Spend Some Time At Trail Creek
If you are a lover of water bodies and other aqua-related elements, then Trail Creek is available for you.
This 7.3-mile-long creek is a tributary of Lake Michigan, and as it flows into the lake. It offers excellent salmon fishing options.
The creek features diverse natural habitats, such as wetlands and bogs. They attract a wide range of bird species, including the endangered bald eagle, the Eastern, the Indiana bat, and Mitchells satyr butterfly.
Trail Creek also has a cold water habitat that aids the spawning of trout and salmon. Be sure to add Trail Creek to your checklist of things to do in Michigan City.
Address700 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360
Planning a New York road trip, check out our guide on places to visit in Rochester and Old Forge for a fun trip.
Krueger Memorial Park And Hall
Visiting the Krueger Memorial Park is another interesting thing to do in Michigan City. It features space areas for play, picnics, and other activities like relaxing, walking, and running,
In the park is the historic Krueger Memorial Hall. Having undergone extensive renovations since 2008, the hall is available for rent for community events and functions.
The hall is properly maintained with two-story log structure built from trees. The trees were fell from the area using W.P.A. funds during the Great Depression.
Krueger Memorial hall hosts gatherings ranging from weddings, family reunions, club meetings, classes, and showers.
Amenities here include a kitchen, bar, two fireplaces, and restrooms.
Opening hours: 08:00 am 04:00 pm
Address: 801 Liberty Trl, 46360, Michigan City, United States
Illinois holds quite some breathtaking attractions and activities for fun exploration, do check out our list of things to do in Bloomington, things to do in Rockford, and things to do in Naperville for a memorable Illinois exploration.
Retreat To A Charming Getaway
For over 85 years, Duneland Beach Inn has provided a private reprieve within Michigan City. With comfortable rooms and delicious food, its the perfect place to explore, relax, and connect with family or friends. The cozy wine and martini bar is the best spot to enjoy a casual dinner or cocktails, and the restaurant offers an eclectic menu of seafood, steaks, chops, poultry, and comfort foods like fried chicken and ribs.
If youre seeking an even more remote retreat and dining experience, head to the Brewery Lodge & Supper Club. The boutique resort hotel boasts a warm atmosphere and 40 acres of streams, ponds, and wildlife. The Brewery Lodge has 12 rooms and serves a lodge-style menu every night, as well as a selection of craft beers and wines.
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Do Some Shopping At Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets
Do you wish to do some premium shopping at an affordable price while in Michigan City? If your answer is yes, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets has got you covered.
Chocking the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlet is one of the best things to do in Michigan City, as it is one of the top shopping inside the city.
It has many thrift shops for you to thrift some of the best outfits, and there are many branded outlets. The likes of Nike, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Michael Kors, and many other excellent stores made their way into this shopping center.
And if youve had a long day of shopping, you can take a break at the food court. It would interest you to know that there is a Beef Jerky Outlet here too, so you purchase souvenirs for your friends from this center.
Thrilling Water Sports This Summer In Michigan City

International promoter P1 AquaX has unveiled details of its three events this summer in Michigan City, Indiana. Celebrating its tenth season of personal watercraft racing, in Indiana in July and August. Lake Michigan will be the venue for two Grand Prix events and AquaX racing will make its first ever visit to Stone Lake in LaPorte as part of the citys NEW Lakefest summer festival on
Lake Michigan Tours Daily two-hour sightseeing tours along Lake Michigan, by tour group Harbor Country Adventures, will return this summer season according to the Times Northwest Indiana. Aside from Lake Michigan,the boat ride includes a view of the coastline of the Indiana DunesNational Park. As you marvel at the natural landscape, rangers will talk to you about the citys maritime history. New additions to this years tour include dockside concerts followed by sunset cruises. For the adventurous, you can also try their speedboat rides, or rent kayaks and paddle on the lake to explore surrounding features.
Washington Park Zoo
Located close to the lake, the Washington Park Zoo encompasses 15 acres of hilly sand dunes. The park is owned and operated by the City of Michigan, and is home to more than 200 animals. The zoo is well maintained and the lively staff are very approachable. This attraction can easily be done in around two hours making it perfect for a half day activity.
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: Mt Baldy
We didnt do a lot of hiking this trip since it was sweltering and humid, but we did take the Mount Baldy Beach Trail to the shores of Lake Michigan. Although at just under a mile, I wouldnt really call the trail a hike.
