"Century of Progress" homes at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair showcased innovative building materials and designs. Visitors marveled at modern features like dishwashers and air conditioners.
In 1935, developer Robert Bartlett brought five . . . — — Map (db m64158) HM
Here you can surf the waves, stroll the shoreline, and see the dunes, but you are not at the ocean. Lake Michigan is part of the worlds largest fresh water systemthe Great Lakes. Extending northward for 307 miles and averaging 118 miles from . . . — — Map (db m298190)
1. Dig a huge hole with a glacier. Use the ice to grind up millions of tons of rock and dirt and make ridges around the edge of the hole.
2. Fill the hole with glacial meltwater. Stir your brand new lake with strong prevailing northwest . . . — — Map (db m298189)
He laid the foundation of the National Park Service defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done. — — Map (db m72891) HM
Indigenous (native)
If you dove into the waters of Lake Michigan thousands of years ago, you would have disturbed the home of many indigenous species, such as lake trout, lake whitefish, yellow perch, and lake sturgeon. These healthy native . . . — — Map (db m298191)
In the early 1900s steel plants were developed on southern Lake Michigan to improve access to growing Midwest markets. After purchasing 3,300 acres in Porter County, Bethlehem Steel built and began its Burns Harbor operations in 1964. The plant's . . . — — Map (db m202720) HM
This bandstand is one of the few remaining original bandstands in Indiana. It is noteworthy for its octagonal shape and high peaked roof which make it a notable exception to most bandstands of its time, which were square in shape. Verne L. . . . — — Map (db m267316) HM
Known at various times as Coffee Creek (1833), Calumet (1852), and Chesterton (1870), Chesterton, Indiana became a center for business and trade upon the arrival of the Lakeshore Railroad in 1852. With its proximity to the railroad, Main Street, . . . — — Map (db m266936) HM
Dunes Nature Preserve
has been designated a
Registered Natural Landmark
This site possesses exceptional value
as an illustration of the nation's natural
heritage and contributes to a better
understanding of man's environment . . . — — Map (db m267977)
our parks and preserves are not mere picnicking places. They are rich storehouses of memories and reveries. They are a solace to the aged and an inspiration to the young.
Richard Lieber, Founder
Indiana State . . . — — Map (db m281874) HM
Ludstron Home
All steel porcelain enameled
Erected 1950
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m152862) HM
Killed in action
June 2, 1971
Thua Thiκn, South Vietnam
In the morning hours of June 2. 1971 U.S. Army scout dog handler Mark Randall Taylor and his loyal U.S. Army scout dog Krieger (65M8) were executing a scouting patrol to detect a hidden . . . — — Map (db m268682) HM WM
Lake Michigan has changed size many times over thousands of years. Each time it has left the imprint of its former shoreline.
Lake Michigan was formed by a lobe of the Wisconsin Glacier. The lobe halted to the south, depositing debris in a ridge . . . — — Map (db m254907) HM
In 1997, restoration began on Coffee Creek. The goal was to slow erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Over 2,000 feet of stream bank has been restored and the health of the creek and the creatures who live here have increased dramatically. . . . — — Map (db m270994) HM
The Brown Mansion is an example of the Queen Anne style of domestic architecture that flourished in England and American during the late 1800s.
An Englishman by birth, George Brown immigrated to New York in 1852 at the age 25. Attracted by the . . . — — Map (db m152860) HM
They came in peace
LCPL James R. Baynard USMC
LCPL Danny R. Estes USMC
ETC(SW) Michael W. Gorchinski USN
2nd Lt Maurice E. Hukill USMC
HM2 George N. McVicker II USN
SSGT Thomas P. Thorstad USMC
Dedicated to our Indiana men killed . . . — — Map (db m268622) WM
Front of memorial:
To the veterans who
served their country
we dedicate
this memorial to their
noble deeds and to the
everlasting memory of
their courage and
sacrifice
May we pause in silent
prayer of gratitude
Back of . . . — — Map (db m267750) WM
The 650-foot section of Dunes Creek in front of you has been restored to improve habitat, water quality and recreational experiences.
