A 2-Day Shoestring Budget Travel Itinerary in Crown Point, Indiana

  • Day 1: Lake County Fairgrounds
    10 minutes (4.2 miles) from Crown Point Square

    The Lake County Fairgrounds is the perfect place to start your Crown Point adventure. This is where you can find some of the best events in the area that are affordable and family-friendly. Check out their website to see if there are any concerts, festivals, or exhibits happening during your visit.

  • Day 1: Albanese Candy Factory
    13 minutes (7.2 miles) from Lake County Fairgrounds

    Albanese Candy Factory is a candy lover’s paradise. Take a free jellybean factory tour and witness for yourself how the magic is created. Don’t forget to stop by their retail store, where you can buy sweet treats at affordable prices.

  • Day 1: Crown Brewing
    2 minutes (0.1 miles) from Albanese Candy Factory

    If you’re feeling thirsty, head over to Crown Brewing. This local brewery offers a variety of beers at a reasonable price. You can also try their food menu, which has dishes that cater well to budget travelers.

  • Day 2: Buckley Homestead
    12 minutes (6.6 miles) from Crown Brewing

    Experience the life of early settlers in the Calumet Region by visiting the Buckley Homestead. It’s a living history farm that offers a glimpse into how life was like in the 1800s. Entrance fees are cheap, and there are discounts for large groups and seniors.

  • Day 2: Indiana Dunes State Park
    55 minutes (37.1 miles) from Buckley Homestead

    Take a break from the city and experience nature by visiting Indiana Dunes State Park. Entrance fees are inexpensive but offer a lot of things to do, like hiking, swimming, and camping. Make sure to bring your own food to save on expenses.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Lake County Fairgrounds (2-4 hours, $5-10)
  • Albanese Candy Factory (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Crown Brewing (1-2 hours, $10-15)
  • Buckley Homestead (2-4 hours, $2-8)
  • Indiana Dunes State Park (2-4 hours, $7-12)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $24-$45

Transportation

To save money, consider renting a car to get around Crown Point. It's the most convenient and affordable way to explore the city. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. If you prefer public transportation, the Regional Bus Transit is an excellent option. Keep in mind that the bus schedules can be limited on weekends and holidays.

Estimated travel cost: $20-50

Estimated travel time: 30-60 minutes

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Deep River Waterpark, which is only 6 miles from Crown Point Square. This waterpark offers a wide array of activities, including water slides, wave pools, and tube rides. If you have less time, you can skip Buckley Homestead and head straight to Indiana Dunes State Park.

Airports

The nearest airport to Crown Point is the Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), located in Chicago, IL, approximately 40 miles away from Crown Point. Other nearby airports include the Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and the South Bend International Airport (SBN).

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