Indiana · Weekend Ideas
Weekend Ideas in Portage
Portage is the gateway to the Indiana Dunes, and weekend plans usually start with Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes National Park trails and beaches, plus the free Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, deliver some of the best water views in the region. Inland, Imagination Glen Park draws riders and Founders Square hosts festivals.
Portage is served by Portage Township Schools (PreK through 12).
What to Do
Plan Your Portage Weekend
Indiana Dunes National Park
15,000-plus acres of beaches, dunes, and trails, much of it within minutes of Portage. Start with West Beach or the Tolleston Dunes trail.
Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk
A National Park Service site with a beach, fishing pier, pavilion, and hiking and biking trails on Lake Michigan.
Imagination Glen Park
Known for its bike trails, with routes for road and mountain riders alike.
Founders Square
Portage's event hub, hosting festivals and the Portage Live concert series through the season.
Ogden Dunes Beach
A popular swimming beach on the lake, one of several easy shoreline stops around Portage.
Ideas are curated from local parks, attractions, and venues, and details like seasonal hours can change. Confirm opening times on each spot's site or with the town before you head out.
Curated Guides
Full Weekend Guides for Portage
These deep-dive picks from the Weekend Guide dig further into Portage and the surrounding area.
Portage Harvest Festival: A Fall Celebration at Founders Square
Portage's free Harvest Festival returns to Founders Square on Saturday, Sept 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and local artisan vendors.
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Portage Haunted Hayride: Spooky Nights at Woodland Park
Portage Parks & Recreation's Haunted Hayride returns to Woodland Park on Thursday through Saturday, Oct 15 to 17 and Oct 22 to 24, 2026, with spooky fun starting at 6:30 p.m., plus concessions and food trucks. Cash-only tickets, and it sells out.
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Boos & Brews Brewfest: A Halloween Brew Night at Woodland Park
Portage's second annual Boos & Brews Brewfest brings a 21-and-older Halloween night of beer samplings, a costume contest, food vendors, and music to Oakwood Hall at Woodland Park on Friday, Oct 30, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.
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Indiana Elvis FANtasy Fest: A Musical Weekend at Woodland Park
The 34th annual Indiana Elvis FANtasy Fest, billed as the final one in Portage, fills the Woodland Park Community Building with Elvis tribute artists, live shows, and a benefit auction for Porter County Special Olympics, Friday through Sunday, Oct 9 to 11, 2026.
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