Dunes Creek has a watershed that encompasses 7,407 acres of the surrounding landscape. State and national park . . . — — Map (db m296477) HM
Honoring all who served
Martin Aaron Korean Raymond Ambrose WWII James F Bapst WWII George Barnard Civil War John H G Bayles Civil War Walter Bratt Civil War Jerry Braginton Korean William Brincka WWII & Korean Charles Brown . . . — — Map (db m269460) WM
In 1925, Indiana Dunes became a state park due to the efforts of the Prairie Club of Chicago. Today, ongoing conservation projects allow the park to continue as an important ecological site. This boardwalk is such a project.
Fluctuating water . . . — — Map (db m270649) HM
You are entering a remnant of the Great Marsh that once extended from Gary to Michigan City. The marsh was a nursery for waterfowl and other wildlife.
The Great Marsh is the low area between two ancient shorelines of Lake Michigan. . . . — — Map (db m300173) HM
This propeller from the J.D. Marshall is a reminder of the
dangerous power of Lake Michigan storms. On June 11,
1911, the J.D. Marshall sank 300 yards offshore from the
Beach Pavilion.
The J.D. Marshall was a steamship, designed to haul . . . — — Map (db m278989) HM
Over 11 square miles of marshes, savannas, oak forests, and other landscapes drain into Lake Michigan
at this point.
You are standing in the Dunes Creek watershed which drains into Lake Michigan and
encompasses all of the Indiana Dunes . . . — — Map (db m161460) HM
In plant succession, one plant community replaces another, until finally a stable community develops. Moving inland from the beach, more plant species appear.
In 1896, Dr. Henry Cowles, University of Chicago, began bringing his students here. . . . — — Map (db m261808) HM
Alice Mabel Gray, known as "Diana of the Dunes" of regional folklore, had a free spirit and love for the Indiana Dunes that propelled her to make the wild shoreline her home for nine years.
In the early 1900s, shanties rather than beach . . . — — Map (db m306415) HM
Diana of the Dunes, born Alice Mabel Gray, shunned the 1900s conventional world, choosing instead to live in the remote coastal dunes of Indiana. Her free spirit and love for the region created a lasting impression in these sands.
Diana's . . . — — Map (db m306426) HM
Old "Indian Town" Village Oldest and largest known village of Pottawatomies.
This was their winter home. Disbanded in 1838 when the Indians were moved west.
Dedicators:
Historical Society of Porter County, Inc., Duneland Historical . . . — — Map (db m7477) HM
Old "Indian Town" Village. Oldest and largest known village of Potatwatomies. This was their winter home. Disbanded in 1838 when the Indians were moved west
Dedicators: Historical Society of Porter Co., Inc.
Duneland Historical Society, . . . — — Map (db m301038) HM
Oldest Village in Northern Indiana
A French mission and Trading Post - 1673
Post Office Established - 1837
John Jones, P.M.
Incorporated as a Village 1852
by
Joseph Bartholomew and Jesse Spencer — — Map (db m4640) HM
Unlike the ultra-modern homes of steel, stone, and glass constructed for the Century of Progress, the Cypress Log Cabin provided a refreshing contrast in terms of the material it was constructed with and its rustic design. Sponsored by the . . . — — Map (db m260190) HM
Real estate developer Robert Bartlett purchased five demonstration houses from the 1933-34 Chicago World's fair. He moved four of the Century of Progress
Homes by barge across Lake Michigan to Beverly Shores and one by truck. These houses . . . — — Map (db m161344) HM
Intended as a showcase of modern design and
innovative building materials, this house played a
pioneering role in the development of passive solar
heating. This was much to the surprise of its Chicago
architect, George Fred Keck.
One cold . . . — — Map (db m161342) HM
Walter Scholer, an architect from Lafayette, Indiana,
known for designing many buildings on Purdue
University's campus, designed the Wieboldt-Rostone
House. This Century of Progress Home was created to
showcase Rostone, an exciting new . . . — — Map (db m161337) HM
The Armco-Ferro House, designed by Robert Smith, Jr.,
of Cleveland, Ohio, was an ode to the virtues of porcelain enamel and steel-expressed in the form of a prefabricated home.
It is the only remaining Century of Progress home that met the . . . — — Map (db m161339) HM
"In a sense, this Florida house is a manifesto for the whole sub-tropical world or for any place where open air living is desirable, for it is a house which brings the
indoors out and the outdoors in."
Raley, Dorothy . . . — — Map (db m260191) HM
"I don't think you're a great gardener until you are passionate."
