Elmiller

Anyone been here? We will be visiting Valpo in August and thought about a side trip to Indiana DUnes National Park. ANyone have suggestions for places to stay and/or eat. Is it better just to scoot on up into Michigan?? Thanks.

patg

Warren Dunes is basically on the border (Michigan side) and is a nice stop. It has everything you'd expect in a fairly compact area.

Indiana Dunes has spectacular dunes, but the beach can be a long walk from the parking lot. Also, the water is dirtier at that end.

sweetdreams

In Valpo, tour the chapel, eat a gourmet meal at Claytons on the town square, see a movie at the 49er Drive-In Theatre. If you require hotel amenities, suggest staying at the Indian Oak Resort & Spa in Chesterton instead of anywhere in Valpo. While in Dunes area, eat at Miller Beach Cafe.

dbenya

More specifically, have the lake perch at the Miller Beach Cafe.

jj728

The Strongbow Inn on US 30 in Valpo is known for its turkey dinners and Sunday buffet. The Inn at Aberdeen on HWY 7 is very nice; also liked the Creekwood Inn in Michigan City. Good eats in MC are Galveston Steakhouse by the lake and Pumps on 12 (US 12) west of town.

audra

Hi Chicgal, wondered where you'd suggest staying to take in the whole area? Chesterton only has a few hotels, so I wondered about Portage? Would that be too far to go to each place? Also how many days would you suggest for the area to get a good feel for it, to explore it? Thanks for any additional info you can give me!

audra

topping, anyone?

wauhob3

Don't stay in Portage. It's rather industrial. The best places to stay are Indian Oak Inn or Spring Inn in Chesterton or one of the chain hotels in Valparaiso near Strongbows on US 30. The B&B at Aberdeen is also a good suggestion but if you mainly want to go to the Dunes State Park the ones in Chesterton would be better. Clayton's restaurant went out of business. If you want fine dining 157 on Lincolnway in Valparaiso is good as is Strongbows on US 30 if you like turkey. The buffet on Wednesday nights and Sunday brunch are very good. On Sundays they usually have a piano player. In Chesterton Popolanos and Lucrezias are good.

Vittrad

If you are going to eat in Valpo I would recommend Blue (hey, I know the owner I'm obligated) ... the Duck Fettuccini is excellent. The restaurant is hard to find, but worth it (however it is more casual than fancy, so if you are looking for upscale, it may not be the place as it is pretty low-key ... that being said, the Chef worked in Chicago for years, he knows his stuff, I’ve been eating his cooking for two years). I would also recommend Dish, Cafe Paradisio (sp?), Bistro 157, and finally there is apparently a new French restaurant in town (on Lincolnway) that I've not tried, but I've heard it is good. Have fun. Valpo actually has some pretty decent places to eat for being such a small town.