Location: Chesterton
Top Things to do in Chesterton
- 1. Indiana Dunes State Park
- 2. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
- 3. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
- 4. Chesterton’s European Market
- 5. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
- 6. Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy Preserve
- 7. Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm
- 8. Butler Winery
- 9. Seven Peaks Water Park
- 10. Yesterday's Treasures Antique Mall & Artisan Gallery
10 Things to Do in Chesterton That You Shouldn't Miss
Chesterton is a town in Westchester, Jackson and Liberty townships in Porter County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 13,068 at the 2010 census. The three towns of Chesterton, Burns Harbor, and Porter are known as the tri-towns or the Duneland area.
Restaurants in Chesterton
1. Indiana Dunes State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 640 reviews
Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.Indiana Dunes State Park features a wide variety of habitats, including beach, sand dunes, black oak forest, wooded wetlands, and a button-bush marsh. Together, these areas contain some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the Midwest. Botanists from across the country enjoy studying the unusual collection of plant life. Other interesting features include “tree graveyards” (places where forests have been buried by sand and then, more recently, re-exposed by wind erosion). “Tree graveyards” can be seen in Big Blowout, near Trail 10. The Indiana Dunes area also is renowned throughout the Midwest for its birding. Visit the Nature Center to ask about good birding locations.Indiana Dunes State Park is surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a federally administered park comprising approximately 15,000 acres.
Reviewed By Alexandrea S
Went into the Visitor’s Center because we weren’t sure what would be a good hike. The woman working told us about the 3 Dunes Challenge. We are experienced hikers and it took us about 20 minutes, but I would give yourself 45 minutes to take photos. The hike up to each dune is short but very steep. The views of Lake Michigan at the top are gorgeous! We went in the fall when most the leaves had fallen so we could see the lake perfectly.
If you are passing through you should definitely check it out!
2. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By Steve H - Denver, Colorado
The National Park Service brochure says it all -- a true oasis in the Northern Indiana urban/industrial zone. We spent a wonderful afternoon at Kemil Beach, and also saw historic sites (Century of Progress homes), the Mount Baldy dune area, and the Great Marsh -- a beautiful lakeshore!
3. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By John V
Face it, who expects to see a gem of nature so close to an industrial and rail hub in Indiana but this is surely one.
Hike the trails, enjoy the lake views,and beaches. If you are still able to be,awed by the beauty of nature this place is worth a visit.
4. Chesterton’s European Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Alana Z - Valparaiso
This is a must do trip if you are in the area! Great vendors that offer info on their local businesses, everything from restaurants to speciality shops. What's nice is you can get their hours and menus along with address and phone numbers if you are not familiar with the area. Everyone is so nice and the park is so beautiful. A great get away, and you don't have to spend any money if you do not want to, most shops offer free samples so you know what you are going to get if you do buy anything. Also they have many flower and plant vendors for those of you looking for pretty garden additions, along with all the other hidden gems . Check it out, if you haven't been before, you will definitely enjoy it and will want to return !!!!
5. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to learn all about the Indiana Dunes state and national park as well as our surrounding communities. We have a theater that shows two short movies, a kids activity room, a gift shop and restrooms. Our front desk staff is available 362 days of the year to answer your questions. Also browse the outdoor murals, eat lunch at a picnic table, and enjoy the landscaping of our National Certified Wildlife Habitat. The two-mile paved Dunes-Kankakee Trail runs north to the state park from our parking lot, and from May-October bike rentals are available on the site. We are approximately one mile south of the South Shore train line.
Reviewed By Robert W - Park Ridge, Illinois
Brochures and maps for Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore are on racks for your selection. There are also brochures about restaurants and lodging nearby (and elsewhere in northern Indiana). The National Park Service guides are very helpful and if they can't answer your questions then probably no one knows the answer. They can direct you to nearby hikes, picnic spots, beaches, etc.
6. Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
167 Acre Nature Preserve
Reviewed By john b - Valparaiso, Indiana
Reason for the 5 stars is that we've been looking for a great place to walk since we moved to Valpo.
This is far and away the best!
Easy parking, very nice trails, short or long walks.
Nice little structures, little bridges beautiful open areas.
We did not do the 5K yesterday but will next time.
Only negative is that we have to drive there, however for us that's true of everything in Valparaiso.
Not sure this would be a destination for someone outside our area or pulling off 80 or 94 to see?
However if you want a pleasant walk,or run, this is for you.
Very family friendly. Saw a few families fishing, catching turtles and frogs and enjoying the day.
Happy we found this. You will see us there often.
7. Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By tomas1000 - Noblesville, Indiana
This is another part of the ritual for my family...taking a walk in the historic restored farm and hiking trails...sadly budget cuts seem to have the farm open more rarely now, but the buildings are still a monument to the past, and a great reminder to learn from them. The woods surrounding the trails are a welcome shady respite on the predictably hot humid days.
8. Butler Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Abby M - Michigan
Cool winery in a cute little town. The guy doing the tasting was really friendly. The wines were really good. I really enjoyed the peach. It had a neat gift shop too. I would definetly visit this winery again
9. Seven Peaks Water Park
Overall Ratings
3 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By mdively - Savoy, Illinois
This place is good family value compared to other water parks that we've been to. The slides were fun, lines were short, and food was fairly affordable. The only shortcoming was that the wave pool had a motor burned out and was not generating waves at all. In fact by about 1 pm they turned the other motor off and the wave pool just became a big swimming/floating pool. There were also 4 slides that weren't functional while we were there including the Free Fall but the other slides were sufficient entertainment for us. All in all I would recommend this if you are looking for a break from the sand and a fun time on some different slides.
10. Yesterday's Treasures Antique Mall & Artisan Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Marie A - Chesterton, Indiana
Located less than a 1/4 mile from downtown Chesterton, Yesterday's Treasures Antique Mall is delightful. Nice mix of furniture, knick-knacks, tools, clothes and dishes. Prices seem reasonable and often the individual booths will offer discounts. Plenty of parking. I always find interesting things when I visit.
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