Hammond, Indiana

Hammond, Indiana is having a moment — and it's earned every bit of the attention. Just a short drive from Chicago's Loop, Hammond sits right on the sandy south shore of Lake Michigan. Whether you're drawn in by the buzz about Wolf Lake, the list of entertainers at Horseshoe Casino, the outdoor beauty of its parks, or the search for great food, you'll find a city and surrounding area that surprises you.

Hammond is in the middle of an exciting urban transformation. An ambitious Downtown Master Plan is reshaping Hohman Avenue — the city's historic main street — into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly corridor, while historic buildings that sat empty for years are finding new life.

The Banc, a former bank headquarters built in 1925, has been transformed from one of downtown Hammond's most iconic buildings into nine stories of contemporary apartments blending classic architecture with modern amenities. And with the new Hammond Gateway Station as part of the South Shore Line expansion, Chicago's Loop is now just a 40-minute train ride away. Hammond is being reimagined, building a welcoming downtown where visitors can explore the historic architecture, discover new shops and restaurants and enjoy community events.

Things to Do

Among all the things to do in Hammond are great entertainment options such as local theater productions at Towle Theater or Beatniks on Conkey, as well as gaming, dining and live performances at the Horseshoe Casino. For the kids, head to Ninja Kidz Action Park to unleash all their energy on battle beams and trampolines.

During your visit to Hammond, stop in the Indiana Welcome Center to find out about things to do throughout the South Shore. The building also features the "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit during the holiday season, honoring the writer, Jean Shepherd, who based the story on his life growing up in Hammond.

Great Outdoors

Located on the Indiana–Illinois border, Wolf Lake Memorial Park is the most well-known outdoor area in Hammond, offering more than 400 acres of lakefront recreation, including kayaking, boating, fishing, walking trails, picnic areas, and an aquatic play center. The lakefront also hosts concerts and festivals at the pavilion, including the popular Festival of the Lakes. Nearby is Lost Marsh Golf Course, a mix of links and parkland style designs with a restaurant on site.

Along Lake Michigan's south shore, Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary at Hammond Marina has a beach, trails and is seen as a hidden gem for birders. Further south is Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature.

Whether you prefer indoor exhibits or outdoor excursions, you'll find plenty of things to do in Hammond, Indiana, one of the great cities along the South Shore of Lake Michigan.

Restaurants

Hammond’s dining scene offers something for every appetite, from classic steakhouses and ethnic cuisine to local pizzerias, breweries and neighborhood delis. Savor a perfectly cooked steak at the longtime local favorite Freddy’s Steak House or try the authentic Mexican dishes at restaurants around the city. Pair craft beer with unique creations at places like Byway Brewing, grab a slice from beloved local spots like House of Pizza or enjoy a quick and satisfying lunch from Cousin Vinny’s Deli and The Sub Hub.