Tucked away in the 11,000-square-mile Chicagoland megalopolis, the suburb of Merrillville isn’t hard to overlook at only 31 square miles. But what it lacks in sheer size, it packs in economic punch. Centered at the confluence of Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 30, and home to numerous businesses, the town enjoys its status as the Downtown of Northwestern Indiana with attractions, restaurants and natural wonders to please every member of the family.

The Big Chill

While nearby Chicago may be known as the Windy City, Merrillville is also windier than most places across the United States, due to its proximity to Lake Michigan. Winters are particularly harsh, influenced by the lake effect—cold air blowing over the lake creates abundant heavy snow and icy blasts. Daytime temperatures rarely peep above freezing during the winter, and wind-chill factors can make the temperatures feel as though they’re below zero. If you’re planning to drive the 13 miles to a Lake Michigan beach, you’ll find the nicest weather from mid-June to late July. The usually sunny days and warm temperatures in the mid-80s make this the optimal time to catch some rays or dip a toe in the chilly lake.

Funville in Merrillville

You won’t have to drive far to find things to do in Merrillville. Learn about Mars and the night sky at the Merrillville Community Planetarium or enjoy favorite ballets at the Indiana Ballet Theatre. If you’re a history buff, step back in time and into a re-created Victorian parlor and a 1900s-era kitchen and school room at the Merrillville-Ross Township Historical Museum. During the summer months, cool off at Deep River Waterpark, where you’ll find slides as tall as five stories high ready to plunge you into the water at up to 35 mph.

An Industrious Town

While some suburbs function as bedroom communities in the Chicago area, Merrillville hums with industry on any given day. As the sun rises, you may see the town’s population swell from its 35,000 locals to more than 100,000 people. The city is home to the largest concentration of retail stores in northwest Indiana, so you’ll be able to find just about anything your heart desires. A booming medical district and an array of financial and banking institutions also make their homes in Merrillville. You’ll find extension campuses of Purdue University, DeVry University, Indiana Wesleyan University and Brown-Mackie University in town, along with more than a dozen other institutes of higher education.

From Here to There

While there are no airports in Merrillville serviced by commercial airlines, you’ll be less than 20 miles from town when you fly into the Gary/Chicago International Airport. Rent a car at the airport or hop aboard a bus to get to Merrillville. The Gary Public Transit offers various bus routes that run from the airport to Merrillville, making it a cinch to reach your destination.