Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Hobart, IN

  • Published 2022/12/01

Hobart is a charming city in Lake County, Indiana, with plenty of attractions for visitors.

In 1849, George Earle designed the village of Hobart around his gristmill.

He had powered the mill with a dam he built across the Deep River in 1845 and named the town after his brother Frederick Hobart Earle.

This is where the majestic city of Hobart got its name.

A visit to the Deep River County Park, where Wood’s Historic Grist Mill stands, is a must for tourists.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of parks and nature trails to visit and see.

Hobart has something to offer whether you’re looking for a place for a getaway or adventure.

Check out these 15 best things to do in Hobart, Indiana:

Enjoy Stunning Nature Views at Hobart Prairie Grove Nature Preserve

Stunning Nature Views at Hobart Prairie Grove Nature Preserve

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hobart Prairie Grove Nature Preserve offers stunning forestry and Deep River views.

The Hobart Woodland Trail, in particular, provides a breathtaking nature experience overlooking Lake George.

The Hobart Prairie Grove is a 300-acre nature preserve with various habitats like wetlands, prairies, flatlands, and a rare type of oak savanna.

Stunning Nature Views at Hobart Prairie Grove Nature Preserve

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s home to 343 native plants because of the type of soil the grove has and the abundance of wildlife in the preserve.

You can enjoy walking your dogs or even biking on the trail available in the preserve.

If you’re a fan of nature, this is one spot you need to add to your list.

The Hobart Prairie Grove Nature Preserve was added to the National Park System in 1992 as part of an expansion of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Stunning Nature Views at Hobart Prairie Grove Nature Preserve

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy Some Me Time at Deep River County Park

Nestled along the Old Lincoln Highway is the Deep River County Park, a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

With over 1,362 acres of land, the park caters to the Wood’s Historic Building, constructed in the early 1800s by John Wood.

The park has a trail where you can hike and fish.

You can also do some canoeing in one of the lakes here.

If you get tired of walking, why not try horseback riding?

It would be fun riding a horse while cascading into the forested trails.

Gaze at the stars in Hobart’s skies and have a wonderful night camping here.

A trip to Deep River County Park is a perfect getaway from the hectic life in the city.

Witness Sunset Views at Lakefront Park

Over the years, Hobart has continuously put efforts into renovating the walkways along the East Shore Lake George, and Lakefront Park is one of the results of these efforts.

The park is perfect for grabbing a bite while waiting for the sun to set.

When the day ends, you can witness how the sun meets the pristine waters in Lake George.

Lakefront Park is perfect for watching the sunset while catching up with friends and family.

Be sure to snap a photo of the sun setting over Lake George as a memento!

Appreciate Amazing Performances at Hobart Art Theater

If you are a fan of theatrical performances and plays, then the Hobart Art Theater on Main Street is a must-visit.

Since its establishment in 1940, the theater has been one of the unique places to enjoy live entertainment in Northwest Indiana.

The theater has been diversifying its musical acts and comedians since January 2019 to reflect the local people’s preferences better.

For example, recent performances include Omar Apollo, Insane Clown Posse, and Riff Raff.

They also have their weekly Saturday Night Live acts where you can catch Jamie Kennedy, Tim Meadows, and Chris Kattan.

You’ll feel immersed in the live performance inside this 400-seat theater, which features VIP seating, a private green room, and impressive lighting and sound systems.

If you want an unforgettable night out, look no further than Hobart Art Theater.

Try one of the delicious drinks from the full bar while enjoying one of the many live performances!

See Bison up Close at Broken Wagon Bison

The largest native land mammal in North America can be found roaming semi-free at Broken Wagon Bison farm on West 450.

The Koeppen family started Broken Wagon Bison in 2003 after they visited friends who were already running a bison ranch.

Inspired by the friend’s business, the Koeppen family started the construction of fences, a corral, and a handling facility for the seven breeding cows and two calves they first purchased for the business.

The herd consisted of a yearling bull they named Big Bad John.

On a farm tour, you can see over 100 bison or witness the nursing of the calves in the barn under the care of the family.

Just be careful because these massive bison run up to 35 mph and can cause the ground to shake.

Aside from seeing these bison up close, you can also buy bison meats, leather goods made of bison’s skin, and hides in their store.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience by touring the Broken Wagin Bison!

Tour Hobart on Two Wheels with Trailblazers Bike Barn

If you want to tour Hobart in another way, riding bikes is a great way to do it.

Trailblazers Bike Barn on North Hobart Road offers assistance to different destinations in Hobart for the day or even during the weekends.

Trailblazers Bike Barn offers guests the chance to explore new places on two wheels with guided biking tours.

You can also take part in informative seminars they present about safety, road rules, and operations.

They also sell new and different kinds of bicycles and bike parts you need for tune-up and repairs.

You can also enjoy sipping refreshing juice from the various drinks in the shop.

This shop will help you with whatever bike services you need in Hobart, so stop by this shop whenever you can.

Ace Your Golfing Game at River Pointe Country Club

Get ready to enjoy a one-of-a-kind golfing experience at River Pointe Country Club.

Founded in 2010, River Pointe Country Club at Country Club Road originally started as a private club for Gary Works supervisors, but it has since become public.

Their course is designed for players of any skill level.

If you want to improve your accuracy, their fairways, water hazards, and sand traps will test your skills.

