Old Lake County Courthouse
A beautifully restored historic courthouse housing unique shops and a fascinating museum, with a legendary past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shops are open, lively atmosphere
Old Lake County Courthouse
Best Time
Shops are open, lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored historic courthouse housing unique shops and a fascinating museum, with a legendary past.
"Beautiful building with a lot of detail. A magnificent place for any wedding, anniversary, or large gathering."
🎯 Explore the Square
Wander around the Square for cool old shops and small museums.
🛍️ Unique Gifts Galore
Find great gifts and personal items in the shops, from vintage records to cute clothing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the meticulously restored 125-year-old building, a testament to its original grandeur.
Boutique Shopping
Inside the Courthouse
Discover unique artisan finds, local gifts, and vintage items in charming boutique shops.
Lake County Historical Museum
Inside the Courthouse
Explore a wealth of local history with fascinating artifacts, from old typewriters to dental chairs.
John Dillinger's Escape Site
Old Lake County Jail (adjacent)
Learn about the infamous escape of Public Enemy No. 1, John Dillinger, from the adjacent jail.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Historic Charm & Modern Shops
A Hub of History and Hauntings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Square
Wander around the Square for cool old shops and small museums.
🛍️ Unique Gifts Galore
Find great gifts and personal items in the shops, from vintage records to cute clothing.
♿ Elevator Access Available
An elevator is available from the front entrance for easy access to all levels.
👻 Haunted Jail Tours
Consider a nighttime ghost hunt at the adjacent Old Lake County Jail for a spooky thrill.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Square
Wander around the Square for cool old shops and small museums.
🛍️ Unique Gifts Galore
Find great gifts and personal items in the shops, from vintage records to cute clothing.
♿ Elevator Access Available
An elevator is available from the front entrance for easy access to all levels.
👻 Haunted Jail Tours
Consider a nighttime ghost hunt at the adjacent Old Lake County Jail for a spooky thrill.
🏛️ Free Museum Tours
The museum offers free tours, with optional donations to support its preservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Lake County Courthouse for its stunning architectural beauty and the charm of its boutique shops. The historical museum is a highlight, offering a free and engaging look into local history. Many recommend it for its unique atmosphere and as a great spot for gifts and gatherings.
"I decorated a wedding for Mr. & Mrs. Coghill on Dec. 4th 2021. This was my first, and hope it’s not my last, visit here.
Beautiful building 🤩 has a lot of detail. With a restaurant, a huge banquet hall and much more!!
I would definitely recommend this magnificent place for any wedding, anniversary, or large gathering."
Trisha Beene
"The museum at the courthouse is brilliant. There is so much history there. The tour is free but you can give a small monetary donation if you wish. There are typewriters from the early 1900s, photographs, furniture, ledgers, tools, a dental chair from the mid 1800s. There is just too much for me to put down in words. Oh and yes, Indiana Lake CountyFamous individuals who got married at the Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point, Indiana, during its "Marriage Mill" era include Rudolph Valentino, Colleen Moore, Red Grange, Tom Mix, Joe DiMaggio, and Muhammad Ali (as Cassius Clay). Other famous figures linked to the Crown Point marriage business, though not all confirmed to have married at the courthouse, include Helen Brach, June Travis, and the Jackson family patriarch Joseph Jackson. Make sure to visit the Court House at Crown Point and enjoy the history! 😊"
Syeda Aslam
"Great place to find some hidden shops that you will find some great gifts and items for yourself too. Inside the Historic Court House are shops and a Ramen Restaurant. You can park on the Square right in front of the door that accesses the shops, or anywhere around the Square. The shops are just a few steps down (there is a railing). Also there is an elevator from the front entrance if you need or want one instead. I included a photo below of the elevator. There is also rest rooms available located near the elevator as well. In the hallway for the holidays it is decorated for the holidays and there are Santa visits for children. I included below photo of Santa's hours and chair. The Antique Vault has vintage vinyl records and also cds, videos, record players and more. The Little Pink Shop has lots of really cute gifts and clothes. I saw a candy shop and also a Toy store and more. Worth stopping by."
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Lake County Courthouse is located on the Square in Crown Point, Indiana. Parking is available right in front of the door accessing the shops, or anywhere around the Square.
Yes, there is parking available on the Square directly in front of the entrance to the shops, or around the Square.
Yes, the shops are just a few steps down from the entrance, with a railing for support. An elevator is also available from the front entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the courthouse building and its shops is generally free. The Lake County Historical Museum offers free tours, with an option to make a small monetary donation.
Shop hours can vary, but they are typically open on weekends. It's advisable to check individual shop hours if you have specific ones in mind.
Yes, the courthouse is decorated for holidays, and Santa visits for children are sometimes available. Ghost hunting events are also held at the adjacent jail.
The museum tour is free, though donations are appreciated to help with preservation efforts.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautifully restored historic building, browse unique items in the boutique shops, visit the Lake County Historical Museum, and learn about its connection to John Dillinger.
The courthouse houses various boutique shops offering artisan finds, local gifts, vintage vinyl records, clothing, candy, and toys.
The museum features a wealth of history, including typewriters from the early 1900s, photographs, furniture, ledgers, tools, and a dental chair from the mid-1800s.
The adjacent Old Lake County Jail is known for paranormal activity and hosts ghost hunting events. +2
Yes, restrooms are available and located near the elevator.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a ramen restaurant located inside the historic courthouse.
One of the dining options inside is a ramen restaurant, offering slurp-worthy noodles and bold flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The beautifully restored architecture both inside and out provides a stunning backdrop for photos.
The grand interior spaces, the exterior facade, and the historical exhibits within the museum offer excellent photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main courthouse is family-friendly, parents might want to note the adjacent jail's reputation for hauntings. Ghost tours are typically for older audiences, but the historical significance of the Dillinger escape can be a fascinating story for older children.
🛍️ Shoppers & History Buffs
History buffs will appreciate the building's architectural significance and its storied past, including its connection to John Dillinger.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Old Lady: Architectural Gem
The interior has been thoughtfully repurposed to house a collection of boutique shops and artisan vendors. This adaptive reuse allows the historic structure to remain vibrant and accessible to the public.
Beyond its commercial appeal, the courthouse is a repository of local history. The Lake County Historical Museum within its walls offers a free glimpse into the past, showcasing artifacts that tell the story of the region.
Echoes of the Past: Dillinger and the Paranormal
TikTok videos often highlight the eerie atmosphere of the Old Lake County Jail, with some documenting alleged paranormal activity, including unexplained footsteps and EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena).
While the courthouse itself is a place of commerce and history, the stories emanating from the jail add a layer of intrigue. It's a reminder of the building's complex past and the enduring legends that surround it. Visitors interested in this aspect can explore the jail's history and perhaps even participate in a ghost hunt.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit