Crown Point Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, best things to do, and helpful tips for traveling to Crown Point, Indiana. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide!


Introduction to Crown Point

Crown Point is a charming city located in Lake County, Northwestern Indiana. Known for its historical landmarks, scenic beauty, and abundance of outdoor activities, this city has something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff or an adventure seeker, you will find plenty of things to do and see in Crown Point.

List of Places to Visit in Crown Point

Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Crown Point:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old Lake County Courthouse: A National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1878, this building served as a courthouse until 1974. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the county’s history.
  • Lake County Historical Museum: Located inside the Old Lake County Courthouse, this museum features exhibits on the county’s history and culture.
  • Crown Point Jail and Sheriff’s House: Built in 1882, this jail served as the county’s jail until 1974. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the history of jail systems.
  • The John Dillinger Museum: Located in the basement of the Old Lake County Courthouse, this museum showcases the life and crimes of John Dillinger, a notorious gangster from the 1930s.

Natural Attractions of Crown Point: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Crown Point Square: A quaint square in the heart of the city, Crown Point Square features a variety of shops, restaurants, and events throughout the year.
  • Lake County Fairgrounds: Hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the famous Lake County Fair.
  • Crown Point Sportsplex: Featuring a variety of sports fields and facilities, this complex is a popular spot for sports enthusiasts.
  • Lemon Lake Park: A scenic park featuring several lakes, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Crown Point

If you enjoy outdoor activities, Crown Point has several hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the best routes include:

  • Crown Point to Perennial Flower Garden Distance: 2.7 miles, Difficulty: Easy
  • Crown Point East Rotary Park Loop Distance: 1.6 miles, Difficulty: Easy
  • Crown Point Grand Boulevard Loop Distance: 3.7 miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Best Things to Do in Crown Point: Activities and Tours

  • Taste of Crown Point: An annual food festival that showcases the city’s best restaurants and food vendors.
  • Crown Point Summer Concert Series: A free concert series that takes place every week during the summer months.
  • Crown Point Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market offering the freshest produce, baked goods, and local products.
  • Haunted Halls of Hanover: A popular Halloween attraction that takes place inside the Hanover Central High School.

Week-Long Itinerary for Crown Point

If you have a week to explore Crown Point, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Old Lake County Courthouse and Lake County Historical Museum
Day 2 Explore Crown Point Square and local shops
Day 3 Hike or bike one of the local routes
Day 4 Take a guided tour of the John Dillinger Museum
Day 5 Enjoy a picnic at Lemon Lake Park
Day 6 Attend a concert at the Crown Point Summer Concert Series
Day 7 Visit the Crown Point Farmers Market

Food and Drink Scene of Crown Point

Crown Point has a vibrant food and drink scene, with a variety of local and international cuisines to choose from. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pizza: The city is famous for its delicious pizzas, with several local pizzerias serving up mouth-watering pies.
  • Pierogi: A delicious Polish dish that is a local favorite.
  • Beef Sandwiches: Tender beef sandwiches served with giardiniera are a popular lunch option.

Local Beverages

  • Three Floyds Brewery: A local brewery that is known for its craft beers.
  • Tequila Restaurante: The perfect place to try a margarita and other Mexican cocktails.
  • Crown Brewing: A local brewery that offers a variety of their own craft beers.

Where to Stay in Crown Point: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

If you’re planning to stay overnight or longer in Crown Point, there are several accommodations options available.

  • Best Western PLUS: A modern hotel offering comfortable rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a fitness center.
  • Crown Point Campground: A scenic campground with RV and tent sites, along with several amenities.
  • Dixie House Bed and Breakfast: A cozy bed and breakfast located in a historic home.

What to Buy in Crown Point: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Crown Point T-Shirts: A popular souvenir that you can find at several local shops.
  • Lake County Popcorn: A delicious snack made from locally grown corn.
  • Gelsosomo’s Pizza Sauce: A local favorite pizza sauce that is available for purchase at several local pizzerias and shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Crown Point

The people of Crown Point are friendly and welcoming, and the city has a rich history and culture that is deeply rooted in agriculture and industry. The locals take pride in their community, and visitors are often struck by the sense of community and camaraderie that permeates the city.

Best Time to Visit Crown Point

The best time to visit Crown Point is from May to September, when the weather is mild and you can enjoy outdoor activities. However, the city has several events and activities throughout the year, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Crown Point

Do:

  • Do explore the city’s rich history and culture by visiting its museums and historical landmarks.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Do take advantage of the city’s many outdoor activities, including hiking and biking.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash in public areas.
  • Don’t park in no-parking zones.
  • Don’t exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving.

Safety and Health

Safety in Crown Point

As with any city, visitors to Crown Point should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. However, overall, Crown Point is considered a safe city to visit.

Health in Crown Point

Crown Point has several healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, so visitors can access medical care if needed.

Getting to Crown Point: Transportation Options and Logistics

Crown Point is easily accessible by several modes of transportation.

Airports Near Crown Point

  • O’Hare International Airport (ORD) - Approximately 50 miles away
  • Midway International Airport (MDW) - Approximately 40 miles away

Bus Stations Near Crown Point

  • Greyhound Bus Station - Located in Gary, approximately 11 miles away

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in the area, so you can rent a car to explore Crown Point and surrounding areas.
  • Taxi or Ride Share Services: Several taxi and ride share services operate in the city, so you can easily get around without a car.

How to Get Around in Crown Point

Crown Point is a walkable city and easy to navigate on foot. However, if you need to go further, you can use a taxi, ride share service, or public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Crown Point: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Indiana, here are some nearby destinations worth considering:

  • Indiana Dunes National Park: A beautiful national park located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
  • Chicago, Illinois: A bustling city famous for its architecture, culture, and food.
  • Michigan City, Indiana: A quaint city with a beautiful beach and charming downtown area.

Conclusion

Crown Point is a unique and beautiful city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, food and drink, or outdoor activities, this city has plenty to see and do. Use this guide to plan your trip to Crown Point and explore all that this charming city has to offer.