They have everything you need to make the game more challenging and help you get better.

Looking for a breathtaking natural setting for your next game of golf?

River Pointe County Club’s 27 holes are divided into three nine-hole courses, offering stunning scenery, country club conditions, and affordable rates.

The course is fun yet challenging for all golfers and easy to walk for those seeking exercise or junior lessons.

Golfers can play any combination of 9, 18, or 27 holes anytime without needing a tee time in advance.

Take your time playing here, and you will enhance your golfing skills in no time!

Get Close to Nature’s Beauty at Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserve

The black-soil prairie at Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserve is an ecologically diverse and unique landscape across Indiana.

Exploring the trail in late summer and fall makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

The fields here are teeming with beautiful, blooming wildflowers of every color.

With grass that brushes against your shins and sunflowers towering overhead, you’ll feel overwhelmed by its beauty.

Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserve is worth visiting when you want to unwind and relax while enjoying the splendor of nature.

Enjoy a Hearty Meal at Paragon Restaurant & Pub

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal?

Look no further than Paragon Restaurant & Pub on East 37th Avenue!

Their homemade family cuisine is sure to leave you full and satisfied.

They’ve been serving piping hot food made from scratch since 1979.

From breakfast meals to pretzel-roll sandwiches and pizzas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

If you have a sweet tooth, they have plenty of bakery items like fruit pies and baklava that satisfy your cravings.

The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere is perfect as you indulge your tastebuds with the savory dishes they prepare.

Plus, their friendly staff will make you feel at home.

What are you waiting for?

Treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at Paragon Restaurant & Pub!

Jump around at Jump!Zone Hobart

Jump!Zone Hobart on on East 37th Avenue is a perfect place to let the kids and the kids at heart frolic about and play all day.

Their inflatable slides come in exciting themes that will keep your little ones entertained for hours.

There are also safe and supervised obstacle courses, so you can relax knowing that your children are in good hands.

If they’re feeling a bit more adventurous, they can try their hand at bouncing around one of the massive bounce houses.

Fun experiences for the whole family await at Jump!Zone Hobart.

See Indiana’s Rarest Natural Communities at Bur Oak Woods

Bur Oak Woods is home to Indiana’s unique bur oak savanna community.

Many of the massive bur oak trees growing here are centuries old, with branches as wide as their tall trunks.

Native Americans once used them as shelter on hunting expeditions.

European settlers then cleared their farms within sight of the trees, but miraculously, these trees survived.

Bur Oak Woods contains shielding woods transformed into a grassland, wet trenches, and a vast wildflower meadow which is the perfect habitat for birds and amphibians.

You can enjoy hiking on the trails here or watching nature and wildlife in the woods.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Explore Albanese Candy Factory Outlet

This factory in Merrillville, just 12 minutes from Hobart, showcases how candies are made.

Albanese Candy Factory Outlet has been crafting the World’s Best Gummies and Chocolates for over three decades, using their tried-and-true secret to success.

They offer tours for their visitors, showing how these top-quality candies are made.

You’ll see firsthand how they follow their winning recipe for delicious gummies, chocolates, candies, and more.

Don’t forget to buy candies at Albanese Candy Factory Outlet and share them with your loved ones!

Enjoy Cycling at Three Rivers County Park

There’s nothing quite like a nature tour to help you relax and unwind.

One of the best ways to enjoy it is by riding a bicycle at Three Rivers County Park.

The Gary Lake Station border is where the 95-acre Three Rivers County Park is hidden, just 12 minutes away from Hobart.

It has a 1.5-mile trail made of asphalt, perfect for biking around the park.

If you want to look around, you can also enjoy walking on the trail and be mesmerized by the beauty of trees and the lake.

At Three Rivers County Park, there are shore and dock fishing opportunities around the lake, encircled by a paved walking route.

Take Your Kids to Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center

Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center at Lake Station, just 13 minutes from Hobart, is a great place to take your kids.

It’s a 23,000-square-foot indoor playground with tons of activities for kids of all ages.

Bellaboo’s philosophy is that children learn best when playing, so all their activities are designed to be interactive, engaging, and educational while being safe and secure for your kids.

For instance, they have a child-sized supermarket, construction zone, and pizza parlor, allowing kids to interact with others.

These will also let your kids participate in imaginative play that boosts intellectual growth.

The staff is always friendly and helpful, and there are plenty of benches for parents to relax while their kids play.

If you’re looking for a great place to take your kids to learn and play near Hobart, Bellaboo’s is the place to go!

Have an Adventure with the Family at Lakeshore Camp Resort

If you want to add excitement and adventure to your life, look no further than Lakeshore Camp Resort in Portage, just a 19-minute drive from Hobart.

With 940 different sites available for camping and 115 of those with full hookups, they offer something for everyone in the family.

If that’s not enough, you may check out Lakeshore Camp Resort’s extensive list of amenities, from a 22-acre lake perfect for fishing or swimming to four pools throughout the resort, including the beaches.

You may also rent paddle boats to explore the lake at your leisure.

There are also competitive games, such as the mini-golf course.

Final Thoughts

Hobart is the perfect vacation destination for those who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new places.

With its stunning parks, nature sites, historical landmarks, and recreational centers, there is always something to do in Hobart.

Make the city your next vacation destination, and enjoy these best things to do in Hobart, Indiana.

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