A hub of activity thanks to its central location between several major metropolitan areas like Chicago, a strong industrial and business scene, and immediate access to the Ports of Indiana, the City of Portage attracts people and ideas from all over the Region. The melting pot of America burns strongly in Portage, and that diversity means that no two visits to the city are ever the same.
With organizations like the Portage Economic Development Corporation helping local businesses thrive, an administration dedicated to the redevelopment and revitalization of the city’s downtown scene, and some of the friendliest faces in Northern Indiana, a stop in Portage on your next road trip is a must.
Check out our list of some of the must-see stops on your next trip to Portage!
Restaurants
Blueberry Hill Pancake House
Blueberry Hill Pancake House serves home-cooked meals for breakfast and lunch every day, offering delicious grub at affordable prices. In addition to its large menu, Blueberry Hill gives its customers some of the friendliest service you can find, with many members of the eatery’s staff stopping by your table just to say hello. Swing by 2606 Portage Mall the next time you're craving food or conversation!
Cappo’s
Very little beats casual dining with the Alic family, an experience anyone can enjoy with a trip to Cappo’s. Cappo’s has been serving the Region from the City of Portage for over two decades with a goal of making every customer feel like family. Pizza, burgers, pasta, ribs – no matter what you’re craving, stopping in at Cappo’s right off of US 6 is always the right move.
Depot Hot Dogs
Once the weather starts to heat up and the beaches open to the public, Depot Hot Dogs on Melton Road becomes a hotspot of dining and community gathering. Known for its tasty Chicago-style hotdogs, a Depot Dog is the perfect beginning or ending for a summer trip.
Mexico Lindo
Mexico Lindo Bar & Grill offers authentic Mexican dishes without breaking the bank. Right off of US 6, Mexico Lindo’s menu features everything from a la carte flautas to full steak dinners. Couple that with an extensive cocktail menu, seafood options, shareables, and a substantial list of specialties, and you’ve got a restaurant ready to Portage residents and visitors a meal to remember.
Sights
Trails
With its location so close to the Indiana Dunes and many other outdoor spaces, the City of Portage’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains a number of walking and biking trails for everyone to use. These include the Iron Horse Heritage Trail, the Outback mountain biking trail, and the Prairie Duneland Trail which connects Portage to its neighbors in Hobart and Chesterton!
Imagination Glen
The largest park in the City of Portage, Imagination Glen has several trailheads, fishing access, open spaces and fields for sports and play, and a BMX race track. If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, Imagination Glen is a go-to space for you to enjoy.
Venues and Event Spaces
Founders Square Park
The city’s premier event space, Founders Square Park plays host to a ton of Portage events like the Portage Market during the summer and the annual tree lighting during the holiday season. Amenities such as the Hannah’s Hope Playground, splash pad, amphitheater, and biergarten give the whole family something to enjoy.
Emagine Portage
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing the magic of the movie theater has become harder and harder. Emagine Portage, however, continues to offer a luxury experience that excels every time. With heated, reclining seats, plenty of leg room, and concessions delivered right to you, the team at Emagine have created a moviegoing experience that turns any movie into your favorite while you’re at the theater.
Portage Lakefront
Given its close proximity to Lake Michigan, the City of Portage’s Lakefront offers beautiful views across the lake and plenty of trails to walk along the Dunes. During the summer, the Pavilion opens up with a concession stand and bathroom access, and it can even be rented out for parties that let guests soak up the sun!
Events
Portage Market on the Square
Every Friday throughout the summer, Portage’s Market on the Square sees food trucks, craft vendors, musicians, and families flooding Founders Square Park to enjoy a fun evening with their community. Whether you’re visiting to sample local delights or checking out one of the special guest musicians, you’ll feel welcome as you shop.
Christmas festivities
The City of Portage likes to go all out for Christmas! After a hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting returned to the delight of many Portage residents just a few years ago. These parades see plenty of holiday heroes, including Santa Claus himself, make an appearance alongside public officials. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and spend some time with family, friends, and the city itself!
Light Up the Gourds
Valparaiso has Popcorn Fest, Crown Point has the Taste of Crown Point, and the City of Portage has Light Up the Gourds! This event has quickly become a Halloween tradition in Portage as the trails of Imagination Glen glow with the light of community-carved jack-o’-lanterns. The Portage Event Partnership does its best to make sure everyone can have a fun time, even including a special low-traffic session for its community members with sensory issues.
4th of July
To celebrate our country’s independence, the City of Portage hosts a fun-filled parade and festival every 4th of July that everyone is invited to attend! See the high school’s marching band, gymnasts, public officials, clubs, and more take to the streets, and then stick around after the parade to hang out with the community at Founders Square Park!
Sounds like fun? Head to Portage on your next road trip to see why its residents take so much pride in their city! Visit the city’s website to help you plan your visit.