Northwest Indiana Guide
Online Guide for the Region

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Select from the following:

Lake County Parks
& Recreation Grounds


Porter County Parks
& Recreation Grounds
 


LaPorte County Parks
& Recreation Grounds
Evergreen Park in Lowell
Evergreen Park in Lowell (Lake Co.)

 

  Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore  site 
US 12 at Kemil Road
(219) 926-7561

One of the great prides of the region, this impressive stretch of Lake Michigan shore includes beaches, sand dunes, bog, wetlands, woodland forests, even an 1830's French Canadian homestead and a working 1900 era farm.
The park spans the counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte and contains approximately 15,000 acres - 2,182 of which are located in Indiana Dunes State Park 

View from the Dunes
Lake County Parks and Recreation Grounds
Buckley Homestead
Barbecue Facilities
Cross Country Ski Trails
Gift Shop
Tractor Drawn and Horse Drawn Hayrides
Hiking Trails
Historical Buildings
Interpretive Staff
Jogging
Open Play Fields
Parking Fee (season only)
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Buckley Homestead Pavilion
Deep River
Two parks in one!  (See column at right.)

Barbecue Facilities
Canoe Launch (no rentals)
Children's Water Playground
Cross Country Ski Rental
Cross Country Ski Trails
Fishing (Indiana waters)
Gift Shop
Hayrides (tractor drawn)
Hiking Trails
Historic Buildings
Horseback Riding (no rentals)
Interpretive Staff
Jogging
Open Play Fields
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Playground
Recreation Equipment Rental
Sand Beach Volleyball
Slow River Ride
Volleyball Standards
Water Slides
Wave Pool

Deep River Water Park is truly an exciting water recreation park which offers numerous body slides, a wave pool, a separate water play area for kids, and more. Admission is charged. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

9001 East US 30 (4 1/2 miles east of I-65)
Merrillville, IN
1-800-928-7275

Deep River County Park
is an expansive and varied park with a historic mill, lovely gazebo, and enjoyable trails.

9410 Old Lincoln Highway
Merrillville, IN
(219) 947-1958
Evergreen Park
Commercial Avenue
Lowell, Indiana

Named Evergreen Park was a former tree nursery, hence the straight rows of trees.  This park is peaceful and shaded with an ideal volleyball area, playground equipment, and relaxing scenery.   
Evergreen Park in Lowell
The Much-Loved Trees of Evergreen Park
Gibson Woods Nature Preserve
6201 Parrish Avenue
Hammond, Indiana

Once part of a sand dune ecosystem carved out by Lake Michigan, this nature preserve is a strip of wooded sand dunes and small wetlands. Park hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily.

Gift Shop
Hiking Trails
Interpretive Staff
Nature Center


The Tranquil Entryway to Gibson Woods
Grand Kankakee Marsh
21690 Range Lind Road
(219) 552-9614

Barbecue Facilities
Boat Launch (public access)
Canoe Launch (no rentals)
Cross Country Ski Trails
Fishing (Indiana Waters)
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding (no rentals)
Hunting (deer & waterfowl)
Jogging
Photo Blinds
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables

Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary
known for an amazing number and variety of birds during migration
Lake County Fairgrounds 
Directions to the Fairgrounds:
From the Crown Point Square, go south on Court Street about one mile.  The fairgrounds are on the west side.  See more about the fairgrounds.


Lake Etta County Park
4801 West 29th Avenue
Gary, Indiana

Barbecue Facilities
Barrier Free Trail
Fishing (fee/stocked)
Fishing Pier
Fitness Trails
Fitness Trail (handicap)
Food Concessions
Hiking Trails
Jogging
Open Play Fields
Paddle Boat Rental
Parker Free (season only)
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Playground
Recreation Equipment Rental
Swimmers Rinse Shower
Swimming Lake
Volleyball Standards
Water Slides

Lemon Lake County Park
6322 West 133rd Avenue
Crown Point, Indiana

an expansive park with a variety of views to see and plenty of room to enjoy various activities

Arboretum
Barbecue Facilities
Barrier Free Toilets
Lighted Basketball Courts
Cross Country Ski Rental
Cross Country Ski Trails
Fishing (fee/stocked)
Fishing Pier
Fitness Trails
Fitness Trail (handicap)
Food Concessions
Tractor Drawn Hayrides
Hiking Trails
Jogging
Lighted Tennis Courts
Open Play Fields
Paddle Boat Rental
Parking Fee (season only)
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Playground
Recreation Equipment Rental
Soccer Field
Sledding Hill
Softball Diamonds
Toilets (pit)
Volleyball Standards

Lemon Lake Park
One of the Many Ideal Picnic Areas at Lemon Lake Park
Oak Ridge Prairie
301 South Prairie Colfax Street
Griffith, Indiana
(219) 769-7275

Barbecue Facilities
Cross Country Ski Rental
Cross Country Ski Trails
Fishing (fee/stocked)
Fishing Pier
Tractor Drawn Hayrides
Ice Skating
Jogging
Open Play Fields
Parking Fee (season only)
Picnic Shelters
Recreation Equipment Rental
Sledding Hill
Volleyball Standards

Paul H. Douglas Environmental Center
100 North Lake Street
Gary, Indiana
(219) 926-7561

Part of the Indiana Dunes Lakeshore
Features environmental educational activities for the whole family
Seasonal hours are Mon, Wed, Fri 9am to 4pm
Marquette Park
Gary, Indiana

View article and photos.
Turkey Creek Golf Course
6400 Harrison
Merrillville, Indiana

