Endless Summer Fun Abounds with Nine Things to Do in Lake County, Indiana

Lake County, Indiana, is a popular destination for families attending sporting events and tournaments, but many overlook the wide variety of attractions. From the urban north to the rural south, the list of summer activities is a long one.

“Lake County is full of hardworking people with good hearts who are proud of being from this region,” says Phil Taillon, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority president and CEO. “It’s reinventing itself from steel production to a family-oriented tourist destination.”

Lake County is the second most populous county in Indiana, next to Marion County, home to Indianapolis. There is something for everyone, including exploring the great outdoors, stepping back in time at museums, discovering unique art destinations, local dives and much more. Enjoy the interesting blend of activities and towns in Lake County when you check out a few must-sees on a summer getaway.

1. Aquatic Adventures

Deep River Waterpark has thrilling rides for everyone. The lazy rivers provide a relaxing float while the Dragon speed slides get hearts racing. The WhoaZone at Whihala Beach has its floating obstacle course on Lake Michigan, giving visitors a choice between adrenaline stunts or relaxing beaches.

“Visitors need to see our lakefronts and beaches because they are some of the most beautiful and serene places around,” Taillon says.

Also, try kayaking on the Kankakee River National Water Trail or the Lake Michigan Water Trail for more water fun.

2. Classic Traditions

Experience living history at Buckley Homestead through tours of the working farm. Staff in traditional garments share the story of the 150-year-old farmstead. Another tradition is maple tapping at Deep River County Park, which happens in March. Reenactors teach how sap can be collected and processed into maple sugar over a fire.

3. Play in Nature

Lake County has 12 different county parks to explore. Lemon Lake has five world-class disc golf courses, while Gibson Woods Nature Preserve has tranquil trails with dunes and wetlands.

“There’s over 7,000 acres of park land in the county, creating a ton of diversity of play,” says Emily Trisler, Lake County Parks and Rec communications director. “There’s something exciting for everyone outdoors.”

4. Enjoy Crown Point

The Old Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point is a beautiful building full of shops, and events fill the square out front. The St. Patrick’s Day and Fourth of July parades, along with the Crown Beer Fest, happen there. Crown Brewing, a local brewery, brings more than 50 breweries to its festival in June. Crown Point also has a popular Saturday farmers market, and there is a Crown Point Car Cruise every Thursday from June through September.

5. Festivals, Fairs and Events

Other noteworthy festivals are Corn Roast in May and Pierogi Fest in July. Corn Roast offers up Indiana-grown sweet corn and live music for two days. And Pierogi Fest is famous nationwide for its wacky fun and delicious nod to culture, drawing more than 300,000 people over three days.

Hammond hosts a five-day music festival in July. Each year, it brings in thousands of people, with popular acts, including Shinedown, Marshmello and others.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly overhead performing aerial acts along the south shore of Lake Michigan in August. Watch this stunning show for free and enjoy food from vendors on the beach.

The Lake County Fair in August brings more than a week of fun. While the fairgrounds are packed with events all summer, the fair brings in horse shows, motorsports, rides and food. The covered bridge on the property is fully functioning for visitors to drive or walk through as well.

6. Swing Into the Ballpark

Families visiting for sporting tournaments or visitors looking for a family-fun outing can check out the local Minor League Baseball team, the RailCats. The games are action packed, and the entertainment between innings is fun for all ages. The baseball season begins in May.

7. Imaginations Go Wild

Residents highly recommend Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center for families with kids 10 and under. This experience includes all kinds of constructive play from imagination in a pretend town to building towering blocks and much more.

“Bellaboo’s is a really robust children’s museum and garden,” Trisler says. “It holds its own against the best children’s museums because it’s a dynamic space where kids can rule the day and learn.”

8. Drift Back in Time

The 1920s come alive on Cedar Lake with The Museum at Lassen’s Resort’s historic hotel turned museum. Tour the exhibits or try the sunset dinner cruise (reservations recommended) on Mondays and Thursdays. Steamboat rides are offered on Wednesdays from June through September.

“Our goal is to be a cultural destination,” says Julie Zasada, The Museum at Lassen’s Resort executive director. “It’s a transformative experience just walking through the door.”

9. Behold Life-Sized Statues

Thousands of visitors check out The Shrine of Christ’s Passion annually in St. John. Regardless of religion, visitors can walk through 40 life-sized bronze sculptures depicting the last days of Jesus Christ’s life.

– Ceighlee Fennel