More About Explore & Learn: Museums, Zoos and Educational Tours in Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland
Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area are full of opportunities to explore, learn, and be inspired.
From world-class museums and interactive science centers to zoos, historic homes, and unique educational tours, there’s something for every age and interest.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a school field trip, or simply want to discover something new, these local destinations offer hands-on experiences that entertain while they educate.
Dive in and explore the best museums, zoos, and learning adventures the region has to offer.
═════════════════
⭐ BEVERLY SHORES ⭐
═════════════════
1933 CHICAGO WORLD FAIR'S CENTURY OF PROGRESS HOMES
Amid the Great Depression, the fair provided a vision of hope and progress, showcasing modern innovations in architecture, science, and technology that were often out of reach for many attendees. Today, five of these homes have been relocated to Beverly Shores, Indiana, where they are part of the Indiana Dunes National Park. They are preserved and restored through partnerships with organizations like Indiana Landmarks and the National Park Service. Tours of these homes are available once a year, allowing visitors to explore their unique architectural features and historical significance.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ CEDAR LAKE ⭐
═════════════════
STEAMER DEWEY
Steam across Cedar Lake in an authentic 1915 steamboat. Choose from multiple routes on Wednesdays from June to September. It is currently the only place in the state of Indiana where you can board a steamboat for hire and take a ride.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ CROWN POINT ⭐
═════════════════
LAKE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
🚨 temporarily closed
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ FAIR OAKS ⭐
═════════════════
FAIR OAKS FARMS
📍 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943
(219) 394-2025
Educational agricultural destination showcasing modern farming, sustainability, and food production with interactive exhibits about dairy and crop farming. Ideal for families, school groups, and tour groups.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ GRIFFITH ⭐
═════════════════
GRIFFITH HISTORICAL PARK & RAILROAD MUSEUM
📍 201 S Broad St, Griffith, IN 46319
Museum featuring the 1911 Grand Trunk Western depot, EJ&E interlocking tower, and historic railroad equipment. Open mid-June through August.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ HAMMOND ⭐
═════════════════
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER
2300 173rd St, Hammond, IN 46323
📍 (219) 989-3250
Northwest Indiana’s STEM education center offering simulated space missions, planetarium shows, workshops, labs, and summer camps for students, educators, and community groups.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ HOBART ⭐
═════════════════
BROKEN WAGON BISON
563 W 450 N, Hobart, IN 46342
📍 (219) 759-3523
Experience a close encounter with North America’s largest native land mammal. Summer wagon tours allow visitors to observe a herd of American bison and learn about their history, biology, and conservation. Tours may include viewing newborn calves and herd behavior.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ LA PORTE ⭐
═════════════════
HESSTON STEAM MUSEUM
📍 1201 E 1000 N, La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 778-2783
Interactive museum dedicated to historic steam-powered machinery including trains, tractors, and industrial equipment.
Click for Details
LA PORTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
📍 1 Courthouse Square, La Porte, IN
(219) 326-6806 ext 276
Large museum dedicated to La Porte County history featuring rotating exhibits, Civil War reenactments, and historic vehicles.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ LOWELL ⭐
═════════════════
BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD COUNTY PARK
📍 3606 Belshaw Rd, Lowell, IN 46356
(219) 769-7275
Living history farm spanning approximately 575 acres featuring farm animals, a historic schoolhouse, and the 100-year-old Buckley Barn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Farm & Barnyard open daily 7 AM–dusk. Buildings open seasonally.
Click for Details
HALSTED HOUSE MUSEUM
📍 201 E Main St, Lowell, IN
3creeksha@gmail.com
Built in 1849, the Halsted House is the oldest brick home in Lake County and offers a glimpse into 19th-century life. The house, which has been restored by the Three Creeks Historical Association, stands at the corner of Main and Halsted Streets. It is open to the public as a museum. Admission is free; donations are accepted.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ MERRILLVILLE ⭐
═════════════════
MERRILLVILLE COMMUNITY PLANETARIUM
📍 Clifford Pierce Middle School
199 E 70th Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 650-5486
Planetarium offering educational astronomy programs for schools, groups, and the public.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ MICHIGAN CITY ⭐
═════════════════
THE BARKER MANSION
📍 631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 873-1520
The Barker Mansion is a museum and monument to the Gilded Age, celebrating the Barker family legacy and impact on the American railroad industry. Open seasonally.
