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The V&N: Porter County’s Electric Interurban Rail Line

NOW OPEN - Learn about the rise and fall of Porter County’s electric rail line in our newest featured exhibit.

The Valparaiso and Northern Railway (V&N) was an electric interurban train line in Porter County that began service in 1910. Originally intended as a feeder line to the ambitious cross-country Chicago New York Electric Air Line Railroad, the V&N connected Valparaiso to Chesterton by way of the lake resorts between them.

While the promise of the Air Line was never realized, the V&N was initially quite successful, connecting vacationers to the booming resort communities of Flint and Long Lakes. Ultimately, as more automobiles populated the improving and expansive highway system and the nation faced an economic depression, the V&N interurban ceased service in 1938.

 
Events
Guided Museum Tour
Nov 23
Guided Museum Tour
Holiday Closure
Nov 28
Holiday Closure
Holiday Closure
Nov 29
Holiday Closure
Small Museum Saturday: Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Nov 30
Small Museum Saturday: Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Founded in 1916 by the Porter County Historical Society (now the PoCo Muse Foundation), the PoCo Muse is the oldest institution devoted to the history and culture of Porter County.

Artifacts were displayed in the lower level of the Valparaiso Public Library from 1916 until 1937, on the top floor of the Porter County Courthouse from 1938 until 1973, and inside the 1871 Porter County Jail from 1975 until 2020. The PoCo Muse opened its doors at 20 Indiana Avenue in downtown Valparaiso on May 19, 2022.

Our exhibits and programs highlight Porter County’s rich history, and have much to tell visitors about our county’s past, present, and future. We hope that when you visit, you leave with a better understanding of the unique character of Porter County, along with its diversity, vibrancy, and beauty.

“This may be the best small museum in the USA.”

— Natalie Z. | Yelp review

“Truly a gem in our community […] we are very fortunate to have such an amazing local cultural resource!”

— Ben | Facebook review

I brought my daughter who thought it'd be totally lame […] so we made a bet. If it was, I would have to get her a cupcake from the local bakery. I did not have to buy the cupcake. 

—Wende B. | Facebook review

“The public programming they provide is informative, reflective and fun. The exhibits challenge visitors to think of history in the context of their own lives. Museum-goers discover their shared history, and we are a stronger community as a result of these discoveries.”

— Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas

"The institution has tackled difficult subjects like civil rights and homelessness but has managed to stimulate engagement and conversation. More importantly, the Porter County Museum has demonstrated the true diversity that exists within our borders."

— Former Chesterton Town Manager C. Bernard Doyle

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