One of the oldest cities in northern Lake County, the City of Hammond, has been at the forefront of industrialization and entertainment since its founding. Blending a storied history with modern innovation, Hammond can provide all the fun of Chicago without the costs. Serviced by an extensive public transportation network, including the South Shore Line, visiting Hammond is as easy as pie.
Whether you’re hoping to spend a night in the town or just looking for a quick bite to eat, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for in Hammond! Check out our list of must-sees and dos while you plan your next visit to the city.
Restaurants
Byway Brewing
Opened in 2016 with the support of dedicated and passionate leadership, Byway Brewing has become Hammond’s premier microbrewery after a decade serving the community. The family-friendly microbrewery has a diverse, chef-driven menu with dishes ranging from poutine to birria quesadillas to classic cheeseburgers. Byway also hosts a variety of events for the community, so make sure to stop in at 2825 Carlson Drive to see the latest fun!
219 Grounds
219 Grounds is a brand new family-owned and operated coffee shop located right across the street from Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond campus. Built on a dream of becoming a safe spot for all in the Hammond community, 219 Grounds features artisan coffee, cafe classics, and ice cream treats. Support this small business the next time you’re in town by visiting 2205 169th Street!
Taqueria La Esperanza
Few things can draw a Region crowd like authentic Mexican cuisine. Hammond’s Taqueria La Esperanza promises a real taste of Mexico without the travel expenses! Chiles rellenos, tacos, quesadillas, tortas, gorditas – if you can find it south of the border, you can find it at Taqueria La Esperanza. Drop by 1337 Chicago Street to enjoy a delicious meal at a great price.
Things to do
Horseshoe Casino
The Horseshoe Hammond Casino has been Chicagoland’s number one casino destination in Indiana for the past three decades. Featuring a mixture of gambling opportunities, high-quality dining, and world-class entertainment, Horseshoe Hammond is the perfect place to work out that weekday stress with a weekend of fun!
Pickleball at Jean Shepherd
The Jean Shepherd Community Center recently invited visitors to participate in drop-in pickleball games for players of all skills. With the rise of pickleball as a sport that anyone can play, Hammond knew it needed a space for the Region to play, and the Jean Shepherd Community Center proved the perfect place. Make sure to visit its website to check out court availability, upcoming tournaments, and more!
Lost Marsh Golf Course
Lost Marsh Golf Course is an 18-hole course with lush fairways, true greens, and a beautiful view of Chicago. The course’s hybrid design means that players of all skill levels can play an enjoyable game, with new players finding a love of the sport and old pros finding a unique challenge. While you wait for tee time, drop in at the Emerald Green Restaurant for a quick bite or drink in a refined, casual setting.
Event Spaces
Dynasty Banquets
Dynasty Banquets on Calumet Avenue offers nine different locations for your events, ranging from conference rooms to the 10,000-square-foot Dynasty Ballroom. Capable of multiple setups to fit your event needs, Dynasty is one of Hammond’s most popular event venues for a reason. On top of the variety of space, Dynasty also has the Ramada Inn right next door for guest lodging. Get in touch for your next event by calling (219) 933-0505.
The PAV
Just 20 minutes from Chicago’s Loop, the Pavilion at Wolf Lake (the PAV) is an outdoor venue known for its tower design, beautiful environment, and community feeling that’s hard to replicate. The PAV is the go-to location for outdoor events in Hammond, including the city’s free summer concert series and the annual 4th of July naturalization ceremony. Check out the full list of upcoming events at the PAV at wolflakepavilion.com.
Hammond Marina Clipper Room
Nestled against Lake Michigan, the Hammond Marina Clipper Room offers an elegant venue for any event. With a max capacity of 100 people, the Clipper Room can provide an intimate experience for friends and family just as easily as it can accommodate the professional development and team bonding of your team at work. It comes ready for anything with wireless mics, Smart TVs, and more available for rental.
Events
Festival of the Lakes
The biggest summer festival of the Region, Festival of the Lakes at the PAV brings nationally touring artists to the Region every July for a week of summer fun. This year’s lineup includes rock legends like John Fogerty, country stars like Brantley Gilbert, and superstars like Akon headlining each night. Start planning your week at the lake or purchasing your VIP passes today at festivalofthelakes.com.
4th of July
The City of Hammond takes the 4th of July so seriously that it actually welcomes new U.S. citizens to its community every year and starts the day with a naturalization ceremony. From there, fireworks, parades, and more spread throughout the city in celebration of our nation’s freedom and the American Dream. Come fly your red, white, and blue with the city this year!
Indoor Trunk-or-Treat
Every Halloween, the Hammond Sportsplex becomes the stomping grounds for ghosts, goblins, and ghouls as the city hosts its annual Indoor Trunk-or-Treat. Businesses and organizations throughout Hammond come together to make sure over 600 trick-or-treaters can have an enjoyable, safe Halloween experience. Check out our coverage of last year’s event while you pick out this year’s costumes!
Winter Holiday Celebrations
Christmas holds a special place in the City of Hammond, and that means every winter season is something to look forward to! Every December, Hammond hosts its Holiday Parade to kick off its holiday event season. From there, visitors can look forward to the annual tree lighting ceremony, the Santa Fun Run, and more!
‘A Christmas Story’ Comes Home
The timeless classic “A Christmas Story” was inspired by author Jean Shepherd’s childhood growing up in Hessville, meaning there’s a little bit of Hammond in every scene. That’s why the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s “A Christmas Story” Comes Home always draws such a big crowd. The interactive display recreates classic scenes from the movie and even gives you a chance to take pictures with Santa on Santa’s Mountain!
219 Day
The City of Hammond’s 219 Day is a celebration of everything Region-related. For the past decade, Hammond has made sure to create a day of fun for all Region Rats! Past celebrations have included a Vegas theme, western theme, ‘70s theme, and more. No matter where you’re from or where you’re headed, 219 Day promises an evening that will get you on your feet and make you proud to call Northwest Indiana your home.
What are you waiting for? Visit the city’s website to get your next trip to Hammond planned out and see why the city remains a leader in entertainment, business, and modernity.