Click for Details
WASHINGTON PARK ZOO
📍 115 Lakeshore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 873-1510
Historic 15-acre zoo on Lake Michigan featuring wildlife exhibits and educational programming. Open April–October.
Click for Details
OLD LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
📍 100 Heisman Harbor Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 872-6133
Historic 1858 lighthouse station with exhibits on Great Lakes history and shipwrecks. Open April–October Wed–Sun 1–4 PM.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ MUNSTER ⭐
═════════════════
CARMELITE FATHERS SHRINE
📍 1628 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN 46321
(219) 838-7111
Visitors can explore peaceful monastery grounds featuring natural crystals and colorful stones collected from around the world along with landscaped gardens.
Visitor Hours: Sundays (Easter–Nov 1) 9:30 AM–5:30 PM. Weekdays: call ahead.
Click for Details
COMMUNITY VETERANS MEMORIAL
📍 9710 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN
(219) 836-3392
Outdoor memorial honoring veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other conflicts. Open daily dawn to dusk. Guided tours typically offered April–mid-November.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ NORTH JUDSON ⭐
═════════════════
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum
📍 507 Mulberry St, North Judson, IN 46366
(574) 896-3950
Offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and smells of railroading during its heydays. Visit the museum or take a train ride on their vintage rail equipment.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ PORTER ⭐
═════════════════
BAILLY HOMESTEAD & CHELLBERG FARM
📍 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304
(219) 926-7561 ext. 225
Historic homestead and working farm located within Indiana Dunes National Park. The 80-acre Chellberg Farm was established in 1874 by Swedish immigrants Anders and Joanna Kjellberg and represents the region’s Swedish-American heritage. The Bailly Homestead, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, has been restored to its 1917 appearance and is open for scheduled tours during the summer. Visitors can also attend seasonal events including Maple Sugar Time each March.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ VALPARAISO ⭐
═════════════════
GABIS ARBORETUM AT PURDUE NORTHWEST
📍 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385
(219) 462-0025
A 300-acre environmental education and conservation center with prairies, wetlands, gardens, and hiking trails. Arboretum open daily, Railway Garden seasonal weekends.
Click for Details
PORTER COUNTY MUSEUM (POCO MUSE)
📍 20 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 510-1836
Museum exploring the art, culture, and history of Porter County. Open Tue–Sun 11 AM–4 PM. Free admission.
Click for Details
MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE
📍 104 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 548-9137
Historic performing arts venue built in 1893 by the Grand Army of the Republic. Seats 364 and hosts concerts, theater productions, and tours. Tours available.
Click for Details
BRAUER MUSEUM OF ART
📍 1709 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-5365
Located at Valparaiso University’s Center for the Arts, the Brauer Museum features more than 5,000 works of art spanning the mid-19th century to the present, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs. The museum highlights Midwestern regional art and world religious art.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ CHICAGO AREA ⭐
═════════════════
SHEDD AQUARIUM
📍 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 939-2438
One of the world’s largest indoor aquariums featuring marine life from oceans, rivers, and reefs.
Click for Details
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
📍 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
Internationally renowned museum featuring masterpieces from around the world.
Click for Details
FIELD MUSEUM
📍 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-9410
One of the world’s leading natural history museums featuring dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and scientific discoveries.
Click for Details
CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
📍 700 E Grand Ave Suite 127, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-1000
Located at Navy Pier, the museum features interactive exhibits designed to inspire creativity, experimentation, and learning through play. Final admission one hour before closing.
Click for Details
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
📍 N Cannon Dr at W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
Free of charge, 365 days a year. Spanning 49-acres, it features hundreds of species, including gorillas, lions, and polar bears, with a strong focus on conservation, science, and education.
