1 / 6
Location
Visitor tip
Take advantage of free Saturday afternoon tours led by knowledgeable docents. These guided tours enhance the experience by providing detailed artifact stories and local history context that you might miss on a self-guided visit.
Best time
Exhibitions rotate seasonally, so check their Facebook page before visiting to see current displays. Don't miss time-limited exhibits like the historic train line display before it closes for the season.
Visitor tip
The staff are exceptionally knowledgeable and personable—don't hesitate to ask them questions about artifacts or local history. Visitors specifically praise staff members like Kevin for making the experience informative and personal.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Founded
- 1916 by Porter County Historical Society
- Current Location
- 20 Indiana Avenue, downtown Valparaiso (opened May 19, 2022)
- Featured Exhibit
- Our Heart of Hearts: The Porter County Fair (175 years of history)
- Contact
- (219) 510-1836 or [email protected]
What visitors say
This Museum is a really great way to learn about the many different People and things that shaped how the surrounding area We live in came to be. They always have great displays and pictures of past history of the important time periods…
This was such a nice free activity to do if you love to learn about the history of the town and you’re a fan of art. They had art work ranging from oil pants to watercolor to a quilt that was hanging towards the back representing the…
What a unique experience here in Valparaiso. Kevin was a pleasure to talk to and was very knowledgeable about the history here.
From 18 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The Porter County Fair exhibit 'Our Heart of Hearts' documents 175 years of fair history through snapshots and oral histories, making it a comprehensive historical record spanning nearly two centuries
- The museum operates satellite locations at Hebron's Stagecoach Inn and Panhandle Depot with Saturday hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM), extending its reach beyond the main Valparaiso location
- The museum features a historic small train line exhibition displaying artifacts and information about the rail connection between Valparaiso and Chesterton from over 100 years ago, complete with sound effects for an immersive experience
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section