If you are visiting Dyer, Indiana, a must see is the Pheasant Hills Park at 2301 Hart Street. Discover More about Dyer Pheasant Hills Park is located east of Hart Street next to the Pheasant Hills Subdivision. The park was named for the subdivision because the developer of the subdivision donated the land. Established in 1976 through a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, it was originally built with an open frame pavilion, a tennis court, two ball diamonds, two horseshoe pits, playground equipment and a trail around the original seven acre pond.
The pond is now approximately 18 acres, however fishing is not permitted. In the early 2000’s, two soccer fields, a grass volleyball court and a skate park were added. The playground equipment, ball diamonds and trail have also been updated. In 2009, a major project began to construct a new north shelter, a new south shelter, an improved and expanded parking area, and an additional 10′ wide paved pathway. The paved pathway is 2193′ long which is close to 2/5 of a mile. There are also segments connecting to the parking lots and sidewalks along Hart Street and at Kahler Middle School (southwest corner of track area). Kahler Middle School is immediately adjacent to the park and uses it throughout the year for activities such as cross country and an outdoor classroom.
If you’re in the area during summer or fall visit Elzinga Farm and Green House at 1587 Joliet Street. Check this out
Elzinga Farm Market is a family-owned greenhouse and farm operation that has been in Dyer since 1955. From May through July, you’ll find sensational hanging baskets and patio pots for sale that will last all summer long.
In September, fall festivities begin. Cornstalks, mums, hay bales, Indian corn, mini-pumpkins, white pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns and gourds are available at the farm stand. A 4.5 acre corn maze and pumpkin patch will entertain the whole family, and hayrides are added during October. Their decorated greenhouse is a fun place to meet up and enjoy snacks before or after you shop and play.
Speaking of food, check out some of the local fair for lunch or dinner. DOC’s Smokehouse at 1420 B, Calumet Ave, Dyer IN 46311. Doc’s is the place for BBQ, craft cocktails & beer. In the mood for Italian? Check out Little Italy for gourmet versions of staples like lasagna & pizza. Little Italy is located at 1155 Joliet St, Dyer, IN 46311. For Steaks and seafood, the place to be is Gino’s Prime & Surf at 1259 Joliet St.
Mexican and Greek food are well represented just down the road in Schererville, via Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant at 1502 Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, IN 46375 and the NISI Greek Taverna at 1204 West Lincoln Hwy.
A day trip to Dyer can be a fun family day or active friend trip, netting you local play, beautiful plants and great food. While good weather is preferred to take full advantage of Pheasant Hills Park and the Elzinga Farm Market, luckily the dining alone is worth your gas.
