Near Chicago
A Lake House Weekend Near Chicago
Some of the best escapes don't need a flight or even a long drive. Lake Dalecarlia sits in Lowell, Indiana — a quiet, private lake about an hour from downtown Chicago. Close enough to leave after work on Friday, far enough that by the time you're unloading the car, the city feels like another world.
Getting here
An hour southeast of the city.
From downtown Chicago, the lake house is roughly an hour's drive southeast into Lake County, Indiana. There's free parking on-site for up to four vehicles, so bring the whole group.
On the water
The best part is right out the door.
You won't have to go anywhere for the best part. The house has two private docks, a paddle boat, and kayaks waiting. Fish off the dock in the morning, drift the afternoon away, or sit with coffee and watch the lake wake up. It's a private lake, so it stays quiet — paddle boat and kayaks only, no motorboats. When you want a change of scenery, Cedar Lake Beach is about ten minutes away for swimming and picnicking.
For families
Plenty to fill the day.
- Harvest Tyme Family Farm (Lowell) a seasonal farm with a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkins in fall, and festivals all season.
- Buckley Homestead County Park (Lowell) a living-history farm with trails and picnic areas.
- Deep River Water Park slides and a lazy river, a short drive north in summer.
- Albanese Candy Factory (Merrillville) home of the famous gummi bears, with free factory viewing and a candy store.
A little local character
Towns worth a wander.
- Historic Crown Point the old Lake County courthouse and town square, ringed with shops and restaurants, about twenty minutes away.
- Shrine of Christ's Passion (St. John) a peaceful half-mile path with life-size sculptures, around twenty minutes from the house.
- Lake County Fairgrounds (Crown Point) fairs, markets, and community events through the year.
Any season works
A retreat for every month.
Summer is for the water, but the house earns its keep year-round: fall for the farms and color, winter for the fireplace and a frozen-quiet lake, spring for the first warm mornings on the deck.
Make it your weekend
The lake will be waiting.
Check the calendar and book directly on Airbnb or VRBO.