Click for Details
BROOKFIELD ZOO
📍 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 688-8000
Brookfield Zoo Chicago has a variety of animal experiences, rides, and activities that are fun for visitors of all ages. Chicago Zoological Society. It houses over 3,400 animals across 511 species in naturalistic, award-winning exhibits. Key attractions include Tropic World, Dolphin Bay, and the Great Bear Wilderness.
Click for Details
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
📍 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 684-1414
One of the largest science museums in the world featuring interactive exhibits on engineering, technology, transportation, and space exploration. Open daily 9:30 AM–4 PM.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ VIRTUAL ⭐
═════════════════
VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS
Not able to visit in person? Explore famous museums from home through virtual tours.
Click for Details
From world-class museums and interactive science centers to zoos, historic homes, and unique educational tours, there’s something for every age and interest.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a school field trip, or simply want to discover something new, these local destinations offer hands-on experiences that entertain while they educate.
Dive in and explore the best museums, zoos, and learning adventures the region has to offer.
═════════════════
⭐ BEVERLY SHORES ⭐
═════════════════
1933 CHICAGO WORLD FAIR'S CENTURY OF PROGRESS HOMES
Amid the Great Depression, the fair provided a vision of hope and progress, showcasing modern innovations in architecture, science, and technology that were often out of reach for many attendees. Today, five of these homes have been relocated to Beverly Shores, Indiana, where they are part of the Indiana Dunes National Park. They are preserved and restored through partnerships with organizations like Indiana Landmarks and the National Park Service. Tours of these homes are available once a year, allowing visitors to explore their unique architectural features and historical significance.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ CEDAR LAKE ⭐
═════════════════
STEAMER DEWEY
Steam across Cedar Lake in an authentic 1915 steamboat. Choose from multiple routes on Wednesdays from June to September. It is currently the only place in the state of Indiana where you can board a steamboat for hire and take a ride.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ CROWN POINT ⭐
═════════════════
LAKE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
🚨 temporarily closed
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ FAIR OAKS ⭐
═════════════════
FAIR OAKS FARMS
📍 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943
(219) 394-2025
Educational agricultural destination showcasing modern farming, sustainability, and food production with interactive exhibits about dairy and crop farming. Ideal for families, school groups, and tour groups.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ GRIFFITH ⭐
═════════════════
GRIFFITH HISTORICAL PARK & RAILROAD MUSEUM
📍 201 S Broad St, Griffith, IN 46319
Museum featuring the 1911 Grand Trunk Western depot, EJ&E interlocking tower, and historic railroad equipment. Open mid-June through August.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ HAMMOND ⭐
═════════════════
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER
2300 173rd St, Hammond, IN 46323
📍 (219) 989-3250
Northwest Indiana’s STEM education center offering simulated space missions, planetarium shows, workshops, labs, and summer camps for students, educators, and community groups.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ HOBART ⭐
═════════════════
BROKEN WAGON BISON
563 W 450 N, Hobart, IN 46342
📍 (219) 759-3523
Experience a close encounter with North America’s largest native land mammal. Summer wagon tours allow visitors to observe a herd of American bison and learn about their history, biology, and conservation. Tours may include viewing newborn calves and herd behavior.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ LA PORTE ⭐
═════════════════
HESSTON STEAM MUSEUM
📍 1201 E 1000 N, La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 778-2783
Interactive museum dedicated to historic steam-powered machinery including trains, tractors, and industrial equipment.
Click for Details
LA PORTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
📍 1 Courthouse Square, La Porte, IN
(219) 326-6806 ext 276
Large museum dedicated to La Porte County history featuring rotating exhibits, Civil War reenactments, and historic vehicles.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ LOWELL ⭐
═════════════════
BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD COUNTY PARK
📍 3606 Belshaw Rd, Lowell, IN 46356
(219) 769-7275
Living history farm spanning approximately 575 acres featuring farm animals, a historic schoolhouse, and the 100-year-old Buckley Barn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Farm & Barnyard open daily 7 AM–dusk. Buildings open seasonally.
