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The soothing waves of Lake Michigan and its beaches claim the northwest corner of LaPorte County, but what awaits inland will have you planning time away from the shore too. It's a fertile region where blueberries reign supreme and you'll find them along with other produce in orchards and farmers markets. Michigan City offers arts, summer theater, Indiana's only working lighthouse and a museum in the former lighthouse keeper's house where you can climb to the top for a far-reaching view. Sample award-winning vintages at a winery along the shore and stock up on gardening ideas and plenty of beauties to plant at a top-notch nursery. Further inland, the historic community of LaPorte shows off its past at a train museum where you can ride the rails. You'll be ready to settle in for the night in one of the area's luxurious inns, primed for more fun tomorrow. Your journey starts at the… Michigan City LaPorte Convention & Visitors Bureau |
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1. Blue Heron Inn
(219) 362-5077; pleastshore.com Open year-round (Inn open 24 hours a day; restaurant daily 3:30-9 p.m.) The glistening waters of Pine Lake put you in a relaxation mood from the moment you check into this 34-room hotel. Some guest rooms feature whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Most include a deck or patio. During the warm weather season, choose from one of five floating boathouse suites moored on the water. You can even fish from your deck. Right next door to the inn, indulge in scrumptious fare at T-Bone's Pier 11. The restaurant specializes in steak and seafood, all prepared on a wood-burning grill. Some of regular diner's favorites are the T-bone, rack of lamb and Canadian walleye. |
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2. Blueberries of Indiana
(219) 326-8686; BlueberriesOfIndiana.com Open approximately July 4, depending on ripening-Labor Day, 8am to 6pm daily, closed Tuesday. Blueberries are to Northern Indiana like bees are to honey – they just go together. You can pick your own in this quiet, rural setting where the fields are neatly maintained with plenty of lawn space in between bushes. Bring along a picnic and dine under giant oak trees after you harvest your own sweet crop. If you don't feel like picking your own berries, they'll do the work for you, but phone orders are recommended. And speaking of bees…you can purchase locally-made honey here, as well as preserves. |
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3. Bluestem Bed and Breakfast
(219) 379-7709; BlueStemBandB.com Open year-round, 7am to 10pm. You're living some true LaPorte history when you stay in one of the oldest farm houses in the county, built in 1858. Walk trails that meander through five acres of the original homestead. You may spot deer or wild turkey along the way. Visit the herb and vegetable garden where owner Christine Rosario harvests goodies that go into her made-from-scratch breakfasts each day, many with an international flair. The upstairs bedrooms and decks overlook gardens, a meadow and farmlands. |
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4.Clark's Secret Garden
(219) 879-0089; ClarksSecretGarden.com Open year-round, Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Don't leave home without your garden in mind. If you bring along photos, measurements, light and soil information, these plant and flower wizards will help you put together a plan no matter how far away you live. If you're lucky enough to reside in the area, they'll do the planting for you. Get inspired by roaming the three acres planted with perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees, where you may spot wildlife. Then purchase some plantings to take home. The store also specializes in organic fertilizer, plant and pond treatments. |
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5. Creekwood Inn
(800) 400-1981; CreekWoodInn.com Open year-round, tours available; call for times. The 13 elegant guest rooms in this Tudor-style mansion retain an English cottage flavor. And to give you a taste of it, the owners welcome you for a tour! Each guest room is distinctly decorated and some feature fireplaces, while others have French doors that open onto private terraces. The estate is hidden on 33 acres of woods and creeks where you can roam shady trails. Dine at the inn’s elegant Kelly’s Table restaurant where the changing menu may feature delights such as rack of lamb with curry glaze or grilled cumin-crusted tuna. Breakfast (included with room rate) is served here. |
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6. Egolf Christmas Trees Inc.
