Valparaiso

Five-Star Dining

Dive into Valparaiso’s booming culinary scene at one of the city’s fine downtown restaurants, like Blackbird Café, Don Quijote Restaurante and Imports, Main + Lincoln, Meditrina Market Café, Parea, or Roots Organic Juice Café. More great restaurants await you just outside the downtown center, such as Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille, Kelsey’s Steak House, and Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery.

Don’t forget to save room for a creamy scoop of locally made ice cream from Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe or a creation from Designer Desserts.

City-Quality Entertainment

The arts are the lifeblood of Valparaiso. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy Valparaiso’s eclectic scene, which includes live music at the Central Park Plaza and local productions at the Memorial Opera House—a hundred-year-old historic landmark.

Experience a movie experience straight out of the 1950s at the 49er Drive-In Theatre, enjoy another great production at the Chicago Street Theatre, or wander through artifacts from Porter County's history at PoCo Muse.

Play in Valparaiso

Take your itinerary and throw it away. There’s so much to do and see in Valparaiso, you’re going to need a few extra days. Cut loose and have a bit of family fun at Zao Island on one of two miniature golf courses, or hit the go-karts, laser tag course, game room, and batting cages.

In the mood to shop? Check out the city’s one-of-a-kind downtown stores like Bangles Boutique, Indie Indie Bang Bang!, Lifestyles and Old World Market.

If you’re looking for natural beauty, Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest features hiking trails, formal gardens, and a huge, nationally recognized model railway garden.

Economic Development

Valparaiso’s bustling downtown has everything from cozy coffee shops to fine dining. Central Park Plaza is the perfect place to catch a live concert or show on the outdoor stage. 

Its other parks offer an array of recreational activities, such as frisbee golf at Rogers-Lakewood Park, bird-watching in the Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, or thrilling off-road bicycling at the Creekside Bike Trail. Butterfly Meadows combines scenic native plantings with picnic tables and a playground, while ValPLAYso, constructed by community volunteers, offers an ADA-accessible playground and is a tribute to civic spirit.

Tour the University

The city is home to Valparaiso University, with exciting cultural, academic, and athletic events year-round. Visitors can cheer on the NCAA-ranked basketball team, enjoy a concert, or marvel at the beauty and majesty of the Chapel of the Resurrection. The school’s MBA and graduate programs provide opportunities for your employees to continue their education and help you grow your business.

Learn About the Indiana Dunes

Join Ranger Matt in our Dunes 101 Series to explore everything you need to know about the Indiana Dunes, including how to make the most out of your beach experience, where to camp, and the perfect hiking trail for your skill level.

Want to know even more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you’ll learn fun facts about one of America’s most ecologically diverse areas.