Lake: Nature, Trails and History

Lake’s attractions range from rare dune-and-swale landscapes to historic buildings, hiking trails and spiritual art. Depending on your interests, your stay can focus on nature watching, outdoor activities, history or unique experiences. The places below offer specific ideas to help you choose a focus for planning your trip.

Natural Areas and Trails

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve is a 179-acre state-designated nature preserve. Its unique, globally rare dune-and-swale ecosystem makes it a distinctive nature destination. At Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve, you can observe native birds and other animals in their natural surroundings.

Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park provides habitat for herds of deer, many species of ducks and other wildlife. A public canoe and boat launch provides access to the Kankakee River; the levees have bridle trails open to the public. The nature preserve and river activities appeal to different interests: you can watch wildlife, spend time on the water or ride on horseback.

Oak Ridge Prairie is a regional hub for the Oak Savannah Trail and the Erie Lackawanna Trail, with five miles of hiking trails. The Oak Savannah Trail includes a 10-mile paved section from Oak Ridge Prairie County Park to the Prairie Duneland Trail at Lake/Porter County Line Road in Portage. This provides a specific trail distance and a longer paved section with named endpoints to help you find your way. Stoney Run, a 317-acre park with woodlands, ponds and open meadows, adds two permanent orienteering courses.

Waterfront and coastal destinations offer their own highlights. The Paul H. Douglas Trail in Miller Woods passes through wetlands, a globally rare black oak savanna, open dunes and a beach. Marquette Park is a 241-acre historic lakefront destination in Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood, completely surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Park. Big Maple Lake in Deep River County Park offers fishing and a lakeside trail.

History and the Night Sky

Buckley Homestead is an open-air museum devoted to regional history. The Buckley Barn is more than 100 years old and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Calumet Astronomy Center is also located on the grounds, about a mile south of the barn area. The Thomas Conway Observatory regularly holds events with the Calumet Astronomical Society. If you plan to attend, check the latest event information in advance.

Wood’s Historic Grist Mill is located in the historic buildings area of Deep River County Park, along the Old Lincoln Highway. For more history in Crown Point, take “The First Walk,” a self-guided, two-mile city tour featuring 30 homes. The Lake County Historical Society Museum preserves artifacts and documents relating to the history of Lake County, particularly the history of Crown Point.

Spiritual Art and Unique Experiences

The Shrine of Christ’s Passion brings the final days of Jesus Christ’s life to life on an interactive, half-mile prayer trail. The Prayer Trail features 40 life-size bronze sculptures and audio presentations at listening stations. Two bronze sculptures stand at Our Lady of Guadalupe Plaza, which also has a chapel for quiet prayer and reflection. The “Moses at Mount Sinai” area extends the tour with a dedicated section of trail featuring music, narration, lighting and sound effects.

Crown Point also offers recreational activities: Cedar Creek Family Golf Center has a driving range with more than 15,000 square feet of grass teeing areas and 20 artificial turf mats. The nine-hole executive course measures 1,742 yards from the white tees and 1,606 yards from the red tees.

Activities by the Lake

Three Rivers County Park has a 1.5-mile paved walking and biking trail around the lake. Fishing is also available from the shore and piers. Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center is located in the park. It is a self-guided play facility with colorful, fun and safe areas for children from infancy through age nine. Lake Etta County Park provides access to the Little Calumet River.

Discover more destinations: Cedar Lake, Munster, Schererville, Merrillville, Hammond, Hobart, Crown Point, Griffith, Saint John, Gary.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.