Location: East Chicago
Top Things to do in East Chicago
Countries
Top 6 Things to do in East Chicago, Indiana (IN)
1. Marktown Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This neighborhood was the site of a planned community that was not finished because of World War I.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Chicago has its Pullman Historic District and East Chicago, Indiana, has Marktown. Described as one of the Seven Wonders of Northwest Indiana, this old steel industry company town is best known for being the only town in North America where the cars park on the sidewalks and the people walk in the streets. But there is more to Marktown than a mention in "Ripley's Believe It or Not." It has a rich and interesting history. Built during the Progressive Era in 1917, the neighborhood pounded by Pine, Riley, Dickey and 129th Streets in East Chicago was converted from marshland to provide a complete community for workers of The Mark Manufacturing Company. Designed by noted Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, all but three of the original 200 residential homes were built in the English Tudor Revival style with stucco exteriors. Only four of the original plan of 28 sections were completed because construction stopped after World War I when Mark's steel pipe manufacturing firm was sold. Marktown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 but its future remains in doubt. The surrounding steel industry and British Petroleum, which operates the nation's largest inland oil refinery nearby, have begun tearing down homes to make green space. Even though Marktown has landmark status and is regarded as an important cultural resource of architectural and historical significance, only 20 percent of the original community remains. See it while you can.
2. Jeorse Park Beach
3. East Chicago Marina
4. Harrah's East Chicago Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 8 reviews
Moored on Lake Michigan, this riverboat casino carriers 3,700 passengers and offers a variety of games including roulette, craps, baccarat and slots.
