Crown Point: History, Events and Nature

Crown Point offers a variety of themes to explore: historic architecture, a museum about the region’s history, events at Bulldog Park, as well as nature experiences and cycling. If you’re looking for a hotel in Crown Point, you can first decide whether local history, a particular event or outdoor activities will be the focus of your trip.

Courthouse, Museum and Historic Buildings

The historic Lake County Courthouse is located in downtown Crown Point and was built in 1878. On May 17, 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Lake County Historical Society Museum is housed in the courthouse. Its artifacts and documents cover the history of Lake County, and Crown Point in particular. The collections include clothing, military uniforms, Native American artifacts, tools, photographs and documents. This site brings together the architectural history of the courthouse and a local focus for its collections.

The Courthouse Square Historic District covers a large part of Crown Point’s business district. The district highlights the historic character of a wider area, while the museum features specific collections relating to the history of Lake County and Crown Point. These represent two distinct historical themes: the history of an area of the city, and the objects and documents in a museum collection.

Another architectural landmark is the Lake County Sheriff's House and Jail. The building was constructed in 1882 in the Second Empire style. The tours offer a different perspective from the museum collection, taking visitors from the sheriff’s residence through the functional areas of the jail to the cell of Public Enemy Number One. If you’re interested in historic buildings for their architecture and former uses, the focus here is on the style, living quarters and jail rooms.

Events and Getting Around Bulldog Park

Bulldog Park is a venue for live music, festivals and outdoor movies. In winter, the Franciscan Health Pavilion at Bulldog Park becomes an NHL-size ice rink for all ages. Free all-day parking is available on the south side of Bulldog Park; please check current parking regulations before your visit.

The Crown Point Farmers Market is also held at Bulldog Park and offers fresh produce. This adds other travel interests to the events held there. The Crown Point Winter Market features dozens of local artisans; check seasonal market dates before your trip. The Ball Drop Ceremony takes place every year in downtown Crown Point. If your stay is planned around a particular event, its date should therefore be part of your planning.

Nature and Cycling

Sauerman Woods Park offers nature experiences and accessible play opportunities. Visitors can cycle on the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Veterans Memorial Trails. These outdoor activities differ in focus: Sauerman Woods Park offers nature and play opportunities, while the two trails are suited to cycling. If you’re looking for a hotel in Crown Point, these different interests can help you decide on the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hobart, Munster, Schererville, Cedar Lake, Saint John, Griffith, Gary, Hammond

For the main travel overview: Lake.