Crown Point earned its nickname as the “Hub of Lake County” thanks to more than its central location. With a variety of restaurants, attractions, and frequented venues, the City of Crown Point brings people from throughout the Region and beyond to its fun-filled streets every day.
Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or a way to fill the afternoon, chances are high you’ll find exactly what you need in Crown Point. Check out our list of some must-see stops as you plan your next trip to the heart of Lake County.
Restaurants
Dining on the Square
Crown Point’s square extending around the historic Lake County Courthouse features a bevy of dining selections to suit any taste. Want to try Japanese? Ramen District in the courthouse has a huge selection of noodle and rice dishes inspired by Japanese classics. Hoping for a good burger and fries? Square Roots can give you traditional Americana alongside international fusion sure to make any mouth water. Of course, no meal district is complete without a fine dining experience, and Prime Steakhouse delivers handily with its newly renovated look and consistent, excellent flavor.
Lucrezia Italian Ristorante
In 2024, Lucrezia Ristorante was voted Best Italian Food in the Region for the third year in a row, and it comes as no surprise. If you’re a true connoisseur of Italian cuisine, Lucrezia’s provides an authentic taste that’s hard to find anywhere else in Chicagoland thanks to the efforts of its award-winning chefs. Stop in at its 302 S. Main Street location for a meal you won’t forget!
One13North Kitchen & Bar
One13North Kitchen & Bar is dedicated to growing as Crown Point does. Founded by a local family from the area, One13North elevates gastropub quality by coupling it with hometown hospitality. From pub classics like fish and chips to diverse selections like bao buns, One13North continues to keep Crown Point at the forefront of its menus and in the seats of its booths.
Breweries
Besides its dining, Crown Point is home to several breweries serving high-quality craft beers to any looking to quench their thirst. Both Crown Brewing and Off Square Brewing make appearances on the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s South Shore Brewery Trail, and there’s plenty more to be found!
Sights
Lake County Courthouse
The Historic Lake County Courthouse pulls Crown Point’s downtown scene together with its central location on the Square. The Grand Old Lady is coming up on nearly 150 years of service with no sign of slowing down. Still home to government offices, restaurants, gift shops, and the Lake County Historical Society Museum, no trip to Crown Point is complete without seeing the courthouse.
Erie Lackawanna Trail
The nearly 18-mile Erie Lackawanna Bike Trail comes to a close on Summit Street in Crown Point. As Indiana’s longest contiguous trail, the Erie Lackawanna attracts riders from all over who make the trek through Lake County, from Hammond to Crown Point. Whether you plan to make the whole trip or just cruise for a few miles, make sure you check out the trailhead in Crown Point!
Lemon Lake County Park
Sitting on over 400 acres of pristine natural landscape, Lemon Lake County Park is an ecological gem in the city. As the first Lake County Park, Lemon Lake has served a host of roles for the people of Crown Point. Disc golf course, picnic paradise, event host, escape – with its walking trails, dog park, playground, and public amenities, Lemon Lake is the perfect place to cap off a trip through Crown Point.
Event Spaces
Bulldog Park
Located just outside of downtown, Bulldog Park is the Crown Point’s premier event space. Featuring community rooms, a large open-air pavilion, and the Franciscan Health Amphitheater, Bulldog Park is host to everything from local events like the Crown Point Summer Market and first-ever Wine Fest to nationally acclaimed musicians like Chris Janson. Stop in to see what’s happening this week at the park; there’s always something!
Crown Point Sportsplex
No one does sports quite like the Region, and the Crown Point Sportsplex stands as a testament to the community-building aspect a sports team can bring to a city. The Sportsplex is home to a variety of youth and adult sports leagues played on 95 acres of multi-purpose fields. Interested sports fans can find everything from baseball to lacrosse being played right in their backyard. Plus, the Sportsplex has recently gone cashless, making trips to the concession stand faster than ever before.
Lake County Fairgrounds
The Lake County Fairgrounds are 365 days a year and features a variety of buildings and spaces to rent for any type of event. Parties, resource fairs, trade camps – the Lake County Fairgrounds provide a beautiful backdrop for everything. The fairgrounds have no parking fees throughout the year, so feel free to stop by, take a stroll, or fish to your heart’s content any time you’re around.
Events
Lake County Fair
Summer wouldn’t be complete without the annual Lake County Fair! It’s the second largest in the state of Indiana, and it attracts talent from all over the country. For 10 days, the Lake County Fairgrounds transform into the home of monster trucks, carnival rides, horse shows, crafts, food trucks, musicians, and more. The Lake County Fair has attractions in all flavors, and it always draws a big crowd. Make sure you’re in it come August!
Summer Concert Series
Nothing beats a summer evening spent in good company with good food, listening to good music. That’s why the City of Crown Point invites friends and family alike to Bulldog Park throughout the summer for the free Summer Concert Series. Featuring everything from local bands to traveling performers, the Summer Concert Series makes every Thursday a night to remember.
Taste of Crown Point
With all of its dining options and breweries, it’s no wonder that Crown Point would host its very own food festival. The Taste of Crown Point is a two-day festival that gives guests the chance to sample some of the best eateries Crown Point has to offer. When July comes around, bring your appetite and prepare for a ton of fun!
Winter festivities
Once snow starts to fall, Crown Point transforms into a winter wonderland! Bulldog Park opens its NHL-sized ice rink, the annual Tour of Lights goes up, the Winter Market provides unique gifts for the holidays, and Santa even makes an appearance alongside Mrs. Claus during the annual Santa Parade. Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when you’re in Crown Point!
Fourth of July Parade
The City of La Porte may become the state capital for the day, but Crown Point’s Fourth of July Parade draws crowds from across state lines and it’s easy to see why. People line the streets as businesses, bands, and big personalities march through downtown Crown Point, ending at the WWII Memorial Tank on Goldsborough Street. If you want to get a feel for what to expect, check out our coverage of 2024’s parade and start getting excited for July.
Intrigued yet? Visit the City of Crown Point’s website to begin planning your trip to the Hub of Lake County!