Living in Cedar Lake, Indiana

Year-round lake living. Cedar Lake is the defining feature of this community. At 784 acres, it is the fourth largest natural lake in Indiana, and it supports a full calendar of water activities: sailing, pontooning, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, fishing, and power boating. Boat launches on the north shore and public access points mean residents do not need lakefront property to enjoy the water.

A rich resort history. After the Monon Railroad arrived in 1882, Cedar Lake became a premier resort destination for Chicagoans escaping the city heat. Over 50 hotels operated around the lake from the late 1800s through the 1940s. Notable visitors included Babe Ruth. That legacy of hospitality and recreation still defines the community today. The Lake of the Red Cedars Museum preserves this history with exhibits on the resort era, the Ojibwa inhabitants, and the town's development.

Growing community with suburban amenities. Cedar Lake has seen significant growth, with its population rising from roughly 9,000 in 2000 to over 16,000 today. New subdivisions, expanded retail along Route 41, and the proximity to Crown Point's shopping and dining mean residents enjoy lakefront living without sacrificing convenience. Parks like Lemon Lake County Park (403 acres with five disc golf courses, fishing lakes, and trails) serve as recreational anchors for the whole family.

Cedar Lake was originally known as West Point, settled by pioneers in the mid-19th century. The lake itself, formed by a melting glacier collecting water in a clay-lined depression, was originally called Cranberry Lake (later Silver Lake) before becoming Cedar Lake. The lake was known for the abundant silver moss used to pack harvested ice that was shipped to metropolitan areas.

When the Monon Railroad arrived in 1882, Cedar Lake's transformation from quiet settlement to bustling resort town began. Chicagoans would ride the train out for weekends and summer stays at the dozens of hotels, boarding houses, and cottages that lined the shore. At its peak, the lake hosted over 50 hotels. The Ojibwa (Chippewa) people were among the earliest inhabitants, drawn to the area's abundant natural resources.

Today Cedar Lake is a blend of that historic resort character and modern suburban growth. You will find everything from classic lake cottages and year-round lakefront homes to new subdivisions inland with ranches and Colonials. The community's growth has accelerated in recent years, driven by buyers seeking lake access, larger lots, and a more relaxed pace of life within an easy drive of Chicago. The downtown area along Constitution Avenue retains a small-town feel with local shops, restaurants, and the Lake of the Red Cedars Museum.

Outdoor recreation is the main event in Cedar Lake. The 784-acre Cedar Lake itself is the centerpiece, offering boating, sailing, pontooning, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, and fishing. A boat launch on the north shore provides public access, and anglers fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. The lake measures 2.1 miles in length with a shallow, warm water profile that makes it well suited for family boating.

Lemon Lake County Park, located between Crown Point and Cedar Lake off 133rd Avenue, is a 403-acre county park with five disc golf courses (one of the largest concentrations in the region), a fishing lake, a playground, a dog park, and over five miles of hiking and biking trails. It is a popular weekend destination for families throughout Lake County.

Bartlett-Wahlberg Park on Lake Shore Drive offers direct lake access with a beach area, shore fishing, and recreation courts. A city park on the east shore provides additional green space with playground equipment and picnic areas. The lake also supports seasonal events including fishing derbies and community gatherings at the lakefront parks.

Cedar Lake is served by three school districts due to the town's size and location across multiple townships. The majority of Cedar Lake (west side) is served by the Hanover Community School Corporation, with Hanover Central High School located at 10120 W. 133rd Avenue in Cedar Lake. Areas east of Cline Avenue fall under the Crown Point Community School Corporation (Crown Point High School), and the southwestern area is served by the Tri-Creek School Corporation (Lowell High School).

For current school ratings, test scores, and attendance zone details, contact the individual school corporations or visit GreatSchools.org.

Cedar Lake is located about 37 miles southeast of downtown Chicago, with a typical commute of around 45 minutes via Route 41 north to I-80/94 and into the city. Route 41 runs directly through Cedar Lake and connects to I-80/94, I-65, and US-30, providing access to the entire Northwest Indiana region. The South Shore Line rail service is available from nearby stations in Crown Point and Hammond for a congestion-free commute.

For daily errands, the US-41 corridor offers grocery stores, pharmacies, and local services, while Crown Point's shopping and dining (about 10 minutes south) and the Southlake Mall area in Schererville (about 15 minutes east) provide major retail options. Cedar Lake's layout makes it easy to get around by car, and the lake area is popular for walking and biking, especially around the lakefront parks.

Life in Cedar Lake revolves around the water. Summer weekends mean boating, fishing, and swimming on Cedar Lake. Pontoon boat rentals and guided fishing trips are available through local outfitters. The lake hosts community events throughout the warmer months, including holiday fireworks displays over the water and seasonal festivals at the lakefront parks.

The Lake of the Red Cedars Museum at 7408 Constitution Avenue is a must-visit for anyone interested in the town's history. Housed in a building originally constructed in 1895, the museum features exhibits on the resort era, the Ojibwa inhabitants, and the town's development from pioneer settlement to modern community.

Lemon Lake County Park draws disc golf enthusiasts from across the region with its five courses, and the park year-round hosts fishing derbies, nature programs, and family events. Crown Point's historic downtown square, with its restaurants, boutiques, and the Stagecoach Cinema, is a 10-minute drive south. And the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan beaches are about 30 to 40 minutes north.