(219) 733-2143; EgolfChristmasTrees.com Open mid November-Christmas. This family has been in business since 1955 and their loyal customers can't resist coming back each year to roam the 20 acres of fragrant evergreens and choose the Christmas tree just perfect for them. There are plenty to choose from: Scotch Pine, White Pine, Douglas Fir, Frasier Fir and White Fir. After you've decided, warm up by the fire and have a complimentary cup of sassafras tea. The gift shop sells decorated wreaths, swags, grave pillows and blankets. |
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7. Garwood Orchards & Farm Markets
(219) 362-4385; GarwoodOrchard.com Market & Bake Shoppe open daily late April - Christmas, U-pick Open Seasonally from June - October. John Garwood got the whole thing started way back in 1831 and the Garwood family still runs the business today! Pick your own strawberries and raspberries, stock up on asparagus, sweet corn and more as the season moves on, take a wagon ride to pick apples and your own pumpkin in the fall and top it off with a Christmas tree when the holidays roll around. In the fall, enjoy live music and feast at the Garwood Grill on weekends. You can pick up a pie, donuts and more at the Bake Shoppe. |
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8. Guse Christmas Trees/Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
(219) 733-9346; GuseChristmasTrees.com Open October weekends, 10am to 6pm and November 1-December 20, daily 8am to 4:30pm. They're definitely into the spirit of fall and winter holidays here! When October comes around, navigate your way thru a corn maze, go on a hayride and pick out your Halloween pumpkin and decorative gourds. After November 1, you can choose and cut your own Christmas tree, pick from a variety of wreaths and other greenery and take a horse-drawn wagon ride to get you in the spirit. On some weekends, Santa shows up to hear everyone's secret wishes. |
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9. Hesston Steam Museum
(219) 778-2783; Hesston.org Open Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day, noon to 5pm; Sunday through October noon to 5pm. All aboard for fun and a step back in time! Take a self-guided tour and see demonstrations of steam trains, a steam-powered sawmill, an old-fashioned tractor and more before you hop aboard a steam-powered rail train. The ride takes you through deep woods and past lakes and farmland. You can also purchase fresh-cut lumber here, along with tee shirts, toys and other finds in the gift shop. The Whistle Stop Snack Shop provides great lunch fare, including hot dogs, tacos, pizza and ice cream. |
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10. Historic 1866 Feallock House Bed & Breakfast / Cottage
402 E. 8th St., Michigan City, IN 46360 |
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11. Hook Pottery Paper
(219) 362-9478; HookPotteryPaper.com These two Northern Indiana artists like to incorporate materials indigenous to the area so they can reflect the region in two very different types of art. Jon Hook creates ceramics uniquely fired with wood. The wood ash dusts the surface of his pottery and sculptures, creating glazed flashes of color. Andrea Peterson makes unusual papers and stationery that reflect the environment, as well as prints and drawings. You can also shop for soaps and beeswax candles. |
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12. International Friendship Gardens
(219) 878-9885; FriendshipGardens.org Open May-October, Wednesday-Sunday 10am to 4pm; special events at other times of the year. A beautiful valley surrounded by forested hills is home to magnificent gardens, towering trees and a rushing creek. You may not hear anything but the sweet call of birds when you tour this treasure, where the historic gardens were inspired by the 1933 Century of Progress Fair in Chicago. Native Americans once walked these trails and you can do the same today. Golf carts are available for visitors with mobility limitations. |
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13. LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra
(219) 362-9020; LCSO.net Open year-round, call for performance times. This orchestra has a rich and distinguished history dating to its founding in 1972, with the idea of bringing the joy of their live music to residents and visitors. Live performances are presented in various locations in both LaPorte and Porter counties, including free summer events. It seeks to cultivate young artists and audiences and enrich their cultural experience. |
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14. Lubeznik Center for the Arts
