You know that feeling when you stumble upon a place that just feels right? That’s exactly what happened to me when I visited Valparaiso, Indiana.
This charming town nestled in Northwest Indiana completely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much, honestly. But what I found was a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, craft beer culture, amazing food spots, and small town charm that made me want to extend my stay.
Let me share with you the 10 things that made my trip to Valpo absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Chicago or exploring the Midwest, this guide will help you discover why this town deserves a spot on your travel list.
1. Watch Movies Under the Stars at 49er Drive-In Theatre
I’m going to be honest with you. I thought drive-in theaters were a thing of the past until I visited the 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso.
This place took me straight back to simpler times. There’s something magical about watching a double feature from the comfort of your car while munching on classic movie snacks under the open sky.
What I loved most was the family-friendly atmosphere. Kids were running around in their pajamas before the movie started, couples were cuddled up in the back of pickup trucks, and everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there.
The sound comes through your car radio, so make sure you have a good battery or bring a portable radio. They show current movies, not just classics, which makes it even better. Trust me, this is one experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time in the best way possible.
2. Explore the Stunning Beauty of Gabis Arboretum
Walking through Gabis Arboretum felt like stepping into a living painting. Seriously, I must have taken about a hundred photos here.
This place is absolutely gorgeous no matter what season you visit. I went during fall, and the colors were just incredible. The themed gardens are laid out beautifully, and each area has its own unique personality.
What makes Gabis Arboretum special is how peaceful it feels. You can spend hours here just wandering through the trails, sitting by the ponds, or exploring the railway garden. I found myself completely disconnected from the stress of daily life.
The Japanese garden was my favorite spot. The bridges, the carefully placed stones, the way everything flows together. It’s perfect for quiet reflection or just taking in nature’s beauty.
Bring comfortable walking shoes because you’ll want to explore every corner of this place. And if you’re into photography, your camera will thank you.
3. Sample Amazing Craft Beer on the South Shore Brewery Trail
If you’re a craft beer lover like me, you’re in for a treat. Valparaiso is home to some seriously good breweries.
I started my brewery tour at Four Fathers Brewing. The vibe here is relaxed and friendly, and the beer selection is impressive. Each brew has its own story, and the staff actually knows what they’re talking about.
Then I headed to Ironwood Brewing, and wow. Their IPAs are fantastic, but don’t skip the seasonal offerings. I tried a pumpkin ale that was perfectly balanced, not too sweet or overwhelming.
What I appreciated most was how welcoming the atmosphere was at both places. You don’t need to be a beer expert to enjoy yourself here. The bartenders are happy to let you sample different beers and help you find something you’ll love.
These breweries also serve good food, so you can make an afternoon or evening of it. Grab some friends, order a flight, and settle in for some quality time.
4. Visit Anderson’s Vineyard & Winery for Local Wine
Not a beer person? No problem. Anderson’s Vineyard & Winery has you covered.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting to find such quality wine in Indiana. But Anderson’s proved me wrong in the best way possible. Their wines are made right here using local ingredients, and you can taste the care that goes into each bottle.
The winery itself has this cozy, rustic feel that makes you want to stay for hours. I sat on their patio, sipping a glass of their red blend, and just watched the sunset over the vineyard.
They offer wine tastings where you can try multiple varieties before deciding what to buy. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about their wines, which made the experience even better.
If you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want a relaxing afternoon, this is the perfect spot. Bring some cheese and crackers, grab a bottle, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
5. Catch a Show at Chicago Street Theatre or Memorial Opera House
I love discovering local arts scenes when I travel, and Valparaiso didn’t disappoint.
The Chicago Street Theatre is this intimate venue where you feel connected to every performance. I caught a musical here, and the talent was genuinely impressive. These aren’t just local performers. They’re seriously skilled artists who put on professional quality shows.
The Memorial Opera House is another gem. The building itself is historic and beautiful, with that classic theater elegance you don’t see much anymore. The acoustics are amazing, and every seat feels like a good seat.
What struck me about both venues was how much the community supports them. The audiences were engaged, the energy was positive, and everyone seemed genuinely excited to be there.
Check their schedules before you visit because shows vary throughout the year. Getting tickets ahead of time is a good idea, especially for popular performances.
6. Experience Family Fun at Zao Island Mini Golf
Mini golf might not sound exciting, but Zao Island changed my mind about that.
This isn’t your typical mini golf course. The theming is creative, the obstacles are challenging, and the whole experience is just fun. I went with a group of friends, and we spent way longer there than we planned.