Click for Details
HALSTED HOUSE MUSEUM
📍 201 E Main St, Lowell, IN
3creeksha@gmail.com
Built in 1849, the Halsted House is the oldest brick home in Lake County and offers a glimpse into 19th-century life. The house, which has been restored by the Three Creeks Historical Association, stands at the corner of Main and Halsted Streets. It is open to the public as a museum. Admission is free; donations are accepted.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ MERRILLVILLE ⭐
═════════════════
MERRILLVILLE COMMUNITY PLANETARIUM
📍 Clifford Pierce Middle School
199 E 70th Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 650-5486
Planetarium offering educational astronomy programs for schools, groups, and the public.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ MICHIGAN CITY ⭐
═════════════════
THE BARKER MANSION
📍 631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 873-1520
The Barker Mansion is a museum and monument to the Gilded Age, celebrating the Barker family legacy and impact on the American railroad industry. Open seasonally.
Click for Details
WASHINGTON PARK ZOO
📍 115 Lakeshore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 873-1510
Historic 15-acre zoo on Lake Michigan featuring wildlife exhibits and educational programming. Open April–October.
Click for Details
OLD LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
📍 100 Heisman Harbor Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 872-6133
Historic 1858 lighthouse station with exhibits on Great Lakes history and shipwrecks. Open April–October Wed–Sun 1–4 PM.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ MUNSTER ⭐
═════════════════
CARMELITE FATHERS SHRINE
📍 1628 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN 46321
(219) 838-7111
Visitors can explore peaceful monastery grounds featuring natural crystals and colorful stones collected from around the world along with landscaped gardens.
Visitor Hours: Sundays (Easter–Nov 1) 9:30 AM–5:30 PM. Weekdays: call ahead.
Click for Details
COMMUNITY VETERANS MEMORIAL
📍 9710 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN
(219) 836-3392
Outdoor memorial honoring veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other conflicts. Open daily dawn to dusk. Guided tours typically offered April–mid-November.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ NORTH JUDSON ⭐
═════════════════
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum
📍 507 Mulberry St, North Judson, IN 46366
(574) 896-3950
Offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and smells of railroading during its heydays. Visit the museum or take a train ride on their vintage rail equipment.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ PORTER ⭐
═════════════════
BAILLY HOMESTEAD & CHELLBERG FARM
📍 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304
(219) 926-7561 ext. 225
Historic homestead and working farm located within Indiana Dunes National Park. The 80-acre Chellberg Farm was established in 1874 by Swedish immigrants Anders and Joanna Kjellberg and represents the region’s Swedish-American heritage. The Bailly Homestead, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, has been restored to its 1917 appearance and is open for scheduled tours during the summer. Visitors can also attend seasonal events including Maple Sugar Time each March.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ VALPARAISO ⭐
═════════════════
GABIS ARBORETUM AT PURDUE NORTHWEST
📍 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385
(219) 462-0025
A 300-acre environmental education and conservation center with prairies, wetlands, gardens, and hiking trails. Arboretum open daily, Railway Garden seasonal weekends.
Click for Details
PORTER COUNTY MUSEUM (POCO MUSE)
📍 20 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 510-1836
Museum exploring the art, culture, and history of Porter County. Open Tue–Sun 11 AM–4 PM. Free admission.
Click for Details
MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE
📍 104 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 548-9137
Historic performing arts venue built in 1893 by the Grand Army of the Republic. Seats 364 and hosts concerts, theater productions, and tours. Tours available.
Click for Details
BRAUER MUSEUM OF ART
📍 1709 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-5365
Located at Valparaiso University’s Center for the Arts, the Brauer Museum features more than 5,000 works of art spanning the mid-19th century to the present, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs. The museum highlights Midwestern regional art and world religious art.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ CHICAGO AREA ⭐
═════════════════
SHEDD AQUARIUM
📍 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 939-2438
One of the world’s largest indoor aquariums featuring marine life from oceans, rivers, and reefs.
Click for Details
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
📍 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
Internationally renowned museum featuring masterpieces from around the world.
