Visit Michiana Shores LaPorte Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the beach paradise Michiana Shores in Indiana! Experience the quiet beaches and the clean waters of Lake Michigan. Walk in the 31 km long coastal hiking trail or visit the nearby golf courses. An unforgettable holiday guaranteed!
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.
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.
Find more vacation destinations near Michiana Shores LaPorte Indiana using our map.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
