Discovery

Things To Do in Portland, Indiana

July 15, 2024

Nestled along the banks of the Salamonie River in northeastern Indiana, Portland is a hidden gem offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm. From exploring historic sites to enjoying outdoor adventures, Portland has something for everyone. Join us as we uncover the top things to do in this quaint town, from scenic parks to local attractions, and discover why Portland is a must-visit destination in the Midwest.

Explore your creative side at the Arts Place

After seeing its start in the 1960s on a humble foundation, the Arts Place has grown to be an impactful nonprofit arts repository over the past five decades. Though the organization has multiple outposts in East Central Indiana and across the border in Ohio, its original and largest location is situated in Portland. In the heart of Jay County’s largest town, the Arts Place boasts an impressive two building campus that has facilities for a variety of art endeavors.

The Arts Place carries out its mission of “nurturing the creative spirit” by hosting art education classes for all ages, organizing regular theatrical and musical performances, and arranging visual art exhibits. Visit the group’s website for information on its array of programming.

Find your next favorite local spot in Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is a quintessential small-town commercial district that is full of vibrant attractions. Meridian Street, the thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of the area, is lined with historic buildings that have been given new life by the range of business, from boutiques to coffee shops, recently occupying their store fronts.

The John Jay Center for Learning epitomizes the growth and revitalization in Downtown Portland. In 2008, through a wide-spanning community effort, the center opened, and it now houses education programs and local shops, like Bizy Dips Bakery and Coffee Shop, a local favorite. Reference Visit Jay County’s directory of shops and restaurants to plan your visit to Downtown Portland.

Admire a delicate art form at the Dunkirk Glass Museum

Dunkirk, a community situated a little more than a dozen miles west of Portland, is a town that is especially well known for its contributions to Indiana’s glass-making heritage. Considered to be the “Glass Capital of Indiana,” the town’s rich history in the art form is honored in the Dunkirk Glass Museum. Located in the same complex that houses the Dunkirk Library, the Glass Museum boasts an assortment of exhibits that display the fine artistic works of the area’s glass makers. 

The Dunkirk Glass Museum is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be enjoyed for just a small admissions fee. Tickets for adults are priced at just $2, and children under 12 are free.

Enjoy the range of offerings at Hudson Family Park

Hudson Family Park is the most modern facility in Portland’s impressive portfolio of public parks. The sizable outdoor recreation center boasts a walking track, a scenic pond, a recently installed playground, and one of the largest amphitheaters in East Central Indiana. Given that the park is owned and operated by the town, visitors can enjoy all the amenities free of charge.

The Arts Place, a local art education and advocacy organization, hosts a summer concert series at the Hudson Family Park amphitheater. Visit the Arts Place’s events page for the series’ calendar and details.

Picture the past at the Jay County Historical Museum

Portland and its surrounding towns feature a slew of historic sites and buildings, each of which stand as a testament to the area’s storied past. The Jay County Historical Museum, located in Portland, is dedicated to preserving the county’s rich history, from its early gas boom to modern times. Inside the unique museum, visitors will encounter distinct exhibits that help convey Jay County’s unique story, like the Gas Boom Display and the Farm Room. For those interested in their own family’s history, genealogy services are also available.

The well-maintained museum does not collect admission fees, and it holds regular visiting times from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Those interested in visiting on a Friday or Saturday can book a personal appointment.

Discover local music talent at the Key Palace Theater

Redkey, a town located on the southwest end of Jay County, is a community steeped in history and culture. Local businesses have steadily popped up in its historic commercial district in recent years, with the Key Palace Theater being one of the most impactful additions. Dedicated to preserving and promoting blues music, the revitalized theater hosts a full calendar of shows that feature the genre’s finest talents. 

In addition to drawing acts to its small-town venue, the Key Palace Theater offers more involvement opportunities for blues enthusiasts through Key Palace Blues Society. The organization sponsors blues education programs, hosts awards receptions, and more.

Meander through the meadows of Loblolly Marsh

Tucked away in Bryant, a town that is a short drive north of Portland, is one of the most pristine nature preserves in East Central Indiana, Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve. The sprawling 440-acre property features wild wetlands, a wooded area, and a plethora of birds, butterflies, and amphibians. Loblolly Marsh’s natural beauty is free to visit and easily accessible via a weaving collection of well-defined trails.

The preserve is not only a destination acclaimed for its natural beauty, but it is also an important site in Indiana’s literature history. Some of the novels penned by acclaimed Hoosier author Gene were set in the Limberlost region, a network of swamps that included Loblolly Marsh.

Immerse yourself in military history at the Museum of the Soldier

Jay County is an area that is particularly prideful in its residents’ selfless contributions in defending the United States, making the community a fitting location for the Museum of the Soldier. Occupying a historic former Coca-Cola bottling building, the museum houses military artifacts and displays that represent several wars and eras.

The nonprofit home of military history is always free to visit, and its doors are open the first and third weekends from April until Veteran’s Day. The Museum of the Soldier also organizes events throughout the year as another way to fulfill its mission of honoring those who have served.

Swim, splash, and slide at the Portland Water Park

The Portland Water Park is a vibrant, well-maintained destination for summer fun. The park, which is operated by the City of Portland, features a sizable six-lane pool that is used for both casual swimming and competitive races, a pair of tube slides, a lazy river, and a shallow play area for younger children. Around all the water activities are large shaded areas for those looking to take a break from the heat, and a number of beach chairs for visitors hoping to soak up the sun.

The park is open daily during the summer months and can be enjoyed for an affordable admission rate. Visit the Portland Water Park page on the city’s official website for information on hours and fees.