-William Brincka
If anyone should know what makes a great gardener, it's William Brincka. A professor at the Art Institute in Chicago for more than 30 years, Brincka . . . — — Map (db m269428) HM
"Part of my personality does things on a grand scale. I can't have just one friendeveryone has something different to offer. It's the same with plants. One hosta doesn't say 'hosta' to me. I want to know all their faces."
-William Brincka . . . — — Map (db m269628) HM
This area reflects the harmony of both wet and dry ground, a living ecosystem that Basil Cross nurtured with devotion. Each late autumn, he meticulously cut the plants back in small pieces to ensure the wildflower seeds would find light and . . . — — Map (db m300008) HM
Steel and wood ski jump with adjustable height and length was built here for Ogden Dunes Ski club, incorporated in 1927 to promote winter sports. Five annual events with international competitors were held 1928-1932, with 7,000 to 20,000 spectators. . . . — — Map (db m64162) HM
This plaque, in honor of our pastor the Reverend Carl F. Mengeling, is placed here by the grateful members of Nativity of Our Savior Parish to commemorate the silver jubilee of his ordination to the holy priesthood.
Under his leadership as our . . . — — Map (db m293404) HM
Founding Pastor
Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church
First parish founded in the Diocese of Gary
Born: February 25, 1919 in Fort Wayne, IN
Ordained Priest: June 15, 1946
Died: April 30, 2005
Pastor of Nativity of Our Savior . . . — — Map (db m293401) HM
In God we trust 🇺🇸
In memory of all American veterans
This memorial honors all American veterans who, although separated by generations, shared a common undeniable goal to valiantly protect our country's freedoms. The . . . — — Map (db m309514) WM
As railroad lines expanded through U.S., conflict occurred between competing lines. Michigan Central Railroad, with track in Porter County since 1851, briefly defied state militia and court orders (1874) to allow Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to cross . . . — — Map (db m64164) HM
Following the 1929 stock market crash, almost 18 million people became unemployed. Two million became homeless. Newly elected Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented emergency measures, among them the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). . . . — — Map (db m254915) HM
Opened to traffic by the Dunes Highway Association, November 14, 1923.
A.S. Hess, President
W.E. Jewell, Vice President
O.B. Johnson, 2nd Vice President
Z.B. Campbell, Treasurer
W.K. Greenebaum, Secretary — — Map (db m10762) HM
The design on the firepit is taken from traditional Myaamia ribbonwork patterns. Ribbonwork is a sewing art originally made with silk ribbons. In the mid-1700s, we began getting silk ribbons in trade. At first, we sewed them in lines on our . . . — — Map (db m299156) HM
Change is the best word to describe the Bailly Homestead since 1822. In the 1820's when the Potawatomi Indians brought their beaver pelts by canoe to trade with Joseph Bailly, the main house was yet to be built. Made of white oak logs with . . . — — Map (db m306274) HM
1800
1822 - Joseph Bailey's arrival to set up fur trading along the Little Calumet River, railroads, a race track, a mineral spa, and brick factories have all played a part in the ever changing face of the Town of Porter.
1826 - The Treaty . . . — — Map (db m254776) HM
First white settler in Porter County, coming with his family in 1822, making a permanent home in the woodlands on the bank of the Little Calumet. — — Map (db m267193) HM
Indiana Dunes Tourism and the National Park Service acknowledge with great respect that the Indiana Dunes are within the traditional lands of the Bodιwadmik / Potawatomi and Myaamia / Miami Peoples past and present.
