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
The price is ₹10,190 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
₹10,190
₹12,657 total
7 Jul - 8 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! (1,568 reviews)
"Its like a whole different world in there!!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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 ₹6,848 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
₹6,848
₹7,669 total
1 Jul - 2 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 (1,002 reviews)
"I would stay again"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Michigan City
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Michigan City by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Michigan City by IHG
2.5 out of 5
401 Kieffer Rd, Michigan City, IN
Fully refundable
The price is ₹14,447 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹14,447
₹16,181 total
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (670 reviews)
"Closed to the highway and the shopping mall Square One."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Michigan City by IHG
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.
The Argyle on Mass Ave
The Argyle on Mass Ave
4 out of 5
615 N East St., Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (120 reviews)
Argyle on Mass is perfect!
"The Argyle on Mass is the perfect place to stay in Indy. It’s located in the heart of the city and everything is walkable from this apartment. Check in, check out was seamless and easy. The room was very clean and comfortable. It’s the perfect option in lieu of over priced hotels!"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
The Villas at French Lick Springs
The Villas at French Lick Springs
3 out of 5
8718 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN
Stay at this 3-star condo in French Lick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (237 reviews)
"This place was great! Very affordable and lots of great amenities, especially for the price! The place is a bit dated in design and furnishings, but we actually loved that! Especially since it did not detract at all from our enjoyment! New carpet throughout and new flooring downstairs. Excellent ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Villas at French Lick Springs
CozySuites at Block20
CozySuites at Block20
2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (49 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

CozySuites at Block20
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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4 - Good
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4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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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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