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Where is Gary located?
- Gary is located just 40 minutes southeast of Chicago on the south shore of beautiful Lake Michigan.
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What natural attractions does Gary offer?
- If you are looking for a great place to enjoy miles of beach and see some wonderful sand dunes, this is a great place to add to your wish list.
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What are some popular parks and beaches in Gary?
- Marquette Park and Miller Beach are wonderful for all ages, offering a variety of activities besides simply enjoying the beach.
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What museums or historic sites can visitors explore?
- While in the area, you can stop by the aviation museum at the Gary Aquatorium.
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What historic attractions are in Gary?
- Historic attractions include the Michael Jackson Family Home and the Cathedral of the Holy Angels.
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What can visitors do at Indiana Dunes National Park?
- The Indiana Dunes National Park is an ecological gem where you can enjoy hiking, birding, and much more.
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1. Gary Aquatorium
Admire lakefront architecture and explore aviation history on an unusual trip.
Designed and constructed in 1921, the Gary Aquatorium in Marquette Park is significant in that it is one of the earliest examples of the use of precast concrete modular construction. The building started out as a bathhouse/shower room called the Lakefront Park Bathhouse but now houses an aviation museum honoring the French engineer and aviation pioneer, Octave Chanute. Here you can learn about the very earliest discoveries of the wonders of flight and also learn about the Tuskagee Airmen, a group of military pilots who played a vital part in WWII. The aquatorium is also a unique venue for weddings and other special events.
Gary Aquatorium, 6918 Oak Avenue, Gary, IN 46403, Phone: 219-938-1986
2. Marquette Park
Walk along sandy beaches and enjoy peaceful sights on a summer weekend.
Beautifully nestled along the south shore of Lake Michigan, Marquette Park includes a wonderful 1.4 mile white sand beach, several inland ponds, wetlands, an inland lagoon and remnants of an oak savanna. The park is entirely surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park and the entire area is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can go hiking through the oak forests or enjoy canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing in the lagoon. There are plenty of birds to observe and children will love the soft sandy beach and the children’s playground. On a clear day the beach offers great views of the Chicago skyline.
Marquette Park, 598 N. Grand Boulevard, Gary, IN 46403, Phone: 219-938-7362
3. The Cathedral of the Holy Angels
Visit this historic church and admire Gothic architecture on a quiet trip.
An excellent attraction for anyone interested in architecture and history, the Cathedral of the Holy Angels has an interesting history. The Holy Angel Parish was originally established in Gary in 1906 and held services in a local tavern for many years. The first church was built on the site in 1909, together with a school. However, a larger church was soon required and the impressive structure you see today was built in the Gothic Revival style in the late 1940’s. The interior of the cathedral is impressive, featuring a travertine marble baptismal pool and an elaborate square marble altar in the transept.
The Cathedral of the Holy Angels, 640 Tyler Street, Gary, IN 46402, Phone: 219-882-6079
4. Big Daddy’s BBQ
Savor smoky ribs and enjoy affordable comfort food on a family outing.
Big Daddy’s BBQ started out about 12 years ago with a single BBQ in the Market City Flea Market. People loved it. In fact, people loved it so much that in a few years the market stall had evolved into a successful BBQ restaurant which now boasts three branches. On the BBQ you will find a delicious selection of your favorite meats including ribs and tips, sausages, chicken, turkey and mouth-watering combos. These are served in various sizes to suit all appetites and come with your choice of sides. Sandwiches filled with melt-in-the-mouth BBQ meats are also popular and there are a few sweet treats to round off the deal.
Big Daddy’s BBQ, 4213 Cleveland St, Gary, IN 46408, Phone: 219-888-9592
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