Griffith(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Griffith

Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Griffith

In Griffith, the top choice for families is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Griffith, offering free breakfast, an indoor pool, and spacious family rooms. Located near Indiana Dunes State Park and Griffith Lake, it provides easy access to outdoor activities. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay for travelers with children.

The Griffith Downtown Historic District is ideal for walking tours, featuring well-preserved 19th-century brick buildings and vintage streetlamps along Main Street. Explore independent boutiques, artisan cafés, and local galleries. Don’t miss the Griffith Municipal Plaza, where weekend farmers’ markets offer homemade treats and crafts—perfect for experiencing authentic community life.

Indiana Dunes State Park, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Griffith, is a top natural destination. With towering sand dunes, pristine forests, and a scenic stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, it’s perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and sunset photography. The park offers camping facilities, interpretive trails, and ecological education programs, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Attend the annual Indiana Country Music Festival at Griffith Theatre during summer, celebrating local talent and traditional folk music. The Griffith Arts Center hosts rotating exhibitions by regional artists and hands-on pottery workshops. Additionally, join the guided Old Town Story Walk, led by longtime residents who share tales of the town’s rich history and transformation over the decades.

Stay in the North Griffith Lakeside Area, known for its peaceful lake views and proximity to Griffith Pier and the Lakeshore Trail. This district features boutique inns like Lakeside Cottage Inn and apartment-style rentals with kitchens—ideal for travelers seeking privacy and nature immersion. It’s only a 10-minute drive to downtown shopping and dining areas.

Dine at Lakeview Bistro, a lakeside restaurant famed for its French-inspired cuisine and open-air terrace overlooking Griffith Lake. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, then take a quiet stroll along the Lakeshore Path or rent a tandem HopeGoo for a serene paddle on the water—perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

Must-try: the Griffith Old Town Burger at a hidden downtown diner—thick beef patty, freshly baked bun, and signature sauce, served with hand-cut fries. Also sample Indiana Cheese Cake from Sweet Spot Bakery, made with locally sourced dairy for a rich, creamy texture. These treats reflect the town’s culinary heart.

Take a scenic loop starting from Griffith Downtown, heading east on Dune Road to Indiana Dunes State Park, stopping at overlooks for dune and lake views. Visit the Old Oak Monument en route. Return via River Trail Scenic Loop, a shaded, winding road through woodland—ideal for photography and wildlife spotting. Total distance: about 30 km, perfect for a full-day adventure.

Join the weekly Outdoor Movie Night at Griffith Riverfront Plaza, where classic films are projected onto a large screen under the stars—bring blankets and snacks. During summer, participate in Stargazing Nights hosted by the local astronomy club, using telescopes to view galaxies and planets—great for sky enthusiasts.

Visit the Griffith Kids Discovery Center, featuring interactive exhibits like simulated volcanoes, a mini-farm, and robot coding labs—perfect for hands-on learning. Outside, a large grassy play zone with swings and slides welcomes young explorers. Rent child-sized bikes from the Lakeshore Trail Bike Station and ride safely along the paved greenway to the campsite—ideal for family fun.

Griffith Overview

City Summary

Griffith, located in northwestern Indiana, is a small town renowned for its industrial heritage and community vibrancy. Its key attractions include proximity to Chicago suburbs and blue-collar cultural legacy, featuring well-preserved mid-20th century architecture and unique railroad culture. The annual Griffith BBQ Fest showcases Midwestern culinary traditions, while open-air concerts at Central Park highlight local artistry.

Must-See Attractions

Top attractions include Griffith Historical Park with its 1920s railroad workshops and vintage locomotives. The retro neon signs and family-owned shops along Broad Street are worth exploring. For cultural experiences, join the Griffith Citizen Police Academy tour or visit the Popcorn Festival in September—the only popcorn-themed carnival in the U.S. Leisure options range from Splash Pad Water Park to practicing swings at Golf Mill Park.