A 13-mile drive north of Merrillville brings you to the southern shore of Lake Michigan where you can wriggle your toes in the sand or launch a boat onto its waters. While the city of Merrillville can get overshadowed by big-city attractions, you’ll find plenty to do from metropolitan fun to waterside relaxation.
Gummies Galore
No matter your age, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store when you visit the Albanese Candy Factory. Home to internationally acclaimed gummies, you'll see dozens of varieties of sweet yummy gummies (think: pink grapefruit and Concord grape) as well as chocolates and nut candies—all made at the factory. View the world’s largest chocolate waterfall and peer through windows to witness how the factory churns out 50,000 pounds of gummy bears each day. On your way out, stop by the expansive store to get a gift basket for your pet sitter or a jawbreaker as big as your fist to keep the kids occupied for hours.
Dig Into History and the Arts
Learn more about the area's past at the Merrillville History Museum. Then, rediscover beloved stories set to music and movement at the Indiana Ballet Theatre, where you'll find performances such as "The Nutcracker" and "Cinderella."
Water Adventures
On a muggy summer day, make a splash at Deep River Waterpark. Choose from racing slides, lazy rivers, and both body and tube slides or ride them all! Roar through total darkness as you twist your way down five stories of stomach-churning drops and turns on the Storm or plunge down a near-vertical descent at 35 miles per hour on the Dragon. When your pounding heart needs a rest, bodysurf in the wave pool or join in a game of beach volleyball. And when winter arrives, head to the park to ice skate on the frozen-over waters.
Eat, Drink and be Merri(llville)
The rich cultural fusion of the Chicago area carries through to Merrillville’s restaurant scene. Savor a taste of Spain without leaving the country at Tapas Cafe. The menu changes seasonally to utilize the freshest ingredients, but you’ll always find selections of tapas and paella—savory meat and veggies served atop fragrant saffron rice. For a great evening out, make a reservation at Gino's Steakhouse to enjoy a diverse menu filled with great American fare.
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