Indiana Dunes National Park and Great Lake access in Michigan City
Folks wandering the Lake Michigan beaches along Indiana Dunes National Park may hear a peculiar sound as they take in the views of the Great Lake: a humming noise beneath their feet. An unusual variety of "singing sand" creates sound when walked over. Residents of Michigan City, Indiana, a city of about 32,000, might experience this phenomenon without even leaving the city limits. “In fact, some of the national park is within Michigan City,” says Danny Hogan, the membership director for the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce. “I would say the number one thing people enjoy is the proximity to Lake Michigan and the beaches.”
Besides ample tourism brought in by Lake Michigan, the Dunes and Blue Chip Casino, other important industries are manufacturing and, recently, healthcare. “We have Northshore Health downtown,” Hogan says. “Healthlinc opened a facility. Franciscan Hospital just turned 5 years old. And Northwest Health has facilities, too.”
More employment options are nearby: Michigan City is about 45 miles southeast of Chicago and 40 miles west of South Bend, Indiana. The South Shore Line passenger train connects Michigan City to Chicago. “It’s an hour train ride to Chicago,” Hogan says. “Some people even commute there, though maybe not every day.” U.S. Highways 12 and 20 cut through town, and Interstate 94 runs 4 miles south. South Bend International Airport is about 42 miles east.
The residential communities in Michigan City enjoy close proximity to Lake Michigan.
The residents of Michigan City enjoy the view of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park.
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Mount Baldy is the largest living dune in the National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is west along the lakeshore, as is Indiana Dunes State Park. “Personally, I think they’re among the best beaches in the country,” Hogan says. “Even the world.” Both parks offer residents sandy Lake Michigan beaches and opportunities for swimming, hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the unique singing sands, which make their distinctive sound by way of wind-driven vibrations of sand grains. Mount Baldy is the largest living dune in the national park, meaning that it moves, typically about 4 feet a year, swallowing up everything in its path, even trees. Washington Park Beach offers picnic areas and lakeshore fun close to the Old Lighthouse Museum.
Mount Baldy is the largest living dune in Indiana Dunes National Park in Michigan City.
Washington Park Beach offers picnic areas and lakeshore fun in Michigan City.
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Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival is an iconic Michigan City event
The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival takes place over three days on the shores of Lake Michigan in June, and the Lubzenik Art Festival brings over 80 artists to the Lubzenik Center for the Arts during an August weekend. The Old Lighthouse Museum offers visitors glimpses of Great Lakes history.
Lubeznik Center for the Arts hosts a yearly art festival in Michigan City.
The Old Lighthouse Museum is a decommissioned lighthouse located in the harbor of Michigan City.
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Housing options and new developments with median price below the nation’s
Home styles vary throughout Michigan City. Small ranch-style homes near the northwestern edge of town may need a little TLC. Other styles throughout the city include Cape Cods, bi-levels and a few Colonial Revival designs. The median housing price for single-family homes is about $200,000, lower than the national median of $420,000 and Indiana’s median of $260,000. “I mean, housing is an issue, same as everywhere,” Hogan says. “But they broke ground recently on a new subdivision, the first since the '50s, I believe. Another project called SoLa is a mixed-use development with two Wyndham hotels and condos that overlook Lake Michigan."
More changes are coming, too. “NIPSCO, our power plant, is being decommissioned in 2029,” Hogan says. “It borders the National Park. And we’ve had the Indiana State Prison, from which John Dillinger escaped, since Lincoln was president. That will be moved to Westville. People are excited to see what will happen to the area after those things are gone.”
Cape Cod-style homes are a popular choice of housing in Michigan City.
Michigan City is home to some stately Colonial Revival houses.
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Compressed Air Academy provides job training at Michigan City High
Michigan City Area Schools earns a C-plus from Niche. Michigan City High School offers an early college program. Its Compressed Air Academy, developed with several local industry partners, is for students interested in mechanics and future work for compressor and vacuum companies, several of which have facilities in and around Michigan City. Other career education options are available at the A.K. Smith Career Center.
Michigan City High School is the largest school in the Laporte County area with 1,650 students.
