Spare Time: What to do between games in Gary...
Restaurants
Unfortunately, other than the ballpark and Bennigan's there's not much else to do in Downtown Gary. In coming years, if redevelopment takes hold, this may change.
Unfortunately, other than the ballpark and Bennigan's there's not much else to do in Downtown Gary. In coming years, if redevelopment takes hold, this may change.
In Gary itself, there aren't really any major tourist attractions. The Trump Casino Hotel Lake Michigan is on the west edge of the city (I-80/94 or I-90 to the Cline Avenue exit., follow signs to Casino Riverboats; 1.888.21-TRUMP). Another popular Northwest Indiana location to visit are the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore & State Park is on Lake Michigan which are a few miles east of Gary on I-94 (NOT the Tollway) or US Highway 12.
Of course all of Chicago is a short drive up the tollway and toll bridge.
The Trump Casino is where the players stay and about the only hotel in Gary for visitors. The recommended place to go is down I-65 to Merrillville. A full selection of hotels, restaurants and other places can be found here including the Radisson at Star Center (800 East 81st Ave. 219.769.6311). Another location reccommended by others for price, great hot breakfast (included) and location is Lees Inn & Suites (6201 Opportunity Lane, 219.942.8555).
These are some of the most conveniently located hotels for a Northern League park. It's a very fast drive up the freeway and left turn onto US Highway 20 to the ballpark. The stretch of I-65 avoids the tollway, Chicago Skyway bridge, and the very heavy traffic on I-80.
Another option is to head east a few (15) miles to Portage on either the Tollway or interstate. Some of the options, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express may be a little less expensive than the options listed above.