U.S. Sen. Barack Obama will return to Northwest Indiana on Friday for a rally at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, according to a news release from his campaign.

Secret Service agents had been scouting sites in four Lake County communities, including Gary and Hammond, according to their mayors.

The Democratic presidential candidate's most recent stop in Indiana was Oct. 23 -- a rally in downtown Indianapolis.

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is scheduled to appear Wednesday night at a rally in downstate Jefferson while Obama's running mate, Joe Biden, is set to campaign Saturday in Evansville.