Porter County Museum

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

The story of the Porter County Fair begins in 1851.

That fall, while Porter County was still young and deeply rooted in farming life, local citizens gathered on the courthouse lawn in the Town of Valparaiso for the very first Porter County Fair. About 400 people attended, and just $80 in prize money reflected a major investment from the community at the time.

Early competitions focused on horses, cattle, sheep, swine, fruits, and vegetables. Before long, categories for butter-making, quilting, rug weaving, and other domestic skills were added as well.

From the beginning, the fair served two important purposes: improving agriculture and bringing people together. It was more than a competition - it was a reunion, a marketplace, a celebration, and a chance for neighbors to connect and exchange ideas.

For the last 175 years, the Porter County Fair has reflected what mattered most to the people of Porter County - community, tradition, and the spirit of coming together.

Image: This photograph is one of very few in existence that shows a glimpse of the second Porter County Courthouse, which was built in the early 1850s. The very first Porter County Fair took place on this public square in 1851.

05/26/2026

Plan your visit to take a closer look at "Our Heart of Hearts: The Porter County Fair" and learn more about one of our county's most beloved institutions.

Our new featured exhibit reveals a remarkable story that spans 175 years and is told largely through the snapshots and oral histories of some of the fair’s most dedicated caretakers.

We are open with free admission six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, between 11am-5pm. And be sure to stop in for Quinn's free guided tour of our exhibits on Saturday, June 20, at 11am.