Hammond Port Authority, Indiana

Where Everyone Belongs

Published in the June 2018 Issue March 2020 Feature Hannah Martinez

This month kicks off the new boating season in Hammond, Ind., with the smell of grilled steaks and a boat’s-eye view of the Chicago skyline. Twelve nautical miles from the Windy City, Hammond Port Authority has just the right proximity and accessibility for family fun this summer.

Hammond Marina & Yacht Club

Established 26 years ago, Hammond Marina is Indiana’s first certified Clean Marina, under the Michigan Clean Marina Program sponsored by the University of Michigan. In order to receive certification as a Michigan Clean Marina, participants need to complete a 10-step process, including training, a self-evaluation checklist and a site visit. Certified marinas strive for continuous improvement in daily environmental stewardship practices.

Since its opening, John Botich, a retired Chicago police officer, has been a member of the Hammond Yacht Club. In his 10th year as the club’s Commodore, Botich said his primary responsibility is to ensure the rules are followed.

Serving as a law enforcement officer for a city of nearly three million residents, Botich is no stranger to conflict. “I’ve seen a lot of rules broken in my 30 years,” said Botich. However, Botich said that the marina has been relatively calm and drama-free during his time serving as commodore. Should an emergency arise, Botich is located conveniently close, so he can take care of business in a snap.

Hammond has uninhibited access to the beach, unlike the marinas in downtown Chicago. This makes Hammond the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are 918 slips available and 24-hour security is provided. Inclusive programs of sailing lessons for all levels of experience and even those with disabilities are also offered.

One of Botich’s favorite amenities is definitely the yacht club’s kitchen run by Freddy’s Steakhouse, a Hammond favorite. The marina is a gathering point for Botich and his family. He said that his extended family spends at least every other week having fun together on his 42-foot Sea Ray 380, Boat Itch.

“I probably came up with [the name] after a few margaritas,” quipped Botich, a play on his often mispronounced last name.

Fun For The Kids

On Memorial Day Weekend, the port authority will open its Wolf Lake Aquatic Play Center. This state-of-the-art aquatic facility comes complete with a splash pad, changing rooms, concession stand, picnic areas, and new playground. The first 105-minute splash session begins at 10 a.m. daily with additional sessions through 7:30 p.m.

Botich also recommended thrilling kids by taking a little trip to Whiting Beach to visit the Whoa Zone, which is just a one-mile stroll along the beach from Hammond Port Authority.

The Whoa Zone, installed last summer, is an inflatable series of 61 bouncy islands and slides, anchored to the bottom of Lake Michigan, in a depth of just eight feet. Half pipes, roundabouts and bounce domes are meant for children ages seven and older, and even adventurous adults. Play features are grouped into four different but interconnected levels of challenge.

Adult Fun

The port authority’s Horseshoe Hammond Casino has the biggest poker room in the Midwest and hosts both the World Series of Poker - Chicago Regional and Chicago Poker Classic. If you’re feeling particularly lucky, there are more than a few slot machines to give a run. The attached concert venue, appropriately named The Venue, will make you feel like Las Vegas moved in next door with everything from concerts to comedy shows to MMA fights.

“Every summer, the whole community kind of waltzes into the marina,” said Botich when the yacht club opens its doors to the public for Venetian Night. According to Botich it’s the biggest event of the year and has a very loyal local fan base. In addition to a great time with food and drink, attendees can expect live music and a spectacular firework show.

Botich warned that if you try to show up after 2 p.m. the parking spots will all be taken for the event which starts at 3 p.m. This year’s Venetian Night is scheduled for July 7, with the theme, “A Haunting at the Hammond Marina.”

Just two weekends later, Hammond hosts Festival of the Lakes at Wolf Lake Memorial Park. This year, from July 18 through July 22, Hammond will be the place to be, no matter what you’re into. With headlining acts like Chevelle, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc, and Grandmaster Flash the party just won’t end. During the day, compete in the Golf Scramble and Lost Marsh Golf Course or the Fishing Derby.

The entry fee for the derby is a $1 donation in support of Wolf Lake Stocking. Children ages 15 and under receive free fishing equipment while supplies last, and a free kids fishing seminar will be held the morning of the derby. There will be trophies awarded for the largest catches in two age divisions, older than or younger than 12. The trophies will be for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for largest bass, walleye and panfish catch.

Historical Significance

At Christmas time, the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond erects an exhibit based on the 1983 classic movie, A Christmas Story. The plot is based on the work of author Jean Shepherd, who grew up in Hammond.

Although the exhibit has been closed since January, fans of the film can search the sky this summer for what the main character Ralphie described as, “a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.”