HAMMOND, Ind. — The Chicago Bears are in the midst of deciding the ideal location for their new stadium, and one potential site is generating significant buzz, especially among environmentalists. As the search continues, the spotlight has turned to northwest Indiana, where the team’s plans have caught the attention of several ecological groups.
Central to this discussion is Wolf Lake, a scenic body of water with a rich history spanning over 150 years. This lake uniquely bridges the states of Indiana and Illinois, attracting visitors from both sides, particularly on sunny days that highlight its natural beauty.
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Should the Bears choose to establish their stadium near this picturesque locale, the area is poised to welcome an influx of additional visitors, eager to explore the new development. Such a move would undoubtedly transform the landscape, drawing crowds for both sports events and leisure activities.
On a serene March day, Dale Brumm was among those enjoying the lake’s tranquility, casting a line into its waters. Wolf Lake is renowned for its diverse aquatic life, offering anglers the chance to reel in species such as walleye, bluegill, and northern pike.
Dale Brumm was taking advantage of a beautiful day in early March to do a little fishing.
Wolf Lake is home to many species of fish, including walleye, bluegill and northern pike.
In fact, the more than 800 acres of the lake and surrounding land are home to more than 2,000 different kinds of plants and animals.
Bears are not currently one of those species, but that could change.
“It’d be good for the state, and I wouldn’t have to travel as far to go to the games,” Brumm said.
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While the Bears have not confirmed an exact location they are considering in Hammond, it’s believed to be on land currently occupied by the Lost Marsh Golf Course next to the lake. It’s a municipal golf course built on land that was at one time an industrial dump site.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said Michael Boos, with the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative.
Boos started the Wolf Lake Initiative Group on the Illinois side of the lake to help address environmental concerns for the area.
He’s written a book about the history of the lake and says he’s a Bears fan, but he would rather see the Bears build their stadium somewhere else. But he says his organization won’t get involved.
“I’m not going to stand in the street and stop them, no,” Boos said.
Paul Botts, who runs the Wetlands Initiative, says there are a lot of unanswered questions about the environmental impact of building a stadium in the location.
The area is part of the migratory route for birds in the fall.
“Would that affect Wolf Lake and the smaller Lake George right next to it? Absolutely, there’s no question, birds that use that lake,” Botts said.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott responded saying he’s been the mayor of Hammond for 22 years and has never had a single environmental complaint about Wolf Lake.
The Bears have not announced a timetable for announcing their decision. They have only said they are doing their due diligence in studying the land and the feasibility of building in Hammond.
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