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- September 23, 2023
- 8:31 pm
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Michigan City LaPorte is Chicagoland’s favorite lake vacation escape. Discover a unique and affordable combination of lake recreation and relaxation, an exhilarating casino, premium shopping, hometown boutiques, cultural events, and historic destinations. Oh, and the friendly Hoosier hospitality is always free!
Michigan City LaPorte experiences four seasons, nearly all in equal measure. Summers are quite warm, yet lovely lake breezes tame the summer sun. Spring is mild and colorful with bursting blooms. Also mild, Fall shines in spectacular fashion with brilliant fall foliage. Winters are cold and lake-effect snow is a real phenomenon. Regardless of what the calendar says, because it’s Indiana, you could experience two seasons in one afternoon. That’s why you’ll often hear Hoosiers say – “Bring a sweater!”
Lake Michigan’s ocean-like beachfront is the centerpiece of this vibrant community. With the historic and picturesque lighthouse keeping watch, the dazzling expanse of sandy beach is alluring, ideal for swimming, boating, and sandcastle-making. You’ll see boats of all sizes on the lake’s horizon, as hundreds of yachts, sailboats, and other watercraft bob-at-the-ready in the marina. And the sunsets! The brilliant sunsets will take your breath away. In fact, on a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline as a dramatic backdrop to your sensational view.
Within walking distance of the lake, casual restaurants with spectacular lake views await you. Also, a short walk from the beach, Washington Park provides shady spots ideal for picnics. Nearby, wild animals star in selfies at the Washington Park Zoo. All the while, Indiana’s oldest working lighthouse steadfastly stands guard over your day at the beach.
In town, discover cultural, arts and historical destinations. Lubeznik Center for the Arts, near the lake, showcases inspiring art exhibits inside, while displaying public art installations outside. Rich in locomotive and industrial history, the Michigan City LaPorte area is home to the Barker Mansion, Hesston Steam Museum and Wanatah Historical Museum. All are open for tours.
Shopping options are abundant. Adjacent to downtown, The Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets offer over 100 top-brand stores in a convenient outdoor mall. Then, blocks away, the historic downtown features boutiques, antiques, trendy restaurants, and exciting nightlife.
You’re already feeling lucky just to be in Michigan City! So why not play and stay at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa? The tower has spectacular sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Within you’ll find a captivating lineup of gaming, entertainment, dining, and pampering options.
For years, Michigan City has hosted the Great Lakes Grand Prix where some of the world’s fastest and most colorful powerboats race across the lake, thrilling crowds gathered on the beach. Because of its popularity, two additional race weekends have been scheduled on both Lake Michigan and Stone Lake in LaPorte.
Surrounded by lakes and fertile land, LaPorte offers water recreation adventures, you-pick farms, and orchards, plus a collection of shops selling antiques and “uniques.” While Pine Lake and Clear Lake are ideal for anglers and boaters, Stone Lake’s beach is a popular swimming spot, complete with concession stand. Nearby and along the shores, you’ll find cozy lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, and cottages for your overnight stay.
Home to Indiana’s oldest and largest antique mall, treasure hunters are sure to find that special something at one of the many antique shops. If vintage is your thing, you’ll appreciate the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum featuring antique automobiles, including a 1982 DeLorean, like the one in the Back to the Future movie.
Be sure to visit LaPorte each fall during the Sunflower Festival. This annual celebration features midway rides, a car show, scrumptious festival food and a sunflower contest, of course!
Home to Purdue University Northwest, Westville is a hometown with one-of-a-kind style. On campus, discover the largest outdoor sculpture park in Indiana. Here, world-renowned artists have installed their larger-than-life works, from modern to light-hearted. We invite visitors to explore campus and see them up-close.
Be sure to return the last weekend in September for the Westville Pumpkin Festival. For over 30 years, this three-day pumpkin paradise features a parade, live entertainment, dinner specials, a teen dance, car show, fun-run, and everything PUMPKIN! Not only is there a pumpkin pie-eating contest, there are also carving and decorating contests, plus gourd games galore!
This charming small town has a long history, dating back to its first cabin built in 1831. Settlers named the area Rolling Prairie because of its gently rolling landscape. Now this community boasts a new shopping event, the Barn Shop Hop. Explore several barn shops with vintage and one-of-a-kind finds. Three times a year, the Barn Shop Hop features a route of these treasure troves, much to shoppers’ and pickers’ delight.
This town is an important hub of railroad history. The Hesston Steam Museum features three operating railroads. Visitors can ride the rails and experience the history first-hand. Witness the blacksmith pounding out railroad repairs, on site (seasonal).
This small town is named for a Pottawattomie chief whose village was nearby. Like the rest of the surrounding area, Wanatah has a rich railroad heritage. In fact, Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train stopped at the Wanatah depot in 1865. While the depot is gone now, an historic marker remains. This town’s signature event is the annual Scarecrow Festival, during the last weekend of September. It’s three days of crafts, midway rides, fun-runs, a car show, live music, entertainment, and a parade. Bring your sculpting skills for the scarecrow making contest.
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