Things to do in Northwest Indiana

Today I wanted to tell my readers about the fun things to do in Northwest Indiana (aka – the region). Some of these things I have done personally, but some I have not and it took a bit of research to find these things I haven’t done. I’ll hopefully get to do everything I list out here in the future. If you’re ever in the region, please remember this post and use it as a reference! Also, feel free to let me know. I’d love to meet my readers!  

For this list I picked five towns to write about: Cedar Lake, Munster, Crown Point, Merrillville, and Michigan City. There are so many more places and things to do around here, but I have to cut it off somewhere so this blog doesn’t go on and on and on and on and….on….you get my point.

Okay let’s begin!

Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake is a great little lake town and there is so much more to do than meets the eye. For instance, with the giant lake sitting in the middle of town, you can rent a boat and have yourself a beautiful day on the water. You can also bring your own boat and do the same. If you’re looking for something more exciting to do on the water, you can rent out jet ski’s or kayaks (although the kayak’s are a lot more work if I’m being honest. We rented a couple a few summers ago and paid for the three hour rental…horrible idea! Lol We were sore after an hour!). 

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, and you don’t want to be on the water or spend money renting boats, jet ski’s or kayak’s, you can go relax on the beach and get some sun. We were just near there the other day and it was beautiful. My family and I had a picnic on the lake, near the sandy beach where all the kids were playing and splashing around. It looked really fun over there. 

Finally, whenever you’re hungry after a long day on the beach and/or water, you can dine at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Aside from its great food, you will get an incredible view of Cedar Lake and potentially watch a really beautiful sunset. And, if the weather allows, you will also have the option to sit outside. Whether it’s at a table or in a comfy chair on the water, you can listen to the live music and stare at the water with a drink in your hand and have a very enjoyable evening. 

Munster

Munster – my home town. The place where I grew up and have so many memories. It’s changed a lot since I was a kid, and there are so many more things to do today. First, I want to mention Centennial Park. It’s the Town of Munster’s pride and joy. Created when I was just a kid, Centennial Park has turned into such a beautiful place for the residents (and even for those just visiting or passing through). 

The park has a really cool golf course and driving range. I personally have not golfed on the course yet, but I have used the range and it is beautiful. There’s so much space up there and on a warm, sunny day it can be very relaxing. There are also a couple walking paths too if you want to get some exercise in. You can walk around the big pond with the fountains shooting water into the air, or you can walk up the giant staircase to the top of the hill and sit upon the swing and stare at the Chicago skyline. It’s an incredible view and can be a really chill place to hang out with friends on summer nights. 

You can also fish, attend concerts or movie-in-the-park nights, eat at the new restaurants that recently opened and, potentially live there. That’s right, you could live at Centennial Park in Munster. There are condos and/or apartments available to be bought or rented. It’s turning into a really cool place to be.

Crown Point

Crown Point is a place I’ve been hanging around in more often as an adult. The reason being a little place called “the square”. The square is part of Crown Point’s historic downtown area, and as Earth revolves around the Sun, all the businesses revolve around the historic courthouse in the square (and yes, it is literally a square). It’s a very fun place to be on the weekends. While there you could do many things. Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat at Square Roots, doing some shopping at little family-owned businesses, or going out for drinks with your friends, you will never run out of options. 

The nightlife isn’t as exciting as Chicago, but I would say it’s more pleasant. Plus, you can always make it more fun. I enjoy the nightlife in the region more because I can actually hear the people I am with and engage in a conversation with them. Also, not everyone around you is trying to drink until the sun comes up. Those are just my preferences though!

Merrillville

Merrillville is another fun place to be. Similar to Crown Point (and right next to it on the map), there are tons of shopping and dining options. For example, there is the Southlake Mall. Technically, the mall is in Hobart, IN, but everyone I know just says it’s in Merrillville. Regardless, it’s a great mall to go shop at and/or grab a bite to eat. 

Besides the mall, you can also find many, many retail stores in Merrillville along the historic Route US 30. Whatever you are looking to buy, you can probably find a store for it along US 30 in Merrillville. It’s a great town, and I highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. 

Michigan City

Michigan City is one of the best places to go around here. I haven’t been there in a long time, but hopefully I’ll be able to go soon. The main attraction is the beach. It sits right on Lake Michigan and gives you a great place to lay out and enjoy the view. You can also visit their outlet mall, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets. It’s a great way to spend your day with friends or family. There are lots of shops and places to eat. You won’t be disappointed! 

If you’re interested in history, I suggest checking out the Old Lighthouse Museum while in Michigan City. It has a fascinating history. Per their website, “The story of Michigan City’s Light Station begins in 1835…” I won’t spoil it, or waste your time copying what their website says when you can read it for yourself if you’re interested, but it sounds really cool and I’d like to check it out myself some day. 

Lastly, the Barker Mansion. I hope I am remembering this correctly, but I am also positive we went on a field trip to this place when I was in fifth grade. It was really cool, and our little minds thought it was haunted lol. Anyways, per their website…”Built in 1857 by John Barker and remodeled in the early 1900’s, the Barker mansion stands as a testament to the success and innovation of the Barker family and a prime example of luxury in the Gilded Age.” The architecture is beautiful, and I would love to do this tour (again). I recommend checking it out if you are ever in the area! 

I hope you enjoyed my little list of things to do in Northwest Indiana. Again, if you’re ever in the area please remember this post and let me know what you think of the region!

Peter

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