Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Valparaiso, Indiana

Situated in Porter County, Northwest Indiana, Valparaiso derives its name from a naval battle during the War of 1812, led by Commander David Porter. Known as Valpo informally, this city hosts the esteemed Valparaiso University, renowned for being one of America’s earliest coeducational institutions upon its establishment in 1859.

A visit to the campus is encouraged, where one can explore the Brauer Museum of Art, which boasts an exceptional collection, and admire the magnificent Chapel of the Resurrection.

The downtown area of Valparaiso is also worth exploring, particularly during the summer months, featuring a variety of festivals, a bi-weekly farmers’ market, and an outdoor concert series at the newly developed Central Park Plaza.

1. Brauer Museum of Art

Valparaiso University features a substantial collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries, encompassing over 2,700 pieces accumulated over a century. This impressive collection is displayed at the Center for the Arts, which houses the Brauer Museum. The collection includes works from notable artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Childe Hassam, Asher B. Durand, Dale Chihuly, Chuck Close, Elaine de Kooning, Robert Reid, and John F. Kensett.

Additionally, the museum is recognized for possessing the most extensive collection of works by Hudson River School artist Junius R. Sloan (1827-1900). Alongside its exceptional permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts noteworthy temporary exhibitions featuring renowned artists like Salvador Dalí and Ansel Adams.

2. Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)

Located adjacent to the historic Memorial Opera House, the Porter County Museum is housed within a building of historical significance, the Porter County Jail & Sheriff’s Residence, constructed in 1871. Since its inception in the 1970s, the museum offers profound insights into the history of Northern Indiana through six permanent exhibits rich with artifacts.

Noteworthy artifacts include a mastodon tusk discovered locally in 1949, a trunk belonging to fur trader Joseph Bailly (1774-1835), and a WWII wedding dress crafted from parachute silk. Even smaller artifacts tell captivating stories, such as an unclaimed prescription medicine from 1903 and a World War I mortar shell casing transformed into a decorative vase.

3. Memorial Opera House

This ornate building, initially established as a memorial hall for the Grand Army of the Republic, continues to function as a performing arts venue over 125 years since its opening. Featuring a captivating amalgamation of Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne-style architecture, the Memorial Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, maintaining its original auditorium elements such as the orchestra pit and side boxes.

Over the years, the stage has welcomed many prominent figures, including the Marx Brothers, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Jennings Bryan. The landmark underwent restoration in the 1990s and now hosts an exciting array of performances, including five main stage productions, lunchtime cabarets, and a concert series.

4. Central Park Plaza

Central Park Plaza is often the focal point for significant events in Valparaiso, conveniently located beneath the shadow of the Porter County Courthouse. This compact yet lush park features ample grassy spaces, benches, flower beds, and a splash pad, providing a serene environment during the summer months.

The park houses a statue of the renowned former resident, Orville Redenbacher, at the north end, while the Urschel Pavilion serves as the venue for the bustling farmers’ market throughout summer. At the south end lies the Porter Health Amphitheater, a popular site for summer festivals and concerts.

As winter approaches, the Urschel Pavilion transforms into an outdoor ice rink, operational from mid-November through February.

5. Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University

Equally significant at Valparaiso University is the Chapel of the Resurrection, the second-largest collegiate chapel globally. Dedicated in 1959 to commemorate the university’s centennial, this stunning Modernist architectural masterpiece accommodates up to 2,000 attendees.

The chapel’s chancel is particularly striking, featuring a nine-point star-shaped roof that towers nearly 100 feet above the altar, which is carved from exquisite Italian marble. The altar and the impressive stained glass windows, standing 95 feet tall, were designed by German artist Peter W. Dohmen (1904-1977), who fled to the United States to escape Nazi persecution.

The chapel invites visitors on weekdays and serves as a venue for numerous university events, alongside hosting regular church services.

6. 49er Drive-In Theatre

Located in the northern region of Valparaiso, Northwest Indiana’s only drive-in movie theater has gained recognition as one of the finest across the nation. A summer staple since its inauguration in 1956, the 49er Drive-In has maintained its single-screen format while showcasing double features.

While the screening and projection technology have been upgraded, the overall atmosphere retains its nostalgic charm. Visitors are advised to bring portable radios for sound rather than relying on modern car stereo systems. Arriving early is advantageous for securing a prime viewing spot and mitigating long lines at the concession stand, which offers a diverse menu including pizza, Italian beef, and hot dogs.

7. South Shore Brewery Trail

Northwest Indiana is home to an impressive array of craft breweries concentrated within a compact region. A designated trail has been established to catalog the finest establishments, with a recent count revealing 20 breweries along the South Shore Brewery Trail, including two located in Valparaiso itself.

The first, Ironwood Brewing, was established in 2013 within a historic 1930s brick building and is celebrated for its malt-forward beers. The second establishment, Four Fathers Brewing, opened in 2014 and offers a dynamic selection in a cozy taproom featuring repurposed church pews.