What makes it special is the attention to detail. Each hole has its own character, and you can tell they put thought into making it entertaining for all ages.
It’s perfect for families with kids, but honestly, adults enjoy it just as much. We got pretty competitive, and there were definitely some trash-talking moments on the course.
The staff is friendly, the facilities are clean, and it’s reasonably affordable. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if you want something lighthearted and fun.
7. Play Golf at The Course at Aberdeen
For serious golfers, The Course at Aberdeen is a must-visit.
I’m not going to pretend I’m a pro golfer, but even with my mediocre skills, I had an amazing time here. The course is well-maintained, challenging but fair, and the scenery is beautiful.
The fairways are wide enough that you won’t lose a dozen balls, but there’s enough challenge to keep it interesting. The greens roll true, and the whole layout flows nicely from hole to hole.
What impressed me most was how welcoming the staff was. They didn’t make me feel bad about my questionable swing, and they were helpful with course tips and local rules.
The clubhouse has everything you need, from equipment rentals to a decent restaurant where you can grab food after your round. Even if you’re just passing through Valparaiso, this course is worth stopping for.
8. Tour Hoosier Bat Company and See Where the Magic Happens
This was one of the coolest experiences I had in Valparaiso, and I wasn’t even expecting it.
Hoosier Bat makes professional wooden baseball bats used by high school players all the way up to major league professionals. Getting to see how they’re made was fascinating.
The craftsmanship that goes into each bat is incredible. You learn about the wood selection, the turning process, and how they customize bats for individual players. It’s not just manufacturing. It’s art.
The guides are passionate about what they do, and that enthusiasm is contagious. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, you’ll appreciate the skill and tradition behind these bats.
You can even order a custom bat with your name on it. I was tempted to get one just to have as a souvenir, even though I haven’t played baseball in years.
This is one of those unique, local experiences that you won’t find in guidebooks but absolutely should not miss.
9. Attend the Famous Popcorn Festival
If you can time your visit right, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is an absolute blast.
This town is the birthplace of Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn empire, so they take popcorn seriously. The festival celebrates that heritage with food vendors, live music, parades, and of course, more popcorn than you can imagine.
I tried every popcorn flavor you could think of. Sweet, savory, spicy, covered in chocolate, mixed with nuts. My personal favorite was the caramel popcorn from a local vendor who’d been making it the same way for decades.
But it’s not just about popcorn. The festival brings the whole community together. There are arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, beer gardens, and entertainment all day long.
The parade is surprisingly entertaining, and the energy throughout downtown is infectious. Everyone’s in a good mood, and the small town charm really shines through.
Check the dates before you plan your trip because this typically happens in September. Trust me, it’s worth organizing your visit around.
10. Explore Downtown Valparaiso’s Shops and Restaurants
My last recommendation is to just wander downtown Valparaiso without a strict plan.
The downtown area has this perfect walkable layout with locally owned shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. I spent an entire afternoon just popping into different places and discovering hidden gems.
I found this amazing coffee shop where the owner remembered regulars by name. There was a bookstore with carefully curated selections and cozy reading nooks. Local boutiques with unique items you won’t find anywhere else.
For food, the options are diverse. I tried everything from authentic Mexican food to upscale American cuisine. The restaurant quality surprised me for a town this size.
Central Park Plaza is right in the heart of downtown and hosts events throughout the year. Even when nothing special is happening, it’s a nice place to sit and people watch.
What I loved most was how friendly everyone was. Shop owners chatted with me about the town’s history, servers gave me insider tips on other places to visit, and strangers struck up conversations while we waited for coffee.
This is small town America at its best. It feels safe, welcoming, and genuine.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Valparaiso Indiana
Valparaiso completely exceeded my expectations. I came in thinking it would be a quick stop, and I left wishing I had more time to explore.
What makes this town special isn’t just the attractions, though those are great. It’s the feeling you get when you’re there. People genuinely seem happy. The pace is relaxed. Everything feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists.
Whether you’re driving through on your way to Chicago, looking for a weekend escape, or exploring the beauty of Northwest Indiana, Valparaiso deserves more than just a passing glance.
The combination of outdoor activities, craft beverages, cultural attractions, and small town hospitality creates something really special. You can be as active or as relaxed as you want. There’s something for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends.
My advice? Give yourself at least a full day, preferably a weekend. Stay at one of the local hotels or bed and breakfasts. Take your time exploring. Talk to the locals. They’ll point you toward things even I didn’t discover.
Valpo might not be on everyone’s radar yet, but that’s part of its charm. Get there before everyone else figures out how great it is.
