Weekend Getaway Itinerary: Explore the Best of Porter County, Indiana
- Take A Backroad Travel
- Aug 1
- 5 min read
Looking for the perfect Midwest weekend getaway? Set your sights on Porter County, Indiana—home to the iconic Indiana Dunes National Park, charming small towns, and a food and drink scene that hits all the right notes. Whether you're craving scenic trails, family-friendly attractions, or a romantic wine tasting, Porter County has it all.
Listen to the podcast episode Explore Indiana's Southern Shore - Things to do in Northwest Indiana here:
Day 1: Sand, Sunsets, and Small Town Charm
Morning: Explore Indiana Dunes National Park & State Park
Start your adventure at Indiana Dunes National Park—Indiana’s only national park! With 20 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, more than 50 miles of hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems from sand dunes to wetlands, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. It's the best beach near Chicago!
Then hop over to Indiana Dunes State Park, where you can camp, hike 16 miles of trails, swim at the beach, or visit the Nature Center.
Afternoon: Downtown Chesterton + Farmers Market
If it's a Saturday (May–October), don’t miss the Chesterton European Market for artisan goods, live music, fresh produce, and more.
Visiting midweek? Check out the Coffee Creek Farmers Market on Wednesdays for local foods and seasonal flowers.
Lunch in Chesterton:
Grab gourmet burgers and craft beer at Octave Grill, or try Craft House or Root and Bone for a farm-to-table experience.
Afternoon: Wine + Escape Room Fun
Sip award-winning wines at Running Vines Winery, a locally owned favorite in downtown Chesterton. (Closed Mondays)
Up for a challenge? Book a themed room at Mission: Escape and solve your way out!
Evening: Lakeside Sunset + Riverwalk
Head to Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, one of the top beaches in Indiana Dunes National Park. Watch the sunset over Lake Michigan, walk along Burns Waterway, or spot wildlife on the trail.
Dinner in Valparaiso:
Dine at Stacks Bar and Grill (library-themed comfort food), Radius (creative burgers), or Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille for classic American fare in a unique industrial setting.
Day 2: Art, Wine, and Family Fun in Valparaiso
Morning: Gabis Arboretum + Model Railway Garden
Stroll the dog-friendly trails at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest—a 300-acre sanctuary with Indiana’s largest oak tree collection and a one-of-a-kind model railway garden kids and adults will both love.
Midday: Wineries, Cider & Distillery Tours
Taste handcrafted wines at Anderson’s Winery & Vineyard or Four Corners Winery, both offering outdoor seating and live events.
Don’t miss Aftermath Cidery & Winery—founded by a U.S. Army veteran, this vibrant Valpo spot serves cider and wine with heart. (Closed Mondays)
Go behind the scenes with a distillery tour at Journeyman Distillery, where you can sample spirits and see how they’re made.
Lunch Options:
Try Nextdoor at Birdie’s for a modern twist on comfort food or grab a bite at Gastro 49 Pub & Eatery in Chesterton before heading to your next stop.
Afternoon: Family Fun at Zao Island
Kids and adults alike will love Zao Island, one of Indiana’s top-rated family entertainment centers. Enjoy:
2 award-winning mini golf courses with waterfalls and dragons
Go-karts, laser tag, arcade games
A spinning figure-eight roller coaster
Optional Stops:
ValPlayso Park – A 17,000-square-foot inclusive playground that’s perfect for families.
49er Drive-In Theatre – Catch a nostalgic double feature under the stars. This nationally ranked drive-in is open nightly in summer.
Memorial Opera House or Chicago Street Theatre – Catch a local production for an evening of arts and culture.
Bonus: Custom Picks for Every Traveler
For Art Lovers:
Visit the Lubeznik Center for the Arts just west in nearby Michigan City (pair with your LaPorte County trip!).
For Birders & Nature Watchers:
Birding at the Indiana Dunes, hiking at Gabis Arboretum, or exploring wetlands at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve.
For History or Theatre Buffs:
Explore the Memorial Opera House, a historic Civil War-era GAR hall, still alive with live performances.
True Hidden Gems of Architecture:
If you're cruising along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Indiana Dunes National Park, make time for a truly unexpected roadside gem: the Century of Progress Homes in Beverly Shores, Indiana. These colorful, futuristic homes aren't just eye-catching—they're architectural relics from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.
Perched along Lake Front Drive, these five restored houses look like something out of a time-travel movie. You’ll spot a pink Florida tropical house, a sleek steel-frame house, and even one covered entirely in porcelain enamel panels. Originally built to showcase bold visions of the future, they were transported by barge across Lake Michigan and have been sitting here ever since—like a sci-fi mirage in the dunes.
Travel Tip: While the homes aren’t open to the public year-round (they're only open for tours once a year in the fall during the Century of Progress Home Tour), you can drive by and view them from the road. It’s a great little detour with a big wow factor—especially for lovers of mid-century architecture or offbeat roadside history.
How to Find Them: Navigate to Lake Front Drive, Beverly Shores, IN 46301. The homes are near the intersection with Dunbar Avenue, and there are signs and a small pull-off area if you want to take photos.
Where to Stay in Porter County
DunesWalk Inn at the Furness Mansion – Boutique stay near the dunes.
Spring House Inn – Wooded retreat near Chesterton.
Valparaiso Inn B&B – Historic charm in the heart of Valpo.
Or choose from cozy cabins, beach rentals, or hotels near the Indiana Dunes for every budget.
Can’t-Miss Local Restaurants
Best Burgers in Chesterton: Octave Grill, Radius
Top Places to Eat in Valparaiso: Stacks Bar & Grill, Industrial Revolution, Gastro 49
Family Dining Near Indiana Dunes: Northside Diner, Craft House, Root and Bone
Final Thoughts: Why Porter County Should Be Your Next Weekend Road Trip
With a perfect blend of national park adventures, local flavor, family fun, and cultural experiences, Porter County, Indiana delivers a jam-packed weekend you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re hiking the dunes, visiting the best beach near Chicago, sipping wine in a vineyard, or watching a movie under the stars, this Midwest destination belongs on every traveler’s radar.
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