Chesterton grew up as a railroad town, but the train doesn’t stop here anymore. The big event seems to be the annual Oz Festival, held in September and featuring some of the real Munchkins from the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz. Chesterton also has a year-round Oz Fantasy Museum (route 49 and Yellow Brick Road, 219-926-7048), but unless you’re a die-hard fan you’ll probably want to save the quarter it costs to get in. The museum consists of a one-room collection of vintage Oz kitsch, including a few moving figures (like the ones we see in Field’s windows every Christmas) and some photos commemorating a visit by the Wicked Witch, actress Margaret Hamilton. The attached gift shop is worthwhile if you’re looking to buy Oz-related toys, children’s books, or handmade doll clothes.
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Another favorite with locals is the Northside Diner (across the tracks at 100 N. Calumet, 219-926-9040). The fare is what you would expect: BLTs, burgers, and homemade pie, with a backdrop of 50s memorabilia. This is the place Ed Debevic’s wants to be, though the jukebox was out of order when we visited. For dessert to go, there’s Katie’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant (225 S. Calumet, 219-926-3894), a Civil War-era cottage jammed with antiques. Cones are $1.55; 95 cents if you have to stand on tippy-toe to see over the counter.
