Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Michigan City (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Old Michigan City Light, Blue Chip Casino, and Washington Park. Also, be sure to include John H. Barker Mansion in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Michigan City (Indiana).
Table of Contents
Old Michigan City Light
The Old Michigan City Light is a decommissioned lighthouse located in the harbor of Michigan City, Indiana.
Built in 1858 at a cost of $8,000, this lighthouse, replaced an 1837 brick & stone light built at the edge of Lake Michigan. It was the second light at the site, and the predecessor to the Michigan City East Light, to which the lantern, lens and light were moved in 1904; it being the new light at the end of the newly extended pier.
It was remodeled in 1904. Seven Lighthouse keepers and fourteen assistant keepers served here from 1837-1940.
A fourth order Fresnel lens is on display.
It is one of a dozen past or present lighthouses in Indiana.[1]
Blue Chip Casino
Casino in Michigan City, Indiana. Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa is a riverboat casino located in Michigan City, Indiana. It is owned by Boyd Gaming.[2]
Address: Michigan City, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, Indiana 46360
Washington Park
Park in Michigan City, Indiana. Washington Park is a historic public park and national historic district located on Lake Michigan at Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana. The park encompasses 13 contributing buildings, 3 contributing sites, 11 contributing structures, and 21 contributing objects, and includes the Michigan City Zoo. It was established in 1891 and later developed by the Works Progress Administration and its predecessors during the 1930s. Notable features include the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, former park headquarters building, bandstand, World War I doughboy monument, tennis court, log picnic shelter, and four-story observation tower.
It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.[3]
Address: 115 Lake Shore Dr, 46360-3256 Michigan City
John H. Barker Mansion
The John H. Barker Mansion is a historic home located in Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana.[4]
Address: 631 Washington St, 46360-3419 Michigan City
Michigan City Public Library
Building in Michigan City, Indiana. The Michigan City Public Library is a 35,000-square-foot one level facility located in Michigan City, Indiana. It was designed by the world-renowned architect Helmut Jahn. Jahn designed the building while working for the Chicago architecture firm C.F. Murphy, which later would become Jahn Architects. The design began in 1974 and the construction was completed in 1977.[5]
Address: 100 E 4th St, 46360-3302 Michigan City
Friendship Botanic Gardens
Garden, Park, Relax in park
Address: 2055 E US Highway 12, 46360-2152 Michigan City
First Congregational Church of Michigan City
Church building in Michigan City. First Congregational Church of Michigan City is a historic Congregational church building at 531 Washington Street in Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana. The church building was built in 1880-1881 and constructed in a Romanesque, Tudor Revival style. It was rebuilt in 1908-1909 following a fire. It is the second oldest church building in Michigan City.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. It is located in the Haskell and Barker Historic District.[6]
Southern Shore Art Association
Art gallery, Shopping, Museum
Address: 722 Franklin St, 46360-3506 Michigan City
Garrettson-Baine-Bartholomew House
Garrettson-Baine-Bartholomew House is a historic home located at Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana. It was built in 1908, and is a two-story, asymmetrical, Tudor Revival style dwelling. It features a full-length porch, stone first story, and stucco and half-timbering on the second story.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.[7]
Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department
Park, Relax in park
Address: City Hall, 100 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City
Franklin Street Commercial Historic District
Franklin Street Commercial Historic District is a national historic district located at Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana. The district encompasses 73 contributing buildings and 1 contributing object in the central business district and surrounding residential section of Michigan City. It developed between about 1875 and 1955, and includes examples of Italianate, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Classical Revival, and Tudor Revival style architecture. Located in the district is the separately listed Michigan City Post Office. Other notable buildings include the Staiger House, Earl House, M & M Diner, Zorn Building, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and rectory, First Federal Savings Bank, Aicher Block, Brinkman Building, Trinity Episcopal Church, Merchants National Bank Building, Ledbetter Building, Rodenbeck Saloon, First Methodist Episcopal Church, Barker Hall, Masonic Temple, and the Salvation Army Building.
It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.[8]