When people ask me what makes Lake County special, I don't always start with the restaurants or the parks. Sometimes I start with the shops. Because the thing about small towns in the 219 is this: every Main Street and town square has been quietly building a shopping scene worth knowing about, one independent boutique and antique mall at a time.
From the historic courthouse square in Crown Point to the community-focused retail corridors in Munster and Highland, Lake County is full of locally owned stores where the person behind the counter actually knows your name. Here is my guide to the best local shopping, artisan markets, and small businesses across Northwest Indiana.
Crown Point: The Boutique Capital of Lake County
If you only have an afternoon to shop in the 219, spend it on Crown Point's courthouse square. The historic downtown district has undergone a remarkable revitalization over the last decade, and the retail scene is the star of the show. Side streets branching off the square are also worth a wander — you will find shops tucked into 19th-century buildings that have been lovingly restored.
Estelle and Bea Boutique
Crown Point
A charming women's boutique on the courthouse square featuring curated clothing, accessories, and gifts. Estelle and Bea has become a go-to for anyone looking for that perfect outfit — whether it's a casual weekend look or something special for date night.
Visit websiteThe Little Pink Shop
Crown Point
Exactly what it sounds like: a cheerful pink storefront filled with home decor, gifts, candles, and items that make you smile. It's the kind of place you walk into for one thing and leave with three.
Visit websiteThe Hub Vintage Boutique & Market
138 S Main St, Crown Point
A multi-vendor vintage market on South Main Street with everything from mid-century furniture to retro clothing, vinyl records, and antique home goods. A treasure hunter's paradise spread across multiple rooms.
Visit websiteDear Dani Boutique
Crown Point
A stylish boutique offering women's apparel and accessories with a modern, on-trend aesthetic. Dear Dani has built a loyal following for its carefully selected pieces and friendly service.
Visit websiteBlue Pear Mercantile
Crown Point
A delightful home decor and gift shop housed in a historic building on the square. Known for seasonal decorations, farmhouse-style home goods, and unique gifts you won't find at the chain stores.
Antique Mall of Crown Point
103 W Joliet St, Crown Point
Over 12,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles spread across two floors in a historic Joliet Street building. Furniture, glassware, vintage toys, and enough hidden treasures to fill an afternoon.
Visit websiteMunster, Highland & Dyer: Shopping Corridors Worth the Drive
Northwest Lake County has its own strong retail identity. Munster's Centennial Village anchors a growing shopping district along Calumet Avenue, while Highland's Indianapolis Boulevard corridor has become a destination for vintage lovers and boutique fans alike. Dyer rounds it out with one of the most unique sustainable fashion boutiques in the region.
Katie Rose Boutique
9610 N Centennial Dr Suite B, Munster
A women's boutique in Munster's Centennial Village offering trend-forward clothing, accessories, and a loyal local following. A staple of the Munster shopping scene.
Visit websiteSolemates Boutique
8929 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland
A Highland gem offering stylish footwear and accessories. Solemates has become a destination for anyone looking for quality shoes with personal service you won't get at the big box stores.
Visit websiteEco Chic Boutique
Dyer
A sustainable fashion boutique in Dyer offering eco-conscious clothing, accessories, and home goods. Eco Chic proves you can be stylish and environmentally mindful at the same time.
Visit websiteYaYa Sisters Resale Boutique
Highland
Highland's premier resale boutique offering gently used designer and name-brand clothing at approachable prices. A go-to for wardrobe updates without the retail markup.
Visit websiteAmerica's Antique Mall
Highland
A sprawling antique mall on Indianapolis Boulevard in Highland. Multiple vendors under one roof mean you never know what you will find — vintage furniture, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind decor.
Toluka Paperie + Gifts
Munster
A cheerful stationery and gift shop in Munster specializing in greeting cards, journals, wrapping paper, and small gifts. The kind of place that makes sending a handwritten note feel special again.
Schererville & Dyer: Antique Row and Beyond
The Lincoln Highway corridor through Schererville and Dyer has quietly become one of the best stretches for antique hunting in Northwest Indiana. Mixed in with the antique shops are boutiques and specialty stores that round out a satisfying afternoon of browsing.
Francesca's
79 US-41, Schererville
A national boutique chain with a locally loved Schererville location. Trendy clothing, accessories, and gifts with a fun, affordable price point.
