What makes Michigan City sights so special is the unique mix of old port romanticism and modern small town luxury that surprises me every time I land there after a long working day. I remember strolling along the dusty tracks of the old Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway as a child, listening to the quiet rattling of the trains that are today overlaid by the occasional buses from LaPorte County – a hint that you can come here without a car when you use the local bus service or take the nearby I‐90. The city centre, which was founded in 1830 as “Lake Michigan City”, still carries the traces of its founders: brick buildings that tell more stories than any guided tour, and a slightly rusted lighthouse that watches over Lake Michigan, as if he wanted to remind us that once fishermen and traders fought for their daily bread.
I have to admit, I don't understand the whole hype around the promenade – too much tourists, too little real soul – but the small cafes where the Barista with an eye-catcher serve the best espresso are really great. And when you drive over Highway 12 in the summer, you can immediately feel that the whole area has penetrated by a quiet, slightly cynical serenity, which makes me stay a little longer every time, just to inhale the distinctive flair of Michigan Township.
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 Michigan City, 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 I don't miss is the Indiana Dunes National Park – a huge piece of untamed coastline, which lies around the bay like a green belt. I've lost more sand between the toes than I can count, and that's not a joke because the dunes here actually look like a natural sandbox for adults. The way to the main parking lot is well signposted, but on weekends parking can become a small patience sample, because the visitor numbers almost trigger a mini festival.
A short trip from there leads me to West Beach, the favorite spot of the locals, who spread out their picnic blankets there and talk loudly about the best grill recipes. I don’t understand the hype about the “secret” beach paradise because it’s actually just another beach, but the noise of the waves and the occasional squeaking of children’s stoves give it a charm that you don’t find in every guide. A little tip: The public toilet is just a few meters away from the water, so no reason to miss the bathroom just because you are looking for the quiet place.
Next time I explore the park area, I inevitably move to Mount Baldy, the highest point in the entire Dunes area. The ascent is not a marathon, but the steep paths demand a bit of conditioning – and this is exactly what I love in this place: the feeling that you have to try a bit to enjoy the breathtaking view over the lake. I once met an old angler who told me that he has come here every year since the 70s to watch the sunset – a real Indiana-Dunes veteran that gave me the feeling of being part of a small but proud community.
A few miles further, in the tranquil Porter, is the Bailly Homestead, a historic property that keeps the history of the French Bailly merchant family alive. I have entered the house with its crisp veranda and immediately heard the sound of the old halls, which was almost as loud as the murmuring of the visitors who make themselves over the well-preserved pieces of furniture. The entrance is free, but parking can be short on the weekend, because the terrain has only a small parking space – a good argument to break up early.
Just a stone's throw away is the Chellberg Farm, another relic from the pioneering period, which today acts as a living museum. I took part in a summer camp where you were actually allowed to shove hay – an experience that reminds me of my childhood when I thought that life in the country was only from cow bells and fresh milk. The farm regularly offers guided tours, and the staff is so enthusiastic that you almost forget that you wanted to take a short walk through the fields.
A short trip across the state border to Michigan leads me to New Buffalo, a tiny coastal town that proves to be a perfect counterpart to the overflowing beaches. There is a small, but fine arts handicraft shop that sells handmade ceramics, and a café that serves the best espresso far and wide – at least according to my verdict, which is not just a barista. Parking is a children's game here because the streets are barely driven, and this makes the visit a relaxed short trip I recommend to anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle.
Last but not least, the LaPorte County Historical Museum is a place where the history of the region is captured in dusty files and old photographs. I found an old town plan there that shows how the area was once dominated by rails and horse-drawn carriages – a fascinating contrast to the modern motorways that today shape the picture. The museum has a small car park right in front of the door, and the staff is always ready to chat a little about the local legends, which makes the visit a surprisingly personal experience.
Whether you prefer the wild dunes, historic farms or charming coastal resorts – the surroundings of Michigan City offers a colorful mix of nature, history and small surprises that can delight every traveler. A visit is worth not only because of the scenic beauty, but also because of the authentic encounters you experience here. Thus, from a simple journey becomes a small adventure that Michigan City Sights into a new light.
The history of Michigan City begins long before the modern high-rise buildings, which today decorate the cityscape – it starts with the sound of steam ships that once ran on and off the port, and with the smell of freshly fished carp that I tried on a cool summer morning at the pier, while I tried to find the perfect place for my picnic. I have to admit that I cannot fully understand the whole hype about the “big” attractions here, but the small, somewhat sloping lighthouse building at the end of the Washington Park is the real heart for me.
The Michigan City Lighthouse is not only a photo motif that fills Instagram feeds, but a piece of lively history that you can actually enter. I once caught myself in the narrow spiral staircases, while an older gentleman from the area told me that the light used to warn the ships from the vicious sand benches. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, as it becomes a real problem – the road in front of the lighthouse then turns into a mini-concert of uplifting cars and eager tourists.
A short walk leads you to Washington Park Beachwhere Lake Michigan's water is so clear that you almost think you could see until the reason – until you realize that there are some brave surfers riding the waves. I made my first attempts in the stand-up paddling there; the result was a wet, but happy me, who had to look forward to the unsettling confidence of the lifeguards who always have a vigilant eye on the beginners.
If you are looking for a place where you can combine the typical “small town feeling” with a touch of glamour, then this is Blue Chip Casino That's right. I don't understand the rumble around gambling, but the buffet there is really great – I fought through a huge range of local specialties while I tried to count my lost chips. The garage is right next to the entrance, so no stress if you want to try a bit of luck after a long day.
Another highlight I always like to mention is that Michigan City Riverwalk. This narrow path along the Indiana Dunes River leads you through small boutiques, art galleries and a few hidden cafés that hardly anyone knows. I met an old man there who told me that he has been jogging here every morning since the 60s – a real witness of the changes that this city has undergone. And yes, the word “Michigan City Sights” sounds almost too formal here, but I swear the Riverwalk is one of the best I have ever seen.
For cultural lovers there is Michigan City Art Center, a quirky museum that exhibits more than just paintings – there are interactive workshops where you can become an artist yourself. I took part in a ceramic course and in the end took a somewhat sloppy but proud vessel home, which now has an honorary place in my kitchen.
Last but not least, Lake Michigan Shoreline Trail not to mention. This long, well-maintained path is perfect for an extended cycling tour or a relaxing walk at sunset. I once saw a sunset where the water was dipped in gold and flew a few gulls loudly over us – a picture I will never forget. And if you ask where you can turn off your bike: there are several free bike stands along the trail, but be warned that the most sought-after places are quickly occupied, especially on warm weekends.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
