Cedar Lake, Indiana

Located just 45 minutes southeast of Chicago, Cedar Lake has long been known as a popular resort destination. In the 1880s, the Monon Railroad started bringing tourists from Chicago to vacation in the area. At one point there were more than 50 hotels surrounding the lake. Although these hotels have since been replaced by homes and businesses, Cedar Lake has remained a popular destination.

Cedar Lake, encompassing almost 800 acres, is the largest natural lake in Northwest Indiana. Numerous parks on the lakeshore offer picnic and viewing areas, public access, a boat launch, beaches and a fishing pier. Boating and fishing are popular summer activities on this beautiful lake. 

The Museum at Lassen's Resort, open during the summer months, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses special exhibits highlighting Cedar Lake's history with rooms featuring period settings. Setting off from the pier outside, the Cedar Lake Historical Association in partnership with the Hesston Steam Museum offer steamboat rides that allows visitors to get a glimpse of the town's past on a 1915 steamboat, named Steamer Dewey.

If you prefer to be out on the links instead of on the lake, visitors can choose the public course, Cedar Creek Family Golf Center, or South Shore Country Club which is semi-private.

Cedar Lake's annual Summerfest, held at the beginning of July, is a fun event for the whole family. The festival lasts four days and includes a 4th of July parade, fireworks over the lake, a cardboard boat race, a car show and a 7.6-mile run around the lake. Games, rides, live entertainment, food and a beer garden are available at the town complex, located right on the shores of Cedar Lake. The town also hosts a seasonal farmers' market with arts and crafts, food vendors, live music and more.

There is an abundance of restaurants in Cedar Lake, ranging from pizza to ice cream to pub fare. Boaters can dock at The Lighthouse Restaurant's pier, where guests can enjoy not only exceptional food, but an unparalleled view of the sunset over the lake.

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