The Top Must See & Do in Indiana Dunes Country

The Indiana DunesVarious access pointsVisit WebsiteExperience majestic dunes, beaches, swimming, hiking, nature, wild life, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, ranger programs, camping, and historical sites.

Broken Wagon Bison Farm563 West 450 North, HobartVisit WebsiteGet up close and personal with our country’s largest native land mammal. Take a wagon tour and meet a herd of more than 70 American Bison. Tours are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m each Saturday from June through September.

49er Drive-In Theater675 North Calumet Road, Valparaiso Visit Website

Enjoy a blast from the past at the 49er Drive-In Theater, which was chosen as one of the top drive-ins in the nation. Open April through October.

Century of Progress HomesLakeshore Drive between Dunbar and Derby Avenues, Beverly ShoresVisit WebsiteThese homes were constructed for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and demonstrated modern architectural design. Drive or walk past them year-round.

Bass Pro6425 Daniel Burnham Drive, Portage Visit Website

This store sells every piece of equipment an outdoor enthusiast could ever want. The two aquriams are a must see. Don’t fofrget to try their signature restaurant Islamadora Fish Company.

Chesterton’s European MarketBroadway and Third Street, ChestertonVisit WebsiteThis French inspired market features handmade art, fresh pasteries and prepared foods, farm grown produce, jewelry and much more.

The Top Must See & Do in Indiana Dunes Country

Hoosier Bat4511 East Evans Avenue, ValparaisoVisit WebsiteCall ahead to set up a tour to see how baseball bats are produced for major and minor league baseball players. Don’t forget to purchase a regulation sized baseball bat or a mini-bat. Both can be engraved to personalize it.

Taltree Arboretum & Railway Gardens450 West 100 North, ValparaisoVisit WebsiteTaltree offers 360 acres of woody plant collections, formal gardens, wetlands, woodlands, and priaries. A must see is the railway gardens, which is a 2.5-acre model railway garden.

Memorial Opera House104 Indiana Avenue, ValparaisoVisit WebsiteBuilt to commerorate the Veterans of the Civil War, the Memorial Opera House features live performances, national musicial acts and hosts once a month lunchtime cabaret series.

Valparaiso University 1709 Chapel Drive, ValparaisoVisit WebsiteValparaiso University is home to the renowned Chapel of the Resurrection, the Brauer Museum of Art and a full schedule of happenings of dramatic productions and diverse musical events including the annaul Jazz Fest.

Port Drive-In419 North Calumet Road, ChestertonVisit WebsiteDon’t miss this 1953 family owned drive-in that features their famous chili dogs, homemade rootbear, root beer floats, shakes anyway you like them and much more.

Valpo Velvet55-57 West Monroe Street, ValparaisoVisit WebsiteFor 65 years, Valpo Velvet ice cream shop has been serving rich, creamy, old fashioned ice cream from five simple ingredients. They make up to 70 different flavors.

Portage 16 IMAX6550 US Highway 6, PortageVisit WebsiteEnjoy the only place in Northern Indiana offering IMAX on an eight-stories-high screen. There are 15 other non-IMAX screens and the concession stand offers free drink refills and 50-cent popcorn refills.

Zao Island Amusement Park1050 Horseprairie Avenue, Valparaiso Visit Website

Zao Island is an adventureland for adults and kids alike: two miniature golf courses, go-carts, bumper cars, game room, batting cages, a giant slide, laser tag, live baby alligators and on site restaurant.

Seven Peaks Waterpark Duneland150 East US 20, PorterVisit WebsiteEnjoy 15 water slides, including 70 foot free fall slides, 500 gallon wave pool and two kid areas. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Culinary Tour17 restaurant locationsVisit WebsiteExperience Midwest Living’s 17 favorite restaurants in Indiana Dunes Country. These restaurants are guareanteed to dazzle your palates!