Attractions and Places To See around Hammond - Top 20

Hammond offers a variety of outdoor activities, especially along its extensive trail networks. You can explore the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail, a 17.7-mile paved path perfect for cycling and walking through green countryside. Another excellent option is the Oak Savannah Trail, which spans 17.8 miles through beautiful nature, including oak savanna ecosystems. For a unique experience, the Wolf Lake Boardwalk provides an elevated path over Wolf Lake, ideal for observing birds and local flora. You can also find various hiking and running routes around Wolf Lake Memorial Park. For more detailed routes, check out the hiking guide or running trails guide for Hammond.

Yes, Hammond has several family-friendly attractions. The 63rd St. Beach Dunes is a great spot with picnic tables, restrooms, and paved paths, offering easy access to Jackson Park. Calumet Beach is another excellent choice for families to swim and relax by Lake Michigan, complete with facilities and food options. The Wolf Lake Boardwalk and Oak Savannah Trail are also suitable for family walks and bike rides. Additionally, the Challenger Learning Center offers engaging planetarium and laser shows, and the Ninja Kidz Action Park provides trampolines and other active fun.

For nature and scenic views, explore Wolf Lake and Wolf Lake Memorial Park, which spans 800 acres and is perfect for activities like windsurfing, canoeing, and birdwatching. Gibson Woods Nature Preserve features 131 acres of dunes and swale habitats with extensive hiking trails. The Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary along Lake Michigan offers walking trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Don't miss the tranquil George Lake for peaceful strolls, or the 63rd St. Beach Dunes for beautiful lake views and natural landscapes.

Hammond boasts a rich history reflected in its numerous national historic districts, including the Forest-Ivanhoe Residential, Hohman Avenue Commercial, and Pullman-Standard Historic Districts. You can also see individual landmarks like the Marcus Morton Towle House and the Indiana/Illinois State Line Boundary Marker. The downtown area features historic buildings such as the E.C. Minas building and the American Trust and Savings Bank. For cultural experiences, visit The Towle Community Theater for live performances or explore the White Ripple Gallery and Paul Henry's Art Gallery for curated art shows.

Yes, several attractions in Hammond are designed to be accessible. The Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail is a paved and smooth route, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Similarly, the Wolf Lake Boardwalk is an elevated path that connects previously inaccessible areas, allowing everyone to enjoy the lake's environment. The 63rd St. Beach Dunes also features paved paths, enhancing accessibility.

Absolutely! Hammond is located along Lake Michigan, offering great beach options. Calumet Beach is a popular spot where you can take a dip in Lake Michigan, relax on the sand, and utilize facilities like restrooms and food vendors. The 63rd St. Beach Dunes also provides a family-friendly beach area with amenities.

Hammond is a great place for wildlife and birdwatching, particularly around its natural features. Wolf Lake and Wolf Lake Memorial Park are significant spots for birdwatching, especially during the annual Festival of the Lakes. The Wolf Lake Boardwalk allows you to get up close to the lake's environment, where you can observe birds and ducks. Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, with its dunes and swale habitats, offers extensive trails for birdwatching and spotting various wildlife. The Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary is also excellent for observing migratory birds.

For entertainment and gaming, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino is a prominent riverboat casino offering a wide range of options. If you're looking for active fun, the Ninja Kidz Action Park provides trampolines, a laser maze, and other attractions.

Yes, Hammond is very cyclist-friendly with several dedicated trails. The Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail is a 17.7-mile paved route ideal for cycling, connecting Hammond to Crown Point. The Oak Savannah Trail offers another 17.8 miles of paved path through natural landscapes. The Wolf Lake Boardwalk also accommodates cyclists, providing scenic rides over the lake. For more cycling routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Hammond guide.

Visitors frequently praise the well-maintained and scenic trails, such as the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail, for their smooth surfaces and traffic-free cycling and walking experiences. The Wolf Lake Boardwalk is appreciated for making previously inaccessible areas enjoyable for observing nature. The beaches, like Calumet Beach, are loved for being great places to relax and swim in Lake Michigan. Overall, the blend of natural beauty, accessible outdoor activities, and family-friendly spots receives positive feedback.

To delve into Hammond's heritage, explore its various national historic districts, including the Forest-Ivanhoe Residential Historic District and the Hohman Avenue Commercial Historic District. The Pullman-Standard Historic District also offers a glimpse into the city's past. You can find significant individual landmarks like the Marcus Morton Towle House and the Indiana/Illinois State Line Boundary Marker. The downtown area itself is a living museum of preserved architecture, with buildings such as the E.C. Minas building and the American Trust and Savings Bank showcasing the city's history.

Yes, for peaceful strolls or bike rides, Wolf Lake Memorial Park is an excellent choice, offering 800 acres of space and trails. George Lake provides another tranquil retreat with green spaces and recreational facilities. The Oak Savannah Trail is a paved route that winds through lovely nature, perfect for a quiet ride or walk. Additionally, the Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary offers walking trails along Lake Michigan.