Things To Do
in Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a small lakeside town in northwestern Indiana, offering a relaxed pace and scenic water views. The community centers around the lake, with parks, walking paths, and a friendly small-town vibe. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby Indiana Dunes and the wider Chicago metropolitan area.
Visitors will find outdoor recreation, casual dining, and easy access to urban amenities within a short drive.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Cedar Lake and check into your cozy lakeside cabin. Spend the morning strolling along the water's edge, soaking in the tranquility and scenic beauty of the area. Grab a hearty breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures ahead.
After lunch, take a leisurely hike along the Cedar Lake Nature Trail, where you can encounter diverse wildlife and stunning vistas. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the picnic areas with a view of the lake. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
Enjoy a relaxing evening back at your cabin, where you can light a campfire and share stories under the stars. Consider stargazing or simply enjoying the sounds of nature as the sun sets over the lake. Dinner at a nearby restaurant will cap off your first day perfectly.
Start your day with a refreshing swim in Cedar Lake or rent a kayak to explore the water at your own pace. The morning sun glistening on the lake's surface makes for an invigorating experience. Have breakfast at a lakeside bistro after your water activities.
Spend the afternoon trying out paddleboarding or fishing, as the calm waters provide the perfect conditions for both. Engage with local fishing guides if you're looking to catch some local species. Post-activity, unwind on the deck of your cabin or explore nearby shops.
Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant with a beautiful sunset view. Savor locally sourced dishes and enjoy live music or entertainment in the area. After dinner, take a romantic walk along the shore, breathing in the crisp night air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏠Rent for 1 bedroom apartment | $900-1400 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 💡Utilities (monthly) | $120-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed lakeside vibe with easy access to Chicago for day trips
- Family-friendly activities and a safe, walkable town center
- Strong outdoor recreation opportunities year-round
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Cedar Lake itself
- Winters can be cold and outdoor options are seasonal
- Public transport options are more limited than in larger cities
Places to Visit in Cedar Lake
Visit one of these nice places.
A long wooden pier extending into the lake provides striking silhouettes and warm early-morning light.
Open green space along the shore with trees, benches, and water views ideal for golden-hour shots.
Brick sidewalks, small storefronts, and lamp-lit streets create classic small-town portrait photography.
Food in Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, breaded pork cutlet served on a bun with simple toppings; a signature Indiana sandwich found in many local diners.
Must-Try!
A classic Indiana dessert featuring a silky, caramel-burnished custard pie, often available at local bakeries and family eateries.
Freshwater perch prepared simply with light batter or just seasoned and fried, often served with fries or slaw nearby the lake.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, and crafts; great for sampling regional staples and meeting growers.
Seasonal weekend setup near the lakefront with a rotating lineup of casual street-food bites, burgers, and fried favorites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite hello and a smile are standard. Small talk about the lake or weather is common in casual conversations.
Respect residential quiet hours and keep noise to a reasonable level after evening hours.
Safety
Tipping in Cedar Lake
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip 15-20% at sit-down restaurants; rounding up the bill at casual spots is common. For hotel staff, a modest daily tip is appreciated if service is good.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments are increasingly common; some markets and small vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, humid days with frequent afternoon storms. Stay hydrated, carry a light rain layer, and time lake activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage make for excellent outdoor photography and scenic walks.
Cold and snowy at times; layer up and plan indoor café or museum stops between outdoor experiences.
Milder days with showers; trails may be muddy but landscapes come alive with new growth.
Cedar Lake at Night
Hiking in Cedar Lake
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible dunes and forest with lakeside scenery; ideal for day trips from Cedar Lake.
Gentle wooded trails with scenic overlooks suitable for family hikes.
Airports
How to reach Cedar Lake by plane.
Gary, Indiana airport about 25-30 miles from Cedar Lake; useful for regional flights.
Major international hub located about 40-60 miles away; best for long-haul flights.
Alternative Chicago airport about 40-50 miles away; convenient for domestic travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families who commute to the Chicago area or nearby towns.
A mix of retirees enjoying the lake lifestyle and workers commuting to employment centers.
Residents who study or work in the region and prefer a quieter town lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple activity in local gyms and parks.
Community leagues and youth programs are common in parks.
Popular on Cedar Lake during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cedar Lake.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most local restaurants offer veggie burgers, salads, and pasta dishes. Ask for meatless entrées or dairy-free substitutions; many places can accommodate nut and gluten considerations with advance notice.