Hammond, Indiana: A Deep Dive

Located in Lake County, Indiana, and resting just along the Illinois border, Hammond is more than just a neighbor to Chicago—it’s a city with a layered history, a gritty charm, and a community spirit that has weathered generations of change. 

From its industrial roots to its modern-day cultural shifts, Hammond offers both challenges and opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Let’s dive deep into what makes Hammond tick, the good, the complex, and everything in between. 

History and Legacy 

Founded in the late 19th century, Hammond developed around George H. Hammond’s meat-packing plant and quickly became a hub of industrial activity.  

With its close proximity to Chicago and access to railways and waterways, it blossomed into a blue-collar city with deep ties to steel production and manufacturing. Though much of its industrial heyday has passed, its influence is still felt in the city’s layout, architecture, and work ethic. Like many Rust Belt cities, Hammond has had to confront economic shifts, but it has also shown resilience in reimagining its future. 

Schools in Hammond 

The School City of Hammond serves the city’s public education needs and includes a range of elementary, middle, and high schools, along with access to colleges and universities. 

Elementary schools such as Harding Elementary, Edison Elementary, and Columbia Elementary focus on building strong academic foundations, with programs in literacy, STEM, and community-based learning.  

Maywood Elementary is known for its multicultural student body and dual-language support programs. Morton Elementary emphasizes a positive school culture with a strong focus on reading proficiency and foundational math development, and its staff is known for fostering a supportive and structured environment. 

Jefferson Elementary blends technology into the curriculum and offers a range of intervention services to meet students at their level, with a growing reputation for inclusive practices and teacher collaboration. 

O’Bannon Elementary is praised for its close-knit school community, with strong ties to family engagement and a commitment to individualized student growth through small-group instruction and consistent mentorship. 

Middle school options include Scott Middle School and Henry W. Eggers Middle School. Scott emphasizes academic intervention and growth tracking, while Eggers features an honors program and offers extracurriculars ranging from music to student council. 

Morton High School and Hammond Central High School are the primary public high schools in the area. Morton High has built a reputation for its athletics and band programs, while Hammond Central—formed through a school consolidation effort—offers advanced coursework, career readiness programs, and arts-based electives. 

There are also charter and alternative education options. Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) is a standout STEM-focused charter school that serves grades 6–12 and emphasizes project-based learning. Area Career Center (ACC) is open to students from all Hammond high schools and provides career training in fields like cosmetology, criminal justice, and HVAC. 

On the private side, Bishop Noll Institute, a Catholic high school, combines college-prep academics with faith-based education. Christian schools like City Baptist Schools and Cornerstone Christian Prep provide alternatives with small class sizes and personalized instruction. 

For higher education, Purdue University Northwest’s Hammond campus plays a central role. It offers over 70 degree programs and is known for engineering, nursing, and education. The campus also brings a collegiate atmosphere to the city with events, lectures, and sporting events. 

Parks & Recreation 

Hammond boasts over 35 parks, many of which include playgrounds, sports fields, splash pads, and walking trails. One of the most prominent is Wolf Lake Memorial Park, offering 804 acres of land and water space for biking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The park hosts summer concerts and festivals at The Pavilion, which sits on the lake’s shoreline. 

Pulaski Park is another community favorite, home to a historic fieldhouse and a newer skatepark addition. Martin Luther King Park and Irving Park provide green space and recreational programs for local youth. 

The Jean Shepherd Community Center, named after the famous radio personality and Hammond native, features a gym, walking track, and arts programming, serving as a year-round recreational hub for all ages. 

Activities & Events 

Hammond doesn’t lack when it comes to events that bring the community together. The annual Festival of the Lakes is a five-day summer blowout with carnival rides, concerts (featuring national acts), and food vendors. 

Winter Wonderland, held at the Civic Center, brings holiday spirit with indoor snowball fights and visits from Santa. 

The city also hosts ethnic festivals, car shows, farmers markets, and community clean-up days. The Towle Theater provides a steady stream of live theatrical performances, often showcasing regional talent. 

Dining and Eateries 

Hammond’s culinary landscape now includes both classic favorites and fresh, buzzworthy newcomers, all within city limits. 

Miner‑Dunn continues delighting patrons with old‑school burgers and hand‑dipped onion rings since 1932, while Schoop’s Hamburgers on Indianapolis Boulevard remains a nostalgic staple with its griddle‑smashed patties. 

For Mexican comfort, El Taco Real is still a go‑to, but newcomers like Wally’s Gyros and Flaming Grill on Calumet Avenue offer exciting alternatives featuring Philly‑style subs, fish dishes, and wings. 

Columbia Gyros, located at 6621 Columbia Avenue, serves up generous pita wraps, burgers, rib tip dinners, and gyro plates at affordable prices. Widely praised for its hearty portions, friendly staff, and speedy drive-thru service, it earns a 4.2–4.6 star rating from over 200 reviews—particularly for its gyro meat, crispy fries, and value-packed meals 

Along Calumet Avenue’s growing food strip, Tzatziki Greek Street Food and The Stuffed Pepper continue to impress with their Greek comfort cuisine—gyros, moussaka, falafel—and Instagram-worthy dishes. Meanwhile, Asian Kitchen and Wings Chinese Food deliver flavorful Chinese and Vietnamese eats, including saucy wings and General Tso’s favorites. 

