Travelers from all over the world appreciate East Chicago attractions because the city offers a slanted caleidoscope of industrial history and local charm. I have to admit that I have never understood the whole hype about the rusty steelworks completely – until I even strolled through the old warehouses of North Township and heard the echo of past workers, which almost seemed poetic. Founded in 1889, East Chicago grew rapidly thanks to the steel and chemical industry, and the heritage is still felt in the brick buildings and the silent testimonies of the Union Parks.
The view over Lake County, where the water of the Indiana Lake is almost a bit too quiet, reminds me that not only factories, but also fishing families had their roots here. When you arrive with the South Shore Line from Chicago, you can immediately see that the city balances between the city's urban and industrial grunge – a bit like a hipster café next to a junkyard cant.
I like to take the bus 93 that brings me directly to the heart of East Chicago, where I try a “real” Indian curry in a small diner – no joke, that is better than anything you find in the tourist guides. And while I'm standing here, I realize that people here have a peculiar self-confidence: they talk openly about the rough times, but celebrate every little bit of progress as if it were a festival. Those who want to experience the true, unsightly picture of East Chicago find more than just the usual sights – you get a piece of history that still breathes.
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The first stop I couldn't miss was that Indiana Dunes National Park – a piece of unspoiled nature that lies directly on Lake Michigan Coast and is still only a stone's throw from East Chicago. I spent a few hours there with my old mountain bike to climb the dunes, and must admit that the panorama over the water is almost too beautiful to be true. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you do not arrive at the weekend with the families, then the field becomes a small battlefield of buses and caravans. The way to the lighthouse is well signposted, and if you're lucky, you'll meet a Ranger who tells you the story of the old glacieties – a real bonus for someone who likes to sneak a bit of background knowledge.
A short trip after Miller Beach follows almost like a reflex. The sand is finer than in most Midwestern beaches, and the water has this rare, almost mystical clarity that reminds me every time of why I even go to the sea. I made a picnic with a few friends there, and we made fun of the “Hipster Wave” on the beach, because most visitors walk around in swimwear from the 80s. The beach house is accessible for free, but a small entrance is required for the visitor centre – a price I like to pay because there is a mini museum waiting for the local ecology.
A bit further south, almost in the shadow of the Chicago skyline, this is Pullman Historic District. I don't understand the hype around this area because the brick buildings and the old factory choir stones smell more like “industrial romance” than something you want to visit voluntarily. Nevertheless, the leadership of the Pullman Museum impressed me: The history of the workers' movement, which originates here, is fascinating, and the old residential quarter has a certain charm that one does not find in every suburb. Parking is a bit tricky here because the narrow alleys barely leave space for cars – a good argument to explore on foot.
Back in Indiana, but no longer in the water, this is Gary Works Steel Mill. Yes, this is a place that you would not necessarily call a “tourist attraction”, but for me the industrial heritage is a real magnet. I took part in a guided tour where we strolled through the huge halls and heard the sounds of beating metal plates – a sound that lets you beat your heart faster if you have a little nostalgia for the good old production time. The approach is uncomplicated because the work is located directly on the I‐90, and parking is usually free as long as you do not get to the shift change time, then the terrain becomes a car park chaos.
A little further east, in the heart of Lake County, is the Marquette Park. The park is a popular meeting place for families, joggers and dog owners – for good reason. The trails are well maintained, the playgrounds are modern, and the small lake shore offers a quiet oasis if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I started a spontaneous basketball game there with some locals; the result was a chaotic but incredibly funny match that reminded me that sport brings people together everywhere. The garage is free, but on hot summer days it can be full, so it's better to come early.
A short detour on the Calumet Trail leads through a network of green areas extending along the old railway corridor. The trail is perfect for a relaxing bike ride or a long walk, and I have often used the opportunity to sort my thoughts while passing past old industrial plants that are still serving as ruins. The path is well illuminated and most of the sections are asphalted, so that you do not have to avoid even in light rain. Parking is available at several entry points, but they are usually small, so better to bring some patience.
At the end of my small tour, Indian Dunes State Park that is often in the shadow of the national park, but has its own highlights. The sandy beach is somewhat wider here, and the visitor centre offers interactive exhibitions about the local flora and fauna – a real plus point for families with children. I spent a few hours collecting mussels and enjoying the sound of the waves, while an older couple spread a picnic next to me and spoke loudly about the “good old times”. Parking is free at the main entrance, but on holidays there can be waiting times.
Those who want to discover the special East Chicago will find here a colourful mix of nature, history and industrial charm – all without the usual tourist crowds. This selection East Chicago Attractions shows that the region has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance.
The history of East Chicago begins long before the steelworks, which today dominate the cityscape, and I feel that every stone here breathes a bit of this rough past – especially when you get to the East Chicago Riverwalk strolls along and hears the noise of the Grand Calumet, which has more stories to tell than so many guides.
I must admit, I was skeptical when a friend put the new waterfront in my heart. But after a rainy afternoon, when I hid under a folding wooden pavilion and had a glimpse over the old shipyards, I realized that this is not a cheesy photo pot, but a real one. district destressing location. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the local anglers and the a few hipsters want to put on with their e-bikes at the same time.
A short detour to East Chicago Historical Society Museum is a must if you East Chicago Attractions really wants to understand. The museum sits in the former Carnegie library building and is stuffed with photos of chimneys that used to censor the sky, and old workers' uniforms that are hardly found in museums outside the Middle West. I remember spending almost the whole day there because I discovered an old photo of my great-grandfather that shows him in a layer in the Indiana Harbor – a small but fine moment that made the city history personal.
If you're looking for a place where you can recover from industrial noise, look at the Calumet Trail on. The path stretches through parks, over old railroad tracks and offers surprising views of Lake Michigan. I once made a picnic with a friend while a van full of steel beams passed by – that was the most beautiful contrast image I have ever seen. The trail is well signposted, and you can park almost anywhere for free as long as you don't land in the narrow streets of the city center where the residents block their garages.
Another highlight is the St John the Baptist Catholic Churcha Gothic gem from the early 20th century. The stained glass windows are so colourful that they illuminate even the grayest day, and the organ sounds as if they remind every visitor that there is more than just steel and dirt. I visited the fair once on a Sunday, just to chat with an older gentleman about the changes in the church – he told me that the church was the center of social life before the factories took everything.
For all who love the water is the small East Chicago Marina at Lake Michigan a underestimated jewel. The access is free, and you can rent boats or just sit on the ridge and enjoy the fresh breeze. I spent a few hours there in the summer, while a fisherman told me why the local species are particularly tough – a conversation I will never forget because it freed the city from its purely industrial façade.
Last but not least, Indian Harbor do not leave, even if it is more known for its rough silhouettes. A walk along the harbor at sunset when the ships slowly sink in the light is almost poetic. I took a photo there that I later published in my blog, and the picture was immediately shared by a local blogger – proof that even the toughest corners of East Chicago hide a bit of romance.
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