A Hometown Place in the Heart
Lowell , population 6430, is a distinctive, small town where evidence abounds of its pioneer roots as well as its proximity to metropolitan areas. Upon his return from the gold fields in California, Melvin A. Halsted founded in 1852. He built a flour mill which was pivotal to the economy of south Lake County. He also built a church and a school, as well as his own home which still stands today. In 1881, the first scheduled trains ran on the railroad Halsted helped bring to Lowell . Melvin Halsted's investment in Lowell , along with his family's desire to build a friendly community, led to prosperity and growth. The Halsted legacy is evident today as citizens work together to keep Lowell a family community.
Many nineteenth century buildings and homes still grace Lowell , reminding residents of south Lake County's lively history. Annual events celebrating the area's past and future include the oldest Labor Day Parade in Indiana, an antique auto show, Oktoberfest and Buckley Homestead Days. Other activities such as ice cream socials, art festivals, and park recreation programs draw people together.
Local specialty shops, supermarkets, restaurants, retail shops, banks, and medical and dental clinics provide for daily needs. Major shopping centers are within twenty miles. Also close at hand is the Star Plaza Theatre, the performance home of the Northwest Indiana Symphony and stage for a variety of big name entertainment.
With Chicago less than an hour away, Gary-Hammond thirty minutes, and Lafayette seventy miles, many residents combine city employment with small town or country living. Many families enjoy the rural life on small acreages with horses or other farm animals.
A large variety of recreational opportunities are right at the doorstep of south Lake County. Residents enjoy boating, fishing, and skiing on local lakes and golf on both public and private courses. Lowell's six city parks offer lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields and a children's fishing pond. For cross country skiing, boating, fishing, or hiking, residents can choose between ten Lake County parks or the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan, an hour away. The 950 acre Grand Kankakee Marsh along the historic Kankakee River and Buckley Homestead, a living history farm, are two of the most unusual county parks.
Lowell community members are active in a variety of local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Lowell Mainstreet Association, Lions, Rotary, VFW, American Legion, Grange, various fraternal organizations, Women's Club, Junior Women's Club, Friends of the Library, Business & Professional Women, Knights of Columbus, Masons, Moose, Historical Society and Tri Kappa.
The Lowell Public Library houses 53,000 volumes and provides daily access to 500,000 more. Because of its proximity to more than a dozen colleges and universities. Lowell residents can find institutions of higher learning within thirty minutes of home.
Lowell residents enjoy a safe community in an attractive rural setting, but lack none of the amenities of suburban living. Also residents have excellent fire and police protection and have a professional emergency services. A rewarding, enriched life awaits all who choose Lowell as their hometown.
