Enjoy a Beach Vacation in Michigan City, Indiana
Lake Michigan is a beauty, and Michigan City, IN, is one of the best spots to spend a vacation on its shores.
Known for its zoo and botanic gardens, this city has become a popular beach town hotspot for vacations.
Only an hour from Chicago and just south of the Michigan border, this city of 30K in Indiana draws many Midwestern tourists to its sandy shores.
Read on for the best things to do in Michigan City, IN, and plan your next getaway:
In this article
Things to Do in Michigan City
Michigan City offers more than a visit to Lake Michigan. Plan your next trip with these activities and Michigan City attractions:
1 – Hit the Beach
Washington Park Beach, Sheridan Beach, Long Beach
Michigan City provides plenty of sandy beachfront to experience Lake Michigan’s beauty. The sand is clean and plentiful for play and the waters are perfect for swimming.
On a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline from some of its shores.
Washington Park Beach is the largest and most popular beach in Michigan City and includes a marina, restaurant and restrooms. While there, visit the only publicly operated lighthouse in Indiana.
Parking: $15 daily for non-residents during beach season.
If you continue further up the shore northeast, you’ll reach Sheridan Beach and Long Beach.
Much of this shoreline is bordered by houses and is quieter and less busy than Washington Park.
2 – Go Rock Hunting
Michigan City IN Beaches
Michigan City beaches are PACKED with rocks from Lake Michigan. These rocks are generally flat and smooth and may contain holes, fossils, or other cool textures.
Since the water is so clean, it’s easy to see rocks while standing in the water and pick your favorites. You’ll also find them scattered on the beach just beyond the water’s edge.
3 – Take a Stroll through Friendship Botanic Gardens
US-12, Michigan City IN 46360
The Friendship Botanic Gardens have grown since their inception in the 1930s and welcome over 60,000 visitors annually.
With multiple trail loops at one mile or shorter in distance, it’s an easy walk to see their stunning grounds.
It offers gardens dedicated to various countries and cultures, including the Italian Garden, Lithuanian Garden and African American Garden.
Schedule & Admission
- The gardens are open seasonally, six days per week (closed Mondays).
- Admission for kids is free, and leashed dogs are welcome.
The Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden is a must-see if you’re visiting with kids.
In the Arcelor Mittal Children’s Garden, kids can explore cedar playground structures, outdoor musical instruments and a working water pump.
4 – Visit the Animals at the Washington Park Zoo
115 Lakeshore Dr, Michigan City IN 46360
Starting as an animal sanctuary in 1928, the Washington Park Zoo has grown to its current 15-acre size, featuring wolves, bears, tigers, lions, otters, bald eagles and more favorites.
Many of the animals taken in by the zoo are injured or were illegal pets that would not be able to survive in the wild.
Schedule & Admission
- Zoo admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children (2 and under are free)
- Parking is shared with Washington Park and the Oasis Splash Pad and incurs a daily $15 fee for non-residents during beach season.
- The zoo is open seasonally. 2025 Schedule: March 29 – December 7.
- During November and December, the zoo is only open on Saturdays & Sundays
Visiting the Zoo with Kids
Given its small size, it is easy to see everything in a short amount of time.
This zoo is built on a hill; some steeper walking paths can tire out little legs. Also, be mindful of stone steps, which can be uneven in spots and a potential tripping hazard for less confident walkers.
Feeding the goats is a popular activity here; bring cash for their feed buckets or quarters for the feed machines.
Finally, be sure to have your camera ready, as there are many opportunities for some great family photos
Favorite Animals
Several exhibits (including the bears, wolves and otters) are visible from different angles or heights. If you can’t see your favorite animal, try walking to another side to locate your favorite furry residents.
Washington Park Zoo is also home to bald eagles, wolves, fennec foxes, zebra and capybaras.
The Observation Tower
If you want the ultimate view of the zoo, head over to the Observation Tower.
From its 200+ steps above street level, you can see Lake Michigan and have a bird’ s-eye view of the animals.
This Art Deco limestone structure was built in the 1930s.
5 – Cool Off at the Oasis Splash Pad
115 Lakeshore Dr, Michigan City IN 46360
Closed since the pandemic in 2020, the Oasis Splash Pad reopened in the summer of 2023 to help locals and visitors beat the heat with fun water features.
Admission is free, but parking is shared with Washington Park ($15/day for non-residents). We suggest visiting the splash pad on the same day as the beach or zoo.
