In 2025 we are highlighting 52 small towns across the state of Indiana in 52 weeks. For our 14th small town breakdown of the year, we’re headed from the county seat of Decatur in Adams County to Winfield in Lake County. Winfield is sandwiched between Crown Point and Valparaiso approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes northwest from downtown Indianapolis and 2 hours and 20 minutes west of Fort Wayne.
The History of Lake County and Winfield, Indiana
Lake County is the northwestern-most county in Indiana and is the second-most populated county in the state behind Marion County with over a half-million Hoosiers. It was founded in 1837 and named for its location on the southern edge of Lake Michigan. The town of Liverpool served as its original county seat until Lake Court House (later renamed Crown Point) was chosen in 1840.
Winfield became an incorporated town in 1993 after previously being part of the unincorporated Winfield Township. A group of local farmers and business leaders collected signatures that summer to save the soon-to-be-town from a planned annexation attempt by nearby municipalities. It was named after U.S. Army Commanding General Winfield Scott, who served in that role from 1841-61, was a veteran of four wars and was the Whig Party’s presidential nominee in the 1852 election.
As of the 2023 census, Winfield’s population was 8,045, leaving it as the fourth-smallest of 19 incorporated towns/cities in Lake County.
Places to Eat in Winfield, Indiana
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant and Bar is known for serving up authentic Mexican food and delicious margaritas, including its special margarita flights where you can enjoy up to four options. The Winfield location is one of three in the region, with the others in nearby Schererville and Merrillville.
W.B. Steakhouse is a popular spot for locals and travelers, too. It has a 4.4 rating among nearly 150 Google reviews, many of which suggest ordering the 6oz filet mignon.
As is tradition with most Indiana small towns, there is almost always a go-to ice cream shop. In Winfield, that’s Sundae Funday. Guests can indulge in
push-pops, floats, shakes and, of course, sundaes. Sundae Funday has a near perfect 4.9 star rating from over 165 Google reviews.
For the late-night crowd, swing in to the brewpub Two Bill’s Tap for pub grub, beer, cocktails and live entertainment.
Things to Do In or Near Winfield, Indiana
Head to Randolph Street Park to enjoy food trucks, outdoor activities and Movie in the Park nights during three Fridays this summer. “Despicable Me 4” is set for June 13, “E.T.” is July 11 and “Monsters University” will air Aug. 8. The park is also home to seasonal events, beginning with an Easter Egg Hunt for children 9 and under on April 12, Harvest Festival with a kids area, food trucks, business vendors, live music and family-friendly beer garden on Sept. 13, and Trunk or Treat Halloween event on Oct. 25.
Located a short drive north of Winfield is Deep River Water Park, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this summer and is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rated as one of the best waterparks in the Midwest, Deep River has a lazy river, rip tide wave pool, body and tube slides, speed slides, cabanas and more. It’s the perfect summer spot to take family and friends for fun in the sun.
Crown Point High School History
Winfield is part of the Crown Point Community School Corporation, which also serves the communities of Crown Point, Cedar Lake and Lakes of Four Seasons. Crown Point High School has had its fair share of success in athletics, accumulating 12 IHSAA state championships across six different sports with eight coming in single-class structure. On the single-class side, boys tennis brought home the school’s first state title in 1972 before girls basketball won back-to-back championships in 1984 and ’85. On the mat, Crown Point’s wrestling program has three team titles to its ledger (2009, ’22, ’23) and has become a hot bed for talent in the region, and girls gymnastics won championships in 2022 and ’24. In classed sports, boys soccer claimed 2A titles in 2011 and ’13, softball won the 4A championship in 2017, and girls basketball brought home the 4A championship in 2021.
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 14 of 2025. Where should we head next?