Warning if you plan to pack in items to spend the day at this beach, you need to know that you will have to carry those items up a reasonably steep sand dune at the end of your beach time. I would recommend packing as few items as possible.
We arrived reasonably early in the morning, so there were not very many other people there. The water was calm and refreshingly cool. It was too cold for me to brave taking a dip in it even though it was hot out, but I did place my feet into it and walk around a while, letting it take away some of the heat of the day.
The Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall
Bargain hunters from all over should definitely make a visit to the Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall. The shopping center is home to a myriad of different discount stores. It is one of the largest outlet malls in the area, certainly the closest one until you get to Chicago. Many shoppers make the 60-mile trek from Chicago just to come shop at one of the almost 100 stores in the shopping center. It is conveniently located just off of Highway 12, so it is easy to get to from anywhere.
Editors Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Michigan City.
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Sample Craft Beers At Shoreline Brewery
Shoreline Brewery is one of the top premium breweries in Michigan City.
Overlooking Michigan Lake, it has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
They have a restaurant, too, and its menu is quite diverse.
The craft beers are excellent, and their award-winning Beltaine Scottish Ale is highly recommended.
Do you feel like you have a different taste when it comes to beers?
Don’t worry, for you will definitely find something suited for you here in this brewery.
Trail Creek Michigan City Indiana
Trail Creek is a 7.3-mile-long tributary of Lake Michigan that flows into the lake and offers excellent salmon fishing. The creek features several natural habitats, such as bogs and wetlands that attract an array of bird species like the endangered bald eagle, the Indiana bat, the Eastern, and Mitchells satyr butterfly. Trail Creek also provides a cold water habitat that supports trout and salmon spawning.
700 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360, Phone: 219-879-4300
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Make A Stop At Shady Creek Winery
Shady Creek Winery is one place in Michigan City that will make you feel at home.
Tourists have stated how homely the ambiance is here.
There is also a restaurant that serves appetizers that go well with the wine.
The pizzas are worth trying out as well.
One word that best describes the winery is “cozy.”
You can even warm up by the fireplace with a glass of wine in hand during winter.
All of their wines have won an award or two and are some of the best blends in the world.
They source their ingredients from local vineyards, and their red wines are some of the most flavorful ones you’ll ever have.
Spend Time With Nature In The Trail Creek
Initially a Lake Michigan tributary, Trail Creek is one of the most gorgeous places in Michigan City.
It runs across almost 7.3 miles, ultimately joining the great lake.
You can easily spend an afternoon in the vicinity.
The ecosystem around the water body is mainly comprised of wetlands.
There is also a lot of wildlife around.
You can easily spot some rare birds flying around, such as bald eagles.
Trouts and salmons dominate the waters.
You can even opt for fishing in this tributary.
In fact, this is one of the best places to fish for salmon.
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Our Airbnb While In Michigan City
As I mentioned in my article about getting away for the weekend on a tight budget, we usually camp on our monthly date weekends except for the month of our anniversary and Christmas. Those two months, we tend to stay in a town or city and get an Airbnb.
Since this was a pretty special anniversary, being the 25th, we decided to up our budget for an Airbnb and get a whole home with a yard and hot tub. We usually get a private place, but typically stick to condos or suites with no outdoor space as they are less expensive than single-family dwellings.
We were pleased with our pick. The home was spacious and peaceful the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend of social distancing.
Things To Do With Kids In Michigan City In

- TripBuzz found 65 things to do with kids in or near Michigan City, Indiana, including 51 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Valparaiso, New Buffalo, Portage and Chesterton.
- From Washington Park Zoo to Lakeshore Lanes, the Michigan City area offers 82 different types of family activities, including: Theaters, Bowling, Zoos and Movie Theaters.
- Situated on the south eat edge of Lake Michigan, Michigan City, IN is located only an hour from Chicago. Due to its proximity to the lake and to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan City receives many tourists in the summer months each year from Chicago and other surrounding areas.
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Spend An Afternoon At The Michigan City Public Library
The Michigan City Public Library is not just any public library.
It is one of the top public libraries in the entire state.
The library extends across 35,000 square feet and is probably the biggest public library you will see in your life.
The genius architect, Helmut Jahn, known all over the world for some of his brilliant works, was the mastermind behind its unique architecture.
Offering more than just books, the library provides visitors access to thousands of audiobooks and DVDs.
Fun Things To Do In Michigan City
Since 1986 the Town Planner Calendar has been keeping families across America up-to-date about events and other fun things to do right in their hometown.
