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.
Canterbury Summer Theatre Announces 2023 Season!
All performances will be in the intimate, air-conditioned Canterbury Theatre, located in the Uptown Arts District of Michigan City, Indiana, at 807 Franklin Street. Continue Reading . . .
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 on July 29th – 31st, 2023
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.
New Zoo Exhibit Planned for 2023 at Washington Park Zoo
The Washington Park Zoo began in 1925 when a retired animal trainer moved this pet brown bear named “Jake” to the Washington Park lakefront. In 1927 city manager Albert Coden , Wesley Kibby and Max Gloye with a special group created the Zoological Gardens. In 1928 the Zoo Board (Michigan City Zoological Society) was founded…
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 . . .
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?
Canterbury Summer Theater
Known as one of the Midwest’s oldest professional summer companies, Canterbury Summer Theater stages various productions spanning different genres. Musicals, comedies, thrillers and dramas; the summer theater has it all. Their intimate performance space is located in the city’s Uptown Arts District, which is also worth a visit.
The quality of their acting is superb since many of the actors in the company have gone on to perform on Broadway or on the big screen. Chicago Tribune lists “Constellations” as the first play of the summer season. Take note that their performances start in mid-June and end some time in early August so make sure to book seats in advance.
Michigan City has it all when it comes to a summer weekend break. From boat trips to theater performances and casino nights, you should make it your next weekend destination trip. Their WEBSITE
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 3rd 2022 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
Visit Our Michigan City Calendar of Events
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.
