Merrillville is a town located in Lake County, Indiana. It’s a bustling town that has a lot to offer for both tourists and residents alike. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who loves to shop, Merrillville has something for everyone. Here are the top things to do in Merrillville, Indiana:
1. Visit Deep River Waterpark
Deep River Waterpark is a fun-filled water park that is perfect for people of all ages. This park is home to many water attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. You can also enjoy a game of miniature golf or go-karting while you’re here. It’s a perfect way to beat the heat during the summer months.
2. Explore Albanese Candy Factory
The Albanese Candy Factory is a candy lover’s paradise. You can take a tour of the factory and see how candy is made. There’s also a candy store where you can purchase all kinds of candy, including gummy bears, chocolates, and more. It’s a great place to visit with kids or for anyone with a sweet tooth.
3. Visit the Crown Point Courthouse
The Crown Point Courthouse is a historic building that has been standing for over 140 years. It’s a beautiful building that is still in use today. You can take a guided tour of the courthouse and learn about its history. The building is also home to a museum that showcases the history of Lake County.
4. Enjoy the Outdoors at Turkey Creek Golf Course
Turkey Creek Golf Course is a beautiful golf course that is located in Merrillville. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and play a round of golf. The course is well-maintained and offers a challenging but fair game. There’s also a driving range and a pro shop on site.
5. Go Shopping at Southlake Mall
Southlake Mall is a large shopping mall that is home to many popular stores. You can find everything from clothing to electronics to home goods here. It’s a great place to spend a day shopping and exploring. There are also many restaurants in the mall where you can grab a bite to eat.
6. Visit the Indiana Dunes National Park
The Indiana Dunes National Park is located just a short drive from Merrillville. It’s a beautiful park that is home to sand dunes, beaches, and forests. You can go hiking, swimming, or just relax on the beach. It’s a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town.
7. Check out the John Dillinger Museum
The John Dillinger Museum is a museum that showcases the life and times of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger. It’s a fascinating museum that is full of artifacts and information about Dillinger’s life. You can see the actual wooden gun that he used to escape from jail, as well as many other interesting items.
8. Visit the Merrillville-Ross Township Historical Society Museum
The Merrillville-Ross Township Historical Society Museum is a museum that showcases the history of Merrillville and Ross Township. You can learn about the early settlers of the area and how the town grew over time. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in local history.
9. Enjoy a Meal at Gamba Ristorante
Gamba Ristorante is an Italian restaurant located in Merrillville that offers delicious food in a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant features a menu that includes traditional Italian dishes, as well as some unique creations. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
10. Go Bowling at Stardust Bowl
Stardust Bowl is a bowling alley that offers a fun and exciting experience for all ages. The alley features 48 lanes, as well as an arcade and a lounge area. It’s a great place to go with friends or family for a night out.
11. Take a Stroll at Hidden Lake Park
Hidden Lake Park is a beautiful park that offers many recreational activities. You can take a stroll around the lake or enjoy a picnic with friends or family. There’s also a playground and a basketball court on site. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors.
12. Attend a Show at the Star Plaza Theatre
The Star Plaza Theatre is a popular entertainment venue that hosts many concerts and shows throughout the year. It’s a great place to see your favorite artists perform live. The theater has a seating capacity of over 3,000, so there’s plenty of room for everyone.
13. Visit the Merrillville Community Planetarium
The Merrillville Community Planetarium is a unique attraction that offers a fascinating look at the universe. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art projector that displays the stars and planets in amazing detail. You can take a guided tour or attend one of the many educational programs that are offered.
FAQs:
What is the best time of year to visit Merrillville?
The best time of year to visit Merrillville is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and golfing.
Are there any hotels in Merrillville?
Yes, there are many hotels in Merrillville that offer a comfortable and convenient stay. Some popular options include the Hampton Inn Merrillville, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Merrillville, and the Comfort Suites Merrillville.
What is the closest airport to Merrillville?
The closest airport to Merrillville is the Gary/Chicago International Airport, which is located just a short drive away. Other nearby airports include the Chicago Midway International Airport and the Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
What is the cost of admission to Deep River Waterpark?
The cost of admission to Deep River Waterpark varies depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Generally, admission prices range from $20 to $35 per person.
Is the Indiana Dunes National Park open year-round?
Yes, the Indiana Dunes National Park is open year-round. However, some facilities and areas may be closed during the winter months due to inclement weather.
Recommendations for Further Reading:
Conclusion
Merrillville, Indiana is a hidden gem that offers plenty of exciting activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in shopping, outdoor activities, or entertainment, Merrillville has something to offer everyone. From the Deep River Waterpark to the Indiana Dunes National Park, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Merrillville. So why not plan your next trip to this charming town and experience all it has to offer for yourself?
