The City of Whiting has been a longstanding destination for Region residents and Chicago natives alike, and it’s easy to see why. From year-round attractions to seasonal events and festivals, Whiting is home to many must-see and must-do activities that no one should miss.
Whiting has many destinations that those looking for something fun to do can visit year round. The city’s close proximity to Lake Michigan makes for beautiful landscapes like Whihala Beach and the surrounding Lakefront Park.
“We just completed a major project this year on our shoreline,” said Steve Spebar, Mayor of Whiting. “We had some damage years ago from a storm that took place on Halloween, and we've made sure that our shorelines are buttressed up. We're happy that it’s completed. We've also added another gazebo in the past year for another rental venue. It's just a beautiful place for people to come enjoy; we're proud of our park.”
Whihala Beach also has a selection of rental properties within close proximity to the lake that make it a perfect summer vacation destination. During the summer, Whihala Beach also has the WhoaZone, a water obstacle course on Lake Michigan.
“It's a place where children and families can come and enjoy themselves in a safe environment,” said Spebar. “It brings people in from the surrounding area to come and visit because it's unique; there's nothing like this in our part of the Midwest.”
For those with more scholarly aspirations, the Mascot Hall of Fame offers an experience both fun and educational as children learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics in the company of colorful mascots.
“It's primarily about fun and education for families and children,” Spebar said. “Families can enjoy themselves while learning at the same time. It's an accredited STEM-based facility with the goofiness and the fun of mascots. Attendance increased significantly this year with more and more people finding out about it. We just had a segment from ‘Good Morning America’ film there. It will just do better and better the more exposure it gets.”
The Mascot Hall of Fame believes in education first and foremost; the museum often runs specials to help families visit for little to no cost. From free Fridays every month to homeschool hangouts that get children socializing, every child has an opportunity to learn and have fun at the Mascot Hall of Fame.
In addition to its many long-term attractions, Whiting has a downtown space that’s unique to most cities in the Region.
“We're proud of our downtown community,” said Spebar. “It's walkable with a variety of shops and plenty of good eateries. Over the past few years, the city has made a major investment in 119th Street as far as infrastructure. We also just created a second downtown plaza this year for people to eat at or just sit out and relax.”
Whiting knows its downtown space is beautiful, which is why it hosts many festivals that attract people from across the nation. In July, Whiting’s annual Pierogi Fest consistently brings hundreds of thousands of people into the Region, but while it’s the biggest festival, it isn’t the only one the city has.
Empanada Fest is a celebration of Hispanic culture that just had another successful showing. Hosted by the city and organized by the Whiting Hispanic Heritage Organization, Empanada Fest continues to celebrate the diversity of Whiting’s population during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Finally, those visiting Whiting during October will see the city transformed during Wickedly Whiting, a celebration of all things Halloween.
“That's always a fun time,” Spebar said. “It's a pre-Halloween party with entertainment, good food, and crafts; it’s just an enjoyable time.”
When you’re planning your next vacation, consider somewhere closer to home. Whiting offers all of the amenities of Chicago with none of the costs. It’s the perfect place to be for a fun weekend in the Region.
To learn more about the City of Whiting and browse its downtown amenities, view upcoming events, or stay in touch with every update, visit www.whitingindiana.com.
