HISTORY

Chesterton was first incorporated in 1869 and has served as a major commercial hub between Chicago and Michigan City ever since. As a "gateway" to the Indiana Dunes State Park, the Town of Chesterton with a population of 10,488, grows substantially during the summer months, when thousands of tourists visit annually. With the incorporation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, in 1966, parks have contributed greatly to the influx of the tourist trade in the area garnering international exposure. Aside from the Dunes, the Town is a golfers' paradise with a world class, private 27-hole facility surrounded by a beautiful watershed preserve, as well as a public 18-hole championship course taking full advantage of the areas natural lakes and wetlands. In addition to a bustling retail and service center, the Town affords many art, craft, and antique venues. Chesterton has recently established a "European Market" featuring baked goods, international foods, spices, fresh flowers and plants, artisan-designed jewelry, in the historic downtown business district on Saturdays.
The Prairie-Duneland Trail, a 3.1 mile hike/bike trail that was converted from an abandoned railroad, connects to the Portage bike path system and extends to Jackson Park. Regional plans are to extend this trail to Michigan City by connecting to other hike/trails in the nearby communities. A statewide renowned school system anchors the educational needs of the community. Visit the Town of Chesterton website at www.chestertonin.org.