6 – Explore the Indiana Dunes
There are oodles of dunes in Indiana, and two different parks: The Indiana Dunes National Park and The Indiana Dunes State Park.
With over 30 access points and thousands of acres along Lake Michigan, there is no shortage of visiting options. Some fun activities are hiking, biking, camping, swimming and fishing.
Not surprisingly, the beaches here are very popular in the summer. Visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day on a weekend can help reduce the crowds.
7 – Tour the Historic Barker Mansion
31 Washington St, Michigan City IN 46360
Originally built in 1857 by John Barker, this mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Restoration efforts over the years have maintained 90% of the interior in its original state.
Visitors can take self-guided tours or attend special events, such as tea times, Christmas events, weddings and corporate events.
The lower level includes a small museum space.
8 – Shop ’til You Drop at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets
601 Wabash St, Michigan City IN 46360
If you’re an outlet shopping fan, the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City delivers more than most.
You’ll find 80+ stores, including J.Crew Factory, Michael Kors, Carters, Hollister, American Eagle and The North Face.
To keep your shopping stamina strong, Pepperidge Farm, Auntie Anne’s, Starbucks and Subway are a few refueling options.
On cold days, we suggest a stop for dark hot chocolate from the South Bend Chocolate Company.
9 – Play a Round (or two!) of Golf at the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course
4000 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City IN 46360
The golf course includes a practice green, golf practice area, fully stocked pro shop, snack shop & bar (beer and wine) and trained golf professionals for lessons.
You can book tee times online.
Michigan City’s Municipal Golf Course offers two 18-hole options:
| Course Size | |
| North Course | 3,531 yards, par 60 |
| South Course | 6,169 yards, par 72 |
10 – Visit a Michigan City Public Park
Michigan City boasts a robust lineup of 18 public parks in their city with varying amenities. From baseball diamonds to basketball courts and play structures (including ADA-accessible equipment), there is plenty of green space to explore here.
In southwest Michigan City, Striebel Pond is one of the 18 spots to see. It offers 1.5 miles of walking trails and picnic shelters in addition to beautiful, watery views:
11 – See the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival (June)
Washington Park Beach
This sand sculpting competition attracts master sculptors and semi-pros to show off their skills.
Over a dozen massive sculptures cover Washington Park Beach during the three-day event, drawing artists from around the country to participate.
The event has taken place annually in June since 2022.
2022 Entrants
Some of the sand sculptures from 2022’s inaugural competition:
Sculptors Choice, Peoples Choice & First Place
12 – Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks on the Beach
If your visit includes the Fourth of July holiday, grab a sandy seat and enjoy the show.
Visitor Tip: Parking at Washington Park Beach is very expensive for this event ($40/car in 2024). We recommend scouting parking elsewhere or walking from your rental to the beach.
PS: You do not have to be at Washington Park to see the show (the photo below was taken from Sheridan Beach).
13 – Shop the Farmers Market
8th St, Michigan City IN 46360
Located in Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District, the Michigan City Farmers Market is open seasonally from May through October to grab fresh, local produce, plants and other crafted goods.
Operating hours (May-Oct): Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
14 – Visit Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa
777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City IN 46360
Even if gambling is not your thing, Blue Chip is also known for its food, live entertainment and spa services.
Dining options include four restaurants: two serve American food, one serves Mexican food, and the fourth is a steakhouse.
For scheduled live entertainment, try their events calendar.
Where to Eat
Michigan City offers many locally owned restaurants. Tasty food is available during your beach vacation, whether dining in or taking it to go.
Visitor Tips
- Beach season (approximately Memorial Day—Labor Day) is the busiest time of year in Michigan City. Due to the high volume of in-restaurant traffic, some restaurants do not offer carryout during this time.
- Some restaurants close or reduce hours outside beach season when business is slower. Verify hours of operation before you head out.
Dune Billies Beach Cafe
201 Center St, Michigan City IN 46360
(219) 809-6592
Dine in this eclectic restaurant, where the walls are covered from floor to ceiling with photos and other beach-themed decor.
Dune Billies serves breakfast and lunch, and carryout is also available.
Fiddlehead Restaurant
422 Franklin St, Michigan City IN 46360
(219) 210-3253
Fiddlehead offers something for everyone: grass-fed burgers, gluten-free and vegan options and a kids menu.
Dine in the restaurant, enjoy their outdoor patio, or order carryout.
