I had to head out to Valporaiso, Indiana last week and took the easier but longer route down U. S. 30 to get to where I wanted to go. While it was cloudy, it wasn’t rainy and I sort of enjoyed the trip, despite the early hour.
It had been years since I had gone out that way. When I was younger, my family went out to Lake Eliza this way and it was interesting for me to see the area almost 40 years later.
I thought the whole way would be filed with stores and restaurants as I traveled the way. Yet, believe it or not, it wasn’t. Sure, the area around the I-65 corridor was congested, but the nearer I got to Valpo, the less congested it became. Apparently it’s still the land that time, and progress has forgot. I’m glad in away. As I got to the open area, I became more relaxed and enjoyed the ride more.
I passed Lake Eliza. I would have stopped over and checked how things have changed in the nearly 40 years since I last was there. But this was March and I had a deadline to meet. The cold and dreary weather would not spark any summer memories of days gone by. The resort ws probably closed anyway.
Maybe I’ll take a ride this way again during the Summer and visit the area when it finally wakes up from the Winter Slumber. Maybe, I’ll be disapointed that the place hasn’t improved. Who knows what I’ll find. I only know now that the memories that I have will stay with me forever. That is something time cannot erase.

7 comments
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April 3, 2009 at 2:03 pm
daltonsbriefs
Joe, you’re welcome to visit us anytime in valpo, spend some money while you’re here too
April 3, 2009 at 2:57 pm
peaclver
Thanks, I’ve been in Valpo a few times over the years and have spent a little money there! Enjoy the town, but it’s a long ride!
June 13, 2009 at 6:00 pm
D. Ables
I was looking for any information on Lake Eliza, and came upon your blog. Sure would love some info on the resort…I have many fond memories of summers there during the 50’s. And I later took my own family there in the 70’s. It was changed of course, and not near as much fun as my memories…but glad I went. I have no pictures though…and it is just about impossible to find any mention of it on the web…or perhaps I am looking using wrong terms. But, if you ever stop…would love to hear about it!
Thanks.
PS…note reference to Calumet….you from Fenger???
June 14, 2009 at 10:40 pm
peaclver
I’m not from Fenger. I presume you mean the high school in Chicago. I’ve lived in Hammond, Indiana all my life.
I don’t have any info on Lake Eliza. Like you, I haven’t been there in years, at least 30 to be exact. You might find something on the web, if it is still open. But, I haven’t looked myself. If I get out that way again, I’ll write about it or let you know.
September 28, 2009 at 12:38 am
Kathy
Just returned from Lake Eliza today. Used to go there as a kid many many moons ago. Was interesting to see. Email me if you want the recent scoop.
October 8, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Darrell Kirk
I left Lake Eliza in 1981, but have been passionate about it forever and keep up with old neighbors there.
A bank owned the property for years and the resort has been gone for since about 1986. An agency that hires people with disabilities has now taken over the entire resort area and this is quite nice for these people.
I was very lucky to grow up there and will never forget that incredible place. Nothing like it exists now due to liability issues, etc. and it’s a different time. I can still hear the 3 bands that played at one time at “the lodge” up on the hill.
We were the local kids of Lake Eliza and were the social outcasts of our time. We got into trouble, but nothing like today. Hell, we could even bring guns to show and tell at Boone Grove School 10 miles away. You could not bring ammunition, however!
The lake, the hugh slide, motorcycles were banned by the owners, but we rode anyway! How I miss that place.
Take care,
Darrell Kirk
“The Urban Hillbilly”
October 10, 2009 at 7:23 pm
peaclver
Darrel,
Thanks for your comments about Lake Eliza. Our family came to the lake often in the mid to late ’60’s and enjoyed it very much. When I passed the sign post that had Lake Eliza on it while heading into Valpo on US 30 earlier this year, it brought back many good memories. Thanks for the update and like you, I miss the place.
Joe