While in the city, don't miss visiting the Barker Mansion also known as the John H. Barker Mansion. The house was originally built in 1857 and kept extending till 1905. The interiors are majestic just like brick exteriors which consist of 38 rooms, ten bathrooms, and seven fireplaces. The house which is now a museum is open for public display exhibiting the lavishly decorated interiors. A number of events are hosted by the management of the mansion during the festival season.
Situated at the edge of Lake Michigan, this is a little museum that is packed with both maritime and regional information. The museum is home to a wide variety of artifacts, historical pieces, photographs and information about ship and boat wrecks on Lake Michigan. Originally this museum was a lighthouse building, and visitors can climb up to the top to see where the light was once placed and enjoy breathtaking views. As a visitor if you are interested in lighthouses, maritime history or great lakes, it is all covered here. The exterior of the museum looks wonderful and has that historic Victorian feel, and there is an amphitheater just below the museum. A perfect place to enjoy a fun day in the company of friends or family.
A product of the imagination of Helmut Jahn, the Michigan City Public Library Meeting Room was opened to public in 1977. The design of the library is quite impressive and its striking appearance makes is hard to miss. This wonderful library is home to several books throwing light on local history, Genealogy, historic photographs in addition to newspapers, journals and much more. The library has also been a recipient of many honors and continues to impart knowledge to patrons, their youngest members being curious kindergartners!
Washington Park is a beachfront park sprawled over 99 acres (40.06 hectares) facing Lake Michigan. While the beach is a popular spot for surfing and boating, this park has several features for both children and adults. The biggest attraction is Washington Park Zoo but it also has a splash park and an outdoor skating rink, which are favorites with kids. Cultural and historic attractions within and around the garden include several historic monuments, an amphitheater and an old rock garden. Old Lighthouse Museum on the harbor located within Michigan City East Light, the only working lighthouse in Indiana, can be accessed from the beach. You can stroll around the garden via the various trails, swim or fish in the lake, embark on a ride from the boat launch, or rest in one of the gazebos and enjoy the scenery. Entry to Washington Park is free but you need to pay for parking.
The Dunes Ridge Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park winds through picturesque landscapes and several historic homes to reach Kemil Beach, a beautiful family attraction. A little rocky and a little sandy, this beach on Lake Michigan is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful swim in the park. Relax in the sand, hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, watch lovely waterbirds busy with their circadian activities, or watch scintillating views of the Chicago skyline in the distance. During Spring, you can also enjoy smelt fishing here.
Spend a leisurely, fun-filled day on Lake Michigan with a visit to Dunbar Beach. Located in a residential neighborhood, this beautiful beach has a fantastic stretch of sand that is ideal for the kids to play. Take a stroll along its charming, quaint shores, walk your dog on a breezy evening, breathe in some fresh seaside air, or simply relax as you hear the sound of the peaceful sound of waves.
The eminent First Unitarian Church of Hobart boasts of being the foremost Unitarian Church in Indiana. The church site was constructed in 1875 and is a fine example of the Italianate style of architecture. It welcomes varied people and strives to worship, spread faith and love for Jesus.
Porter County Museum, also known as the “PoCo Muse” is located in the heart of the city. The museum is housed within a jail, a historic building that was built in the year 1871. One can catch a glimpse of various artifacts and displays that were created by the locals in the past. From a mastodon tusk and war memorabilia to guns and other regional historical items, all kinds of historic articles are displayed here. Other exhibits include various items and artifacts pertaining to the history and culture of Native Americans. The museum is open four days a week and is free to visit for all. If you want to learn about Valparaiso’s history, then Porter County Museum is the best spot to begin.
Porter Beach is a popular destination for families to enjoy the azure waters of Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes National Park. Splash around in the calming waves with your loved ones, spend hours of fun in a game of volleyball with your friends, soak in some rays of the mellow sun on the sandy shores, or simply relax with your favorite beach read. An expansive and clean beach with pretty views, it is also a spot for nature enthusiasts to enjoy bird-watching on the high dunes defining the scenic landscape.
While in the city, don't miss visiting the Barker Mansion also known as the John H. Barker Mansion. The house was originally built in 1857 and kept extending till 1905. The interiors are majestic just like brick exteriors which consist of 38 rooms, ten bathrooms, and seven fireplaces. The house which is now a museum is open for public display exhibiting the lavishly decorated interiors. A number of events are hosted by the management of the mansion during the festival season.
Indiana Dunes State Park is bound on all sides by famous attractions: Lake Michigan on the north and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on the other three sides. This primitive and unique park is spread over 2182 acres (883 hectares) and houses the Dunes Nature Preserve. Its sand dunes were created thousands of years ago by natural processes during the Ice Age and stand tall over the lake shore at heights reaching 200 feet (61 meters). Heavy winds near the shore also create whistling sand, or sand that makes a sound! Marked trails over the dunes offer different levels of difficulty for hikers and cyclists while the campgrounds allow you to experience the surreal beauty of the park and its bordering beaches. Featuring different species of plants and animals, it is popular among scientists and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to a Nature Center and an observation tower for bird watching. Outdoor activities here include smelt fishing, sunbathing, swimming, cross-country skiing and camping. Picnic spots within the park and on beaches bordering it are ideal for fun days out with the whole family. Another attraction is Haunted Shores where the legendary Diana of the Dunes apparently went skinny dipping and continues to haunt the site today according to folklore.
The small village of Sawyer is home to a gorgeous state park known as the Warren Dunes State Park. The gorgeous shoreline of this park makes it ideal for swimming, fishing and for sports, and the sand here is white and soft, making it a perfect spot for walking your dog or for a jog in the evening. Apart from its picturesque beauty, the Warren Dunes State Park is also known for its 260 feet (79 meter) high sand dune which lets visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. There are many hiking trails around the park and it is also home to a campground.