With easy access to places like the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan, Michigan City attracts many visitors especially during the summer season. However the city itself also has plenty to do. This article will cover the top locations in Michigan City, and why you should schedule your next weekend trip there as soon as possible.
National Park Announces Project 1966 – Hike Every Trail
Join a ranger and hike all the trails in Indiana Dunes National Park. This hiking challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a ranger-led hike on a different trail. There will be a total of 19 hikes covering 66 miles to honor the year, 1966, when the park was established. Can’t make them all or want to do some self-guided hikes instead? Then ask for information about the hikes at the Visitor Center, the Paul H. Douglas Center, or look on our website
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Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival Presented by Arnett Construction Announces Sculptor Line-up
The return of the fourth annual Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival will be held July 18-20 in Washington Park. This year’s line up has been released by Bill and Marianne Knight of the Sand Lovers, LLC, which includes two additional master sculptors. The festival is presented by Arnett Construction. “Michigan City has some amazing leadership…
Indiana Dune’s Mount Baldy Closed Thru Mid – June 2026
The Mount Baldy Access Site will be closed from late March to mid-June 2026 as the Indiana Dunes National Park Service undertakes a key project to manage sand movement and stabilize the shoreline. Over the years, windblown sand has covered parts of the parking area and sanitation facilities. This effort is designed to…
New Aviary Exhibit Coming to Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City Indiana
As spring approaches and temperatures rise, Washington Park Zoo is set to welcome back visitors for a dynamic new season. The zoo is preparing an array of engaging experiences for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Washington Park Zoo, nestled along the scenic lakeshore of Michigan City Indiana, has long been a cherished destination for families,…
Special Events Announced for 2025 in Michigan City, Indiana
Nine major events will shape the Michigan City Special Events schedule this year, beginning with the annual Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 and the Easter Egg Hunt in Washington Park on Saturday, April 19. Highlighted by the return of The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival and…
The African Lion and Bengal Tiger habitat are now OPEN
This has been a long time coming with construction that started in July 2022 with the new habitats are about 98% completed.
The last minute touches including a few minor painting task, additional climbing decks for the Big Cats and planting projects is now completed
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3 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 city’s NEW Lakefest summer festival
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 Dunes National Park.
As you marvel at the natural landscape, rangers will talk to you about the city’s maritime history. New additions to this year’s 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.
The Antique Market
The Antique Market of Michigan City announced its plans for the re-opening on July 4th weekend, 2020, at 3703 N.E. Frontage Road – I-94 & US 421, Michigan City, Indiana. The popular Annual Christmas Walk is held the Second Weekend in November and their Annual Flea Market is Held in the summer. Continue Reading . . .
Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival Presented by Arnett Construction Announces Sculptor Line-up
The return of the fourth annual Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival will be held July 18-20, 2025 in Washington Park. This year’s line up has been released by Bill and Marianne Knight of the Sand Lovers, LLC, which includes two additional master sculptors. The festival is presented by Arnett Construction. “Michigan City has some amazing leadership…
Shoreline Brewery
Culture Trip suggests a trip to Shoreline Brewery for good no-frills food and drink. As the name suggests, it’s located on the coast of Lake Michigan so you can grab a pint of one of their home-brewed beers after walking the sandy shores. They usually have 12 brews on rotation with two mainstays: Scottish Ale and Oatmeal Stout.
The brewery’s bar chow is also some of the best in the city, with Shoreline Poutine and Scotch Eggs as two of the crowd favorites. If you’re going for a meal, their entrees do not disappoint. Their gumbo, burgers and baby back ribs are perfectly paired with a cold glass of beer.
Blue Chip Casino
The Blue Chip Casino offers various activities. From playing at the tables, to eating and going to the spa; there’s something for everyone. The casino is also noted for its concerts with a Johnny Cash tribute band recently performing there this month. For a more intimate setting, visit the famous Rocks Lounge if you want to enjoy live music in a relaxed atmosphere with a cocktail in hand.
Entertainment destinations like the Blue Chip Casino still remain popular because they offer a classic casino experience. Where else can you watch a concert, have a nice meal, and hit the tables all in one night?
Friendship Botanic Gardens-
The Friendship Botanic Gardens is an oasis of formal gardens and nature trails surrounding Trail Creek in Michigan City, Indiana.
Featuring new gardens, 14 different gardens, music concerts, educational programs and health and harmony with nature. Located at 601 Marquette Trail, Michigan City, 878-9885, May-Oct: Sat & Sun 10-4 pm,
For Complete Description, Click here
Festival Of Lights – Michigan City
The Annual Festival of Holiday Lights begins on the first Saturday in December 6th 2025 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at Millennium Park (Where Santa Will Be) Washington Park, Michigan City, Indiana and the Snowflake parade after the Tree Lighting. Santa will be present to meet and greet children as vehicles safely drive through…
See Our “Michigan City Calendar of Events” Click HERE
Discover More About the Indiana Dunes:
Century of Progress Tour
Things to Do in Michigan City
Dunes Learning Center
Indiana Dunes Becomes a National Park
Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast awarded “Best Romantic Getaway”
Chautauqua in the Dunes
Lake Michigan Beaches
Free Beach Shuttles at Indiana Dunes
Birding Festival (May)
Maple Sugar Time (Spring)
Visit Mount Baldy
Outdoor Adventure Festival (Fall)
Apples Festival (Fall)
Local Family Fun Amusement Parks
Things To Do in Chesterton
Things to do in Valparaiso
Things to do in Portage
Things To Do In Chesterton
Things To Do in Lowell
Things To Do in Indiana Dunes
Things to Do In LaPorte
Things To Do in Michigan City
Things To Do in Portage
Things To Do In Hammond
Things To Do In Whiting
Things To Do In Crown Point
Things to do in Hobart
Visit Our Michigan City Calendar of Events
The Hub NWI Receives an Art’s Kiln from Porter County Community Foundation
The HUB NWI, a community makerspace housed in a restored former church in Hebron, has received a $7,500 grant from the Porter County Community Foundation to fund its Community Kiln Arts Initiative. The award allows The HUB NWI to bring a new Janus Ovation dual use kiln online, opening hands-on ceramics, glass fusing,…
Upcoming Family Fun Events
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MichiganCity; Michigan City; Michigan City Indiana; CreatePlayRepeat; Create Play Repeat; My Michigan City; MyMichiganCity; IndianaDunes; IndianaDunes; Washington Park; Michigan City Beach; Mayor Nelson Deuitch; UptownArtsDistrict; Uptown Arts; Uptown Arts District; festival of lights; st patricks day parade; juneteenth celebration; patriotic parade; singing sands sculpture contest; barker mansion; oktoberfest; fedders alley; great lakes grand prix; wahsington park zoo; lighthouse place; blue chip casino;
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
