What to do and see in Michigan City, United States: The Best Places and Tips

August 3, 2017 Janette Largent

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. Shady Creek Winery

2030 Tryon Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360-2814 +1 219-874-9463
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 158 reviews

Shady Creek Winery

"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 Babes3020 - Kouts, Indiana

Nice venue, additional seating upstairs & on the enclosed porch to have lunch after you're done tasting! Friendly & knowledgeable staff. Only downside: Tasting is the most expensive I've encountered (and have visited wineries in many states); $10 for 6. Try the Beach Glass & Petite Sirah for sure...

2. Washington Park

115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360-3256 +1 219-873-1506
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 293 reviews

Washington Park

Reviewed By roseyakrs - Cool Ridge, West Virginia

We were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this beach, the large expanse of beach and the very beautiful walkway that runs alongside it. Benches to just sit and look or actually go onto the beach. In this same area, is a Lighthouse Museum, which is a wonderful look into the past of this entire area and the lifestyle of the inhabitants. A very informative docent will explain any questions you may have and describe in detail what is contained there.

3. Lighthouse & Pier

2 On the Lake, Michigan City, IN, Michigan City, IN 46360
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

Lighthouse & Pier

Reviewed By Shannon E

It wasn't clear where the best parking was as you can't see the lighthouse from the parking lots and there were lots of them. We stopped at the beach and it was such lovely sand. We walked to the water and saw the lighthouse but didn't get to go on the pier. All it all it was a good place to stop!

4. Barker Mansion

631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360-3419 +1 219-873-1520
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Barker Mansion

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 tanda367 - indianapolis

They offer guided tours at 1:00 Tuesday through Saturday. We arrived at 11 so did the self-guided tour for which they provided a laminated sheet that basically includes the information presented on the tour. The young man at the desk was very enthusiastic and eager to answer any questions you might have.The mansion contained most of the original furniture because the daughter had it put in storage until she donated it to the museum. The mansion was part of Purdue University for some period of time and it was difficult to imagine it in that capacity. I am glad so much of it was preserved.

5. Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets

601 Wabash St, Michigan City, IN 46360-3415 +1 219-879-6506
Excellent
37%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 411 reviews

Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets

Located 60 miles east of Chicago, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets offers a park-like, village setting and is easily accessible as a day trip from downtown Chicago, southwest Michigan and Fort Wayne. South Shore service is available daily via the South Shore Line from Chicago and South Bend. Local Shop & Stay Packages are also available.

Reviewed By NormLWat - Waterloo, Canada

Great outdoor outlet mall. Nice layout with wide pathways for navigating. Good selection of stores with a good selection of stock and decent deals. Great stop, roughly an hour outside of Chicago. Plenty of parking.

6. Old Lighthouse Museum

1 Washington Park Marina, Michigan City, IN 46361 +1 219-872-6133
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Old Lighthouse Museum

The only lighthouse museum in Indiana.

Reviewed By Robin972 - Anderson, South Carolina

This is an excellent museum, full of area history. You can tour on your own, but there are people to explain things, that makes it a lot more interesting. Be sure to notice the chain link fence outside, where each link represents a person who drowned from a certain ship wreck, with signs that tell about it. The view from the lighthouse of the draw bridge, and the area around it is lovely. We also drove a short distance down the beach to walk out to the pier light, which we enjoyed very much!

7. Washington Park Zoo

115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360-3256 +1 219-873-1510
Excellent
34%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 202 reviews

Washington Park Zoo

The Washington Park Zoo was founded in 1928, encompasses 15 acres on a hilly sand dune close to the lake, and is home to more than 200 animals. It is owned and operated by the City of Michigan City, Indiana.

Reviewed By seagull021 - panda in paisley

Was shocked and very pleased at the free entry and loved seeing the panda’s and orangoutangs. Loved how the animals were all covered in enclosures although a bit smelly. Could imagine it to be worse in the height of summer. Spaced out and mostly downhill not so good on the way back. I did notice you pay for parking but since it’s free entry you couldn’t complain. They had a gift shop and the majority of kiosks were closed but the one open sold chicken tenders and they were fab. Highly recommend to everyone.

8. Michigan City Beach

2 On the Lake, Michigan City, IN 46360, Michigan City, IN 46360
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Michigan City Beach

Reviewed By danfriedmanmd - Miller Place, New York

As you enter from the parking lot to the beach you see that a lot of care was taken to make this beach on Lake Michigan a place where families could gather and enjoy the sun. Volleyball courts, restaurants, picnic tables, and a nice boardwalk.

9. Blue Chip Casino

777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360-2422 +1 219-879-7711
Excellent
25%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
6%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 380 reviews

Blue Chip Casino

The 35-acre Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa entertainment destination in Michigan City, Indiana includes a full service casino with 65,000 square feet on one level, a 102,000 square foot pavilion with five restaurants, an entertainment lounge, a spa, gift shop, two hotel towers with a total of 486 rooms and the Stardust Event Center for conventions, meetings and special events.

Reviewed By lizj849 - Chicago, Illinois

I come here alot with friends (several times a year) we usually go just to listen to the music, they always have great bands playing in all of the clubs. The food is always good, I haven't really gambled here but the tables are usually pretty decent amount of people. Would definately recommend a show and dancing if you are free.

10. Friendship Botanic Gardens

2055 E US Highway 12, Michigan City, IN 46360-2152 +1 219-878-9885
Excellent
54%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 29 reviews

Friendship Botanic Gardens

Reviewed By familyofsong - Elmhurst, Illinois

I have attended various concerts at the Gardens. Such a beautiful venue and always fun wonderful music! Arrive early and set up your chairs/picnic blankets. Then take a leisurely stroll around the various Gardens and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. You can even bring a casual picnic dinner for your family or buy reasonable food while at the event. A 'must do' fun family event for the Summer if you are in the area!

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