Whispers of history linger around Lake George. This isn’t just any lake. It’s a piece of Hammond Indiana’s past. Once part of vast wetlands Lake George has seen dramatic changes. Imagine slow-moving rivers and shallow lakes. Now altered by industrial waste and dredging it’s much smaller. Lake George has lost roughly half its original size. Its maximum depth is a mere four feet.
The Lake George Trail a 3.1 mile greenway now separates its north and south basins. Calumet College of St Joseph stands sentinel on its eastern shore. This area is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It sits between Wolf Lake and Lake Michigan. Its location is unique. It’s Indiana’s northwestern corner.
But Lake George is fighting back. In the 1990s invasive plants threatened its ecosystem. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources stepped in. Herbicides and reseeding with native plants are helping restore the lake. The goal is to make it a haven for birds. This larger project includes the Grand Calumet River area.
Hammond’s port authority is working to boost tourism. They’ve added beaches hiking and biking trails. Improved boating and fishing facilities are meant to draw visitors. The hope is to make Hammond a tourist destination. Lake George is more than just a lake. It’s a testament to resilience. It’s a story of transformation. A story of restoration and renewal. A story of Hammond’s determination to preserve its natural heritage. Come explore the revitalized Lake George. Discover its unique past. Witness its hopeful future.