Hobart sits in Lake County, about 31 miles southeast of Chicago. The city had 29,752 residents at the 2020 census, and it has grown a lot since its early days as a mill settlement. Today it blends a walkable downtown, a lake in the middle of town, and large parks on the edges. If you live nearby or plan a weekend trip, Hobart has more to see than most people expect. This guide walks through the best stops, from the waterfront to the trails to the shops.
Lake George and Lakefront Park
Lake George is the first place most visitors go, and it is easy to see why. The lake formed when George Earle built a dam on Deep River to power sawmills and gristmills. Today it covers about 275 acres and gives the city its look. People walk the shoreline, fish from the banks, and launch small boats.
Lakefront Park runs along the water and has a clock tower that locals use as a meeting spot. Near the dam, a covered bridge leads across to Festival Park. Plan to walk this stretch at least once. It takes about an hour at an easy pace, and you pass the best views of the lake.
Festival Park
Festival Park sits just across the dam from downtown. It has a boat dock, a canoe launch, lakeside fishing spots, picnic areas, a playground, and a community center. Ducks gather near the shore, so bring some bread if you have kids with you.
The park is also the main stage for city events. In summer you can find a farmers market on the water, live music, and outdoor movies. In the fall the city holds Light Up the Park, which brings live entertainment, carriage rides, and a visit with Santa.
Deep River County Park
Deep River County Park covers 1,362 acres on the southeast side of the city. It is split into several areas, and each one has its own feel. The historic area has Wood’s Historic Grist Mill, a wedding gazebo, and a visitor center in a church built in 1904. Another entrance has picnic shelters and a playground. Farther north, Big Maple Lake offers fishing and a lake trail.
Fall is a great time to visit. Tractor hayrides run in September and October, and the trees along the river turn color. The park also has horse and hiking trails, a general store that opens from May through October, and a maple syrup tradition that draws families in late winter.
Downtown Hobart and the Art Theater
Downtown Hobart has the look of a classic small town. Old brick storefronts line Main Street, and you can find local shops, coffee spots, and family restaurants within a few blocks. The historic Art Theater hosts music acts and special events throughout the year. Check the schedule before you go, since a show can turn a quiet evening into a full night out.
Hobart Historical Society Museum
The Hobart Historical Society Museum is inside the old Carnegie library building. The exhibits cover the people, businesses, and events that shaped the city. It is small, so you can finish in an hour. It makes a good first stop, because it gives you the background that makes the rest of the town more interesting.
Oak Savannah Trail and Hobart Prairie Grove
The Oak Savannah Trail is a rails-to-trails route that cuts through the city. It works well for biking, walking, and running. The trail passes the 90-acre Hobart Prairie Grove Unit of Indiana Dunes National Park, so you get a quick look at native prairie without a long drive. Read More about the trail, the nature district, and the local preserves.
Hobart also has the Cressmoor Prairie, a state nature preserve owned by the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. It is the largest state-protected black soil prairie in Indiana. Bird watchers and wildflower fans will want to visit in summer.
Southlake Mall and the South Side
The south side of the city has the opposite feel from the lake. Southlake Mall sits near U.S. Route 30 and Interstate 65, and it brings in shoppers from across the area. Many restaurants, hotels, and stores surround it. Most addresses here use a Merrillville mailing address, which surprises first-time visitors. The city annexed this area in 1993.
Local Business Stops
Hobart has a few businesses with a long story. Indiana Botanic Gardens is the nation’s oldest and largest retailer of herbs, and it moved to the city in the mid-1990s. Midwest Products has made hobby supplies and radio-controlled model aircraft in town since 1952. In the fall, County Line Orchard draws crowds for apple picking and fresh donuts.
Plan Your Day
If you only have one day, start at the museum in the morning. Walk downtown for lunch, then head to Lake George for the afternoon. Spend the late afternoon at Deep River County Park, and finish with dinner near the lake. If you have two days, add the Oak Savannah Trail and a trip to the orchard.
Hobart gives you water, trails, history, and good food in a compact area. Pick a few stops, bring comfortable shoes, and take your time. Visit Here for more ideas on the historic places that shaped the city.
