Although the working class town of Lake Station does not necessarily have a reputation for summer tourism, ignoring it would miss some hidden gems in Northwest Indiana.
The town of just over 12,000 once tried to capitalize on Gary’s early growth in the early 20th century by renaming itself East Gary. Before he settled in Chicago, George Pullman allegedly unsuccessfully tried to strike a deal to build his railroad car company in Lake Station.
But, as the steel industry began to decline, the town moved to distance itself from Gary by changing back to its original name in 1977.
Today, Lake Station boasts at least various small parks, a beloved children’s play center, affordable eateries and a homegrown gallery that works to boost local artists.
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Morning
For any young Chicagoland parent, a day in Lake Station must start at Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center (2800 Colorado St., 219-963-2070, mybellaboos.com). Built within Three Rivers Park, the 23,000 square-foot center features multiple rooms for children to play and explore.
Parents can set their adventurous kids loose to don pint-sized hard hats to build structures with blocks and tubes, climb through a vertical maze into a ball pit, design creations in the art room, play with boats in a water table and watch an elevated toy train motor around the center.
Bellaboo’s also features special events throughout the year, including a Camp Bellaboo in the summer and New Year’s Eve celebration for kids in December.
With a variety of attractions cheap or free for parents, Riverview Park (2701 Ripley St., 219-962-7508, facebook.com/lakestationpool/) spans 43 acres and offers as scenic lake and swimming pool for kids — one of several city parks where kids can beat the summer heat. Lake Station residents are charged between $1 to $3 for pool access. Non-residents are charged between $3 to $6. Swimming lessons are also offered for $60.
Riverview Park is also the site for Fuzz Follies, an annual car show and Heritage Days Festival, both held in June. The park also features sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, archery, trails and boating rentals.
Afternoon
For folks looking for a legitimate Northwest Indiana eatery, Ruben’s Restaurant (2230 Ripley St., 219-962-3212, facebook.com/pages/Rubins-Restaurant/116855545000089) continues to endure in Lake Station with its iconic arches. Although temporarily winds knocked over its famous fiberglass hobo statute in 2015, the place continues to do simple Region fare right — juicy hot dogs with poppy seed buns, Polish sausage and piping hot fries.
Columbus Park (2900 Benton St., facebook.com/pages/Columbus-Park/123151877732426) features multiple places to play sports this summer — baseball diamonds, a walking track, a basketball court, plus picnic tables.
Moving toward the nearby town of New Chicago, Fox Gallery (2901 DeKalb St., 219-433-2660, facebook.com/The-Fox-Gallery-819568924764850) showcases numerous works of folks who have a passion for the arts, but might not be full-time artists.
Owner Georgia Fox Hatfield said she makes an effort for her gallery to embrace and promote talented part-time artists that might not otherwise have a chance to show work.
With hundreds of paintings and mixed media on display, art lovers can purchase works between $1 to $600, she said.
In addition to art displays, the gallery offers art classes for all ages, yoga, open mic nights, vendor events and adult coloring parties. It also rents space for smaller activities.
“My immediate community does not have any other businesses like mine,” she told the Post-Tribune in 2015. “My business meets a desperate need in this community, and all of Northwest Indiana. The arts are an integral part of all of our cultures and can be a bridge to understanding and acceptance of all.”
If in the mood for reliable, down-to-earth grub, Nancy’s Cafe (2580 Central Ave, 219-962-1400, facebook.com/pages/Nancys-Cafe/170234509715317) is a homey space with affordable American fare including breakfast and sandwiches, that includes a doughnut burger for $8.50.
Those who grew up in town and have fond memories of good, greasy pizza can head to J&J’s Pizza Shack (3146 Central Ave., 219-962-1666, jjspizzashack.com). Its original location is still serving up pizza, calzones and sandwiches. It also has a variety of arcade games inside the restaurant.
Evening
The eatery Taqueria Mazamitla (5025 Central Ave., 219-962-2022, facebook.com/Mazamitlalakestation) is known for its authentic Mexican food and wallet-friendly specials, typically under $10. Popular menu items include the steak and chicken tacos, enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, beautifully displayed nachos, whole fish and whole shrimp dinners.
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With its simple storefront shaped by time and cooking oil, Johnson’s Fish & Shrimp (2619 Central Ave. 219-962-1956, facebook.com/pages/Johnsons-Fish-Shrimp/113123205386901) is the perfect place to go for a quick stop for fried seafood. Longtime customers swear by the fried Gulf shrimp or perch.
The menu also includes orders by the half-pound, sandwiches of fried cod, lake perch, catfish or tilapia. It also includes side items like hush puppies, fried mushrooms, fried calamari, and zucchini.
By evening, if you’re in the mood for a beer and a good bite to eat, head to Tap House 1233 (1233 Central Ave., 219-962-6546, taphouse1233.com). The pub is known for its affordable menu of hearty prime rib, burgers and seafood, including perch and oysters.
For avid bowlers and traditionalists, Ray’s Lanes (3201 Central Ave., 219-962-1297, facebook.com/RaysLanesIN), has remained unchanged for decades while staying open as late as 1 a.m. on weekends.