Looking for a Great Lakes escape with beach vibes and Midwestern charm? Head to Michigan City! Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Michigan City blends sandy beaches, historic landmarks, shopping, and art into one scenic lakeside destination. Whether you're sunbathing, exploring lighthouses, or catching a play, this Northwest Indiana gem offers something for everyone.
Michigan City, IN Highlights:
- For Beachgoers: Relax at Washington Park Beach – Swim, sunbathe, and enjoy views of the iconic lighthouse on a soft sandy beach.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Old Lighthouse Museum – Explore maritime artifacts and learn about Indiana’s only lighthouse station.
- For Families: Splash and play at Washington Park Zoo – See over 90 species of animals with views of Lake Michigan from the observation tower.
- For Shoppers: Hunt for deals at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets – Over 100 designer and brand-name stores in a charming open-air setting.
- For Art Lovers: Discover the Lubeznik Center for the Arts – Contemporary art gallery offering rotating exhibits and community workshops.
Best Time to Visit Michigan City, IN
The best time to visit Michigan City is from late spring through early fall (May–September). Warm weather makes it perfect for beach days, boat tours, and outdoor festivals. Autumn offers colorful foliage and fewer crowds, while winter brings quiet charm and holiday events.
How to Get to Michigan City, IN
- If you are traveling by car: Located off I-94 and US-421, Michigan City is about 1.5 hours from Chicago and 3 hours from Indianapolis.
- By Train: The South Shore Line connects Michigan City to Chicago’s Millennium Station with a scenic and affordable ride.
- By Air: Chicago Midway (MDW) and O’Hare (ORD) International Airports are the nearest major airports, each about 1.5–2 hours away by car or train.
Where to Stay in Michigan City, IN
- Recommended for Families: Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa – Family-friendly amenities, multiple dining options, and a spa just minutes from the beach.
- For Couples: Brewery Lodge – A boutique rustic-chic retreat with on-site brewery nestled in the woods just outside of town.
- For a Cozy Stay: Bridge Inn – Quaint, waterfront boutique inn overlooking Trail Creek, walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Best Things to Do in Michigan City, IN
1. Visit the Historic Michigan City East Lighthouse for Coastal Charm and Views
Rating: ★★★★★
Built in 1904, the Michigan City East Lighthouse is the only public operating lighthouse in Indiana and an iconic symbol of Michigan City. Located at the end of a newly extended pier in the harbor of Michigan City, the Michigan City East Lighthouse was built in 1858, replacing the Old Michigan City Light, which was built at the water’s edge in 1837. The original pier, which was known as the ‘catwalk,’ was used by keepers of the lighthouse to access the light tower for over 30 years, and after almost being demolished, was renovated and extended and still retains the original iron walkway atop the newly extended pier. The pier is a popular spot for fishing and watching sunsets.
City Hall & 100 E. Michigan, Michigan City, IN 46360
2. Meet Wildlife Up Close at Washington Park Zoo for a Family Adventure
The Washington Park Zoo is an animal sanctuary along the shores of Lake Michigan in Washington Park that is home to than 90 species from all over the world that live in natural habitats with lush tropical flora. The 15-acre zoo has a large otter enclosure with a walk-through tunnel where visitors can watch the otters swimming and playing; a walk-through aviary which is home to 250 brightly colored parakeets that fly around freely; and a petting barn with pigs, donkeys, goats, and domestic horses. A Discovery Center features enclosures with an array of cold-blooded creatures such as lizards, snakes, and frogs, a Safari Train ride is available for kids.
115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-873-1510
Where to eat: Holly's Restaurant and Pub, William B's Steakhouse and Kolasa's Polish Peasant.
3. Step Into Gilded Age Elegance at Barker Mansion for a Historic Tour
The Barker Mansion is a historic English Manor–style house-turned-museum that was built in 1857 by John H. Barker, one of the founding fathers of the railcar industry. The distinct and historic house was expanded in 1905 and features 38 rooms with period furnishings, art objects, and paintings, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the house on guided, docent-led tours and the mansion can be rented for special occasions like weddings.
631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-873-1520
For Nature Enthusiasts
4. If You Love Water Adventures, Paddle or Fish Along Trail Creek
Trail Creek is a 7.3-mile-long tributary of Lake Michigan that flows into the lake and offers excellent salmon fishing. The creek features several natural habitats, such as bogs and wetlands that attract an array of bird species like the endangered bald eagle, the Indiana bat, the Eastern, and Mitchell’s satyr butterfly. Trail Creek also provides a cold water habitat that supports trout and salmon spawning.
700 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-879-4300
5. Wander Through Themed Landscapes at Friendship Botanic Gardens for a Peaceful Retreat
The Friendship Botanic Gardens are beautifully preserved botanical gardens at the eastern edge of Michigan City that spans 106 acres and features a wide range of flora from around the world. Located just a mile from the beaches of Lake Michigan, the gardens were founded over 80 years ago as the International Friendship Gardens and Music Festivals and still feature some of the original ethnic gardens. Other attractions in the preserve include spectacular rose gardens, displays of lilies, hand-carved sculptures, a dedicated children’s garden which encourages learning through touch, sight, and smell, and a Symphony Garden in which musical events are held. The gardens are open to the public from May through October.
2055 East, US-12, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-878-9885
Attractions for Couples
6. Explore Local Creativity and Exhibits at Lubeznik Center for the Arts
The Lubeznik Center for the Arts is a center devoted to showcasing the talents of regional, national, and international artists. Housed in an organically designed building with a striking curving wall on the edge of Lake Michigan, the center features four spacious galleries in which a rotating schedule of exhibitions are hosted, along with a permanent collection of outdoor artworks. The Hyndman Gallery also hosts other forms of art exhibitions such as music and dance performances, while the Susan Block Gallery has large windows that frame nature’s beauty as artworks. The Lubeznik Center has a Gallery Shop where visitors can purchase handcrafted works of local, regional and national artisans such as ceramics, pottery, handblown glass, and jewelry.
101 W 2nd St # 100, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-874-4900
7. Relax With a Good Read or Attend Events at Michigan City Public Library
The Michigan City Public Library is a 35,000-square-foot facility housed in an architecturally significant building designed by the world-renowned architect Helmut Jahn. The library has a large collection of materials, including fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, newspapers, reference, and research materials. Members also have access to a range of downloadable audiobooks, eBooks, music, videos, CDs, and DVDs, and the library offers a variety of services, including children's storytimes, public computers with Internet access, and interlibrary loans.
100 E 4th St, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-873-3044
8. If You Crave Summer Performances, Catch a Show at Dunes Summer Theatre
The Dunes Summer Theatre is a community theater that presents seasonal stages plays, musicals, and other performances, as well as offers acting classes and workshops for adults and children. The theater was founded by art and literature teacher, Nora Tully MacAlvay, who trained at the Art Institute of Chicago and Goodman Theatre School. Set on a beautiful 20-acre wooded site in Michiana Shores, the theater hosts summer camps and classes and has eight basic cabins for summer actors and interns. Summer camps help young actors develop their creative abilities and teach them a wealth of dramatic and theatrical skills to enhance their careers.
288 Shady Oak Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-879-7509
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