Career education programs are available at the A.K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City.
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Leeds Public House and Café Farina among local favorites
Tourists and residents alike can find plenty of good eats and shopping in Michigan City. “The Ritz Klub is the oldest establishment in the city, I believe,” Hogan says. “It’s a great place for burger and beer specials. It almost reminds me of the Cheers bar, where everyone knows your name.” Hogan also recommends Leeds Public House for American-style meals and Café Farina for Italian fare. Shoreline Brewery serves pub grub and microbrews, while Fluid Coffee Roasters is a go-to for caffeinated beverages. Shoppers can head to Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets.
Leeds Public House serves American-style meals to Michigan City diners.
Cafe Farina serves Italian food and classic cocktails to patrons in Michigan City.
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Important to know
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Michigan City’s property crime rate is higher than both the national average and Indiana state average, though it has declined steadily since a high in late 2020. The violent crime rate is also higher than state and national averages. It has also declined since 2020, but not as significantly as the property crime rate.
Michigan City weather is impacted by Lake Michigan, creating significant precipitation. Cold winters and temperate summers, with highs in the 70s, are typical.
Written By
Ty Phelps
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
Video By
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On average, homes in Michigan City, IN sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Michigan City, IN over the last 12 months is $198,000, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
For all those who value outdoor beauty, smart design, and flexible living, this property is a rare gem. Perfect for gardeners, outdoor lovers, and buyers seeking income potential, it offers a peaceful, landscaped retreat just a short walk from the beach, zoo, and local restaurants. The outdoor space is thoughtfully designed with multiple sitting areas, ambient up-lighting, and a full irrigation
This move-in ready, newly built home offers a spacious open-concept design featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The kitchen is appointed with elegant quartz countertops and a versatile island, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Additional highlights include a covered front porch, a concrete driveway, and a deck overlooking the backyard. No HOA fees apply. Ideally situated
This move-in ready, newly built home offers a spacious open-concept design featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The kitchen is appointed with elegant quartz countertops and a versatile island, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Additional highlights include a covered front porch, a concrete driveway, and a deck overlooking the backyard. No HOA fees apply. Ideally situated
Welcome to Anchor Beach House & Guest House, a rare turnkey lakeside retreat on Lake Shore Drive in the heart of Sheridan Beach. Just steps from Lake Michigan, this fully updated property is offered completely furnished and features a large lot with ample parking. The 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath main house blends modern updates with beachside charm and offers a brand-new kitchen, dining room with deck
1937 LSD is offered as a turn-key, move in property with furnishings, decoration and beach toys. This fully-furnished, Lake Michigan view, four bedroom cottage provides easy access to the expansive white sand beaches of the Lake. Thia house is set into the dune, with a nature conservancy bordering this property to the south. Relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of Lake Michigan waves with the
Gutted two-story home with potential for conversion to a two-unit (up/down) property. Located on E Michigan Blvd with high visibility and easy access to town. Interior has been fully stripped, offering a blank slate with a framed floor plan, vinyl windows, and a semi-open main level layout. No utilities currently connected. Great opportunity for investors or builders.
For Rent, this spacious unit at 721 N Carroll Ave #1 in Michigan City, IN offers comfort, convenience, and thoughtful updates. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, the home also includes an unfinished basement for extra storage or workspace. The rent covers water, gas, lawncare, a detached one-car garage, and an additional parking spot, making for a stress-free living experience. Inside,
If you are seeking true privacy, this is the home for you. This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3 -bathroom home is a rare find, tucked away on over 2 private acres surrounded by a 70-acre parcel owned by the landlord. This is the ultimate secluded retreat for quiet, peaceful living. The home features recent updates, including a refreshed main floor, a newly refinished basement, new landscaping,
Our Michigan City apartments greet you with an attractive list of amenities and services, along with well-designed floor plans, all at competitive rates. Dont forget to bring your four-legged companionwe are a pet-friendly community! For an easier move-in process, we have flexible leases and furnished apartments available through VIA by Edward Rose. Start your next chapter with a fresh slate.
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