Merrillville is a town located in Lake County, Indiana. It’s a bustling town that has a lot to offer for both tourists and residents alike. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who loves to shop, Merrillville has something for everyone. Here are the top things to do in Merrillville, Indiana:
1. Visit Deep River Waterpark
Deep River Waterpark is a fun-filled water park that is perfect for people of all ages. This park is home to many water attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. You can also enjoy a game of miniature golf or go-karting while you’re here. It’s a perfect way to beat the heat during the summer months.
2. Explore Albanese Candy Factory
The Albanese Candy Factory is a candy lover’s paradise. You can take a tour of the factory and see how candy is made. There’s also a candy store where you can purchase all kinds of candy, including gummy bears, chocolates, and more. It’s a great place to visit with kids or for anyone with a sweet tooth.
3. Visit the Crown Point Courthouse
The Crown Point Courthouse is a historic building that has been standing for over 140 years. It’s a beautiful building that is still in use today. You can take a guided tour of the courthouse and learn about its history. The building is also home to a museum that showcases the history of Lake County.
4. Enjoy the Outdoors at Turkey Creek Golf Course
Turkey Creek Golf Course is a beautiful golf course that is located in Merrillville. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and play a round of golf. The course is well-maintained and offers a challenging but fair game. There’s also a driving range and a pro shop on site.
5. Go Shopping at Southlake Mall
Southlake Mall is a large shopping mall that is home to many popular stores. You can find everything from clothing to electronics to home goods here. It’s a great place to spend a day shopping and exploring. There are also many restaurants in the mall where you can grab a bite to eat.
6. Visit the Indiana Dunes National Park
The Indiana Dunes National Park is located just a short drive from Merrillville. It’s a beautiful park that is home to sand dunes, beaches, and forests. You can go hiking, swimming, or just relax on the beach. It’s a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town.
7. Check out the John Dillinger Museum
The John Dillinger Museum is a museum that showcases the life and times of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger. It’s a fascinating museum that is full of artifacts and information about Dillinger’s life. You can see the actual wooden gun that he used to escape from jail, as well as many other interesting items.
8. Visit the Merrillville-Ross Township Historical Society Museum
The Merrillville-Ross Township Historical Society Museum is a museum that showcases the history of Merrillville and Ross Township. You can learn about the early settlers of the area and how the town grew over time. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in local history.
9. Enjoy a Meal at Gamba Ristorante
Gamba Ristorante is an Italian restaurant located in Merrillville that offers delicious food in a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant features a menu that includes traditional Italian dishes, as well as some unique creations. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
10. Go Bowling at Stardust Bowl
Stardust Bowl is a bowling alley that offers a fun and exciting experience for all ages. The alley features 48 lanes, as well as an arcade and a lounge area. It’s a great place to go with friends or family for a night out.
11. Take a Stroll at Hidden Lake Park
Hidden Lake Park is a beautiful park that offers many recreational activities. You can take a stroll around the lake or enjoy a picnic with friends or family. There’s also a playground and a basketball court on site. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors.
12. Attend a Show at the Star Plaza Theatre
The Star Plaza Theatre is a popular entertainment venue that hosts many concerts and shows throughout the year. It’s a great place to see your favorite artists perform live. The theater has a seating capacity of over 3,000, so there’s plenty of room for everyone.
13. Visit the Merrillville Community Planetarium
The Merrillville Community Planetarium is a unique attraction that offers a fascinating look at the universe. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art projector that displays the stars and planets in amazing detail. You can take a guided tour or attend one of the many educational programs that are offered.
FAQs:
What is the best time of year to visit Merrillville?
The best time of year to visit Merrillville is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and golfing.
Are there any hotels in Merrillville?
Yes, there are many hotels in Merrillville that offer a comfortable and convenient stay. Some popular options include the Hampton Inn Merrillville, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Merrillville, and the Comfort Suites Merrillville.
What is the closest airport to Merrillville?
The closest airport to Merrillville is the Gary/Chicago International Airport, which is located just a short drive away. Other nearby airports include the Chicago Midway International Airport and the Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
What is the cost of admission to Deep River Waterpark?
The cost of admission to Deep River Waterpark varies depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Generally, admission prices range from $20 to $35 per person.
Is the Indiana Dunes National Park open year-round?
Yes, the Indiana Dunes National Park is open year-round. However, some facilities and areas may be closed during the winter months due to inclement weather.
Recommendations for Further Reading:
Conclusion
Merrillville, Indiana is a hidden gem that offers plenty of exciting activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in shopping, outdoor activities, or entertainment, Merrillville has something to offer everyone. From the Deep River Waterpark to the Indiana Dunes National Park, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Merrillville. So why not plan your next trip to this charming town and experience all it has to offer for yourself?