We honor with gratitude the . . . — — Map (db m299129) HM
On this site stood the former Dunes Park District Headquarters of the Indiana State Police. The two-story, brick facility was constructed and opened in 1937 as part of the federal WPA (Works Progress Administration) initiative started by President . . . — — Map (db m202846) HM
Composed of infantry regiments from Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the Iron Brigade fought with Army of the Potomac during the Civil War (18611865). Received name for valor at battle of South Mountain, Maryland (1862). Sustained combat . . . — — Map (db m202747) HM
At Le Petit Fort, near this site, a battle was fought on December 5, 1780, between American forces under command of Lt. Thomas Brady and Jean Baptiste Hamelin and British forces under command of Dahreau de Quindre. — — Map (db m206530) HM
Dedicated to the honor of the men and women who served our country in World War II
Dedicated to the honor of the men and women who served our country in Vietnam War
Dedicated to the honor of the men and women who served our country in . . . — — Map (db m267324) WM
Although Indiana became a state in 1816, northwestern Indiana was essentially a wilderness when Joseph Bailly arrived in 1822 from Michigan with his wife Marie and their children to build their homestead. The 500,000 acre Kankakee Marsh, located . . . — — Map (db m306272) HM
J.D. Marshall Propeller
This propeller is from the steam barge J.D. Marshall. It weights over 4,000 pounds! It was made in 1891 and has 4 blades. Modern boats use a 3-blade propeller for improved efficiency with decrease of horsepower. . . . — — Map (db m267110) HM
Indiana Dunes State Park exists in part because of the efforts of the Prairie Club. This fountain was donated to the State of Indiana in 1932 by the Prairie Club in thanks for the State's decision to create Indiana Dunes State Park. . . . — — Map (db m254903) HM
When rain falls on hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, and rooftops, it becomes stormwater runoff that flows quickly across land, into storm drains, and then to streams, rivers, and eventually Lake Michigan.
This area of natural drainage . . . — — Map (db m307452) HM
Swedish immigrants played an important role in northwestern Indiana. During the 1850's, many Swedes came from Chicago to work at the local sawmill. By the 1860's, they were purchasing land for farming, and working for local businesses.
The . . . — — Map (db m260277) HM
Joseph Bailly, one of the first settlers in northwest Indiana, arrived here with his family in 1822. He chose this site to establish his trading post because it was on the Little Calumet River. It was also near two major
Indian trails, the Lake . . . — — Map (db m260283) HM
Indiana Dunes' beaches are home to spectacular sunset views, including Chicago's distant skyline 32 miles away.
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
The Willis Tower's antennas are normally white, but change colors in March, May, July, . . . — — Map (db m280292) HM
The 154.5 foot steamship J.D. Marshall was built in 1891 to haul lumber. She was later converted to collect and transport sand. Fully loaded, she sprung a leak and sank in a storm on June 11, 1911. Three crewmen were trapped below deck and drowned. . . . — — Map (db m278985) HM
Born 1899 in Illinois, Teale became an influential naturalist, author, and photographer who won 1966 Pulitzer Prize for his book Wandering Through Winter. Teale wrote that boyhood summers and holidays spent near here at his grandparents' . . . — — Map (db m202711) HM
Railroads brought thousands of immigrants into America's heartland, eager to claim land and start new lives. They quickly plowed the prairie into farms. The buffalo disappeared and Native American lives changed forever.
A Door and a Window . . . — — Map (db m294161) HM
How did Porter County come to own this beautiful and historic park? It all began back in 1934, when Colonel Robert Heffron Murray and his wife, Sue, bought 80 acres here and started Sunset Hill Farm. Within a year, they had 1000 chickens and sold . . . — — Map (db m256395) HM
Dr. Almira Fifield and her family settled in Valparaiso by 1842. At a young age, she devoted herself to serving others. She worked as a teacher but left for Boston in 1857 to attend the New England Female Medical College, an early medical school . . . — — Map (db m292623) HM WM
The Banta School, built in five months at a cost of $80,000, held its first classes on September 2, 1924. Its architectural style, Collegiate Gothic, was widely used in the U.S. in the early 20th century for university and school buildings to . . . — — Map (db m254379) HM
Bold vision and astonishing effort built America's Transcontinental Railroadthe first rail line in the world to cross a continent. The railroad united the young nation, opening up the vast interior and bringing together people from around the . . . — — Map (db m294150) HM
Byron Smith III (1948-2024) served the Valpo Parks Department with unwavering dedication for more than 40 years as a softball umpire. His calm yet firm officiating style and dry sense of humor were appreciated by players and fellow umpires alike . . . — — Map (db m299127) HM
The Triangle, as it is known today, looks considerably different than it did in the early 1900's. At that time, the Triangle was decorated with a large fountain and would be bustling with people waiting for the interurban. The Valparaiso & . . . — — Map (db m254856) HM
The Chapel of the Resurrection
Dedicated 1959
Charles E. Stade, Architect
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m294501) HM
Where railroads and waterways met, people and industries came together in sprawling, vibrant cities. Opportunities were endless, as lumber, livestock, grain, steel and people moved in and out, connecting with markets across the country. . . . — — Map (db m294164) HM
For the first time in history, railroads played a major role in warfare. Trains moved troops and supplies quickly and fed the industries of both North and South. As a result, rail lines became vital targets for attack and defense.
