Just 14 miles south of Lake Michigan and the beautiful beaches and natural areas that make up Indiana Dunes National Park is Valparaiso, a growing residential hub and one of Northern Indiana’s most vibrant cities. Featuring a hip, downtown area, award-winning architecture and year-round events and festivals, “Valpo” is a regional destination that attracts over 240,000 visitors a year and helps anchor the region famously dubbed “Indiana’s Cool North.”
Recently named one of the nation’s “Great Public Places,” our city’s Central Park Plaza anchors a 2.5-acre downtown pavilion, which hosts everything from live music and Shakespearean plays, to year-round food festivals and even ice skating in the winter months. Downtown also features eclectic, non-chain restaurants and a burgeoning art scene which connects the downtown district with Valparaiso University, perennially recognized among the nation’s best private institutions.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s 667 acres of public green spaces, which include no less than 17 parks, golf courses and recreational areas. And for those looking to venture out for a fun day trip or weekend excursion, it’s minutes to Michigan City, and just about 50 miles to both Chicago and South Bend, Indiana, home of the world-famous University of Notre Dame.
From foodies and cultural connoisseurs to beachgoers and sports fans, our corner of Indiana has something to satisfy everyone’s appetite. And given its beauty and rich history, extensive indoor and outdoor recreation options, and 15+ annual events and seasonal festivals, Valparaiso and the surrounding area provide a great home base for making the most of retirement living.
Area Landmarks & Points of Interest Include:
Arts & Entertainment
- Memorial Opera House (2.2 miles)
- Chicago Street Theatre (2.3 miles)
- Porter County Historical Museum (2.3 miles)
- Porter Health Amphitheater (2.4 miles)
- William E. Urschel Pavilion (2.4 miles)
- Brauer Museum of Art (2.9 miles)
- 49er Drive-In Theatre (3.1 miles)
Recreation
- Glenrose Park North – ValPLAYso (0.9 miles)
- Forest Park Golf Course (2.2 miles)
- Mink Lake Golf Course (2.9 miles)
- Cinemark at Valparaiso (3.6 miles)
- Eagle Aircraft (4.5 miles)
- Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest (8.6 miles)
Shopping & Dining
- Strack & Van Til (0.2 miles)
- Walgreens (0.7 miles)
- Cumberland Fresh Foods (0.9 miles)
- Town & Country Market (1.0 mile)
- Indie Indie Bang Bang (2.2 miles)
- Industrial Revolution Eatery (3.4 miles)
- Anderson’s Vineyard & Winery (7.5 miles)
Medical Needs
- Northwest Health – Porter (5.8 miles)
Transportation & Public Transit
- Valpo Transit (V-LINE)
- Gary/Chicago International Airport – GYY (27.4 miles)
- South Bend International Airport – SBY (47.1 miles)
- Chicago Midway International Airport – MDW (59.0 miles)