Community and Culture 

Hammond’s community is proud, tight-knit, and resilient. A mix of longtime residents and newer families, the city is culturally diverse with strong Latino, Polish, and African-American communities contributing to its dynamic personality.  

Many neighborhoods operate with a strong sense of local identity and have active neighborhood associations. 

Faith-based institutions play a large role in Hammond culture, with dozens of churches—some over a century old—serving as social anchors. Local libraries, such as the Hammond Public Library, also function as community centers, offering free workshops, tutoring, and tech support. 

Convenience and Accessibility 

One of Hammond’s greatest strengths is its location. Sitting just 20 miles from downtown Chicago, it offers the benefits of a smaller city with easy access to a major metro. Shopping centers, grocery stores, fitness centers, and medical offices are spread throughout the city.  

Big box retailers are located along Indianapolis Blvd, while mom-and-pop shops line Hohman Ave and Calumet Ave. 

Transport and Commuting 

Hammond is well-connected by both road and rail. Interstate 80/94 and the Indiana Toll Road pass nearby, giving drivers quick routes to the surrounding region. The South Shore Line commuter train provides a direct rail link to Chicago, making it a major asset for workers commuting into the city. 

The Hammond Transit System (HTS) offers bus service within the city, and nearby access to Gary Public Transportation and regional buses expands commuting options. Hammond is also a short drive from Midway and O’Hare airports, as well as the Gary/Chicago International Airport. 

Crime Rate and Safety 

Hammond, like many urban-industrial cities, has grappled with crime, particularly property crime and some violent crime in specific neighborhoods. In recent years, efforts from the Hammond Police Department and local programs have aimed to increase safety through community policing, camera monitoring, and neighborhood watch initiatives. 

Crime varies widely by area, so prospective residents are encouraged to research specific neighborhoods or talk to locals. 

Hidden Gems 

Hammond is full of lesser-known treasures that give the city its distinctive personality beyond the main attractions. Tucked near downtown, the Towle Theater is a small but mighty venue showcasing local and regional talent with bold, often original productions. It’s an intimate cultural hub that regularly surprises first-time visitors. 

The Paul Henry’s Art Gallery, located in a former hardware store, is a true hidden gem for art lovers. It features work from local artists and hosts open mic nights, jam sessions, and creative community gatherings that blend visual art with live music and storytelling. 

Nature lovers can explore Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, a rare dune-and-swale ecosystem with peaceful walking trails and birdwatching opportunities.  

Another outdoorsy favorite is Lost Marsh Park, a quiet area surrounding the city’s expansive golf course where you can find scenic views of Wolf Lake and migratory bird species in season. 

For something more unexpected, locals often rave about the nostalgic vibes at the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill, a railroad-themed eatery with train memorabilia and comfort food. Its out-of-the-way location and neighborhood feel keep it off the radar for many. 

If you know where to look, Hammond reveals itself as a city layered with surprises—each neighborhood carrying its own slice of history, creativity, and heart. 

Athletics and Fitness 

Hammond supports sports at all levels. High school athletics are highly competitive, with Morton and Hammond Central regularly excelling in football, basketball, and track. 

The Hammond Sportsplex is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more for youth and adult leagues. 

The city also offers plenty of outdoor courts, baseball diamonds, and fitness trails. Several gyms, including Anytime Fitness, provide 24-hour workout access, while the recently opened Destination Hammond Family YMCA on Indianapolis Boulevard adds an exciting new option.  

This modern YMCA features a large fitness center, multiple pools (including a family pool and lap lanes), indoor track, and a wide range of group classes and youth programs. With its expanded amenities and high daily usage, the YMCA has quickly become a cornerstone of Hammond’s health and wellness community. 

Arts and Music 

The Towle Theater and Hammond Civic Center remain anchors for performance and live entertainment. Hammond hosts live jazz, blues, and rock acts at various venues throughout the year. Street art and murals add color to older neighborhoods, and Purdue Northwest contributes to the arts scene through student-led exhibitions and concerts. 

The city also pays homage to its creative heritage. Jean Shepherd, the creator of A Christmas Story, remains a source of pride, with the Community Center named in his honor and annual storytelling events held in his memory. 

Wildlife and Nature 

Nature persists in pockets throughout the city. Wolf Lake supports fishing and is home to migratory birds, turtles, and frogs. The wetlands around George Lake and the trails of Gibson Woods allow glimpses into the region’s original ecosystems. Despite being an urban area, Hammond maintains efforts to balance industry with conservation, especially through organizations like the Lake County Parks Department and the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. 

Final Thoughts 

Hammond, Indiana is a city of contrast—where remnants of a proud industrial past meet the energy of renewal. Its challenges are real, from crime to aging infrastructure, but so are its strengths: an unbeatable location, a diverse community, access to education, and a slow burning cultural scene. 

Whether you’re visiting, moving, or just curious, Hammond offers more than meets the eye; if you’re willing to look a little deeper.