Located along the coast of Lake Michigan, the City of Michigan City has become a favorite summer destination for many in the Chicagoland area for a good reason. With its close proximity to the Dunes, connection to the South Shore Line, and a wide variety of businesses and activities to keep you entertained, Michigan City is a must-stop for any trip through the Region.

Check out some of our favorite things to do while visiting Michigan City!

Dining

Burn ‘Em Brewing

Whether you’re looking for a traditional brew or want to drink on the wild side, Burn ‘Em Brewing is ready to help you indulge your adventurous spirit. Burn ‘Em has a variety of food, drinks, and events ready to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. Drop in at 1215 E 2nd Street to browse the menu and the calendar of events!

Cafe Farina

Hidden in the heart of Michigan City, Cafe Farina has all of your favorite Italian-American dishes ready for you to enjoy. With an intimate, soft atmosphere and one of the city’s favorite bar experiences, Cafe Farina is a social hub worth dropping into. Explore the menu and find your seat at 825 Franklin Street.

Matey’s Bar

If you’re looking for lakefront dining in Michigan City, Matey’s Bar is exactly where you need to be! Its comforting classics like chili, wings, and sandwiches pair excellently with its cocktail and drink menu, and the chill atmosphere perfectly matches the fun you’ll have when you visit. Stop in to see the latest entertainment and grab a bite at 110 Franklin St.

Fiddlehead

High-quality food, friendly staff, and exceptional service paint a perfect picture of Michigan City’s Fiddlehead Restaurant. The beef is grass-fed, the atmosphere is cozy, and your belly will be full after a delicious meal at the pride of Michigan City. It has no reservations, no call-ahead seating, just the chance to meet someone new as you head to 422 Franklin Street.

Sights

Friendship Botanic Gardens

Michigan City is a hub of ecological beauty. Between Lake Michigan to the north and the Dunes to the east, having a good time outside in Michigan City is easier than ever. Friendship Botanic Gardens takes this to the next level. With pet-friendly hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing, and skiing, Friendship Botanic Gardens has become a staple of Michigan City for a reason and is a must-see in any trek to the Region.

Indiana Dunes National Park

The Indiana Dunes are a remnant of a younger land surviving into the era of cities. With trails passing through this incredible natural environment open to the public, you can discover the wildlife of Indiana, hike up Mount Baldy, and connect with the world around you in a way that’s impossible to find elsewhere.

Old Lighthouse Museum

With almost 200 years of history behind it, Michigan City has a rich past that the Old Lighthouse Museum seeks to keep alive. With exhibits running from April through October featuring items of local history, the Old Lighthouse Museum lets you support local historian efforts while soaking up the summer sun on the dunes.

Things to Do

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Lubeznik Center for the Arts is Michigan City’s go-to art gallery. It has a rotating collection of exhibits on display, art programs for those looking to spread their creative wings, and many free opportunities to become involved in the local creative scene. From artist talks to open mic nights to festivals and more, Lubeznik helps make art accessible for everyone.

Washington Park Zoo

The Washington Park Zoo combines animal education with fun to create a day of wild learning! Located right along the lakeshore, the Washington Park Zoo is home to everything from otters and deer to lions, capybaras, emus, and so much more. Plan your visit during the zoo’s season or join the team during one of the many special events happening throughout the year.

Blue Chip Casino

Get away from it all with a day at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, & Spa. The resort has dining, live entertainment, and plenty of gaming to keep you smiling through your entire stay. When you want to stay somewhere that makes you feel luxurious without having to trek to the big city, Blue Chip is the place for you.

Harbor Country Adventures

It wouldn’t be a trip to Michigan City without some time on the lake, and Harbor Country Adventures helps you see all the most beautiful parts of Lake Michigan during its boat tours. Gliding along the lakeshore of the Dunes during these guided experiences as the sun begins to set is the perfect capstone to any visit or vacation.

Events

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Michigan City is one of the most exciting weekends of the year! Musicians play throughout the day, local breweries are out in force with their drinks, and the streets are lined with potential drinking buddies as you partake in some old-fashioned Michigan City culture. It’s a weekend that the city looks forward to all year!

Mayor’s Gala

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s Charitable Gala is quickly becoming a mainstay of Michigan City. This evening of fine dining and dancing supports organizations making a difference throughout Michigan City. This year, the gala raised almost $150k, and next year’s is looking to up the ante even more. Keep an eye out for tickets going on sale at the beginning of the year!

St. Patrick’s Day

The City of Michigan City is already ready to turn green for St. Patrick’s Day! The city’s annual parade always draws a big crowd downtown with its vibrant floats, live performances from marching bands and dancers, and themed outfits that really pop. You’ll feel lucky as you make your way downtown to watch the parade.

Festival of Lights

When winter rolls in and the snow blows across the lake, Michigan City begins to twinkle with holiday cheer during the Festival of Lights! Beginning with an illuminated parade downtown, Michigan City’s Festival of Lights features a variety of fun activities to get you out of the house for some winter fun. 

Patriotic Parade

While Michigan City really loves its parades, none can match the energy of the Patriot Parade celebrating American independence. From floats to fireworks to friends and family and fun, the Fourth is the perfect time to visit Michigan City. Once the festivities end, head over to the beach for a relaxing dip in Lake Michigan!

Friday Night Lights

Michigan City High School’s athletic and extracurricular teams bring consistently good talent to the field. From football to Science Olympiad, the high school teams are always on their A-game. Get out into the crowd to support your local team!

Did we miss your favorite part of Michigan City? Share it with us and to help us make our guide the best in the Region!