Attractions and Places To See around Lake Station - Top 9

Lake Station offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Riverview Park, a 43-acre park along the Little Calumet River, offering amenities like a swimming pool, boating access, and a fitness trail. Three Rivers Park is another option for fishing, cycling, and paddle boating. For a more challenging experience with stunning views, the Dunes Succession Trail features 270 stairs leading to panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

Yes, Lake Station has several family-friendly options. Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center, located within Three Rivers Park, offers numerous activities, events, and camps for young children, including cooking classes and imaginative play areas. Many local parks, such as Columbus Park with its baseball diamonds and walking track, and Riverview Park with its swimming pool and sand volleyball courts, are also great for families.

Lake Station has a rich history as the first railroad depot stop in Lake County. A notable historical landmark is the Miller's Station, which acknowledges the town's railroad history and its early role as a transportation crossroads. The city itself was renamed in 1977 from East Gary to reflect its natural beauty and proximity to lakes.

The area boasts excellent cycling opportunities. The Oak Savannah Trail is a popular cycle way that follows an old Indiana Railroad line, offering a 10 km route through natural areas. Another segment of the Oak Savannah Trail extends 28.6 km, tracing the former Port Branch of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway and highlighting the Indiana Dunes. You can find more cycling options in the Road Cycling Routes around Lake Station guide.

Yes, there are several hiking trails. The Dunes Succession Trail is a challenging one-mile loop with 270 stairs, offering stunning views. For easier options, trails like the Oak Ridge Prairie Loop and West Beach 3-Loop Trail are available. You can explore more hiking trails in the Easy hikes around Lake Station and Hiking around Lake Station guides.

If you're cycling on the Prairie Duneland Trail, you can stop at Trailblazers Bike Barn. This old barn has been converted into a cycle shop that also offers catering and coffee, making it a convenient spot for refreshments.

The diverse landscapes around Lake Station, including ancient dunes, black oak forests, and wetlands, support various wildlife. On trails like the Long Lake Trail, which runs alongside Long Lake and connects to the West Beach and Dune Succession Trails, you'll have plenty of opportunities to observe local wildlife, especially near the lake and wetlands.

Lake Station hosts several community events throughout the year. Riverview Park is home to the annual Fuzz Follies car show and the Heritage Days Festival, both typically held in June. Additionally, Septemberfest is a three-day event around Labor Day each year, featuring live music, fireworks, kids' programs, and food vendors.

Riverview Park is well-equipped for recreation. It features a swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and archery targets. You can also enjoy boating access and rentals, fishing, kayaking, and a fitness trail. It's a versatile park for various outdoor activities.

The Indiana Dunes National Park is a significant natural attraction covering over 15,000 acres. It features diverse landscapes including dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, and forests. The park offers 16.5 miles of trails and three miles of beaches along Lake Michigan, showcasing unique ecological succession.

Yes, the Dunes Succession Trail is renowned for this. After climbing 270 stairs on this challenging one-mile loop, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the distant Chicago skyline.