Visit websiteScarce Collectibles & Antiques
Dyer
A Dyer destination for collectors and antique lovers. Specializing in vintage toys, sports memorabilia, and rare collectibles that draw treasure hunters from across the region.
Shops on Main
Schererville
A small shopping center in Schererville with a mix of local businesses, service providers, and specialty shops worth a browse.
Lincoln Highway Antique District
Schererville / Dyer
A loose collection of antique shops, thrift stores, and vintage dealers stretching along US-41 and Lincoln Highway in Schererville and Dyer. A true treasure hunter's route.
Farmers Markets & Artisan Markets
Shopping local doesn't end with brick-and-mortar stores. Lake County's farmers markets are a vital part of the small business ecosystem, connecting local growers, bakers, artisans, and makers directly with the community.
Crown Point Farmers Market
Saturdays, May through OctoberBulldog Park, Crown Point
The region's premier farmers market. Fresh local produce, artisan baked goods, handmade crafts, flowers, and live music every Saturday morning at Bulldog Park. Arrive early for the best selection.
Munster Farmers Market
Summer SaturdaysCentennial Park, Munster
Held at Munster's beautiful Centennial Park, this market features local farmers, food vendors, artisans, and a community atmosphere that defines Saturday mornings in Munster.
Cedar Lake Farmers Market
Summer SaturdaysCedar Lake
A lakeside market with fresh produce, bakery items, and local crafts. The Cedar Lake setting makes this one of the most scenic markets in the county.
St. John Farmers Market
SummerSt. John
A community farmers market in St. John featuring local growers, homemade goods, and a friendly small-town atmosphere.
Insider Tips for Shopping the 219
Crown Point's courthouse square shops often coordinate their hours, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing from one store to the next without much walking.
The best time to hit the antique shops is weekday mornings when dealers restock and the weekend crowds haven't arrived yet.
Many boutique owners in Crown Point live right in town and can tell you the history of their building and the square.
The Crown Point Farmers Market runs rain or shine and accepts SNAP/EBT benefits.
Seasonal decorations are a big deal in the 219 — local shops stock up on fall and holiday decor well before the big retailers start.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Crown Point's courthouse square has the highest concentration of independent boutiques in Lake County, with more than a dozen shops within walking distance
- ✓ Munster's Centennial Village and Highland's Indianapolis Boulevard corridor are the next best stops for boutique shopping
- ✓ The Lincoln Highway antique district in Schererville and Dyer is a must for vintage lovers
- ✓ Farmers markets in Crown Point, Munster, Cedar Lake, and St. John run through the fall and feature local growers and artisans
- ✓ Small Business Saturday and seasonal open houses make fall a particularly great time to shop local in the 219
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best areas for boutique shopping in Lake County?
Crown Point's historic courthouse square is the undisputed heart of boutique shopping in Lake County, with more than a dozen independent shops within walking distance of each other. Munster's Centennial Village and Highland's Indianapolis Boulevard corridor also offer excellent concentrations of local stores.
Are the farmers markets still running in late summer and early fall?
Yes. The Crown Point Farmers Market runs through October, and several others extend well into the fall harvest season. Late August through October is actually prime time for the best produce — tomatoes, sweet corn, apples, squash, and pumpkins are at their peak.
Where should I go for antiques and vintage finds?
Crown Point has the strongest concentration of antique shops, with the Antique Mall of Crown Point, The Hub Vintage Boutique & Market, and several shops on the square. The Lincoln Highway area between Schererville and Dyer is another excellent stretch for antique hunting.
Are there any locally made or artisan products I should look for?
Many shops in the area feature locally made candles, soaps, art, and food products. The farmers markets are also excellent sources for artisan honey, baked goods, jams, and handcrafted items from Lake County makers.
Do these shops have holiday hours or special seasonal events?
Absolutely. Crown Point's downtown hosts holiday open houses and sidewalk sales throughout the year. Small Business Saturday in November is a big deal across all Lake County towns, with many shops offering promotions and refreshments.
Shopping local is one of the best ways to get to know a community. When you buy from a Crown Point boutique or pick up produce at a Munster farmers market, you are supporting a neighbor, a family, a dream. That is what the 219 is all about. If you are thinking about making Lake County your home, I would love to help you find a neighborhood near the places that make you smile. Reach out anytime.
Explore more of the 219: Shopping & Entertainment, Dining & Restaurants, and Events & Festivals.