Location: Portage
Top Things to do in Portage
- 1. Indiana Dunes State Park
- 2. Taltree Arboretum and Gardens
- 3. Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center
- 4. Albanese Candy Factory
- 5. County Line Orchard
- 6. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
- 7. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
- 8. Gary Southshore Railcats
- 9. Ogden Dunes Beach
- 10. Chesterton’s European Market
Top 10 Things to do in Portage, United States
Portage /ˈpɔːrtɪdʒ/ is a city in Portage Township, Porter County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 36,828 as of the 2010 census. It is the largest city in Porter County, and third largest in Northwest Indiana.
Restaurants in Portage
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. Taltree Arboretum and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Taltree Arboretum & Gardens is 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to preserving the environment, educating the public, and conserving a natural space for guests to enjoy. Situated on a beautiful 330-acre oak preserve of formal gardens, and restored woodlands, wetlands, and prairie, Taltree hosts a variety of public classes, exhibits, and events. During visits, guests can explore approximately 6 miles of hiking trails and diverse landscapes, relax in the formal gardens, visit animals in the children's garden, enjoy the intricate Railway Garden, and more.
Reviewed By john b - Valparaiso, Indiana
The place is very nice. A real enjuyable afternoon.
Trains are great!
Animals are fun.
Beautiful surroundings.
Great flowers.
My beef, the cost. I thought at $8 a head it is way overpriced. I think $10 per car would bring them lots more people.
I'm from Chicago. Morton arboretum and the Botanic Gardens are much nicer and I think both free?
We, as a group kept going 3? 4? all afternoon. I could not get over the price, sorry. It is a lovely place and no matter what your age you will have a nice afternoon.
3. Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Heather H - Hobart, Indiana
My 7 year old loves this place and always has. However, it needs a good scrub down. The amount of dust on the carpeted walls of the slide/ball pit area is disgusting. Each of the areas has great activities. My daughter especially loves the pizzeria/grocery/house area. The water room leaks into the construction room so beware of wet carpet!!
4. Albanese Candy Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By woodjan - Hobart, Indiana
Great outlet for the candy lover in the family. The chocolate lover..the chocolate covered raisins or the chocolate covered pecans. Of course they carry gummy bears.worms etc. Too. Sugar free candy is in ample supply. Friendly staff. Can't go wrong here.
5. County Line Orchard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
We are currently closed. Our Season will be starting August 30, 2017 and closing October 29, 2017.
Reviewed By Terkamiz - Munster, Indiana
had a fabulous time picking different types of apples. the children learned about different apples and their tastes. took lots of great photo's with the beautiful decorations! Spent a wonderful day at the orchard, had a bite to eat, spent some money in the gift...MoreWe are so happy you had a great time with your family. Thanks so much for taking the time to review, we really appreciate it!
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. Gary Southshore Railcats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 675tracic
Attended the game on a Sunday with family and friends. We had use of one of the Skybox lounges and it was wonderful! You had the option of sitting in the bleachers or being indoors in the lounge (with the game on the TV monitor). Great fun! Although the Railcats lost the game that we attended, everyone had a ball! (pun intended) The stadium is in an urban area but it is well kept and secure. It is safe area so please don't be scared off by the negative comments of other reviewers. I live in the city and have never heard of any incidents in or near the ballpark. Go out and have fun! Remember to take pictures with Rusty and Rascal the team mascots!
9. Ogden Dunes Beach
10. 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 !!!!
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