Things To Do
in Schererville

Schererville is a family-friendly town in northwest Indiana, just a short drive from Chicago. The town blends a quiet suburban vibe with convenient shopping and easy access to nature. Local parks, sports complexes, and casual eateries give visitors a relaxed Midwest experience.

Located along major highways and near the Indiana Dunes, Schererville serves as a calm base for lake-country adventures.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Heart of Schererville
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the local farmers market, where you can pick up fresh produce and handmade goods. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a cozy café, savoring the local flavors. Spend some time strolling through the nearby Schererville Park, soaking in the morning sun and beautiful scenery.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head over to the Southlake Mall for some shopping or to catch a movie at the cinema. Afterward, indulge in lunch at one of the mall’s restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines. Explore local boutiques and shops in the downtown area, supporting small businesses.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at one of Schererville's renowned steakhouses, where you can enjoy a hearty meal. After dinner, catch a lively performance at the local community theater or enjoy a relaxed evening at a nearby lounge. Wind down with a walk through the park, taking in the peacefulness of the night sky.

day 2
Nature and Recreation
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike at the nearby Oak Ridge Prairie County Park, known for its scenic trails and diverse wildlife. After your hike, stop by a local bakery for a well-deserved pastry and coffee. Relax at one of the picnic areas, taking in the tranquility of nature around you.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon enjoying activities at the Schererville Community Center, where you can join in on fitness classes or play some sports. Grab lunch at a casual eatery nearby, fueled by the local vibe. To cool off, consider visiting a local pool or water park.

evening
:

As evening approaches, gather for a casual barbecue with friends or family at a local park, enjoying the community feel. Once the sun sets, attend a live music event or concert happening in town. End the night with dessert from a local ice cream shop, cherishing the sweet moments.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-50
Coffee and snack$3-6
🛒Grocery staples for a week$60-120
🏠1-bedroom apartment rent (city outskirts)$900-1,500

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close access to Chicago and the lake country
  • Family-friendly neighborhoods and parks
  • Varied dining options within a suburban setting
  • Reasonable costs for a Midwest suburb
  • Limited nightlife and urban entertainment compared to Chicago
  • Traffic around major highways during rush hours
  • Public transit is less comprehensive locally; car is common

Places to Visit in Schererville

Visit one of these nice places.

Centennial Park overlook

A well-kept park with open lawns and tree-lined paths offering year-round photo opportunities.

Burnham Greenway Trail bridge

A quiet rail-trail segment with wooded areas and a lake-side curve—great for nature shots.

Indiana Dunes horizon from Lake Michigan lookout

Short drive to the dunes provides dramatic lakefront sunsets and expansive dune landscapes.

Parks and residential streets with fall colors

Seasonal foliage along quiet streets gives warm, nostalgic suburban photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Schererville

Schererville sits in the Chicago metro area, drawing on Midwest comfort food, Italian influences, and diverse dining options. Expect hearty portions, reliable service, and a mix of family-owned eateries and national chains.

Schererville Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Deep-dish pizza

A Chicago-area staple with a thick buttery crust, chunky sauce, and plenty of toppings; available at many local pizzerias.

Must-Try!

Italian beef sandwich

Thin-sliced beef on a crusty roll with au jus; a regional favorite you’ll find at diners and sandwich shops.

Fried fish fry

Friday nights often feature a crispy battered fish served with sides like fries or coleslaw.

Homestyle pasta dishes

Comfortable, crowd-pleasing pasta options with meatballs, marinara, or cream sauces.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Munster Farmers Market

Seasonal produce, local honey, baked goods, and crafts, typically open spring through fall.

Griffith Farmers Market

Fresh fruit and vegetables, regional snacks, and ready-to-eat treats from nearby growers.

Seasonal food trucks

Seasonal gatherings in parks offer diverse street-food options from regional vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Schererville experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: hot summers, cold winters with occasional snow, mild springs, and pleasant falls. Thunderstorms are common in summer, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and changing foliage.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is appreciated in business and social settings.

Small talk

Friendly greetings and light conversation are common in shops and cafes.

Queueing

Respect lines and wait your turn in stores and transit areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Schererville is generally safe, with well-lit streets, visible police presence in commercial areas, and active community groups. Basic urban safety tips apply: stay aware of your surroundings, lock vehicles, and secure belongings in public spaces. Emergency services are readily available in nearby towns and counties, and major hospitals are within a short drive.

Tipping in Schererville

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tip 15-20% in restaurants; delivery and taxi tips typically 10-20%.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash and cards; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid days with occasional thunderstorms. Expect crowded beaches on weekends and longer daylight hours for outdoor activities.

Fall

Crisp air and vibrant foliage; perfect for outdoor walks and photography along the dunes and parks.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; layer up for outdoor activities and scenic winter photography.

Spring

Mild temperatures with budding trees and flowers; frequent rain showers and comfortable hiking weather.

Nightlife Guide

Schererville at Night

The nightlife in Schererville is relaxed and family-friendly, with casual bars, breweries, and dining spots that often feature live music or events on weekends. Expect a low-key scene compared to downtown Chicago, with emphasis on comfortable socializing and safe, welcoming venues.

Hiking in Schererville

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Indiana Dunes National Park – Dunes Trail

Iconic dune formations with expansive lake views and varied terrain.

Indiana Dunes State Park – Bailly Ridge Trail

Forest and dune landscapes with scenic overlooks.

West Beach area trails

Coastal trails offering marshy wetlands and birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Schererville by plane.

Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)

Closest airport in Gary, IN, with domestic flights and convenient access by road.

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Major Chicago airport about 30-40 miles away; international and domestic connections.

Midway International Airport (MDW)

City-center Chicago airport about 40-60 miles away; good for shorter domestic trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is highest around Schererville's town center and shopping corridors where sidewalks and crosswalks connect parks, cafes, and stores. Overall, the area remains car-oriented, with most destinations reachable by car but some pedestrian-friendly routes connecting residential areas to commercial hubs.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

White

Predominant demographic with growing families and long-standing neighborhoods.

Black or African American

A visible community contributing to local culture and business.

Hispanic or Latino

Growing presence in the area, reflected in diverse dining options and events.

Asian

Smaller community component; contributing to a broader cultural mix.

Other

Various backgrounds enriching the suburb’s social fabric.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

A deeply rooted Indiana tradition with community leagues and school teams.

American Football

Local youth and high school programs generate weekend games and gatherings.

Baseball/Softball

Seasonal play across parks and recreation facilities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typical for a Chicago metro suburb: moderate to heavy on its major corridors (I-65, I-80/94) during weekday rush hours. Public transit is available regionally via the South Shore Line at nearby towns, but local travel is largely by car. Expect occasional delays during peak travel times and during summer events in the broader Lake County area.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Schererville.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer salads, veggie pastas, and vegetarian mains; ask for meat-free options or cheese-free preparations.

Gluten-Free

Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free meals; opt for grilled proteins, salads, and sides, and check for cross-contamination.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Schererville is via a network of clinics and hospitals in nearby towns such as Hammond, Munster, and Merrillville. Urgent care centers and family clinics are widely available, with major hospital facilities within a short drive for emergencies and specialized care.

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