Michigan City Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip to Michigan City with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top tourist spots, hiking trails, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health tips, transportation options and logistics, and more.


Introduction to Michigan City

Michigan City is a small city in Northwestern Indiana, located at the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan. With its beautiful sandy beaches, stunning parks, unique attractions and world-renowned museums, Michigan City has become a popular tourist destination in recent years.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing time at the beach, Michigan City offers something for everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll help you to plan a perfect trip to Michigan City with all necessary information, tips, and tricks.

List of Places to Visit in Michigan City

Michigan City offers a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to all tastes. Here are some must-visit places in Michigan City.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old Lighthouse Museum: Built-in 1858, this museum is home to Michigan City’s first lighthouse and offers an insight into the city’s maritime history.

  • Washington Park: A beautiful park located near Lake Michigan. It includes a beach, picnic areas, a playground, and a zoo.

  • Barker Mansion: Constructed in 1857, this mansion offers a glimpse of the life of one of Michigan City’s most prominent families.

  • Lubeznik Center for the Arts: A visual arts center that provides exhibitions, classes, workshops, and cultural events.

Natural Attractions of Michigan City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: A protected area that stretches along 15 miles of Lake Michigan’s southern shore and offers a wide range of activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching.

  • Trail Creek: A beautiful creek with a walking trail that gives stunning views of nature and wildlife, especially during the fall season.

  • Mt. Baldy: A large sand dune in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore that attracts many visitors every year.

  • Sheridan Beach: A serene beach located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and perfect for spending time with family and friends.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Michigan City

Michigan City is home to some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Midwest. Here are some of the top spots for hiking and biking in Michigan City:

  • Calumet Trail: A 9.5-mile trail that offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

  • Marquette Trail: A 10-mile trail located in Michigan’s Indiana Dunes State Park with stunning views of the park’s rugged dunes.

  • Red Mill County Park: A 160-acre park in Michigan City that provides a paved trail for hiking and biking.

Best Things to Do in Michigan City: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, Michigan City offers various activities and tours that will guarantee a fun-filled vacation. Some of the top things to do in Michigan City are:

  • Escape Room Michigan City: A fun-filled escape game that challenges your problem-solving skills.

  • Shoreline Brewery: A popular brewery that serves American-style pub food and a variety of beer.

  • Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa: A luxurious casino hotel that offers gambling, spa, and entertainment.

  • Chicago Helicopter Experience: An exciting helicopter tour of downtown Chicago, Chicago Lakefront, Millennium Park, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Michigan City

Are you planning to spend a week in Michigan City? Here is a sample itinerary for your week-long trip to Michigan City:

Day Activity
1 Visit Indiana Dunes State Park
2 Explore the art galleries and museums
3 Go hiking at Marquette Trail
4 Go paddleboarding at Trail Creek
5 Visit the Washington Park Zoo
6 Go gambling at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa
7 Take a helicopter tour of Chicago

Food and Drink Scene of Michigan City

Michigan City is known for its delicious food and drinks scene, inspired by the region’s rich culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages when in Michigan City.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Deep-dish pizza: A stuffed pizza with various ingredients such as sausage, vegetables, and cheese.

  • Chicago hot dog: A hot dog with a steamed poppy seed bun and a variety of toppings, including pickles, hot peppers, onions, and more.

  • Italian beef sandwich: A sandwich made of thin slices of beef with gravy or au jus.

Local Beverages

  • 3 Floyds Brewing Co.: A famous brewery that produces aromatic and high-quality beers with a unique taste.

  • Indiana Winery & Brewery Tour: A tour that takes you through the region’s best breweries and wineries for a taste of their local brews.

Where to Stay in Michigan City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Michigan City offers various accommodation options that cater to all budgets and preferences. Here are some top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Michigan City:

  • Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa: A luxurious casino hotel that offers 486 well-furnished rooms, including spa and entertainment.

  • Beachwalk Vacation Rentals: A cozy and well-furnished vacation rental that offers indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and access to Lake Michigan.

  • Baymont by Wyndham: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable and clean rooms.

What to Buy in Michigan City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Michigan City offers several locally-made products and souvenirs to bring home for your loved ones. Here are some of the best things to buy in Michigan City:

  • South Bend Chocolate Company: A local chocolate shop that offers a variety of chocolates, truffles, and fudge.

  • Shoreline Brewery merchandise: Unique brewery merchandise with a local touch

  • Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets: An excellent shopping destination with more than 120 designer and name-brand stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Michigan City

When visiting Michigan City, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local customs to avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Here are some things to keep in mind about Michigan City’s local culture and customs:

  • Tip 15-20% at restaurants: It is common to tip 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants.

  • Be respectful at beaches and parks: When visiting beaches and parks, be respectful and follow local rules and regulations.

Best Time to Visit Michigan City

Michigan City is an all-year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on individual preferences. The summer months (June – August) are the most popular and best to enjoy outdoor activities, festivities, and events. The fall months (September – November) are ideal for enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and hiking trails. The winter months (December – February) offer a serene environment with lower hotel rates.

Do’s and Don’ts of Michigan City

When visiting Michigan City, it’s essential to adhere to some do’s and don’ts to ensure a pleasant stay. Here are some things to do and avoid when in Michigan City:

Do:

  • Try local cuisine: Michigan City is known for its regional food and drinks, so be sure to try local cuisine and drinks.

  • Explore the outdoors: Michigan City has several hiking trails, beaches, and parks to explore, so take advantage of these outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter: Michigan City prides itself on its natural beauty, so make sure not to litter in public places.

  • Don’t speed: Michigan City authorities take speeding seriously, so ensure you adhere to speed limits to avoid any trouble.

Safety and Health

Michigan City is generally safe for tourists, but it’s still essential to follow standard safety precautions to ensure a trouble-free trip.

Safety in Michigan City

  • Stay in populated areas: Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar places, especially at night.

  • Be careful on the road: Be watchful of local traffic rules, observe speed limits, and wear your seatbelt when driving.

Health in Michigan City

  • Stay hydrated: Michigan City weather can be humid, so ensure you stay hydrated throughout your trip.

  • Protect against the sun: Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself against the sun.

Getting to Michigan City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Michigan City is accessible by various transportation options such as air, bus, and car.

Airports Near Michigan City

  • South Bend International Airport (SBN): Located roughly 30 miles from Michigan City, the South Bend International airport offers several flights to major cities in the USA.

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Located approximately 85 miles from Michigan City, Chicago O’Hare International Airport offers both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Michigan City

  • Michigan City Bus Station: Located at 100 W Michigan Blvd, the bus station offers frequent bus services to several destinations within and outside Michigan City.

Other Options

  • Renting a car: Renting a car may be a convenient option to explore Michigan City and its surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Michigan City

Michigan City is a relatively small city, easily accessible by walking, biking, or driving. The street system is easy to understand, and public transportation such as buses and taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Michigan City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Michigan City is located in a prime location, making it easy to explore its surrounding areas. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can consider:

  • Chicago, Illinois: Located about 50 miles away, Chicago is an excellent option for a day trip or weekend excursion.

  • Notre Dame, Indiana: Home to the Notre Dame University, the city is a perfect destination for college football fans, located about an hour’s drive from Michigan City.

Conclusion

Michigan City is a beautiful small city that offers a wide range of attractions and activities to suit all preferences. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your perfect trip to Michigan City and take advantage of all the city offers. Happy travels!