Discover historic Valparaiso, Indiana, which is one of the oldest towns in the state. Most people know it for its college but the land has been used for much more than that. There is so much to know about this great place.

Readers on USA Today’s website recently named Valparaiso one of the top 10 historic small towns in the United States, and we couldn’t agree more. Keep scrolling for more details.

Located along the Sauk Indian Trail that extends from Detroit to Rock Island, Valparaiso in northwest Indiana is a popular town known for its history.

Flickr/Steve Johnson

The population currently sits at about 35,000 residents, though that number has changed over the years. This thriving town has a long and complicated history that goes back to at least the 1600s.

Flickr/Ken Lund

The first European settlers to make their way to what is now Indiana did so around 1670 though it was not until 1822 that Joseph Bailey established a fur trading post near Lake Michigan, attracting more Europeans.

Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light

Ten years later, in 1832, it is reported that the U.S. Government bought land from the Potowatomi Native Americans which included present-day Valparaiso.

Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light

The town was originally called Portersville, named for the county of which it was the seat. Valparaiso has remained the county seat since.

Wikimedia Commons/Dennisyerger84

Many visit historic Valparaiso for the college, opera house, and more. Museums and beautiful architecture abound.

Wikimedia Commons/Runner1928

This town aims to preserve its history by offering tours. Learn all about what has been around longest in one of the Hoosier State’s oldest towns.

Wikimedia Commons/Kiwithing

If you’ve ever been to historic Valparaiso, Indiana, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.

Flickr/Steve Johnson

Flickr/Ken Lund

Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light

Wikimedia Commons/Dennisyerger84

Wikimedia Commons/Runner1928

Wikimedia Commons/Kiwithing

For more like this, check out the 13 oldest towns in Indiana that you should visit.

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Address: Valparaiso, IN, USA