Griffith IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Griffith, Indiana.
1. Oak Savannah Trail
SCENIC RAILWAY TRAIL PATH
The Oak Savannah Trail follows the route of an old Indiana Railroad line, spanning approximately 10 miles through lovely nature. The paved trail connects with other cycle paths, making it ideal for cyclists and walkers alike. Visitors enjoy the great traffic-free experience with its nice surface and plenty of places to stop along the way.
2. Griffith Historical Park and Railroad Museum
LOCAL RAILWAY HERITAGE SITE
The Griffith Historical Park and Railroad Museum celebrates the town's rich railroad heritage dating back to 1904. Visitors can explore artifacts and exhibits highlighting Griffith's history as an interchange for five railroads, with approximately 180 trains passing through daily at its peak. The museum provides fascinating insights into why Griffith earned its nickname 'The town that came to the tracks.'
3. New Oberpfalz Brewing
COZY LOCAL BREWERY
New Oberpfalz Brewing is a cozy, local, family-friendly brewery with a tap room located in beautiful downtown Griffith. The brewery offers a selection of craft beers in a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both beer enthusiasts and casual visitors. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed environment while sampling unique brews in this popular downtown establishment.
4. Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve
NATIVE ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AREA
Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve is a 576-acre natural sanctuary featuring marshes, black oak savannas, wet prairies, and sedge marshes. Nature enthusiasts can explore the preserve's trails while enjoying bird watching and experiencing diverse prairie ecosystems. The preserve offers visitors a chance to witness native Indiana landscapes that showcase the region's natural heritage.
5. Erie Lackawanna Trail
EXTENSIVE RAIL-TO-TRAIL PATHWAY
The Erie Lackawanna Trail stretches 17.8 miles through lovely nature, offering an expansive outdoor recreation opportunity. The paved trail traces the former Port Branch of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway, connecting communities while providing scenic views. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can enjoy this well-maintained pathway that showcases the region's natural beauty and railway history.
6. Little Calumet River
SCENIC WATERWAY RECREATION
The Little Calumet River flows through Griffith offering recreational opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing enthusiasts. The waterway features natural scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities along its meandering path. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of this natural resource while exploring one of the region's important watersheds.
7. Griffith Billiards
CLASSIC POOL HALL EXPERIENCE
Griffith Billiards offers a traditional pool hall experience in the heart of downtown Griffith. Visitors can enjoy a game of billiards in a classic setting that maintains the charm of a traditional pool hall. The establishment contributes to Griffith's eclectic downtown atmosphere alongside other local businesses like the bowling alley and record store.
8. Indiana Dunes
STUNNING NATURAL SHORELINE
Indiana Dunes features breathtaking sand dunes, diverse ecosystems, and miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline just a short drive from Griffith. Visitors can hike through remarkable landscapes that include towering dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests while enjoying panoramic views. The area offers swimming, bird watching, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year, making it one of Northwest Indiana's premier natural attractions.
9. Kankakee Sands Bison
PRAIRIE WILDLIFE RESTORATION PROJECT
Kankakee Sands Bison is a remarkable wildlife restoration project where visitors can observe a herd of American bison roaming their native habitat. The project has reintroduced these magnificent animals to help restore the natural prairie ecosystem of Northwest Indiana. Visitors can drive along designated viewing areas to see these impressive creatures that once dominated the American landscape.
10. Fair Oaks Farms
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION ADVENTURE
Fair Oaks Farms is an agritourism destination offering interactive experiences showcasing modern sustainable farming practices. Visitors can tour dairy, pig, and crop facilities while learning about agriculture through hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. The farm complex includes dining options featuring farm-fresh ingredients, making it both an educational and delicious day trip from Griffith.
11. RenArtWlk
CREATIVE PUBLIC ART DISPLAY
RenArtWlk is an impressive public art initiative featuring sculptures, murals, and installations throughout the Hammond area near Griffith. The artistic walkway transforms urban spaces into an outdoor gallery that celebrates creativity and community expression. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of diverse artworks that reflect the region's cultural heritage and artistic vision.
12. Albanese Candy
SWEET FACTORY TOUR EXPERIENCE
Albanese Candy offers visitors a delightful factory experience where they can observe the creation of world-famous gummies and chocolates. The tour includes viewing production facilities through large windows and an extensive candy store featuring freshly made treats. Both children and adults enjoy this sweet destination where they can sample and purchase an impressive variety of confections made on-site.
13. Shrine of Christ's Passion
INSPIRATIONAL RELIGIOUS PATHWAY
The Shrine of Christ's Passion is a prayer trail featuring 40 life-sized bronze sculptures depicting scenes from the last days of Jesus Christ's life. Visitors walk along a half-mile winding pathway through beautifully landscaped grounds while contemplating each artistic installation. The shrine welcomes people of all faiths to experience this peaceful and thought-provoking destination near Griffith.
14. The History Of Pharmacy Research Center
MEDICINAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The History Of Pharmacy Research Center showcases the evolution of pharmaceutical practices through historical exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays featuring vintage medical equipment, pharmaceutical tools, and medicinal preparations from different eras. The educational center provides fascinating insights into how healthcare and medicine have developed over the centuries.
15. Wildrose Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Wildrose Brewing is a popular brew pub in Griffith offering a selection of handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can sample unique beer varieties while enjoying the casual, friendly environment of this local favorite. The brewery contributes to Griffith's growing reputation as a destination for craft beverage enthusiasts in Northwest Indiana.