On the first steps through Michiana Shore's attractions, you can immediately feel that this small community is more than a sleepy seaside resort on Lake Michigan. Founded in the 1920s, when wealthy Chicagoers were looking for a quiet spot for summer holidays, the former “Lakefront Resort” has developed into a unique part of Michigan Township in LaPorte County. The streets are lined by old bungalows that still breathe the charm of the Roaring-Twenties, and by newer houses that serve the modern taste of the “I-will-only-one-WLAN-am-beach” generation. I have to admit, I don't understand the whole hype about the seemingly endless sunsets – I have seen the sky above the lake a thousand times – but the quiet plunder of the waves that you hear from Highway 12 has something calming that you rarely find in the loud metropolises. If you come by car from Chicago, you can take the I‐94 and then the US‐20 to LaPorte, take a short turn and follow the signs to Michiana Shores; the path is almost as picturesque as the target itself. And yes, the “Michiana Shores Sights” are not only the water and the sandy beaches, but also the unique mix of history, local peculiarity and the occasional, slightly cynical greeting of the locals, who will throw you a “Welcome in Nowhere” – a real insider deal that you should not miss.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Michiana Shores, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first place you cannot miss here is that Indiana Dunes National Park, a piece of untamed nature that stretches along the southern shore of Lake Michigan – just a few minutes drive from Michiana Shores. I once tried to make a picnic while a swarm of gulls turned my sandwiches into an improvised balloon; that was annoying, but the view of the endless dunes and the noise of the waves is simply unpaid. Parking is usually easy at the main entrance, but on sunny Saturday afternoons you can easily land in an endless snake, so better be there early.
A short trip to Michigan City leads directly to Michigan City Lighthousea red lighthouse that has been watching over the lake since 1858. I don’t understand the hype about the “Selfie am Leuchtturm” – the light is pretty, but the crowds on the weekend are a bit too much of the good. Nevertheless, it is worth a walk along the promenade, where you can enjoy the fresh breeze and the occasional circle of Möwen; this is the real highlight, not the Instagram photo.
If you have enough of nature, that is Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City the next station – a place where you can try your luck while being surrounded by a buffet with more calories than an average weekend brunch. I once tried to win the blackjack, just to find out that my lucky line disappeared as quickly as the last piece of pizza. Parking is usually sufficient, but on nights of play the terrain fills faster than a popcorn container in the cinema.
A little story? The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum in the neighboring town of LaPorte houses a collection of artifacts ranging from old railway rails to handmade furniture. I was there because I thought I could refuel a bit of “authentic” midwest feeling and was instead surprised by a group of enthusiastic seniors who told me the history of the region with a passion that you rarely find in modern museums. Parking is right in front of the building, and the museum is barrier-free – a small bonus for those who do not like to climb stairs.
Another jewel that is often overlooked is that Washington Park Beach in Michigan City. The sand is not as fine as in the tropical paradises, but the water is surprisingly clear, and the view of the sunset over the lake is a real eye-catcher. I once tried to borrow a kayak, only to establish that the current at this point is somewhat more unpredictable than one would suspect at first glance – so rather not to start too ambitious if one is not a professional.
For those who want to combine a bit of culture and a bit of shopping, this is Porter County Museum in Valparaiso a surprisingly good destination. The museum offers changing exhibitions ranging from local art to historical photographs. I spent a day there because I was looking for a place where I can take off my shoes and just stroll through the halls without being overrun by loud tourists. Parking is free and is just a short walk from the museum.
A last but not least important stop is that Old Michigan City Marinawhere you can admire old boats and occasionally meet some local fishermen who tell their stories about the “good old times”. I once tried a small fish dish that was so fresh that I almost felt the water in my mouth – a real highlight for those who want to taste the sea without flying straight to Florida. The port has enough parking space, but it can be filled at weekends, so better to bring a little patience.
Whether you’re looking for the wild dunes, historical lighthouses, a bit of gambling, cultural museums or the maritime flair – the surroundings of Michiana Shores offer a colorful mix that surprises every traveller. And that's exactly what makes Michiana Shores Attractions to an unmistakable experience that you should not overlook.
This guide invites you to learn a little about what I personally consider to be the heart of Michiana Shores – the small but surprisingly charming beach that stretches along Lake Michigan. I have to admit, I was skeptical when a friend told me about this tiny strip of sand, but the noise of the waves and the intrusive blowers of the gulls quickly wrapped me around my finger. The beach is not just an overflowing hotspot; that means that in the summer you almost feel like being the only being on the shore – a rare gift in a world that murmurs from crowded beaches. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because the locals then spread their barbecue parties.
A short walk from the beach leads you to Lakefront Park, a tiny green piece that offers more than just a few benches. Here I once made a picnic with my neighbor who claimed he could prepare the best hot dogs in the region – a joke, because he had only a few sausages from the supermarket. Nevertheless, the view of the lake as you take your sausages has something almost poetic romantic that you do not find in any city park. The park is ideal if you are looking for a bit of shade, because the trees here are not huge, but they donate enough cooling to survive the summer heat motto.
If you prefer not to enter the water, but just want to observe, that is Michiana Shores Marina That's right. I once met an old fisherman who told me that he has been here since the 70s – and that, although the water is never very deep. The marina is small, but well maintained, and the staff is friendly as long as you don't talk too loud about your latest fishing adventures. A little hint: the docking of boats is free of charge, but the charging of petrol can take a little longer on some days, because only one tanker is in service.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is that Lake Michigan Golf Club. Yes, this is a private club, but the outdoor facilities are freely accessible to visitors, and I have packed my golf clubs several times to hit a few balls while admiring the well-maintained lawn. The club has a small pro shop where you can find some souvenirs – nothing big, but a nice souvenir if you want to feel like a “golf professional” although you can barely hold the racket without stumble.
For those who prefer walking, there is the St. Joseph River Trail, which passes just past the border of Michiana Shores. I explored this path at sunset and was surprised how quiet it is, even if the city is celebrating its weekly festival. The path is well marked and you can dock at any time at a small dock to stay a bit. Practically, there are no entrance fees here – you pay only with your own energy, and this is usually enough to enjoy the fresh air.
A little less spectacular but nevertheless an integral part of the Michiana Shores Attractions the Community Center. Local events take place regularly, from bingo to yoga classes, which I have tried for myself – and that was an experience that I will not forget so quickly, because I lay almost the whole hour on a mat that smelled more like an old carpet than after a gym. The center is easily accessible, and parking is usually free as long as you do not come too late and the places are occupied by the teenagers who place their skateboards there.
At the end, I would like to finish the small, but fine Michiana Shores Library mention. I once borrowed a book about the history of the Great Lakes, because I thought I could learn a little more about the region. The library is cozy, with a small reading room where you can withdraw if you have enough of the loud beach noises. And yes, the WLAN works – a small comfort for those who do not want to go completely offline.
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