Want an activity to make a trip to downtown Valparaiso truly memorable? The Porter County Museum is open every day but Monday from 11:00am to 5:00pm with guided tours every Saturday at 2:00 pm. With over 20,000 objects in their collection and galleries that change out regularly there is always something new to explore about Northwest Indiana. Their collection includes not only local artifacts but objects of history tied to local residents of the past who ventured beyond Porter County.
The Porter County Museum’s temporary featured exhibit is about the V&N, Valparaiso & Northern, Porter countyโs electric interurban rail line that ran from downtown Valparaiso to Chesterton from 1910 to 1938. Yes! Over one hundred years ago there was an electric train that connected Valparaiso and Chesterton, wouldn’t that be nice today. The train departed from Franklin and Lincolnway in downtown Valparaiso ran around Flint Lake and Long Lake stopping at resorts and vacation spots up to access for the steel mills in Chesterton. It was used for both recreation and work but failed to outlast the Great Depression.
The photographs and advertising, along with the interactive toy trains make this a history exhibit all ages can appreciate.
Their permanent exhibit, “Connections” take a closer look, showcases other aspects of history and the connection to Porter county. There is a WWI canteen, space crackers from NASA and comic strips from a national paper created right here working in references to Porter County.
Daisy, the taxidermized dog, is on display, with a backstory and ties to the Field Museum in Chicago that you will have to take the Saturday tour to fully appreciate. The register from Lowenstineโs Department Store and a drawer from Warkโs Hardware Store bring back memories of days past and local history.
Another gallery is full of local artists that have lived and created here, showing art and beauty are truly always around us. There are fun activity booklets and scavenger hunt sheets about the different items on display. Free buttons are available highlighting different items, daisy included, along with free postcards. All of this makes the Porter County Museum a spot in Valparaiso worth visiting.
20 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, IN, United States, Indiana, 46383
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Living History: Maple Syrup Production by the Porter County Museum
Downtown Valparaiso Galentineโs Shop Around
Join us for the ultimate Galentineโs Day celebration in Downtown Valpo, Galentineโs Shop Around , on Thursday, February 13th from 4:00 โ 7:00 p.m.! Grab your galentines and hit Downtown Valparaiso participating restaurants & retailers for special Galentines Shop Around promotions, Valentineโs Day-themed treats & goodies, and so much more! No tickets required! Check out the downtownโฆ
New Gaming Facility Opens at VU
Valparaiso University is pleased to invite you to the grand opening of the Center for Games and Interactive Entertainment. This innovative space is dedicated to exploring and learning about the ever-expanding gaming industry, encompassing video games, board games, card games, and role-playing games. It also serves as a resource for educators toโฆ
Valparaiso Creative Council Hires Full-Time Executive Director
Valparaiso Creative Council Expands Leadership with Full-Time Executive Directorโ The Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) is excited to announce the promotion of Jessica Corral to full-time Executive Director, effective January 2, 2025. The expansion of this leadership role marks the Councilโs commitment to enhancing the creative community and supportive offerings in Valparaisoโฆ
Costaโs New Restaurant โ Birdieโs Diner โ Now Open
All Dish Restaurant fans have been waiting to learn more about this special addition to downtown, so getting this tour was extra special. 
Hereโs a little overview from Evan Costas:
โThe famously former โTonyโs Pizzaโ building is being transformed into a new and exciting downtown dining destination that will serve delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. This expansive space at 218 Lincolnway will house two sister restaurants: Birdieโs Diner and Next Door at Birdies.
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Maple Sugar Time at Indiana Dunes!
by Flo Lawnicki The National Park Service hosts the event at Chellberg Farm. Maple Sugar will be held March 1st and 2nd in 2025. Chellberg Farm once belonged to Swedish immigrants Anders and Johanna Chellberg, who arrived in Northwest Indiana in 1863. They purchased the 40 acres of land to establish theโฆ
1941 Time Capsule Found at Indiana Dunes National Park
A hidden Time Capsule of history had been uncovered. Inside the box was a piece of folded tar infused construction paper with items wrapped carefully inside. The contents were a small silk 48 Star American Flag, which was carefully wrapped around several paper documents including a Memorandum, speech, Deed, and newspaper articles forโฆ
Read our Several Historical Articles here
Aftermath Cidery & Winery ; Bao’s Pastry ; Be Good Juicerie ; Designer Desserts-Valparaiso;
Don Quijote Imports; E&A Jewelers ; Ella Jayms ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Downtown Valparaiso ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Valpo South;
Hungry Hound Boutique & Grooming ; Indie Indie Bang Bang ; Journeyman Distillery; Lifestyles ; Market 102 ; Merit Pilates;
Birdie’s ; Old World Market ; Peddlers Pizza Pub ; Pickles Kids; Pikk’s Tavern ; RADIUS-Valpo; Rocket Fizz Valparaiso, Indiana ; Scented Science
Silcott Shoes ; Six Cypress Boutique; The Spice & Tea Exchange; The Press; Toys in the Attic – Valpo Valpo Vintage;
vALPARAISO, INDIANA; ValpoEvents; Valparaiso Events; Things to do in Valparaiso; Downtown Valparaiso; Valparaiso Restaurants; Valparaiso Boutiques
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
