Michigan City East Light has been a landmark in Michigan City since 1904 and the most photographed as well. Its white octagonal structure is the most recognized symbol of the city and it is touted to be the only public lighthouse that is still operational in the state. Its raised walkway is a popular fishing spot.
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.
Established in 1928, the Washington Park Zoo is spread across a vast area. It is home to different species of animals from all over the world. The various sections of the zoo highlight certain species like reptiles and so forth. For more details, check website.
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 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.
Begin your tour of the Indiana Dunes National Park with a visit to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. Also known as Dorothy Buell Visitor Center, the place is home to a variety of educational exhibits that explore the history, ecology and geology of the park, along with local art displays. An activity room also features some hands-on exhibits that are fun for the little ones. Visitors can also watch park orientation videos, collect information brochures and trail maps, or simply relax before starting a tour. A gift store and a bookshop complete the visitor experience.
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.
Hesston Steam Museum is an impressive look at the infrastructure that powered America's rapid expansion during the 19th Century. Spread over 155 acres (62.7 hectares), the museum showcases the narrow gauge railroad trains that once zigzagged across America, as well as the tools and components that kept them running on the rails for almost a century. In addition to fully functioning steam engines, small amusement trains as well as a functional sawmill, blacksmith shop, and a coal-powered steam engine that provides power to the nearby LaPorte County Courthouse.
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.