Delivered free of charge every December to millions of homes across America, our full-sized, full-color calendar is a time-tested and beloved tool for helping families stay organized. The large date blocks are not only loaded with lots of nearby events and fun things to do, there’s plenty of room for you to record your own family’s important events like birthdays, anniversaries, parties — anything you have planned — so everybody in the house can see them whenever they go to the fridge, out the front door, or wherever you choose to display it.
But there’s more! Every calendar is full of coupons from popular local merchants, so you can save money while supporting small businesses right in your hometown.
And don’t miss our beautiful full-color photography! Every month you’ll recognize a new photo from someplace close to home, submitted to us by a local photographer. If you’d like to have your own hometown photos included in our calendar, please contact your local publisher for more information.
If there’s something happening close to home that folks in your neighborhood need to know about, why not submit it to us today? Please note that publication of your event is subject to approval by your local Town Planner publisher.
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Shine Your Light Upon The World
Looking for something fun to do?Bring your friends and join us as we paint Shine Your Light Upon the World while we sample delicious chocolates at the Michigan City South Bend Chocolate Cafe located at the Lighthouse Outlet Mall.
This painting is done in a step by step format. No experience necessary. We will walk you through every step of the way. Come relax, have fun and enjoy a memorable time.
Seating is limited so reserve your easels now.Tickets may be purchased at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe, on Eventbrite or right here on the website.
This is a family friendly event. $29 per person includes painting session and chocolate sampling.
Happy Painting!
Take In Scenic Views From The Michigan City East Light
The Michigan City East Light is one of the most essential structures in the city.
There are no other functioning lighthouses in Michigan City.
Nowadays, it is more of an Indiana landmark that must not be missed.
You can take a look at this great attraction while you are standing in the harbor region.
There used to be another lighthouse in the same region, but that was almost in ruins.
In 1858, the city decided to build another lighthouse, an exact replica of the old one.
They constructed a new pier along with it.
Don’t forget to take a few snaps while you are out there.
John H. Barker played an important role in Michigan City’s history.
He is best known as one of the brilliant men who founded the railcar industry.
Located in the heart of Michigan City, Barker Mansion stands proudly as a historical museum that tells all the city’s famous stories.
It wasn’t always a museum, though.
Earlier, it was a manor built for John H. Barker.
You can still find the 38 rooms that were built back in 1905.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Barker Mansion is indeed an example of sheer beauty.
In the rooms, you can find beautifully curated works of art from all over the world.
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Located close to Chicago, Michigan City is a small lakeside town in northern Indiana. The citys wonderful array of attractions has something to appeal to every kind of visitor. There are beautiful parks, zoos, amazing historical buildings, beaches, and more. Many visitors also head here to explore the stunning Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which is close by. Being on the shores of Lake Michigan provides ample scope to enjoy watersports and recreation activities such as fishing, boating, or paddling. The city is also well known as a cultural hotspot, with the Uptown Arts District being a prime destination for galleries, exhibitions, and boutiques. In this article, we have a list of the best things to do in Michigan City, Indiana. Keep reading to find out more.
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Explore a slice of Michigan Citys history at The Old Lighthouse Museum. Found in the harbor of Michigan City, Indiana, this lighthouse, which dates back to 1858, was decommissioned in 1940. Today, the attraction has become a great place to learn about the history of the lighthouse as well as the history of the city. The museum housed inside has a wide collection of objects, such as artifacts related to the early Native Americans settlements, the maritime history of the region, as well as ship models. The highlight, of course, is climbing up the lantern tower for spectacular views.
Get Your Share Of Entertainment At Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa
Looking for one of the finest places to stay and get entertained at the same time?
Blue Chip Casino is at your service.
If you want to enjoy that ideal vacation in Michigan City, this is the best option for you.
There is a casino inside, and it will be one of the most entertaining parts of your stay.
Tired after a long day of sightseeing?
Rejuvenate at the spa located inside the hotel.
It has several dining options: a fine dining restaurant, a sports bar, and a deli.
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Visit The Donkeys Tigers And Bears
The Washington Park Zoo sits on 15 acres of sand dunes near the southeastern tip of Lake Michigan and showcases over 90 species from around the world. Catch a glimpse of animals including Bengal Tigers, Grey Wolves, Grizzley Bears, American Alligators, Bald Eagles, and Cotton Top Tamarins. The petting zoo also has its own collection of animals such as goats, pigs, horses, and donkeys.