Michigan City is a vibrant metropolis known for its historic lighthouse and maritime heritage. It's set on the shores of Lake Michigan and is surrounded by sandy beaches and rolling dunes. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions on offer, including one of the most popular zoos in the Midwest.

Things to do

The Old Lighthouse Museum offers a glimpse at Michigan City's maritime roots. Inside you'll find exhibitions on local sailors and shipwrecks. You can also sign up for tours of the historic Michigan City Lighthouse, which has been watching over the harbour since 1858.

Michigan City makes the most of its lakeside setting with public spaces like Washington Park. On a sunny day, locals lounge on the sandy beach, stroll around the rock garden or picnic on the grassy foreshore. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a great place to discover the local ecosystem and explore pine forests, sand dunes and bird-rich wetlands.

Kids will love Washington Park Zoo, which has been luring animal enthusiasts in since the 1920s. It's set on the shores of Lake Michigan and is home to more than 90 species, including grizzly bears, alligators and tigers. In addition to its animal encounters, you can also climb up the Observation Tower for sweeping views over the lake.

Michigan City offers plenty for history aficionados. Barker Mansion is a historic 19th-century merchant’s home filled with gleaming antiques, sparkling chandeliers and family portraits. Bailly Homestead is another highlight, as it once served as an 1820s fur-trading post and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Getting around

Downtown Michigan City is easy to get around on foot and local buses and taxis are available. High-speed passenger trains travel from Michigan City to Chicago in just over one hour, while driving takes around 90 minutes.