Michigan City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Michigan City
Michigan City
Michigan City
Photo by Ashlie Thornburg Freeberg
Photo by Lawrence Tellez

This lakeside town, just one hour from Chicago, features miles of beach, beautiful lighthouses and a variety of tasty fruit farms.

Michigan City is a small, rural town where Chicago locals go to relax. Lounge on the lake, hike the dunes and enjoy the fresh produce of the area’s farms.

Spend a day at Washington Park which features several miles of sandy beach along Lake Michigan. The sand here is nicknamed “singing sand” after the high-pitched whine it makes blowing off the dunes. Come by the park in the evening to watch the sun set on the water. There is a parking fee.

Walk along the pier out to the old lighthouse which rests 40 feet (12 meters) above the water. Known as Old Michigan City Light, this is one of the oldest lighthouses in Indiana. Climb to the top for a wide panorama of the coastline and the town.

Head to the beach on the northwest side of town to climb Mount Baldy, a wandering sand dune. This hulking mass of sand moves about 5 feet (1.5 meters) south every year.

Visit one of the many farms in the area to enjoy a range of fresh produce. Blueberry farms and apple orchards are located all around the area. Take a delicious daytrip traveling from one to the next and sampling the fruit. Go apple picking in an orchard to enjoy fruit just off the branch. Drop by a farmers market, which is held on the main square in town, to taste some of the area’s other products.

Most tourists come to Michigan City during the summer to tan on the beach but Michigan city is a delightful destination year-round. In fall the weather is mild and the trees are at their most vibrant and in the winter, Lake Michigan freezes over making a beautiful winter panorama.

Michigan City can be reached by car, bus or train from Chicago. The city has a local bus service but to see the surrounding countryside, it is best to have access to a car.

Where to stay in Michigan City

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Tryon Farm

While there might not be top attractions in Tryon Farm, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Shady Creek Winery and Minden Bog.

Tryon Farm
Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa
Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa
3.5 out of 5
777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £115 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£115
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Michigan City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,577 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa
Baymont by Wyndham Michigan City
Baymont by Wyndham Michigan City
2.5 out of 5
4128 South Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN
The price is £66 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£66
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Michigan City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
5.6/10 (963 reviews)
"Great property poor communication"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Michigan City
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City
2 out of 5
9834 W 400 N, Michigan City, IN
The price is £68 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
£68
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Michigan City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"This property was conveniently located near highway and major stores"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Michigan City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Adorable cottage in the Michiana Shores area! Close to Lake Michigan and Dunes
Adorable cottage in the Michiana Shores area! Close to Lake Michigan and Dunes
Michigan City, IN
Stay at this golf holiday home in Michigan City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blue Chip Casino and Four Winds Casino ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Beautiful Comfortable Convenient
"I wish I could give more stars. This is probably the most comfortable house I've ever rented over the years. Nicely decorated with simple but good taste. Conveniently organized, well stocked kitchen. We had everything we needed including the Keurig coffee maker. My daughter rented this house last ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Adorable cottage in the Michiana Shores area! Close to Lake Michigan and Dunes
Downtown Getaway 1
Downtown Getaway 1
Michigan City
Stay at this apartment in Michigan City. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Blue Chip Casino and Cleveland Park are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
Good B-Day Stay!
"Great location, close to everything!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Downtown Getaway 1
BEACHFRONT/HOT TUB/STEAM ROOM/MASSAGE CHAIR/PINBALL/BIKES/KAYAKS/PADDLEBOARDS.
BEACHFRONT/HOT TUB/STEAM ROOM/MASSAGE CHAIR/PINBALL/BIKES/KAYAKS/PADDLEBOARDS.
Michigan City, IN
Stay at this apartment in Michigan City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna and patios. Popular attractions Blue Chip Casino and Stop 7 Beach are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
Perfect location!
"The location was PERFECT. Just a 5 minute walk down a sandy path to a beautiful beach and Lake Michigan! The tiny cottage was perfect for two people. The bed however is very very hard. If you’re young you’d be okay, but us older folks don’t do well on firm beds lolOther than that our weekend stay ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

BEACHFRONT/HOT TUB/STEAM ROOM/MASSAGE CHAIR/PINBALL/BIKES/KAYAKS/PADDLEBOARDS.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Michigan City

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Didn’t see any of it as was just a stay over, would use it again though

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