8. Chicago Street Theatre

Named after its venue in downtown Valparaiso, this award-winning community theater company has been thriving for nearly seven decades. Founded in 1955 and formerly located in the Memorial Opera House for many years, it relocated to its current 130-seat venue in 1997, undergoing modern renovations in 2008.

As a cultural staple in Northwest Indiana, the company presents an innovative selection of musicals, comedic dramas, and Shakespeare productions each year. Additionally, the One Night Jam concert series showcases talented singer-songwriters, while Shakespeare at the Park at Central Park Plaza has become a summer highlight since its inception in 2012.

9. Zao Island

Located just five minutes from Central Park Plaza, Zao Island is the premier family entertainment center in Porter County. Continuously evolving its offerings, the center includes two adventure-themed miniature golf courses, a high-speed go-kart track, batting cages, laser tag, and an arcade featuring over 65 games, as well as a giant slide.

A unique attraction here is a complimentary alligator exhibit, showcasing 45 American alligators transported from Florida each summer. Guests can enjoy refreshments at the Zao Pizza Bar, which serves handmade pizzas, grinders, and wings.

10. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Located just west of Valparaiso, Purdue University Northwest assumed management of this stunning 330-acre arboretum in 2018. Gabis Arboretum features a diverse range of environments, including oak woodlands, display gardens, wetlands, and prairies, all connected by an extensive network of trails.

Among its beautiful gardens are the Railway Garden, which boasts a G-gauge model railroad winding through landscapes of miniature plants, the Native Plant Garden showcasing species indigenous to Northwest Indiana, the Rose Garden with over 70 varieties, and the picturesque Meyer Pavilion Garden, a favored venue for weddings.

The arboretum serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, with more than 80 bird species spotted within its boundaries, and it has established specific areas dedicated to ring-necked pheasants and American woodcocks.

11. Hoosier Bat Company

An often-overlooked gem in Valparaiso is the Hoosier Bat Company, recognized as the third-largest manufacturer of regulation-quality baseball bats globally. Founded in 1990, the company has crafted bats for distinguished players like Prince Fielder, Sammy Sosa, Josh Hamilton, and Frank Thomas.

Notably, two bats from the Hoosier Bat Company are featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame—one commemorating Sammy Sosa’s memorable chase for home runs in 1998 and another honoring Lance Johnson’s achievement of the most hits in consecutive seasons across two different leagues (1995-1996).

Every season, approximately 40 major league players utilize bats produced by Hoosier Bat Company, crafted from North American ash, birch, and unique wood combinations. Visitors are welcome to explore the facility during regular business hours, where they can browse the selection and customize their own bats.

12. The Course at Aberdeen

Set within the scenic, rolling countryside just west of Valparaiso, this highly rated public golf course opened in 1997 and provides one of the premier golfing experiences in Northwest Indiana. Each hole offers four tee options to accommodate a range of skill levels, facilitating a swift pace of play, especially during peak times.

The course features a traditional layout characterized by tree-lined fairways, and incorporates natural wetlands that present unique challenges. Exceptional practice facilities include a two-tiered driving range and expansive putting and chipping greens.

13. Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

The influence of Orville Redenbacher (1907-1995) is undeniable in the world of popcorn, having spent numerous years cultivating hybrid popcorn strains alongside Charlie Bowman before launching their iconic brand in Valparaiso in 1970. A statue honoring Redenbacher stands on the north side of Central Park Plaza, and his legacy is celebrated through an annual one-day popcorn festival every September.

Drawing as many as 50,000 attendees, this beloved festival commences with the Popcorn Panic, a 5k and 5-mile walk/run. The festivities include a Popcorn Parade, a play zone for children, a beer garden, two stages of live entertainment, and an array of over 40 food vendors.

14. Valparaiso Market

Central Park Plaza serves as a thriving hub for community engagement, hosting a vibrant farmers’ market. The Valparaiso Market takes place on Saturday mornings and Tuesday afternoons from June through October at the William E. Urschel Pavilion. As this market is producer-driven, the selections are exceptionally fresh and evolve throughout the season.

During early summer, an impressive array of plants and flowers fills the market, transitioning to a diverse variety of fruits and vegetables as the season progresses, with sweet corn becoming available in July. The market also features locally-raised meats, honey, baked goods, artisanal coffee, popcorn, dairy products, and various handicrafts. Visitors can anticipate food trucks and activities designed to entertain children.

15. Summer Concert Series

Valparaiso offers an exciting array of live music events throughout the summer months at the Porter Health Amphitheater located in Central Park Plaza. Set against the backdrop of the charming downtown’s brick architecture, the Summer Concert Series occurs from mid-July through the end of August.

The lineup is diverse, featuring genres ranging from soul and country to tribute performances honoring classic rock bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, catering to various musical preferences. These concerts are free for public attendance, allowing guests to bring picnics and lawn chairs or blankets for an enjoyable evening as the sun sets.

Additionally, the calendar often includes an annual performance by the NWI Symphony Orchestra, which showcases classical music throughout the region during the summer.