East Chicago Travel Guide

Plan your next vacation to East Chicago with our comprehensive travel guide! Explore the best activities, attractions, and places to stay in the city.


Looking for a new adventure? Look no further than East Chicago, Indiana! Located in Northwestern Indiana, East Chicago provides visitors with a taste of Midwest charm and culture. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s historical sites, immerse yourself in the great outdoors, or simply relax and unwind, East Chicago has something for everyone. Get ready to discover the best of the city with our ultimate travel guide.

Introduction to East Chicago

East Chicago is situated in Lake County, Indiana, and is part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural scenery. Visitors to East Chicago will be impressed by its hospitable locals, a thriving food and drink scene, and a wide range of attractions and activities.

List of Places to Visit in East Chicago

East Chicago offers a range of sights and experiences for visitors, from cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • East Chicago Public Library - History buffs will want to visit the East Chicago Public Library, which offers a wealth of information and exhibits about the city’s past.

  • EC Arts Association - The East Chicago Arts Association showcases the paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works of local and regional artists.

  • Purdue University Northwest - Purdue University Northwest’s campus has a fascinating history as one of the largest industrial sites of the 20th century. Visitors can take a tour of the campus and learn about its role in the steel industry.

Natural Attractions of East Chicago: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Indiana Dunes National Park - Just a short drive from East Chicago, visitors can discover the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park. This stunning park features over 40 miles of trails, fishing, camping, and swimming options.

  • Lost Marsh Golf Course - Golf enthusiasts will want to check out the Lost Marsh Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course overlooking the picturesque wetlands and Lake Michigan.

  • East Chicago Marina - Head to the East Chicago Marina to enjoy a stroll along the water and take in the stunning lake views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of East Chicago

East Chicago has a wealth of trails and paths for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Jeorse Park Beach Trail - This scenic trail takes visitors along the beach at Jeorse Park, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan.

  • Wolf Lake Trail - The Wolf Lake Trail provides visitors with breathtaking views of the lake, wildlife sightings, and a chance to spot bird species like sandpipers, herons, and seagulls.

  • Gibson Woods Nature Preserve - The Gibson Woods Nature Preserve offers over 4 miles of hiking trails and 2 miles of biking trails, showcasing beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

Best Things to Do in East Chicago: Activities and Tours

East Chicago offers a wide variety of fun activities and tours for visitors of all ages:

  • East Chicago Farmers Market - Open on Sundays, the East Chicago Farmers Market boasts fresh produce, handmade crafts and a fantastic community atmosphere.

  • Whihala Beach - Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Whihala Beach offers visitors a chance to relax, swim, or enjoy water sports.

  • Steel City Salvage - Fans of architecture and design will want to check out Steel City Salvage, a non-profit salvage company that rescues building materials from historic sites and offers them to the public.

Week-Long Itinerary for East Chicago

Spend a full week enjoying the best of East Chicago with this suggested itinerary:

Day 1-2: Visit the Indiana Dunes National Park and explore the beaches, hiking trails, and sand dunes.

Day 3: Spend a day at Wolf Lake Memorial Park, hiking the trails and enjoying the scenic views.

Day 4: Tour the East Chicago Historical Society Museum and learn about the city’s rich history.

Day 5: Take a stroll along the East Chicago Marina and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

Day 6: Check out Steel City Salvage to see historic building materials rescued from around the city.

Day 7: Enjoy a day at Whihala Beach, sunbathing, swimming, or trying out water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Food and Drink Scene of East Chicago

East Chicago has an impressive food and drink scene, offering a range of delicious local and international cuisines.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Giordano’s Pizza - Giordano’s is a Chicago landmark and visitors in East Chicago can’t miss their signature deep-dish pizza.

  • Pierogi Fest - This annual festival features delicious pierogis, a Polish dumpling often filled with potatoes and cheese and served with sour cream.

  • Sabor A Colombia - This fantastic restaurant offers visitors an introduction to delicious Colombian cuisine, and some of the best empanadas on any continent!

Local Beverages

  • Three Floyds Brewery - Beer lovers won’t want to miss Three Floyds Brewery, which offers a range of locally brewed beers and an onsite taproom.

  • Shoreline Brewery - Shoreline Brewery specializes in seasonal brews and food pairings, offering customers a unique and delicious experience.

  • Region Ale - This fun and funky brewery serves up creative beers and tasty pub grub, making it the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy some good food.

Where to Stay in East Chicago: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

East Chicago offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs:

  • Ameristar Casino Hotel - This luxurious hotel and casino offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy some entertainment during their stay.

  • The Majestic Star Casino Hotel - The Majestic Star Casino Hotel offers visitors a comfortable and luxurious stay in the heart of East Chicago.

  • Airbnb - For a more authentic and local experience, consider renting a place on Airbnb to get a chance to explore more of this vibrant city.

What to Buy in East Chicago: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure to bring home some special souvenirs from East Chicago to remember your trip:

  • Pierogis - You may want to bring home some frozen pierogis to remember your visit to this Polish-American city.

  • Chicago Apparel and Souvenirs - Chicago T-shirts, hats, and mugs are available throughout the city, letting visitors wear their pride for this illustrious city on their sleeve.

Local Culture and Customs of East Chicago

East Chicago is known for its industrial past, its bustling ports, and its thriving arts scene. It is a melting pot of cultures and customs with its inhabitants being proud of their Polish-American heritage. The city’s pierogi festival is revered, and the downtown area is home to many murals and sculptures showcasing the artistic community.

Best Time to Visit East Chicago

The best time to visit East Chicago is during the summer months, between June and September, when the weather is warm, and the city is alive with festivals and outdoor events.

Do’s and Don’ts of East Chicago

Do:

  • Do be respectful of the city’s diverse population and local customs.

  • Do try the local cuisine, especially the pierogis.

  • Do visit the local museums and attractions, especially the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Don’t:

  • Don’t overlook the city’s beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities.

  • Don’t litter or damage the city’s public property.

Safety and Health

Safety in East Chicago

East Chicago is generally safe for visitors. As with any city, it is advisable to keep valuables or expensive items out of sight, especially when leaving the car parked on the street.

Health in East Chicago

In case of a health emergency, visitors can reach out to the East Chicago Health Department or the nearest hospital.

Getting to East Chicago: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to East Chicago is easy, thanks to its convenient location and variety of transportation options:

Airports Near East Chicago

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport - 27.8 miles away from East Chicago.

  • Chicago Midway International Airport - 21.6 miles away from East Chicago.

Bus Stations Near East Chicago

  • Greyhound - 3201 Carroll Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312

  • Indiana Toll Road - I-90 & Cline Avenue, 1 Mile W, Exit 6, At Indiana Top Plaza, Gary, IN 46406

Other Options

  • Car Rental - For those looking to explore the city at their own pace, car rentals are available from major providers such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise.

  • Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services - Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available throughout the city.

How to Get Around in East Chicago

Visitors can make use of public transport like buses and taxis or rent a car to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from East Chicago: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore the surrounding area and discover the beauty of Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois.

  • Chicago, IL - Just a short drive away, Chicago, also known as the Windy City, offers a range of cultural and entertainment options.

  • South Bend, IN - South Bend is a thriving university town with lots of history and attractions to explore.

Conclusion

East Chicago may not be the most famous travel destination in the United States, but it certainly offers incredible experiences, from the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park to the city’s thriving food and drink scene. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, East Chicago has got you covered. So start planning your trip, and get ready to explore all that this fantastic city has to offer!

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