(219) 874-4900; LubeznikCenter.org Open year-round, Tuesday -Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Exhibits in five galleries at Michigan City's lakefront art center change every few weeks, offering juried works of the highest caliber. The staff is devoted to showcasing the talents of regional, as well as nationally and internationally recognized artists. Tours are available upon request. Browse artisan-made blown glass, jewelry, pottery, wood-turned objects, historical photographs, accessories and more at the center's popular Gallery Shop. |
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15. Michiana Resources, Inc./Creative Concepts
(219) 874-4288; MichianaResources.org Open year-round; Monday-Friday 9am to 3:30pm. Step inside this unique gallery and you'll discover drawings, paintings, jewelry, dream catchers and unique finds in exhibits that change every couple of months. What makes it so special is that all of these works were created by artists with disabilities. Michiana's program is designed to encourage citizens with disabilities and the gallery supports this effort. When you purchase one of the artworks, proceeds go to the artist and Michiana Resources to continue their mission. |
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16. Michigan City LaPorte Convention & Visitors Bureau
(800) 634-2650; MichiganCityLaPorte.com Open year-round, Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. You'll find fun and surprises all year round in LaPorte County, and your adventure starts here. Stop in and get all kinds of information on what's going on around the county – places to stay overnight, indulge in a terrific dinner or visit a unique attraction. At the center, you can view and buy paintings, photographs, pottery, jewelry and stained glass produced by local artists. The art exhibits change every four to six weeks. |
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17. Old Lighthouse Museum
(219) 872-6133; OldLighthouseMuseum.org Open April 1-November 1, Tuesday-Sunday 1pm to 4pm. Imagine the old days when this 1858 lighthouse guided ships to safety as Lake Michigan stirred up a storm. Then step back into those times and climb the tower into the lantern room before you visit the keeper's living area with a Victorian bedroom and parlor. You'll learn about Miss Harriet Colfax, who was the Michigan City Lighthouse keeper from 1861 until 1904. Take home a remembrance from the gift shop, which offers books, t-shirts and other lighthouse items. |
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18. Purdue University North Central
(219) 785-5200; PNC.edu Open year-round, dawn until dusk. Larger-than-life sculptures created by world-renowned artists grace the grounds of Purdue University North Central. Take a self-guided tour and discover an incredible variety from colorful works to stark modern creations to light-hearted endeavors. All are thought-provoking. It's the largest outdoor sculpture park in the state, set amid acres on this pleasant shady campus. |
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19. Radke’s Orchard
(219) 872.3140; RadkeOrchards.com Open daily Labor Day-October 31, 8:30am to 6pm. Plan to take some time at this historic orchard, family-owned since 1894. There are so many varieties of apples to choose from. Perhaps you'll select sweet-tart Cameos perfect for pies or juicy Jonathans that beg a bite right off the tree. Pick your own or buy them already harvested at this quiet country homestead. Bring along a picnic and enjoy at one of the tables scattered throughout the 40-acre orchard and woods. |
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20. Riverside Marketplace
(219) 508-5650; Riverside-Market.com Memorial Day-Labor Day: Thurs & Fri 10-2; Sat 9-2; Sun 10-2. Sat & Sun hours through end of October It's that alluring aroma of freshly-harvested fruits, vegetables and herbs, flowers bursting with color and fragrance and breads and pastries warm from the oven that lure visitors to this unique market and make them want to linger. Musicians entertain and regional artists sell their paintings, pottery, textiles and more. Wines and cheeses round out the agenda at a venue that features all the best from Northern Indiana. |
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21. Shady Creek Winery
(219) 874-9463; shadycreekwinery.com Open May 1-November 30, Wednesday-Saturday noon to 7 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.; March 1-April 30, Saturday noon- 7 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Sample award-winning wines and learn how they are produced at this pleasant winery along the Lake Michigan shore. It's situated on nearly 20 acres with expansive views from comfortable patios and covered porches. Or you might want to sip in front of the fireplace. The winery experience includes tastings at the testing bar, where you learn about different wines. Visitors also can browse and buy the works of local artists, as well as wine merchandise, specialty foods and, of course, a bottle or two of wine to take home. |
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22. Sharing Meadows
