Explore the Region’s Hiking Trails
Now’s the perfect time to get outside and embrace nature’s beauty as the seasons change. Below is a list of our top five Porter County hiking destinations that we encourage you to visit and enjoy.
CHELLBERG FARM & BAILLY HOMESTEAD
Indiana Dunes National Park
618 N. Mineral Springs Rd • Porter, IN
Bailly Homestead, named after Joseph Bailly, who established a fur-trading post here around 1820, offers a glimpse into early settler life. From the homestead, you can hike to the nearby Chellberg Farm, which preserves the appearance of the early 1900s. The 2.5-mile Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm Trail links these historic areas, guiding visitors through scenic woods and traditional fields.
MEADOWBROOK NATURE PRESERVE
Shirley Heinze Land Trust
109 W 700 N • Valparaiso, IN
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve boasts a diverse landscape of woods, wetlands, streams and patches of prairie. This varied habitat supports a range of wildlife, including migrating birds and bats. With over four miles of public hiking trails, Meadowbrook offers a great outdoor space for both children and adults to enjoy nature and have fun.
Image courtesy of Shirley Heinze Land Trust
SUNSET HILL FARM
Porter County Parks & Recreation
775 N Meridian Rd • Valparaiso, IN
Sunset Hill Farm is a vibrant center of activity in Porter County. Throughout the year, it hosts a diverse range of events and festivals, along with hiking trails, camps, field trips and fitness programs. Whether you're a hiker, birdwatcher, runner, gardener or a family that loves the outdoors, there's something here for everyone.
INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK
Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
1600 N 25 E • Chesterton, IN
Since 1925, Indiana Dunes State Park has captivated visitors with its stunning landscapes, featuring three miles of dune-fringed shores and a rich variety of plant and animal life. You can take a dip in Lake Michigan, climb the impressive sand dunes or explore picturesque trails on foot or by bike.
CREEKSIDE TRAILS
Valparaiso Parks & Recreation
1600 N 25 E • Chesterton, IN
Established in 2019, Creekside Trails is a versatile trail system offering 14 miles of pathways for mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing and walking leashed dogs. The system has two trailheads: one at Creekside Golf Course and the other at Trailyard Outpost.