A Peek Into The Past

The Valparaiso Downtown Commercial District is located in the city of Valparaiso in Porter County in northwestern- Indiana. Located in what is known as the Calumet region of Indiana, it is situated along the crest of a geologic feature known as the Valparaiso Moraine, a low ridge left by the receding glaciers of the last Ice Age.

The historic district is a compact area centered along Lincolnway, the city's principal east-west thoroughfare. It is traversed by six crossing streets running north and south, the principal two being Washington Street and Franklin Avenue flanking either side of a courthouse square. This square, bounded on the north by Lincolnway and on the south by Indiana Avenue, is a landscaped, park-like block with one building, the courthouse, located at its center. It is surrounded by commercial buildings on all four sides, with the exception of one half-block on the west side which is presently a parking lot.

Morgan Street forms the district's eastern boundary; Napoleon Street forms its western boundary. The district contains 102 buildings, most of which are commercial, with a small number of prominent civic and governmental buildings located on Lincolnway and on or around the courthouse square.

The Valparaiso downtown commercial district is significant for its nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture, its history of commerce and retail trade and its collection of Italianate, Queen Anne, and Commercial style buildings.

The Where-I-Go will take you to the furthest point which is suggested to drive. Several buildings are together which can be walked. Traffic will vary depending on the time of day. The Where-I-Go consists of 8 historic locations with the final close to the last location.

NOTE: There is also a virtual cache, GC7B96D, close to the final location which can be done at the same time if you choose. If you happen to do this cache on Wednesday to Saturday from 9 to 5 (10 to 5 in the fall) there is an opportunity to visit the Porter County Museum to see 100 years of artifacts. This is not a requirement but just an added bonus. And more cool and interesting stuff to see thanks to Geocaching

HOW TO PLAY:Download the Cartridge linked below. The tour will take you to 8 locations and each segment will activate when you are within 5-10 feet of GZ. Once you have answered all the questions correctly, you will be given the coordinates to the final physical stage.