Location: Michigan City
Top Things to do in Michigan City
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What to do and see in Michigan City, Indiana (IN): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Michigan City is a city in LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. It is one of the two principal cities of the Michigan City-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Chicago-Naperville-Michigan City Combined Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Michigan City
1. Old Lighthouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
The only lighthouse museum in Indiana.
Reviewed By tank1050 - Wescosville, United States
This I a nice lighthouse now a museum. Parking is easy and the admission is nominal. We had a limited time so we toured only the first floor, which was mostly lighthouse related and Lake Michigan exhibits including the usual Fresnel lenses that every lighthouse museum has and a nice section on shipwrecks. The docents inside were friendly and had lots of knowledge to impart. There was also the prerequisite gift shop. Wished we had time to see the local history exhibits upstairs.
2. Barker Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Learn more about the mansion built by one of the founding fathers of the rail car industry, John H. Barker. This house, while actually lived in for only a very short time, has brought many years of enjoyment to the Barker family, and to the residents of the City of Michigan City. From educational guided tours to special seasonal functions, the Barker Mansion and Civic Center is a true jewel in the crown of Michigan City.
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
The Barker family played a major role in the development of industry in the Michigan City area in the 19th and early 20th centuries. John H. Barker, Sr., moved to Indiana in 1836 from Massachusetts searching for economic opportunities in the fast closing pioneer state of Indiana. Initially a general merchant, he branched into grain brokerage before opening a commission house to handle merchandise being shipped on the Great Lakes. In 1855, he bought an interest in a railroad car manufacturing business that was relocating to Michigan City. It was an opportune investment as the coming of the Civil War just a few years later resulted in a huge demand for railroad cars. When he retired in 1869, his son, John H. Barker, Jr., joined the firm and eventually became the company's president. By 1910, the family fortune was estimated to be $60 millions dollars (the equivalent of $1.6 billion today). As befitting the wealthiest family in town, the Barker's had the most impressive home in Michigan City. Originally built in 1857, the house underwent an extensive expansion in the early 20th century. When completed in 1909, it had 38 rooms, ten bathrooms, and seven fireplaces. Built in the style of an English manor house, its two-and-a-half stories are clad in dark red brick with limestone trim. Unfortunately, Barker's wife died of a sudden illness in May 1910, with Barker himself dying of pneumonia in December. This left their only child, 14-year-old Catherine, an orphan and also one of the wealthiest women in the world. She completed her education in New York where she made her home after graduation - the mansion in Michigan City stayed in the family, but was seldom visited by the young heiress. In 1915, she sold the family's interest in the railroad car factory (it eventually became part of the Pullman Company and continued to operate until the decline of the railroad industry led to its closure in 1970). She subsequently embarked on several philanthropic enterprises that aided the people of Michigan City and eventually gave the mansion to Purdue University, which used it as a temporary regional campus from 1948 to 1968. After Purdue University vacated the structure, the house is gifted to Michigan City. Before Catherine's death in 1970, she provided money for the mansion's restoration and arranged to have its original furnishings returned. The result is that today, the mansion looks very much like it did in its heyday, both inside and out. We visited it recently and took the guided tour (offered Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1 p.m. - self-guided tours are also available on Saturday afternoons). This lasts a little more than an hour and takes visitors through the public rooms on the first floor, the family quarters on the second floor, and even the servants quarters. Rooms look pretty much as they did in the day - with proof in most rooms provided by period insurance photos. We actually got here a little after 1, so joined the tour shortly after they finished a short video on the family - we watched the video after the tour ended, but it is definitely good to watch (and probably more helpful if seen first). Overall, we really enjoyed the tour and thought it was very well done.
3. Washington Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Reviewed By Jonathangram - Adrian, United States
There are a number of activities to do in this area. It is a great spot if you’re visiting Michigan city. The pier and lighthouse is highly recommended, fishing out on the pier, splash pad, the park. Great place to take Family for the day.
4. Shady Creek Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
"A great winery experience on the southern Lake Michigan shore". Featuring custom crafted wines and a first class facility situated on nearly 20 acres of grounds with expansive views, comfortable patios, covered porches, fireplaces, tasting room, specialty foods, gifts and local artwork.
Reviewed By JefferyJ - Granger, United States
The staff were very friendly and knowledgable. The pizza is delicious and the wine is very good. My wife likes White Caps and I like the Petite Sirah. We loved sitting outdoors with the live entertainment.
5. Stateline Blueberries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
35 Acre u-pick blueberry farm open July and August. Reasonable prices, follow up with a swim on lovely Lake Michigan beaches nearby. Great summer outing for the family! Family owned and operated since 1942.
Reviewed By X6085NHdebbiem - Glen Ellyn, United States
This is a fantastic family experience. This family owned farm has multiple varieties of blueberry bushes which ripen at different times so berries are plentiful. The web site is updated daily during picking season enabling planning to pick your favorites. Staff is available to direct everyone to the sweet, tart, large or small varieties that are ripe when you arrive. Buckets are provided for picking in two sizes. Bring a length of rope if you would like to wear the bucket for two handed picking! The best berries are not necessarily next to the parking lot - so be prepared to walk a bit as the farm is large! Fields and the rows are mowed for easy picking. Helpful hint - boxes to bring home are available - but bring your own Tupperware for easy storage on the ride home. Ready to purchase are limited available. Bushes have berries low enough for children to pick with ease. Fields are wide open so hat, sun screen and plenty of water are helpful. Picnic tables are available to bring a lunch, as well as a few porta potties, and a hand washing station. Also available are honey and syrup. For COVID - masks are not required. The farm is huge so it is very easy to socially distance while picking. During our visit everyone in line to purchase maintained a distance. Cost is per pound and very reasonable. No charge per person, only pay for what you pick!
6. Shoreline Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By I4107TYchrism - Le Claire, United States
Food was really great! Scotch eggs and fried pickle spears were excellent! Lamb burger and pulled were great. Beer was really good. I would go back again just for the apps alone!????
7. Lighthouse & Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Jonathangram - Adrian, United States
Very unique experience in Michigan city. The pier and lighthouse is off of Michigan city Beach, where are you have a neat experience to go out on the pier to the lighthouse. Lotta fishing off of the pier as well. When we were there we were not able to go inside the lighthouse so I’m not sure there’s access for the public.
8. Michigan City Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Blessedsky
A great beach for the family. Everything you need for a great day! One admission price to park, use the beach, and the kids play area. The boardwalk to the lighthouse is an added plus. The sunset is amazing from here. Washington Park Zoo is right across the street, and plenty of area to picnic and park.
9. Michigan City Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Steve1943 - Michigan City, United States
This is one of the best libraries I’ve ever visited. For a small town they have a lot available. There is a large section for children and they have many programs for the children and for adults. Service is friendly. A very good place to visit.
10. Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By SuzettePea - Michigan City, United States
I love the way the Lubeznik Center showcases student art works! It is a fabulous art space and the gift shop has unique gifts, often locally made.
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