Cedar Lake in Lake County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Quick Trip Across the Lake to Your Resort
Take the Dewey Line
From the Monon depot to all points of interest
| | 1896 - 1944 | |
Photographed by Lou Donkle, June 17, 2026
1. A Quick Trip Across the Lake to Your Resort Marker
Lassen's resort enterprise begins with steam. In 1896, Christian Lassen began his boating service with a single steamboat taking tourists on trips around the lake. By 1904, the boating operation had grown to a fleet with six more boats and brother, Harry Lassen, became Christian's business partner.
The fleet was named the Dewey Line after Spanish American War naval admiral, George Dewey . The boats were named the Grandpa Dewey, Grandma Dewey, Big Dewey, Little Dewey, Steamer Dewey, and Baby Dewey.
The Dewey Line included launches that could be chartered anytime night or day. These boats met the Monon trains at the depot at Cedar Lake's mid-western shore and brought them back to the resort and various points around the lake for about 15 cents. As captain of the spectacular fleet, Christian Lassen wore a white commodore's cap, black sun shielded and bearing a gold emblem. Boat drivers walked the Monon pier, using megaphones to call: "Take the Dewey Line." They worked long hours and handled their craft expertly. They were dealing with people from all walks of life. Responsibility and expertise were called for daily on the
this page online
The Museum at Lassen's Resort on Cedar Lake
To learn more and experience a steam boat trip across Cedar Lake, visit The Story of Cedar Lake exhibit today!
Presenting the Relevance of Cedar Lake History - Cedar Lake Historical Association - www.lassensresort.org
[Captions:]
Resorts of Cedar Lake
Erected by Cedar Lake Historical Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 41° 22.089′ N, 87° 25.56′ W. Marker is in Cedar Lake, Indiana, in Lake County. It can be reached from Constitution Avenue west of East Lakeshore Drive, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located halfway out on the pier in front of The Museum at Lassen't Resort. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7408 Constitution Ave, Cedar Lake IN 46303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Indiana and in the Calumet Region. It is also in the American
Photographed by Lou Donkle, June 17, 2026
2. Marker located halfway out on pier
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cedar Lake Has Always Been an Oasis For People (here, next to this marker); Carnegie Center 1908 (approx. 4.6 miles away); Old Sheriff's House & Jail (approx. 4.6 miles away); Lake County Sheriff's House and Jail 1882 (approx. 4.6 miles away); Cheshire Hall (approx. 4.6 miles away); Crown Point World War II Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.6 miles away); The Old Bank (approx. 4.7 miles away); Crown Theatre (approx. 4.7 miles away).
Photographed by Lou Donkle, June 17, 2026
3. Big Dewey and Steamer Dewey tours operated by the museum
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2026, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2026, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