Banquet Facilities
Club House
Food Concessions
Golf/Pro Shop

Whihala Beach
1561 Park Road
Whiting, Indiana
(219) 659-4015

Public Access Boat Launch
Fishing in Indiana Waters
Fishing Pier
Food Concessions
Jogging
Parking Fee (season only)
Picnic Tables
Swimmers Rinse Shower
Swimming Lake


photo contributed by Mike Aborgetti
Wolf Lake Park
121st at Calumet Avenue
Hammond, Indiana
(219) 853-6437
Stoney Run
Barbecue Facilities
Camping (groups only/primitive)
Cross Country Ski Rental
Cross Country Ski Trails
Fishing (fee/stocked)
Fitness Trails
Tractor Drawn Hayrides
Hiking Trails
Jogging
Open Play Fields
Parking Fee (season only)
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Playground
Recreation Equipment Rental
Veterans Memorial
Volleyball Standards

Merrillville Parks & Beaches

Devonshire Park
4 acres
65th & Harrison

Crescent Lake Park
4 acres
74th Court & Morton Street

57th Avenue Park
22 acres, Picnic area, Tot equipment, Parking 
5750 Tyler Place

Hendricks Park
1 acre, Basketball, Softball, Tot equipment
81st Avenue & Hendricks Street

Hidden Lake Park
84.5 acres open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Concessions, club house, fishing, swimming and banquet facilities. Also available for rentals. Entrance is located about one-fourth mile south of 61st Avenue on the east side of Broadway. Ross Township
6355 Broadway

Independence Park
3 acres land and natural wilderness area. Open June, July and August. Concession stand and fishing. Located about one mile west of Taft Street (Highway #55). Ross Township
73rd Avenue (Old Lincoln Highway)

Meadowdale Park
8 acres, Parking, Playground equipment
1030 West 54th Avenue

Rosenbaum Neighborhood Park
4 acres, Basketball, Baseball, Playground Equipment
73rd & Chase

Skinner Park
9.1 acres, Fishing Pond, Covered Picnic Area. 
68th Avenue & Maryland Street

Southbrook Neighborhood Parks
6 acres, Tot equipment, Softball
74th Avenue & Wilson/Jennings Street
75th Avenue & Hendricks Street

Tahoe Neighborhood Park
3 acres, Tennis, Basketball, Playground Equipment, Parking, Picnic Shelter
70th Avenue & Harrison

Ross Township Pool
Open 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Concession Stand. 
53rd Avenue & Harrison Street

(219) 983-5911 or (219) 769-2111

Top of Page
Porter County Parks & Recreation Grounds

Hawthorne Park 
500 Ackerman Drive
Porter, IN 46304 
(219) 921-1687

Community Center and Shelters 
(available for rent) 

Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center
(Camp Good Fellow) 
P.O. Box 871, Chesterton, IN 46304
(219) 938-8221 

Environmental educational activities

Indiana Dunes State Park
1600 North 25 East
Chesterton, Indiana 46304 
(219) 926-1952

2,182 acres of park area in Porter County 
More than 3 miles of Lake Michigan beach
1800 wooded acres 
Diversified flora and fauna  
Drifting sand hills
 
Free beach
Fee for cars entering park


Historic Beach House at Indiana Dunes State Park

Porter Cove Park 
Home of Community Built "Kids Cove" Porter Cove Subdivision 
(off Essex Drive)
Porter, IN 46304

Sunset Hill Farm County Park  
U.S. Highway Rt. 6 & Meridian Road
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383

235 acre park

Thomas Centennial Park
Downtown Chesterton 

Porter County Fairgrounds & Expo Center
Valparaiso
Woodland Park
Portage

Gazebo, Basketball Courts, Kids Korner (pictured), Community Center, and more.

Just some of the Fun Equipment at Kids Korner at Woodland Park in Portage
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LaPorte County Parks and Recreation Grounds
La Porte County Fairgrounds 
2581 West State Road 2
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 362-2647
Michigan City Parks
Adams Park at 307 Village Road
Gardena Park at Gardena and Jackson Sts.
Krueger Memorial Hall & Park
at Liberty Trail and "A" Street 
(219) 873-1506
Mount Baldy and Pinhook Bog - 
Part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Climb this 123-foot tall dune, enjoy the lake view, and explore wooded paths.  Located approximately two miles west of downtown Michigan City, just off U.S. 12.
(219) 926-7561
LaPorte City Parks
(219) 326-9600
Parks open from sunrise to 10pm.
Soldiers Memorial Park
Grangemouth Road & Waverly Road in LaPorte
160-acre city park by Stone Lake and Pine Lake - ideal for picnicking, hiking, and fishing.  
(219) 326-9600
LaPorte County Parks
(219) 326-6808, ext. 223
The LaPorte County Parks includes Bluhm, Creek Ridge, and Luhr Parks.
Bluhm County Park
3855 S. 1100 West in Westville
Multiple-use trails for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and  cross country skiing.
(219) 326-6808 ext. 223
Creek Ridge County Park
7943 W. 400 North in Michigan City
(219) 873-7014, ext. 223
Boardwalk alongside Trail Creek for fishing, and Nature trails and picnic facilities
Luhr County Park & Nature Center
3178 S. 150 West in LaPorte
(219) 324-5855
Unique marshland boardwalk, nature trails, picnic areas and fishing pond
Washington Park and Zoo
(219) 873-1506
Lakeshore Drive in Michigan City
90-acre recreational park with a public access marina, picnic facilities, a swimming beach on Lake Michigan, and Indiana's only operating lighthouse.  Zoo open April through December and set in a wooded sand dune along the Lake Michigan.  
Water Tower Park
Broadway and Carroll Avenue in Michigan City 
(219) 873-1506
Kingsbury State Fish & Wildlife Area
5344 S. Hupp Road in  Kingsbury
(219) 393-3612
Fishing, picnic facilities, hiking trails, and hunting (in some areas).
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