Poneto IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Poneto, Indiana.
1. Indiana Dunes National Park
AMERICA'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers visitors a diverse landscape to explore. The park includes over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests, providing countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, bird watching, and camping throughout the year at this remarkable natural treasure.
2. Indiana Dunes State Park
PRISTINE BEACHES AND DUNES
Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful landscape along Lake Michigan's southern shore. The park features more than three miles of stunning beach and impressive sand dunes that reach up to 192 feet in height. Visitors can hike 16.5 miles of trails, including paths that traverse Mount Tom, the highest dune in Indiana.
3. Memorial Opera House
HISTORIC THEATRICAL VENUE
The historic Memorial Opera House has offered the finest quality theatre in northwest Indiana for decades. Often compared to Chicago-level production quality, Opera House plays and musicals have garnered hundreds of awards throughout its storied history. Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances throughout the year in this beautifully preserved venue that combines historical significance with contemporary entertainment.
4. Porter County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
Established in 1916, the Porter County Museum engages visitors with the rich past and evolving present of Porter County. The award-winning museum maintains free general admission and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Visitors can explore exhibits that educate, enrich, and inspire while learning about the unique heritage of the region.
5. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
NATURAL OASIS AND GARDENS
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation, and engagement with the natural environment. The arboretum offers a wide variety of activities for nature enthusiasts of all ages throughout the year. Visitors can explore diverse plant collections, walking trails, and special gardens while learning about environmental conservation and botanical diversity.
6. Chapel of the Resurrection
ICONIC SPIRITUAL LANDMARK
The Chapel of the Resurrection stands as an impressive architectural and spiritual landmark in Valparaiso. With its stunning design and peaceful atmosphere, the chapel provides visitors with a place for reflection and appreciation of sacred architecture. Guests can admire the beautiful interior, distinctive stained glass, and the overall grandeur of this remarkable religious building.
7. Four Corners Winery
RUSTIC WINE EXPERIENCE
Four Corners Winery is located in a peaceful country setting, housed in a beautifully restored 1870's Farmhaus. The rustic, quaint property offers visitors a chance to sample local wines in a charming rural atmosphere. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings, learn about the winemaking process, and relax in the idyllic surroundings of this unique vineyard.
8. Porter County Expo Center
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The newly renovated Porter County Expo Center has been a gathering place for Porter County residents and visitors for over 30 years. The versatile venue hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, from concerts and trade shows to community gatherings and private celebrations. Visitors can check the center's calendar to find exciting events and activities during their stay in the area.
9. Mount Tom
INDIANA'S HIGHEST DUNE
Mount Tom stands as the highest dune in the state of Indiana at 192 feet above Lake Michigan. From the top, hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan and, on clear days, even the Chicago skyline in the distance. The climb to the summit offers both a physical challenge and the promise of breathtaking natural beauty that captures the essence of the Indiana Dunes region.
10. Porter County Animal Shelter
FIND A FURRY FRIEND
The Porter County Animal Shelter provides a caring environment for homeless animals while helping visitors find their new furr-ever family members. The shelter offers adoption services for a variety of animals, giving them a second chance at a loving home. Visitors can tour the facility, interact with available pets, and learn about the shelter's important role in animal welfare in the community.
11. Fair Oaks Farms
INTERACTIVE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Fair Oaks Farms offers an amazing, interactive experience taking visitors through modern-day farming techniques, conveniently located just off I-65. Guests can learn about cows, pigs, and crops by participating in one of their educational adventures throughout the expansive facility. Seasonal activities include apple picking in the orchard during fall, visiting their enchanting Forest of Lights in winter, and sampling award-winning cheeses in their café or enjoying farm-to-fork meals at the Farmhouse Restaurant.
12. Kankakee Sands Bison
PRAIRIE WILDLIFE RESTORATION
The Kankakee Sands Bison habitat represents the successful reintroduction of bison to Indiana prairies after almost 200 years of absence. The Nature Conservancy has restored these magnificent creatures to the prairie ecosystem so that the landscape can once again benefit from these natural grazers as it did in the past. Visitors can observe these iconic American mammals roaming freely in their natural habitat, offering a glimpse into Indiana's ecological history and conservation success.
13. RenArtWlk
ARTISTIC COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
RenArtWlk provides visitors with an immersive artistic experience in Northwest Indiana's creative community. This cultural attraction showcases local artists and their works in an accessible, engaging environment that celebrates regional talent. Visitors can explore exhibitions, participate in workshops, and connect with the vibrant artistic heritage of the area.
14. Albanese Candy
SWEET TREATS FACTORY
Albanese Candy offers a delightful experience for visitors with a sweet tooth, featuring their famous gummy candies and chocolates. The factory store allows guests to watch production processes while sampling freshly made confections that have earned national recognition. Visitors can shop for their favorite treats, enjoy interactive displays, and learn about the candy-making process at this popular Northwest Indiana destination.
15. Shrine of Christ's Passion
SPIRITUAL WALKING JOURNEY
The Shrine of Christ's Passion offers visitors a moving spiritual experience along a half-mile prayer trail featuring 40 life-size bronze sculptures. This interactive journey depicts the final days of Jesus Christ's life, from the Last Supper through the Resurrection, set against a carefully landscaped backdrop. Visitors of all faiths can experience this contemplative walking tour that combines artistic excellence with spiritual significance in a peaceful natural setting.