Orchard

Traveling south of Portage, one quickly encounters the pastoral landscape, home to several farms that open their doors to visitors in the fall. County Line Orchard is conveniently located just ten minutes away and features a variety of attractions in September and October.

Visitors can engage in U-Pick apple harvesting from over 30 varieties, pick pumpkins, and sunflowers, listen to live music, navigate a massive corn maze, and enjoy kid-friendly rides and a Kids Farm with a straw maze, pedal tractors, and various small animals.

The orchard also showcases Bee Yurts where guests can explore the essential role of bees in agriculture, even identifying the queen bee. Additionally, a Gift Loft offers a range of products from apparel to home goods, and a bakery serves delightful seasonal treats, including apple cinnamon donuts and various pies.

13. Emagine Portage

In 2021, Portage welcomed the first location of Emagine, a Michigan-based movie theater chain, to Indiana.

This 16-screen cinema, previously managed by Goodrich Quality Theaters until 2020, features an IMAX screen that towers four stories high and stretches 80 feet wide, accommodating nearly 500 seats.

This marked the introduction of the first IMAX screen of its kind in Northern Indiana, opening alongside the rest of the complex in 2007.

Every theater room is equipped with stadium seating and large screens, and there were plans for the incorporation of new recliner seating and a theater bar offering specialty cocktails as well as quality wine and beer at the time of writing.

14. Sk8World

Portage features a traditional family-owned roller-skating rink, open for birthday parties, public skating sessions, lessons, and seasonal events.

Accompanied by an arcade, the rink operates late into the evenings on weekends, with a DJ and a snack bar serving pizza. Sk8World prides itself on maintaining a high-quality skating surface that enables a smooth glide and secure grip for skaters.

Visitors may bring their own skates, and rental fees were $5 at the time of this writing.

15. Duck Creek Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts can find a variety of public courses within a short drive from Portage, including the modestly priced Duck Creek Golf Course situated just to the south. This 18-hole, par 70 course is renowned for its well-maintained greens.

With dense woodlands and numerous water hazards bordering the holes, it offers a rewarding experience for players who can consistently hit straight shots.

Duck Creek weaves its way past various holes, including the 10th, 15th, 17th, and 18th, with water coming into play especially on the 13th, where the green is surrounded by water on three sides.

The course’s Bar and Grill operates in the evenings from Monday to Friday and features a fish fry each Friday, offering lake perch and shrimp dishes.