Travelers from all over the world appreciate the Merrillville sights because they reveal an underestimated piece of Indiana charm almost lost between the endless suburbs of the North. I have always wondered why this city was declared an independent community only in 1971, although the area has been inhabited by German and Scottish pioneers since the 1830s – a relic of the time when the country was still inhabited by the Potawatomi and the word “Merrill” only existed in the minds of the influential Merrill family. Today, Merrillville is located in the heart of Ross Township, embedded in the vast Lake County, and looks like a silent witness of industrial upheavals that shaped the surrounding area around Chicago.
When I turn the I‐94 by car, you can immediately feel that the traffic network is more than just a way to the supermarket – it is the backbone that brings together visitors from Chicago, Gary and even from the more rural parts of the state. The South Shore Line does not stop directly in the city, but a short trip to Hammond will take you to the heart of the region. I have to admit that I don’t understand the hype about the “big” metropolises, but the small cafés on Main Street, the surprisingly good craft beer and the occasional street festival – that’s what Merrillville is for me. And yes, the Merrillville sights are not just an advertising slogan, they are what this city keeps alive when you look closely.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
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You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Merrillville, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first place I have to mention is that Indiana Dunes National Park, which is just a short trip from Merrillville and presents itself like an ungrounded diamond on the banks of Lake Michigan. I once had a piece of sand between the toes in flowing rain – that was less romantic than I had painted the picture in the guide, but the view of the high dunes is really impressive. Parking is usually a children's game, as long as you don't arrive at the weekend with a horde family, then the field parking lot chaos becomes almost an attraction.
A few miles further, almost as if the national park experience was a taste, Miller Beach. The sand here is finer, the water clearer, and people seem to believe that they live in a postcard. I once made a picnic with a friend who insisted that the “real” ice is sold by a mobile stand – that was an expensive joke, but the smile of the children who were planning in the water was worth every cent. The beach is well signposted, and a small car park right at the entrance is almost always free as long as you don't arrive at lunchtime.
If you have enough of sun and sand, the path continues to Borman Museum in Michigan City, which is hidden in an old manor house and houses a collection of art and history from the region. I was there on a rainy Thursday afternoon when the museum was almost empty; that gave me the opportunity to pass through the exhibition in peace and listening to the silent click of my camera, which is otherwise overtoned by loud groups of visitors. The entrance is free, and parking is possible directly in front of the museum – a small, inconspicuous parking space that is rarely full.
A short trip to Crown Point brings you to Lake County Fairgrounds, where the whole year takes place from cattle shows to rock-concerts. I remember a year when I accidentally hit an old-timer car show there – that was a real eye-catcher for anyone interested in classic vehicles. The approach is uncomplicated over the US‐30, and parking is generous as long as you don't come during the annual County Fairs, then the terrain becomes a maze of cars and crowds.
For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, Calumet Trail A must. This 16-mile-long cycle path stretches through parks, along rivers and through small suburbs, and offers surprising views over the industrial architecture of the former Indiana steel heart. I once made a morning cycle, while a light fog was above the trail – that was almost like a movie, just that I constantly stumbled across percussions. The trail is well marked, and most of the sections have free parking at the entrances, most visitors simply bring their bike and cycle.
Last but not least, Miller’s Point not forget a historic lighthouse site, which today serves as a viewpoint and small museum. I spent a weekend watching the sunset, and while I was sitting on the wooden bench, an older gentleman came by and told me that he often went fishing with his father here as a child – that was a short but impressive moment that made the history of the place alive. Access is free, parking is a small but sufficiently large car park directly at the edge of the road, and the weather is usually involved here, except when a storm moves over the lake.
Next time you're in the area, don't forget that the surroundings of Merrillville have more to offer than just a few shopping centers – from the vast dunes of the Indiana Dunes National Park to the relaxed vibe of Miller Beach to cultural highlights such as the Borman Museum and the lively paths of the Calumet Trail. All this makes Merrillville Sights to a surprisingly varied destination for anyone looking for a little change from everyday life.
The history of Merrillville begins long before the modern shopping centers, and I feel that everyone who comes here immediately feels the quiet sum of the past – especially if you Merrillville Historical Museum enter. I remember my first visit: I stood in front of the old post, which now serves as an exhibition space, and thought that this is not a typical “museum for tourists”, but rather a well kept secret of the locals. The exhibits are not exactly shinyly packed, but that makes the charm. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the car park in front of the museum becomes a battlefield.
A short walk further (and yes, this is really a walk, no marathon) leads you to Miller Park. There is a small lake that is populated in summer by families with picnic blankets and barbecue equipment. I once tried to rent a canoe there – that was a bad buy because the canoe had more holes than a Swiss cheese, but the children have driven themselves deliciously on the water. The park is ideal if you want to catch some fresh air, and parking is free at the entrance as long as you don't have the weekend with a rumble place.
If you are looking for a place where you can find a bit of culture and at the same time a bit of rest, then look at the St John the Baptist Catholic Church on. I had a concert there where a local choir sang an old Gospel piece – that was so authentic that I almost forgot that I was here because of the architecture. The church is not only a church but also a meeting place for the church, and parking is almost always free thanks to a small side street.
Another highlight that I do not want to conceal is the Merrillville Public Library. Many think libraries are boring, but there are not only books, but also regular readings and even a small café, which serves surprisingly good espresso. I once found an old city map that helped me discover a hidden graffiti in the industrial area – a real treasure for street art fans. Parking is right in front of the main entrance, but it can be full on working days, so it's better to come early.
For those looking for the shopping experience, this is Merrillville Town Center A must. Here there are everything from big chains to small boutiques, and I found the best sandwich of my life in an inconspicuous deli – no joke, the bread was crispy, the meat juicy, and the sauce was a secret I will never reveal again. Parking is generous, but the prices for parking can be surprisingly high on holidays, so have an eye on it.
A little off the hustle and bustle Little Calumet River Trail, a narrow path that leads along the river and is perfect for a relaxed bike tour. I watched a sunset there once, while I tried to fix my broken chain – the result was a bit embarrassing, but the view made up everything. The trail is well signposted, and you can leave your bike almost everywhere as long as you don't overlap the weekend with a big festival.
To finish my little tour through Merrillville Sights I want to Merrillville Community Center mention. It is the heart of local sports events and youth programs. I saw a Badminton tournament where the participants had more energy than a Duracell-Hase, and that was a real laugh. The center has a large parking lot, but it fills up quickly when a local event takes place – so better to be there early.
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