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
Amon Parson
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On average, homes in Michigan City, IN sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Michigan City, IN over the last 12 months is $229,250, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
What ? .....Seller now offering a 5,000 credit in addition to a price improvement!!! Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow on a quiet street. Updated kitchen with quartz countertops. Enjoy beautifully refinished hardwood floors and the convenience of main floor laundry- The open-concept layout is perfect for entertaining, and the spacious yard offers plenty of room for outdoor activities. Attached
Lake Life Starts Here | Storybook Charmer Just Blocks from the BeachStep into this picture-perfect retreat in Michigan City's Lake of the Hills neighborhood--just three blocks from Lake Michigan's Stop 2 beach. With its cheerful curb appeal, vibrant orange front door, and inviting front porch framed by flower boxes and ferns, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home welcomes you from the moment you
Great opportunity for an investment property, first-time buyer, or downsizing! 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and a detached garage! This home has beautiful hardwood floors and an opportunity to make this your home! Close to restaurants, the beach, the casino, and all things Michigan City!
What ? .....Seller now offering a 5,000 credit in addition to a price improvement!!! Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow on a quiet street. Updated kitchen with quartz countertops. Enjoy beautifully refinished hardwood floors and the convenience of main floor laundry- The open-concept layout is perfect for entertaining, and the spacious yard offers plenty of room for outdoor activities. Attached
Lake Life Starts Here | Storybook Charmer Just Blocks from the BeachStep into this picture-perfect retreat in Michigan City's Lake of the Hills neighborhood--just three blocks from Lake Michigan's Stop 2 beach. With its cheerful curb appeal, vibrant orange front door, and inviting front porch framed by flower boxes and ferns, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home welcomes you from the moment you
Great opportunity for an investment property, first-time buyer, or downsizing! 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and a detached garage! This home has beautiful hardwood floors and an opportunity to make this your home! Close to restaurants, the beach, the casino, and all things Michigan City!
Pathway to homeownership! Seller is offering a 3 year lease with option to purchase. Purchase price will be 180,000, 5,400 non-refundable option fee due at move in. Up front fee is credited to the price at the time of purchase, 50 per on time payment during lease period will be credited toward the buyer's closing costs on the purchase. NOT FOR RENT ONLY. Welcome to this fully remodeled home in
Enjoy being minutes from I-94 and the Lighthouse Outlet Mall. Near shopping and entertainment, and only 2 miles from Lake Michigan Casino and The Zoo. Lovely grounds, caring staff, these spacious apartment homes include utilities included in some buildings. Central location close to shopping, dining, and more. Access to all main transportation corridors including South Shore rail line. Close to
Bright, open studio apartment for rent in the Uptown Arts District of Michigan City. Featuring 10' high ceilings, bright windows overlooking Franklin St, in-unit laundry, and walkability to everything the Arts District has to offer - coffee shops, restaurants, bars, shopping, and the South Shore Train station 6 blocks away.
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