Travelers from all over the world appreciate Long Beach attractions because the small town on the west coast of Lake Michigan sprays a unique mix of history and slanted charm. I remember driving over the old railway bridge for the first time and immediately got the feeling that someone would have put the time a bit slower. Founded in 1922 as a holiday resort for the prosperous Chicago-Klientel, Long Beach today has retained more of its original “Seaside Resort” flair than most modern beach resorts – and this is no coincidence, but the result of a persistent local identity that has firmly anchored itself in the Michigan Township, LaPorte County.
When I stroll through the narrow streets of the historic centre, you still smell the salty scent of water, while the old wooden houses quietly tell of the wild parties of the 30s. I don't understand the hype around the big metropolises, but here, between the old lighthouses and the modern cafés, you can find a rest that you can only read in dusty guides. And yes, the Long Beach sights are not just an advertising slogan – they are what makes the city a small but distinctive jewel in the Middle West. Those who want to experience the authentic Indiana should plan a day here; the car can easily be reached via the US‐12, and a short bike ride along the beach is almost mandatory.
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The old lighthouse at the Michigan City East Pier is what I would call the “unavoidable selfie spot” – not because it is particularly photogenic, but because it is the only piece of land that refuses to be overrun by the tourist crowds. I stood there once at sunset, while a fisherman from the '70s boat shouted loudly about the 'good old times'; that was almost a piece of local folklore. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you do not come on Friday night, then the field becomes a small battlefield of sheet metal and stressed parents.
A short trip to Indiana Dunes National Park makes you feel like you have the whole country for yourself. The dunes themselves are not exactly new, but the way the water of Lake Michigan shapes the sand grains is a spectacle that I underestimate every time I put in the mud and wonder why I didn't just want to stay in the hotel room. A hiking trail passing the beaches, offers enough space to empty the soul – and enough mosquitoes to remind you that nature is not always Instagram-fit.
Just a few miles further lies the charming Washington Park in LaPorte, a place I like to call the green lung of the city, although the air here sometimes smells like grilling and gasoline. The old carousel suit still running in summer is a relic from the 30s, which reminds me of my childhood every time – only that I now think more about the costs of popcorn than the excitement. The parking lot is an open field that will be filled quickly in the summer, so better come early if you don't want to park in the circle.
For those who prefer to enjoy history with a cool beer in hand, the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum is a must. I once saw an exhibition about the railways that reminded me more of a dusty warehouse than a museum, but that's exactly what makes the charm. The guided tours are voluntary, so you can just sneak through the corridors while you stumble over the obsolete signs. And yes, the café next door serves the best apple cake in the area – a little comfort when you need to recover from the dusty artifacts.
A little industrial flair gets you at the Port of Indiana Harbor, where the ships run in and out as if they were performing an endless ballet. I once spent a weekend to experience the “big yard noise” and must admit that the drones of the cranes were almost soothing – until a huge crane suddenly swung over my head and I thought that was a bad stunt from an action film. Parking is a labyrinth of concrete here, but if you find a free space, you have an incomparable look at the busy driving.
If you prefer to have sand between the toes, Miller Beach is another part of the Dunes complex that feels more like a local secret tip. The beach is wide, the water is clear, and people here seem to know how to enjoy a picnic without Instagram filters. I once made a campfire there in the evening – yes, that is allowed as long as you notice the local rules – and we chatted until late in the night over the “good old time” while the waves hit the coast quietly.
A short descent to the St. Joseph River Trail leads you through a network of paths that swell through forests and along the river. The path is well marked, but the signage is sometimes so cryptic that I wondered if I had accidentally landed in an escape room. Nevertheless, the waterways and the occasional discovery of old mill ruins give the whole a hint of adventures that are rarely found in urban parks.
Whether you are looking for nature, history or a bit of industrial flair – the surroundings of Long Beach, Michigan Township, LaPorte, Indiana has more to offer than the usual tourist tricks. And if you have experienced all this, you will understand why the Long Beach Attractions in my head take a very own place.
This guide invites you to explore with me a small, but surprisingly charming spot of earth, which I have been labeling for years as my personal “secret place” – Long Beach, Michigan Township, Indiana.
Honestly, the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Long Beach is that Long Beach Park. The sand isn't exactly Hollywood quality, but that's just the beauty: no crowded tourist mass frame, for it a broad, slightly wavy beach, where you can almost always find a few brave swimmers testing Lake Michigan's cool water. I once made a picnic with my buddy, and as we complained about the weather, an older gentleman suddenly came by with an old fishing hat and told us about the “good old times” when he fished here every morning. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem – then you have to avoid a few blocks further.
A short walk (or a short sprint if you have a hurry) leads you to Long Beach Marina. Here are small sailboats, kayaks and a few pretty expensive motor boats that shine more than most cars in the city. I don't quite understand the hype about luxury yachts, but the small café at the dock that serves freshly brewed coffee is really great. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the weekly “Sundowner event” where local musicians play on an improvised stage – a perfect place to watch the sunset over the lake while you’re sneaking a cool beer.
For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, there is Long Beach Golf Club. The 9-hole course is not exactly a PGA tournament line, but the fairways are well maintained and the green is surprisingly fast. I once lost a game with my uncle – he claims that the green is “too fast”, I say he just talked too much. The clubhouse bar area is a good place to grab a few snacks after the game; the sandwich with smoked salmon is a real secret tip.
Another jewel I often overlook is that Long Beach Community Center. The building is unmistakable from the outside, but there is a swimming pool, a gym and a small hall where local theatre groups regularly occur. I took part in a yoga course that was led by a former ballet dancer – that was a mix of relaxation and acrobatic confusion that I don't forget so quickly. The center also offers free workshops for children, so if you're on the move with the family, it's worth a trip.
If you want to sniff a bit of history, take a look at the Long Beach Hall. The building from the 1920s has this slightly Victorian facade, which is otherwise only seen in films from the Golden era. I took part in a meeting where the planned expansion of the beach was discussed – a real insight into local life, and you immediately notice everyone knows. The town hall is also a popular place for weddings because the small gardens in the background offer a romantic flair.
A short detour to Long Beach Library is worth looking for a quiet place to roll a book or just enjoy the quiet sum of the air conditioning. The library has a surprisingly well-stocked collection about the history of the Great Lakes region, and the staff is always ready to give you a tip – I have found an old photo album there that documents the development of the beach from the 1900s to today.
And yes, I must not forget: the Long Beach Farmers Market, which takes place every second Saturday in summer. Here are fresh strawberries, homemade jams and a few handmade works of art by local artists. I once met an old man who sold homemade honey candles and told me he's been here every Saturday for 30 years – a real character that perfectly rounded off the image of Long Beach.
When you googlest to “Long Beach Sights”, you will quickly notice that most lists mention only the beach promenade. But for me it is the small, almost overlooked places – the cafe at the marina, the crumbling wood in the Town Hall, the smile of the librarians – that make Long Beach a place I always like to visit. So, grab your sunglasses, take a little curiosity and let yourself be surprised by this little coastal town – I promise you will not be disappointed.
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