Built For . . . — — Map (db m294172) HM
Coal fueled America's growth after 1890, warming homes and stoking steam-powered factories, ships and locomotives. Railroads made large-scale coal mining possible. But railroads also depended on coalas fuel and for the manufacture of engines, . . . — — Map (db m294166) HM
Welcome to Portersville, established in 1836. One year later, in 1837, Portersville became Valparaiso, the current county seat of Porter County. You are standing approximately in the middle of the original plat of 1836.
The Central District . . . — — Map (db m254988) HM
You are standing amidst the grounds of the original campus of Valparaiso University (founded in 1859 as the Valparaiso Male and Female Collegeone of the first coeducational colleges in the U.S.). This map shows "old campus" as it existed circa . . . — — Map (db m294448) HM
To the glory of God and in recognition of the faith and vision of the men and women who organized the Lutheran University Association in 1925 to foster Christian higher education at Valparaiso University — — Map (db m294477) HM
Immanuel Lutheran Church was founded in 1864 and built its first church at Academy and Chestnut in 1886. In 1881 the congregation purchased property at Washington and Institute and built a small church which served them ten years. In 1891 the . . . — — Map (db m292621) HM
In 1997, Dug Ketterman was involved in an auto-accident, which resulted in the loss of one of his close friends, Ray "Flounder" Wampler. The months following the accident, Dug was able to help plan, fundraise and design the first Flounder . . . — — Map (db m254606) HM
In memory of
Jim Melton
1938-2020
A true friend and dedicated supporter of the Railway Garden
Founding board member of Taltree and served for 17 years
You will be missed! — — Map (db m294113) HM
"Stop and smell the roses and don't sweat the small stuff" - Karl Bapst
Karl Bapst "Rosenut" was a master rosarian, advanced master gardener, Duneland Rose Society member, master composter, and Taltree . . . — — Map (db m294091) HM
In memory
of
Frederick Kirchhoff
A man of vision and foresight who willed this area to the city of Valparaiso as a public park in 1918 — — Map (db m202621) HM
A small pocket of hills in Indiana yields some of the most beautiful and durable architectural limestone in the United
States. Railroads helped build far-reaching markets; and entrepreneurs, craftsmen and workers met in prosperous quarry towns. . . . — — Map (db m294163) HM
Railroads devoured woodfor bridges, cars, fuel and cross-ties. They also carried lumber to growing markets nation-wide. Thousands of people worked in the logging business, which cut vast acres of northern forests in just 50 years.
Rivers To . . . — — Map (db m294165) HM
This tablet is dedicated to the Michael O'Connor family, one of the pioneer settlers in Porter County.
Michael O'Connor came from Ireland in 1845. In 1850 he acquired the ground now known as Forest Park and operated it as a farm. In 1852 he . . . — — Map (db m270847) HM
This stone sat above pillars at the main entrance to the Music Hall, constructed in 1906 on the site of the original, and intentionally temporary, building of the Valparaiso Male and Female College. It is all that remains from a devastating fire in . . . — — Map (db m294430) HM
Dedicated to the memory of Porter Countys Soldiers and Sailors of all American Wars.
During Porter Countys Centennial 1936.
Rededicated to the memory of Porter Countys Veterans of All American Wars — — Map (db m200361) WM
Ordinary people saw their lives dramatically changed by the railroads. The small town Depot was the "gateway to the world." Trains brought news from faraway places, and farmers found growing markets for their crops.
To Market, To Market . . . — — Map (db m294162) HM
Through the contribution of this Pavilion to Taltree Arboretum & Gardens the family of Joseph E. Meyer honors his memory and the lifetime of scientific contributions he made to the study of botanicals and herbs.
Joseph E. Meyer was born in . . . — — Map (db m294084) HM
The Lincoln Highway was the first Coast to Coast road covering 3,389 miles across the USA. It was the dream of Hoosier Carl G. Fisher.
In 1913. The Lincoln Highway Association (LHA) announced that . . . — — Map (db m244097) HM
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