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What a Weekend Here Looks Like
Arrive Friday and settle in. Wake up to the lake Saturday morning. Spend your day on the water, at the market, or exploring local spots. Wrap it up Sunday already planning your next trip back.
It’s simple — in the best way.
Find the Right Place to Stay
Whether you’re planning a quiet weekend or bringing the whole group, Cedar Lake has options that fit your style.
- Waterfront rentals
- Cozy weekend getaways
- Family-friendly stays
Make the Most of Your Time
You don’t need a packed schedule — but you’ll have plenty of options.
- Pontoon rentals & lake time
- Farmers Market & local events
- Restaurants, bars, and local favorites
- Walking, relaxing, exploring
Plan Around What’s Happening
Some of the best weekends happen when you time your visit around an event.
Museum Tours
Some of the best weekends happen when you time your visit around an event.
Steamboat Cruises
Some of the best weekends happen when you time your visit around an event.
Your Weekend, Made Simple
1.
Pick Your Dates
2.
Book Your Stay
3.
Show Up & Enjoy
Cedar Lake Questions… Start Here.
How far is Cedar Lake from Chicago?
About an hour — close enough for a spontaneous trip. Here are some fast facts as you arrive:
Cedar Lake is about 39 miles as the crow flies from Chicago, about an hour and 18-minute drive.
U.S. 41 runs north-south and connects Cedar Lake to St. John, Schererville, Highland, and Hammond. U.S. 41 also connects Cedar Lake to southern places such as Kentland and Terre Haute.
Cedar Lake is about 6 miles southwest of Crown Point, the County Seat of Lake County.
Is there enough to do for a full weekend?
Yes. Between the lake, events, and local spots, most visitors wish they had more time.
How is Cedar Lake connected to Chicago?
The earliest land claims in Lake County were at Cedar Lake in 1834.
The completion of the Monon Railroad connected Cedar Lake to Chicago. It served as a significant catalyst in Cedar Lake’s economic history. It induced meat packers from Chicago to come here to harvest ice and brought the working-class from Chicago to the 50-plus resorts that served the area from the 1880s to 1930. It also sparked a huge real estate boom.
Hervey Ball and his family arrived here in 1837. Hervey, his wife Jane, and their son Timothy made several significant contributions to social, religious, and educational aspects of early Lake County.
Did any Chicago Gangsters live in Cedar Lake?
From the 1880s up to at least the 1950s, many Chicago gangsters made Cedar Lake a second home and came out here frequently. Many of them even established businesses here. Some of the better-known gangsters known to frequent here were Johnny Torrio, Al Capone, and the notorious Jack “Lamp” Burke.
What's the population and expected growth rate?
According to the 2020 Census, Cedar Lake had a population of 14, 106 people.
According to growth estimates, Cedar Lake’s projected population for 2026 is 17,504.
Is Cedar Lake a family-friendly spot?
Absolutely — there’s something here for all ages, including dining, a local museum, boat rides, and special events.
When was Cedar Lake founded?
By an act of the Legislature, approved on January 18, Lake County was organized on February 16, 1837. With Porter County, Lake County was once part of La Porte County. Our county was named for the presence of Lake Michigan.
In the early days of Cedar Lake, various villages sprouted up where different groups settled. These included West Point 1836-1840, Fairport 1837-1858, Graytown 1858-1877, Tinkerville 1840-1875, Armour 1870-1930, Creston 1875-1930, Hanover Center/Cook 1855-1930, Brunswick 1855-1930, Klaasville 1855-1930.
There were four attempts to incorporate Cedar Lake as a town. The first three were done in 1914, 1933, and 1946, but none of them were successful because they were not part of a united effort. Taxes were also a main issue.
The fourth and final attempt in the 1960s was successful as the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that the Town of Cedar Lake was incorporated on October 30, 1967. It was an effort made by many concerned citizens, especially Dr. Robert W. King, who saw incorporation as important to receive federal funding to establish a municipal sewer system in order to clean up Cedar Lake.
What famous automobile race had its start in Cedar Lake?
The Cobe Cup Race, the precursor to the Indianapolis 500, occurred on June 19, 1909. Cedar Lake, along with Crown Point and Lowell were included in the racecourse.
Is Cedar Lake a family-friendly spot?
Absolutely — there’s something here for all ages, including dining, a local museum, boat rides, and special events.
Did any Chicago Gangsters live in Cedar Lake?
From the 1880s up to at least the 1950s, many Chicago gangsters made Cedar Lake a second home and came out here frequently. Many of them even established businesses here. Some of the better-known gangsters known to frequent here were Johnny Torrio, Al Capone, and the notorious Jack “Lamp” Burke.
What's the size of the Cedar Lake?
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Cedar Lake itself is 781 acres or 1.22 square miles.
The Town of Cedar Lake is 9.61 square miles, with 8.22 square miles of that being land.
What are the top industries in Cedar Lake?
The top eight industries in Cedar Lake are: construction, other, wholesalers, retail, oil and gas, real estate, hospitality, and transportation.
When was Cedar Lake founded?
By an act of the Legislature, approved on January 18, Lake County was organized on February 16, 1837. With Porter County, Lake County was once part of La Porte County. Our county was named for the presence of Lake Michigan.
In the early days of Cedar Lake, various villages sprouted up where different groups settled. These included West Point 1836-1840, Fairport 1837-1858, Graytown 1858-1877, Tinkerville 1840-1875, Armour 1870-1930, Creston 1875-1930, Hanover Center/Cook 1855-1930, Brunswick 1855-1930, Klaasville 1855-1930.
There were four attempts to incorporate Cedar Lake as a town. The first three were done in 1914, 1933, and 1946, but none of them were successful because they were not part of a united effort. Taxes were also a main issue.
The fourth and final attempt in the 1960s was successful as the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that the Town of Cedar Lake was incorporated on October 30, 1967. It was an effort made by many concerned citizens, especially Dr. Robert W. King, who saw incorporation as important to receive federal funding to establish a municipal sewer system in order to clean up Cedar Lake.
Is Cedar Lake a kettle lake or irregular lake?
The Wisconsin Period glacier created the modern natural landscape, which includes the Eastern Continental Divide. The ridge of this divide is marked at Cline and 126th Avenue, giving its elevation at 722.6 feet above sea-level.
Cedar Lake itself was created by the irregular deposition of glacial till and the meltwaters of the retreating Wisconsin ice sheet. Contrary to various sources, Cedar Lake is an irregular lake, not a kettle lake. The closest kettle lake in the area is Fancher Lake in Crown Point.
Ready to Plan Your Visit?
Start with what’s happening and build your weekend from there.
Get the Cedar Lake Weekend Guide
Planning your first visit? Start here.
Get a simple, curated guide to the best things to do, places to go, and how to make the most of your time at Cedar Lake.
