Lake County, Indiana
Lake County is Indiana’s version of Chicagoland, sitting right along Lake Michigan. Gary was once a booming steel town, but today it’s better known as the hometown of Michael Jackson. You can still visit the Jackson family home.
Hammond and East Chicago give the county its industrial muscle, while communities like Munster and St. John offer swanky suburbs and upscale marinas.
You’ll find surprising pockets of nature here. Indiana Dunes National Park, located to the east, features sandy beaches and rare ecosystems. Meanwhile, Horseshoe Hammond attracts visitors looking to try their luck.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lake County |
| County Seat | Crown Point |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Hammond, Gary, Merrillville, Crown Point, East Chicago, Hobart, Schererville, Griffith, Munster, Dyer, Highland, Whiting, Lowell, Cedar Lake, St. John, Winfield |
| Interstates and Highways | I-80, I-90 (Indiana Toll Road), I-94, I-65, US-12, US-20, US-30, US-41, IN-2, IN-53 |
| FIPS Code | 18-089 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 626 square miles (Land: 498 sq mi, Water: 128 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Cook County, Illinois (Northwest), Will County, Illinois (West), Kankakee County, Illinois (Southwest), Porter County (East), Jasper County (Southeast), Newton County (South) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Indiana |
| Coordinates | 41.4189° N, 87.3659° W |
| Etymology | Named for its location on the southern shore of Lake Michigan |
| Major Landmarks | Indiana Dunes National Park, Lake Michigan, Gary/Chicago International Airport, Horseshoe Casino, Deep River Waterpark |
| Population | 494,000 (estimated) |
PHYSICAL MAP
Lake County Topographic Map
The land in Lake County is flat near the cities, but sandy dunes rise along Lake Michigan. Marshes and wetlands appear near the lakeshore, while the rest of the county remains mostly level. Examine all these varied features closely with our zoom tool.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Lake County Satellite Map
In Lake County, Indiana, factories and neighborhoods sit close to the lake, especially around Gary. Farther south, you’ll find more farmland and patches of forest, while the Deep River winds through the wetlands.
OUTLINE MAP
Lake County Blank Map
The county’s shape is uneven, curving where it meets Lake Michigan. It extends roughly twice as far north-to-south as it does across its narrower sections. Lake County shares a border with Illinois to the west, while the Kankakee River forms part of its southern boundary.
Indiana County Maps
Indiana County Map
Explore the Hoosier State, home to 92 counties filled with scenic backroads, impressive skyline views, and charming small towns. Think of this as your glovebox passport to Indiana, guiding you to classic diner pies, covered bridges, and stunning Lake Michigan sunsets.