Lake Michigan's coastlines are dotted with quaint retreats, from Pentwater with its sugar-sand beaches to Leland, a picturesque fishing village known for its charming shops and unique restaurants. While the third-largest lake in the United States is home to many towns that offer simple living, one city near its southern edge offers a different kind of story. Hammond, Indiana, may not grace the cover of travel magazines, but its strategic location and distinct character make it well worth exploring.
Located in Lake County, Hammond is a commuter's dream, as the only Indiana city that directly borders Chicago. The city enjoys easy access via major highways, including Interstates 94 and 80/90. It is also served by the South Shore Line, a commuter train that connects the region to downtown Chicago in just 41 minutes.
Founded by German farmers and propelled by George H. Hammond's pioneering refrigerated railcar technology, the city weathered economic highs and lows to emerge as a resilient and culturally rich community. Today, it garners attention for more than its industrial roots. With a thriving summer festival lineup, access to peaceful natural sanctuaries, and stunning skyline views, Hammond offers residents and visitors fun ways to unwind.
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Summer Festivals In Hammond, Indiana
July in Hammond signals the arrival of vibrant community celebrations. Apart from the Fourth of July, Hammond also has summer festivals that bring people together with music, fun activities, and community events. The Festival of the Lakes, held at Wolf Lake Memorial Park, is a cornerstone of the city's cultural calendar. First launched as AugustFest in 1984 and reimagined in 2004 by Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr., this five-day festival brings nationally touring artists to the stage while fostering an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere. Some of the most prominent acts that have graced the stages of The Festival of the Lakes are Akon, Foreigner, and Marshmello.
Unlike popular festivals such as Coachella, where first-timers need exhaustive guides to navigate it, Hammond's premier festival is free, but VIP passes with special perks such as access to a VIP bar are available. Carnival rides, a golf scramble, Senior Day, and Persons with Disabilities Day round out a lineup designed to welcome everyone.
As summer continues, the music does not stop. The PAV Summer Concert Series, hosted at the striking Pavilion at Wolf Lake, extends the season's celebrations with weekly tribute performances honoring artists such as Pink Floyd, Frank Sinatra, and Fleetwood Mac. Concerts are free, and guests are welcome to bring chairs, coolers, and blankets.
Lakefront Bird Watching And Skyline Views
From the empty beaches, sand dunes, and scenic trails of Petoskey State Park to the forested ridges of Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan, Lake Michigan's shoreline offers countless scenic escapes. Hammond's Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary holds its own among them. This peaceful, 1,970-foot strip of greenery, situated just a short distance from the Illinois border, has a footpath where visitors can stroll and birdwatch. Known to avid birders as "The Migrant Trap," the sanctuary draws over 250 bird species throughout the year, including piping plovers, mourning warblers, and laughing gulls.
From certain areas within and near the city, visitors can have a view of the majestic Chicago skyline. In the city, the best way to enjoy the skyline is from the Hammond Marina, which has plenty of amenities like private showers, parking, and free Wi-Fi, as well as proximity to the Horseshoe Casino and restaurants. Visitors can also spot the iconic Chicagoan towers like the Willis Tower and John Hancock Tower from Whihala Beach in the nearby city of Whiting, which is just an 8-mile drive away from Hammond. These locations let tourists take in the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan's quiet shoreline.
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