Northwest Indiana: We've Always Been Home of the Bears

If you've been reading the headlines, you may have heard that Hammond, Indiana, along Lake Michigan's south shore, has been selected as the preferred site of a new Chicago Bears stadium near Wolf Lake! But Northwest Indiana, aka The Region, has always been home of the bears - not only for thousands of hardcore Chicago Bears fans, but for millions of little candy ones, made right here in the region.

Albanese Gummi Bears

The gummi bears with the "A" on their tummies are as famous as the Chicago Bears. For more than 40 years, Albanese Confectionery has been making the World's Best Gummies in the US, and we're lucky enough to have the factory store right here in the region!

Located just a short drive from Hammond, visitors from all over stop in to taste the soft yet chewy gummi bears freshly made in the factory. And at their store, you can sample as many flavors as you want until you find your favorite.  

Da Bears ... of Indiana?

Although The Region adores those sweet little gummies, the bears we hold closest to our hearts will always be the Chicago ones. Remember the old Da Bear SNL skit from the 90s? If not, picture a scene around a table of die-hard Chicago fans, debating Bears' trades over a plate of bratwurst all day long.

We couldn't resist. When the news broke that Hammond, Indiana, was in the running for the Bears' future home, we gathered some of the most passionate Bears fans in Northwest Indiana — because trust us, there are plenty — and let them have their say. Watch to the end to see true NWI Bears fans.

NWI Bears Fans

Hammond sits right on the Illinois border, and for most of its residents and the rest of NWI, we're a blue-collar, working class that's always been part of Chicagoland. The Bears have always been our team and that loyalty predates any stadium discussions (or even the little gummi bears) by decades.

With the Bears moving to Northwest Indiana, the team will still be part of Chicago's Bear Country, just a little closer to a large chunk of its fanbase, like those in the video. Those were our real neighbors, out cheering on their home team at the local bars. Fans whose families have been going to games for generations, bundling up in the freezing cold like the little brother in "A Christmas Story" to watch their favorite team play. (Side note - did you know Jean Shepherd wrote the tale of "A Christmas Story" about his life growing up in Hammond?)

The Bears already had a home in Northwest Indiana. Come see it for yourself.
 

Wolf Lake Memorial Park

The Proposed Site for the New Stadium

Wolf Lake, just a 20-minute drive from Soldier Field, is a beautiful park dropped into an urban landscape. Spanning more than 400 acres along the Indiana–Illinois border, Wolf Lake is one of the Region's premier outdoor spots, with walking trails, fishing, boating and paddling.

At the heart of the lakefront, Wolf Lake Memorial Park features a floating boardwalk, picnic areas and an aquatic play center. The main draw is the pavilion that hosts concerts and events like Festival of the Lakes in July, with this year's headliners: Jelly Roll, The Offspring, Money Bagg, Kevin Gates and Bando El Recodo.
 

Can you see industrial sites from the park? You sure can! They are part of who we are now and where we started as a region. Those industrial areas mean hard-working people live here. And you know what they say - work hard, play hard. And when the new stadium is built here, we'll make sure you have a great time at the games, and maybe you can join us for a beer after at the bar to celebrate a win or bond over a loss.
 

While You're Here

Come pay a visit to the south shore of Lake Michigan to find out all you're missing here. Hammond's great outdoors expand beyond just Wolf Lake. On the south shore of Lake Michigan, with views of the Chicago skyline, Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary at Hammond Marina has a beach to sunbathe and trails for hiking. If you enjoy birding, plan some time at the Bird Sanctuary at the park or at the Gibson Woods Nature Preserve. 

Horseshoe Casino is right next to the marina. Try your luck at the tables, catch a show at The Venue and enjoy some dinner. More food options lie farther inland, from 18th Street Brewery and Mexican or Polish restaurants to hot dogs, subs and Aurelio's Pizza (we've heard it's the Pope's favorite!).
 

And there's so much more to do throughout the Region. Go on a hike at Indiana Dunes National Park - the only national park in Indiana. Try to keep your balance or splash into the lake at WhoaZone Floating Waterpark or find a quirky parade during Pierogi Fest in Whiting. Let the kids' imaginations run wild at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center in Lake Station. Or say a little prayer for the Bears at the Shrine of Christ's Passion in St. John.
 

The bears of Northwest Indiana — gummi and otherwise — are ready to welcome you. Plan a trip to come see what all the fuss is about.