Whiting IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Whiting, Indiana.
1. Whihala Beach
SCENIC LAKE MICHIGAN SHORE
Whihala Beach offers beautiful white sand shores along Lake Michigan, making it one of the most popular recreational spots in Whiting. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with stunning views of the Chicago skyline across the water. The beach features ample parking and is perfect for families looking to spend a relaxing day by the water.
2. WhoaZone
FLOATING WATER ADVENTURE PARK
WhoaZone at Whihala Beach is an exciting floating obstacle course and aquatic adventure park on Lake Michigan. Thrill-seekers can challenge themselves on the Wibit Aqua Park with various inflatable obstacles, slides, and climbing walls. The attraction offers amenities including cabana rentals, umbrella rentals, and the SnackZone concessions for refreshments throughout the day.
3. Whiting Lakefront Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION AREA
Whiting Lakefront Park provides a picturesque setting along Lake Michigan with a beautiful boardwalk perfect for strolling and enjoying lake views. The park features well-maintained pathways, green spaces for picnics, and areas for recreational activities like jogging and biking. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and scenic vistas that make this park a favorite local destination.
4. Mascot Hall of Fame
INTERACTIVE MASCOT MUSEUM
The Mascot Hall of Fame is a quirky, interactive museum celebrating the art and impact of sports mascots across the country. This family-friendly attraction features exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on activities that highlight the history and importance of mascots in sports culture. Children and adults alike can enjoy the energetic atmosphere that perfectly matches Whiting's fun-loving community spirit.
5. Oil City Stadium
HISTORIC BASEBALL VENUE
Oil City Stadium serves as the home field for the Whiting Oilmen baseball team and hosts various sporting events throughout the year. The stadium offers an authentic American baseball experience with its nostalgic atmosphere and community-oriented environment. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the opportunity to catch exciting games in this local landmark.
6. Historic Downtown Whiting
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Whiting features a collection of shops, restaurants, and businesses housed in well-preserved buildings reflecting the city's heritage. Visitors can stroll along the main thoroughfare to discover unique boutiques, specialty stores, and diverse dining options showcasing the area's ethnic influences. The downtown area regularly hosts community events and serves as the heart of Whiting's cultural scene.
7. Hoosier Theatre
HISTORIC MOVIE PALACE
The Hoosier Theatre stands as the only remaining movie palace in Northwest Indiana, built in 1924 with remarkable interior architecture that makes it a must-see attraction. This historic venue continues to screen films while preserving its vintage charm and ornate decorative elements. The theatre serves as both an entertainment destination and a living piece of Whiting's cultural history.
8. Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Whiting and its neighboring communities through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Visitors can learn about the area's industrial past, immigrant heritage, and the development of this Lake Michigan community over time. The society offers educational programs and maintains historical records that help connect current residents and visitors to Whiting's fascinating past.
9. Carnegie Library Building
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The gorgeous Carnegie Building houses the Whiting Library and stands as a testament to the city's commitment to education and community resources. This architectural gem was built as part of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie's initiative to establish libraries across America. Visitors can appreciate both the historical significance of the building and the modern library services it continues to provide to the community.
10. Studio 659
COMMUNITY ART GALLERY
Studio 659 serves as Whiting's premier art gallery, showcasing works by local and regional artists in a welcoming space. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, art classes, workshops, and cultural events that engage the community in creative expression. Visitors can experience the vibrant arts scene of Northwest Indiana while supporting the talented artists who call this region home.
11. Forsythe Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Forsythe Park offers residents and visitors alike a well-maintained green space ideal for family outings and recreational activities. The park features playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas that provide a perfect setting for community gatherings and casual outdoor enjoyment. Throughout the year, Forsythe Park hosts various community events that showcase Whiting's strong neighborhood spirit.
12. Whiting Community Center
HISTORIC ROCKEFELLER GIFT
The Whiting Community Center was given as a gift to the city by John D. Rockefeller, highlighting the industrial magnate's connection to this once-booming oil town. This historic facility serves as a hub for community activities, fitness programs, and social events that bring residents together. The center's architecture and heritage make it both a practical community resource and an important historical landmark worth visiting.
13. Wolf Lake Memorial Park
NATURAL LAKESIDE PRESERVE
Wolf Lake Memorial Park spans the border between Hammond, Indiana and Chicago, offering a beautiful natural setting centered around Wolf Lake. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking trails, and bird watching in this ecological sanctuary just minutes from Whiting. The park showcases the region's natural heritage and provides a peaceful retreat from urban surroundings.
14. Big Marsh Park
ECO-RECREATION DESTINATION
Big Marsh Park is an innovative eco-recreation destination located near the Indiana border, just a short drive from Whiting. This former industrial site has been transformed into a 297-acre public park featuring bike trails, bird habitats, and wetlands restoration projects. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing while learning about environmental reclamation efforts in the Calumet region.
15. Calumet Fisheries
ICONIC SEAFOOD SMOKEHOUSE
Calumet Fisheries is a legendary establishment known for its oak-smoked seafood, operating since 1948 near the Indiana border. This James Beard Award-winning food landmark offers freshly smoked salmon, trout, shrimp, and other seafood delicacies prepared using traditional methods. Visitors from Whiting can easily reach this culinary institution to experience authentic regional food culture in a no-frills setting with incredible flavors.