On the first steps through Lake Station attractions you can immediately feel that this small town has more to offer than you can at first glance. Founded in the 1850s as a railway hub, Lake Station grew thanks to the proximity to Indiana Central Railroad – a piece of history that I admire every time I walk along the old tracks. Today it is located in the heart of Hobart Township, embedded in the vast Lake County, and looks like a well kept secret between the suburbs of Chicago and the rural fields in the south.
I must admit that the hype about the “small city atmosphere” is not entirely my case, but the honest friendliness of the inhabitants and the surprisingly lively community life make the whole bearable. If you arrive by car, you can take the I‐65 and turn off at exit 277 – a short stop, and you are in the middle of the center where a few old diners and a small park shape the cityscape. The South Shore Line bus stops here, if you prefer to take the train and enjoy the landscape.
When I stroll through the main street, I always remember that Lake Station sights are not in shiny museums or huge shopping centers, but in the small, authentic moments – a conversation with the baker, the sound of the old water mill on the outskirts of the city, and the quiet sum of the story that is still to be heard here.
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The first place I have to mention is that Indiana Dunes National Park – yes, the huge piece of unspoiled coast, which is just half an hour drive from Lake Station. I once had a piece of sand between the toes in flowing rain and thought that is probably the only time I got wet voluntarily because I don’t understand the “Nature-Hype”, but the view over Lake Michigan is simply great. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't arrive at the weekend between 10 am and 2 pm – then the field parking chaos is almost becoming an attraction.
A short trip to East Chicago leads you Miller Beachwhere the dune and the water connect to an almost perfect setting for Instagram albums. I made a picnic with friends there, and while we complained about the “too many tourists”, an older gentleman came by with a fishing hook and only said: “Junge, this is my favorite place since 1972.” This was the first time I heard the word “Miller” not only as a district, but as a feeling of life. The beach is free, and the toilets are clean – a rare comfort in this area.
If you prefer to run a little less, look at this West Beach in Gary. This is what I call the hidden corner of the Great Lake. I once made a campfire (legal, thanks to the designated fire place) and enjoyed the sound of the waves as background music. The parking lot is right on the beach, but it fills up quickly when the weather is good – so better be there early, otherwise you have to walk the way over the gravel road.
A little culture? The Hobart Historical Museum is a small but fine place that shows you why people here used to prefer horse-drawn carriages than with SUVs. I discovered an old photograph of a fair from the 1920s and wondered why today we still live for popcorn and sugar cane. The museum has no entrance fee, and parking is right in front of the door, which is a real plus for me because I didn't want to break my bike tour at the Calumet Trail.
The Calumet Trail itself is a 25-mile runway, which stretches through the suburbs and passes several lakes. I once tried it with my old mountain bike, and although the asphalt track is not exactly an adrenaline rock, it offers the best views of the industrial architecture that still shapes the landscape. Along the way there are several free drinking water points, and parking at the access points is usually easy – except for the hot summer days when the joggers occupy the places.
Another highlight I can't leave is that Lake County Fairgrounds in Gary. This is not only a place for annual markets, but also for exhibitions, vintage timer fairs and occasional concerts. I was there once at a local rock festival and asked myself why I feel so comfortable between the giant wheel lights and the cowstall smells. The driveway is easy, and parking is huge – you can park your car virtually anywhere, unless you block the main gate.
Last but not least a little secret tip: Marquette Park in Miller Beach. The park is famous for its sand dunes and the clear water, but the true pearl is the small natural centre operated by volunteers. On a Saturday I heard a lecture about the local shells and almost forget about lunch – this is the only time I came to dinner voluntarily because I wanted to learn about the local fauna. The parking lot is small, so better to come early, otherwise you have to walk a piece.
So if you're in Lake Station next time looking for something more than just a short view of the lake, then explore this environment – from the vast dunes of the Indiana Dunes National Park to the hidden corners of Marquette Park. The mix of nature, history and a bit of local nature makes the area a real experience. And yes, these are definitely the Lake Station AttractionsI would recommend to anyone who has a bit of adventure and a bit of irony in his luggage.
This guide invites you to look a little behind the plain facade of Lake Station, where I hid my favorite places between the endless suburbs and the sluggish St. Joseph River.
In front, almost as a compulsory program, this is Press Release. I admit, I was never the type that runs for hours in dusty shelves, but here there are more than just books – a cozy reading chair, a small café area, and the staff that greets you with a “welcome back!” even when you first walk through the door. Parking is usually a Klacks, except Saturdays when the local book clubs flood the building.
A short walk down the main road leads you to City Hall. The building is an inconspicuous brick box, but the interior has a small museum that tells the story of the city from the beginnings as a railway node to the modern suburban developments. I don't quite understand the hype about historical city administrations, but the old photos of steam locomotives, which are exhibited here, have really made me sneak.
If you love the water (or just want to grab some fresh air), you need to St. Joseph River visit. The river swells gently through the heart of Lake Station, and a narrow walk along the shore is perfect for a morning run or a late picnic. I once tried to test a self-made fishing set there – the result was a wet shoe and a laughing dog, but the view was still unpaid.
Another highlight I always mention is that Lake Station Riverfront Trail. The path is well maintained, leads through a few small parks and always offers angles of view that transform the water into a dazzling mirror image. Here Jogger, cyclist and one or the other older lady meet with their dog, who all seem to share the same silent agreement: “Here it’s not about speed, but the feeling. ‘
For those looking for a little action, there is the Lake Station Skatepark. I was never a professional skater, but the terrain is so designed that even beginners can taste some cool tricks without visiting the hospital. The best: The skate park is right next to the Lake Station Community Center, where local events take place regularly – from yoga courses to karaoke evenings that go more wrong than they should.
A little away from the main roads Lake Station Historical Museum. Here you will find artifacts from the time when the city was still an important railway node, including old schedules, tools and even a restored Signalhorn. I discovered an old photograph there that shows how the cityscape looked over a hundred years ago – a picture that reminds me that even the most inconspicuous places have their own epic stories.
And yes, if you are looking for a place to hook up your “Lake Station Sights” checklist, you should Lake Station Fire Department not overlooked. The museum is a small but fine collection of old firefighter equipment, helmets and an original firefighter car from the 1950s. I met a former fireman there who told me that the loudest noise in the city was not the traffic, but the siren rush was in an operation – a sound that still echoes in my ears today when I walk past this place.
Finally, if you want to feel the real life in Lake Station, simply stroll through the small shops along Main Street. There are a few cafes that have more character than the chains in the suburbs, and the owners know you by the name as soon as you look over more often. I once got a cappuccino there, which was so strong that I stayed awake almost all day – no joke, that was a real energy rush for the next explorations.
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