Click for Details
FIELD MUSEUM
📍 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-9410
One of the world’s leading natural history museums featuring dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and scientific discoveries.
Click for Details
CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
📍 700 E Grand Ave Suite 127, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-1000
Located at Navy Pier, the museum features interactive exhibits designed to inspire creativity, experimentation, and learning through play. Final admission one hour before closing.
Click for Details
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
📍 N Cannon Dr at W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
Free of charge, 365 days a year. Spanning 49-acres, it features hundreds of species, including gorillas, lions, and polar bears, with a strong focus on conservation, science, and education.
Click for Details
BROOKFIELD ZOO
📍 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 688-8000
Brookfield Zoo Chicago has a variety of animal experiences, rides, and activities that are fun for visitors of all ages. Chicago Zoological Society. It houses over 3,400 animals across 511 species in naturalistic, award-winning exhibits. Key attractions include Tropic World, Dolphin Bay, and the Great Bear Wilderness.
Click for Details
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
📍 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 684-1414
One of the largest science museums in the world featuring interactive exhibits on engineering, technology, transportation, and space exploration. Open daily 9:30 AM–4 PM.
Click for Details
═════════════════
⭐ VIRTUAL ⭐
═════════════════
VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS
Not able to visit in person? Explore famous museums from home through virtual tours.
Click for Details
Date & Time
May 2, 2026
Additional Dates
This event also occurs on:
06/06/2026, 07/04/2026, 08/01/2026, 09/05/2026 and 15 other dates
Communities
Add to My Calendar
More About Town Planner of NWI
The Town Planner of NWI is a wonderful community resource that brings homes & businesses together throughout Northwest Indiana by providing year-round information about your community.
The Town Planner calendar is mailed FREE via the USPS to over 106,000 homes across the region annually and offers superb savings from local businesses and organizations alongside gorgeous color photos of our area. Our calendars provide daily exposure as your business is put on display every day alongside important events and community information.
In addition to our annual printed calendar, we offer intuitive digital resources such as our website that is sourced locally from many Northwest Indiana businesses and organizations. It features all of the benefits of our calendar but makes it easy for the community to check events, click on local business links, and access coupons on the go.
You can also sign up for our FREE weekly e-newsletter to ensure that you never miss an event or chance to save money. Simply click on “newsletter” at the top of the page, fill in your zip code & email address!
The Town Planner calendar is mailed FREE via the USPS to over 106,000 homes across the region annually and offers superb savings from local businesses and organizations alongside gorgeous color photos of our area. Our calendars provide daily exposure as your business is put on display every day alongside important events and community information.
In addition to our annual printed calendar, we offer intuitive digital resources such as our website that is sourced locally from many Northwest Indiana businesses and organizations. It features all of the benefits of our calendar but makes it easy for the community to check events, click on local business links, and access coupons on the go.
You can also sign up for our FREE weekly e-newsletter to ensure that you never miss an event or chance to save money. Simply click on “newsletter” at the top of the page, fill in your zip code & email address!
Additional Details
Location
Town Planner of NWI
228 W. Lincoln Highway, #188
Schererville, Indiana 46375
Learn More
Did you know you can follow any of our 175 Special Interest calendars and stay informed better than ever before? See them here. You can also create your own public or private calendar here. Post events to your calendar and ours at the same time! Terms and conditions may vary based on the policies of your local Town Planner publisher.
To learn more, watch our intro video!
Turning 65 or Older?Best in Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Prescription/Part D
PROUD TO BE LOCAL SINCE 1987
*Crown Point *Merrillville *Munster
*Schererville *Valparaiso
(219) 736-7800
Authentic Mexican Cuisine & more!*MADE FRESH DAILY
*GREAT FOOD
*GREAT SALSA
*GREAT PRICES
Click for our Coupon
(219) 472-8621
*Electrical Installations**Wiring & Rewiring*
*Lighting Solutions*
*Panel Upgrades*
*Emergency Repairs*
💡 Reliable. Experienced. Trusted.
📍 Serving Northwest Indiana
📞 (219) 309-8010