Outdoor Adventures in Lake County, Indiana
Parks, trails, lakes, and nature preserves — your complete guide to getting outside in the 219.
By Liz Rytel June 19, 2026 12 min read
Parks, trails, lakes, and nature preserves — your complete guide to getting outside in the 219.
Lake County isn't just about great food and community events — it's also a genuinely outdoor-friendly region with rare nature preserves, miles of paved multi-use trails, lakefront beaches, and parks that range from urban green spaces to wild prairie remnants. Whether you're a hiker, biker, birdwatcher, angler, or just looking for a beautiful place to walk the dog, the 219 delivers.
Lake County's park system is more diverse than most people expect. From rare prairie habitats to modern community parks with splash pads and amphitheaters, here are the standout spots:
A rare remnant of Indiana's once-vast savanna ecosystem. The trail winds through prairie grass and scattered oaks — one of the most scenic and peaceful spots in the region.
An 85-acre lake with fishing, boating, and walking trails. One of Lake County's most scenic natural areas.
A Highland anchor with sports fields, a swimming pool, picnic shelters, and green space for family outings.
Crown Point's modern community park with an amphitheater, splash pad, and event space. The heart of the outdoor scene.
A wooded oasis right in Crown Point with nature trails and a peaceful atmosphere for a quick nature walk.
Along the banks of Lake George — a waterfront park with trails, a bandshell, and a farmers market.
Highland's central green space — home to free outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and everyday relaxation.
County park with trails, a dog park (Dogwood Run), and family recreation. A great multi-use outdoor destination.
Lake County's trail network is one of its best assets. The Erie-Lackawanna Trail is the crown jewel — a 14+ mile paved multi-use trail that connects to downtown Crown Point (meaning you can grab coffee at Sip or Steamwhistle after your ride). The Oak Savannah Trail passes through rare prairie habitat and connects to Oak Ridge Prairie for a spectacular 8-mile nature experience.
For a broader regional experience, the Calumet Trail spans 9+ miles through diverse landscapes, and the Marquette Greenway runs along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Most trails are paved and suitable for biking, running, and walking — and leashed dogs are welcome on all of them.
A paved multi-use trail running through Crown Point and beyond — perfect for biking, running, or a long walk. Connects to downtown Crown Point for post-trail coffee.
Passes through rare prairie and savanna habitat. One of the most scenic trails in the region, connecting to Oak Ridge Prairie.
A regional trail connecting multiple Lake County communities. Great for a longer bike ride or run through diverse landscapes.
Follows the river through multiple Lake County communities — a different perspective on the area.
A developing trail system along the Lake Michigan shoreline connecting communities through green space.
Despite its name, Lake County offers several lakes for water recreation. Cedar Lake is the most popular — a 800+ acre lake with boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The Lighthouse Restaurant provides waterfront dining, and Cedar Lake Summer Fest in June is a beloved community event. Hidden Lake in Merrillville offers a quieter 85-acre fishing and boating experience, while Lake George in Hobart and Wolf Lake on the Hammond-East Chicago border offer additional waterfront options.
Boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and waterfront dining. Summer brings boat parades and Cedar Lake Summer Fest.
An 85-acre lake in Merrillville with fishing and boating. A quieter alternative to Cedar Lake.
In Hobart, along Festival Park with waterfront trails and a bandshell for summer concerts.
On the Hammond-East Chicago border, home to Festival of the Lakes and year-round fishing.
Wildflower season at Oak Ridge Prairie is spectacular in late April through June. Early fishing on Cedar Lake begins, and the trail system dries out for biking and running. Spring migration brings birders to the savanna trails.
Beach days at Cedar Lake, outdoor concerts in Crown Point and Highland, long evenings at Wicker Park, and boat parades on the lake. The busiest and most vibrant outdoor season in the 219.
The trail system glows with autumn color — the Erie-Lackawanna Trail is especially beautiful in October. Harvest festivals in Lowell and Crown Point are can't-miss events. Perfect weather for long hikes.
Cross-country skiing on the Erie-Lackawanna Trail when conditions allow, winter birding at Oak Ridge Prairie, and holiday festivals across Lake County keep the cold at bay.
Bringing your dog? Most Lake County trails welcome leashed dogs. For dedicated off-leash dog parks, check our complete Dog Lovers guide with every dog park, pet-friendly brewery, and trail detail across the 219.
Common questions about parks, trails, and outdoor activities in Lake County, Indiana.
Lake County has a surprisingly diverse range of outdoor spaces. Oak Ridge Prairie in Griffith offers rare savanna habitat with an 8-mile trail system, Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville has an 85-acre lake with fishing and boating, Wicker Memorial Park in Highland provides sports fields and a pool, and Bulldog Park in Crown Point features a splash pad and amphitheater. The Erie-Lackawanna Trail (14+ miles) and Oak Savannah Trail (8 miles) are top picks for biking and hiking.
Yes — Cedar Lake is one of Lake County's most popular spots for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The Lighthouse Restaurant offers waterfront dining, and Cedar Creek Family Golf Center nearby adds more recreation options. Summer brings boat parades and lakefront community events like Cedar Lake Summer Fest in June.
Absolutely. Spring brings wildflower season at Oak Ridge Prairie and early fishing on Cedar Lake. Summer means beach days, outdoor concerts at Main Square Park in Highland, and long evenings at Wicker Park. Fall offers stunning trail colors along the Erie-Lackawanna Trail and harvest festivals. Winter opens up cross-country skiing on the trail system plus holiday festivals across the county.
Yes — Oak Ridge Prairie & Oak Savannah Trail in Griffith is a rare remnant of Indiana's once-vast savanna ecosystem. The trail winds through prairie grass and scattered oaks, making it one of the most scenic and peaceful spots in the region. Wildflower season in late spring and early summer is especially stunning. The trail connects to the Oak Savannah Trail for an 8-mile round trip. Dogs on leash are welcome on the main trail.
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails in Lake County, including the Calumet Trail (9+ miles), Erie-Lackawanna Trail (14+ miles), Marquette Greenway, Oak Ridge Prairie, and Lemon Lake County Park trails. The Erie-Lackawanna Trail connects to downtown Crown Point, so you can grab coffee at Sip or Steamwhistle after your walk. For off-leash options, check our Dog Lovers guide for dedicated dog parks across Lake County.
Imagine having all of this right outside your door. Let me help you find a home near the trails, lakes, and parks you love.
(219) 670-3704