Miller Pizza By the Beach
1012 N Karwick Rd, Michigan City IN 46360
(219) 878-9480
Known for its Chicago-style stuffed pizza, this shop also serves gluten-free and thin-crust options. We recommend taking leftovers home; many customers note the pizza is extra tasty the next day when reheated.
Visitor Tip: If you need to restock the fridge or pantry, Miller Pizza is in a strip mall with Al’s, a popular local grocery store.
Scartozzi’s Trattoria
822 N Karwick Rd, Michigan City IN 46360
(219) 878-0458
This carryout-only Italian restaurant in Michigan City serves up a wide variety of tasty food, with multiple sauce options. You can also skip the sauce and request butter or olive oil as an alternative.
If you’re serving a crowd, Scartozzi’s also offers catering.
Shoreline Brewery
208 Wabash St, Michigan City IN 46360
(219) 879-4677
Shoreline is a good pick for visitors with a variety of tastebuds. With appetizers, small plates, sandwiches and a kids menu, everyone at the table should find something delicious.
Beer fans will also find a dozen options on tap.
This restaurant and brewery has been open since 2005 and is still run by its founder and head brewer, Sam Strupeck.
Kolasa’s Polish Peasant
801 Franklin St, Michigan City IN 46360
(219) 873-1788
Recently relocated to a bigger space on Franklin Street in 2024, this restaurant offers Polish-American fare, including pierogi, potato cakes and stuffed cabbage.
Visitor Tip: This spot offers limited hours. At the time of publication, they were only open Tuesdays – Saturdays.
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill
245 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo MI 49117
(269) 469-2727
Located in nearby New Buffalo, The Stray Dog is a local favorite bar and grill. If only dining with the 21 and up crowd, grab a table on their rooftop bar.
Visitor Tips: Note the time change to Eastern Standard Time since New Buffalo is in Michigan. Also, carryout is not available during beach season.
Where to Stay
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VRBO is popular in Michigan City, with many houses available for rent. This option is particularly attractive for families who want conveniences like kitchens for cooking and a yard to explore outside. Some house rentals also permit dogs.
Here are five house and hotel options for your stay:
1 – Beachfront Home Steps from Beach
• 3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
• 2 bathrooms (2 full baths)
2 – Dunetop Getaway with Lake Views
• 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
• 3 bathrooms (2 full, 1 half bath)
3 – “The Troll’s Den” Cottage in Beachwalk
• 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
• 2 bathrooms (1 full, 1 half bath)
Beachwalk is a resort community in Michigan City, offering unique, colorful homes, pool, basketball courts, volleyball, splash pad, clubhouse, playground and boardwalk access to Lake Michigan.
Many owners rent their homes through VRBO and may also include a golf cart for guests to use around the neighborhood.
4 – 4411 Inn & Suites
4411 U.S. 12, Michigan City IN 46360
5 – Holiday Inn Express & Suites
401 Kieffer Rd, Michigan City IN 46360
Michigan City Visitor Tips
Ready to visit? Here are some insider tips to get you started:
Many Michigan City rentals do not have driveways or garages.
Be sure to confirm parking options before booking your rental property; your car may need to park next door or down the street from where you’re staying.
If traveling with young kids, you may want a wagon or stroller to help transport items or kids back and forth to your car.
Michigan City is in the Central Time Zone.
While obvious for Chicago visitors, Michiganders may forget that Indiana’s time zone is an hour behind Eastern Standard Time. This is especially important for check-in or check-out times, as they will be listed in Central Time Zone hours.
Some beach access points require dune climbs.
Many rental properties are surrounded by dunes; you may have a small climb before reaching Lake Michigan.
Michigan City FAQs
Where is Michigan City?
Tucked just inside the Indiana/Michigan border, Michigan City sits on the south shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana.
Why is “Michigan” City in Indiana?
Founded in 1836, Michigan City earned its moniker due to its proximity to Lake Michigan, not the state of Michigan.
What is Michigan City IN Famous For?
Michigan City is known as a tourist attraction due to its location near both the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
Can I Bring My Dog to the Beach?
Although you may see dogs occasionally on Michigan City beaches, they are not allowed and violations are ticketed.
How Far Away is Michigan City IN from Chicago? Kalamazoo?
Michigan City is about an hour from Chicago IL and and 80 minutes from Kalamazoo MI.
Michigan City Attractions Map
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