Michigan City is LaPorte County, Indiana's largest city. It's located on the shores of Lake Michigan at the mouth of Trail Creek. The town developed as an industrial center, and later gained a reputation as a popular recreation and resort community. The "singing sands" of the Washington Park beach are famous, and a popular summer attraction. Adjacent to Michigan City is Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Mt. Baldy, the state's largest moving sand dune.

Take the Historic Downtown Michigan City Tour, visit the Washington Park Zoo, see the Michigan City Lighthouse and Museum, do a little gambling, check out galleries and theaters, golf, shop at the enormous array of outlet stores and antique shops, or simply take a beautiful drive along Lake Michigan and a hike through the dunes or along miles of beautiful beaches. Spend a day here picking your own fruit (or Christmas tree) at one of LaPorte County's two dozen "u-pick" orchards and berry farms, or go horseback riding, or sailing. Michigan City has it all.

Possibly the best thing about Michigan City is its accessibility. Only fifty miles southeast of Chicago, it is the perfect spot for a day trip, though there are an abundance of bed & breakfast, motels, and camping spots available. Michigan City should not be missed, whether for an afternoon, weekend, or entire week. The drive usually doesn't take much more than an hour, and the South Shore Line runs here too.

Directions

Take I-94 south out of Chicago and simply follow it around the southern end of Lake Michigan. You can't miss it. For a faster drive, take the Skyway. If you're looking for scenic, try old Highway 12; it'll add time, but sometimes the "quiet sandy trail" is worth it.