Winter is in full swing, and there is plenty to do around Chesterton, IN. Whether you are looking for a brisk hike, a creative workshop, or a cozy indoor activity, this week has options for every age and pace.
This week at a glance
- Sun Jan 11, 9:00-10:30 am - Winter Bird Walk at Coffee Creek Preserve. Join a guided stroll to spot hardy winter residents and migrating waterfowl. Dress in layers and bring binoculars if you have them.
- Mon Jan 12, 6:00-8:00 pm - Community Open Gym. Shake off the chill with pickup basketball and family-friendly court time at the local recreation gym. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tue Jan 13, 10:00-10:30 am - Toddler Storytime at the library. Songs, short stories, and wiggle time for ages 2-4, with simple crafts afterward.
- Wed Jan 14, 6:30-8:00 pm - Evening Art Studio. A guided mixed-media session at a downtown studio, great for beginners. Materials provided.
- Thu Jan 15, 7:00 pm - High School Hoops Night. Cheer on the home team in a midseason matchup in the main gym. Concessions available.
- Fri Jan 16, 6:00-7:30 pm - Candlelight Winter Hike at the dunes, weather permitting. Follow a lantern-lit trail; traction cleats recommended if icy.
- Sat Jan 17, 9:00 am-noon - Winter Pop-Up Market. Find breads, winter produce, and handmade goods from regional makers indoors. 1:00-3:00 pm - Sledding Social at Dogwood Park if conditions allow; bring a helmet for kids.
Family-friendly picks
Make Tuesday morning a library day. The children's room has cozy corners for early readers, and the staff often sets out puzzles and building blocks after storytime. On Saturday, pack thermoses and head to the sledding hill for a quick run session; aim for earlier in the day if temperatures rise, and check signage for hill closures. If the weather turns, pivot to a family board game afternoon at home and cap it off with a hot cocoa stroll downtown, where many spots feature seasonal flavors.
Arts and culture
Midweek is made for making. The Evening Art Studio on Wednesday focuses on layering textures with simple techniques; you will leave with a small finished piece. Prefer music and film? Look for the library's winter screening series and low-key acoustic jam circles that rotate through community rooms; listeners are welcome, and beginners can bring an instrument to strum along on a few classics.
Get outside
Fresh snow can transform the trail network in Chesterton into a quiet winter wonderland. Coffee Creek paths are typically well packed and offer easy loops for all ages. Over by the dunes, lakeshore winds can be sharp, so bring a windproof layer and keep off shelf ice along the beach. Friday's candlelight hike is a favorite if the sky is clear; arrive a little early for parking and bring a small flashlight for safety.
Sports and rec
Open Gym on Monday offers a casual run for teens and adults, with space set aside for families. Skaters and hockey players can check neighborhood rinks and park updates for ice conditions; natural ice is day-to-day, so expect closures after thaws. Runners can loop the Prairie Duneland Trail with traction aids and bright layers for visibility.
Community and service
Consider bringing shelf-stable pantry items to the market on Saturday; organizers often maintain a donation box for local food assistance. Knit and crochet groups continue collecting warm hats and scarves for winter distribution; drop-ins are welcome during afternoon meetups at the library and community center.
Plan ahead: later this month
- Sat Jan 24 - Winter Beach Clean-Up at the lakefront, late morning. Gloves provided; dress for wind and cold.
- Sun Jan 25 - Cabin Fever Concert, early evening in a community auditorium. A mix of student ensembles and local performers.
- Thu Jan 29 - Tech Help Drop-In at the library. Bring your device for one-on-one assistance with apps, email, and e-books.
- Fri Jan 30 - Moonlit Snowshoe Walk at a nearby nature area, weather dependent. Limited gear may be available to borrow.
- Sat Jan 31 - January Wrap-Up Fun Run on the Prairie Duneland Trail, 5K friendly and stroller friendly. Hot drinks at the finish.
Have a safe, active week, Chesterton. Share a smile on the trail, yield on icy paths, and keep an eye on weather updates before you head out.
