While most tourism in Indiana is found in Indianapolis or destinations like Notre Dame and the Indiana Dunes, smaller towns and cities have their own charms. Merrillville, located about an hour from Chicago, is close enough for day trips, and far enough away to avoid urban traffic and other concerns.
Deep River Waterpark is a family-friendly park, with a variety of waterslides, lazy rivers, a wave pool, a childrens play area, beach volleyball and more. Parking is free, and outside food is allowed; the park even allows coolers to be brought in. In the winter, the park provides a venue for outdoor ice skating, making Deep River a year-round attraction.
Located at Clifford Pierce Middle School, the Merrillville Community Planetarium provides star shows for the public as well as local school groups. The heart of the planetarium is the 64-seat theatre, which has over 50 different programs available. After evening shows, the outdoor observation deck is opened to guests, where they can observe the stars directly or through one of the MCP's high-powered telescopes.
Merrillville has a public golf course, the Turkey Creek Golf Course. Turkey Creek is an 18-hole course, with a clubhouse, pro shop and banquet facilities. Cedar Creek Family Golf Center, located in nearby Cedar Lake, is a more family-oriented facility, with a nine-hole course, driving range and an 18-hole miniature golf course.
The Star Plaza Theatre is the destination for a variety of attractions, including stand-up comedians, touring Broadway shows, musical acts, cirques and dancers. It is an intimate theatre, with 3,400 seats, allowing the audience to be much closer than many larger facilities.