(219) 778-2585; ShareFoundation.org Open year-round, Monday- Friday 9am to 3pm; guest house on availability. Looking for a relaxing day in the country? How about traversing footpaths on this 185-acre site or tossing a fishing line into a quiet lake before you settle into the three-bedroom guest house for the night. This unique facility caters to visitors and provides work for developmentally disabled adults who produce handmade woven rugs, pottery, birdhouses and jars filled with black walnuts, raspberry jam and applesauce for sale. Enjoy their annual event, the Leprechaun Hunt, held the first Sunday in August. |
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23. Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant
(219) 879-4677; ShorelineBrewery.com Open year-round, Monday - Thursday 11am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am; Sunday 11am to 11pm. These brew artisans are always conjuring up something classy right here in Northern Indiana and all beers made on the premises. You can't resist a sample of their new barrel-aged series – beers aged in bourbon and rye barrels for a year with intriguing names like Lost Sailor, Curse the Goat and Discombobulation Celebration Ale. But what's a fine brew without delicious food to go along? You'll find everything from beer-battered fish to toney entrees such as chicken breast stuffed with spinach, artichokes and feta cheese finished with a mushroom-brandy sauce. "ToGo" beer available on Sundays. |
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24. Southern Shore Art Association
(219) 879-4980 or (219) 728-1125; SouthernShoreArtAssociation.com Open year-round (may be closed in January; check ahead), Friday, Saturday and Sunday noon-5. Show opening receptions are the "First Friday" of every month from 5-8PM. You know you're welcome here when one of the 60 artist members greets you at the door and shows you through the 1,400-foot gallery. There's a new show going on every month and your art guide will answer questions about it, as well as tell you about the Southern Shore organization. The association features original works of local artists, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more. You're sure to find a masterpiece to take home with you. |
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25. Thanhardt-Burger
(800) 826-4375 or (219) 362-2168; ThanhardtBurger.com Open year-round; Tuesdays-Fridays 10am to 4pm or by appointment Historically accurate picture frames include Newcomb-Macklin (1871) and L.M. Castner (1882) designs, hand-made using Old World techniques such as carving, gilding and composition ornamentation. You can watch how they do that as artists demonstrate the process on each one. Then choose that masterpiece that appeals to you, along with original oil paintings and hand-colored English engravings. |
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26. Tryon Farm Guest House
(219) 879-3618; TryonFarmGuestHouse.com Open year-round. It's as good as a visit to Grandma's, or maybe even better! Fresh cookies await in the kitchen of this lovely 1896 brick farmhouse, where guests stay in rooms that range from old-fashioned to romantic. Walking trails on 150 acres of this former dairy farm take you through woods, meadows and dunes and past quiet ponds. Guests may collect eggs from the chicken coop, enjoy an outdoor bathing house and fill up on the three-course farm-fresh breakfast. |
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27. Walnut Ink Gallery
(219) 879-1340; WalnutInkGallery.com Open year-round, Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays 1-8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays noon-5p.m. This innovative gallery offers contemporary paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and books created by a diverse group of artists. Some are new and emerging, others at mid-career and others well-established. Many of these have already earned international recognition and acclaim. You'll find all kinds of styles, from realism to abstract, with an emphasis on each artist's individual vision. Just behind the gallery, a wood sculpture studio offers tours, where you can learn more about creating that art. |
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28. Washington Park
(219) 873-1506; michigancityparks.com Open daily year-round, 6 am to 10pm This 99-acre park reminds you that Lake Michigan is very much a part of Northern Indiana. Its soft-sand beach stretches along the shore and draws swimmers in the summer and strollers the rest of year. You’ll see Indiana’s only working lighthouse and can head out on the water yourself from the marina and cast a line. The park includes a historic rock garden, fitness trails, an outdoor skating rink in the winter and seasonal concessions. |
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29. Washington Park Zoo
(219) 873-1510; WashingtonParkZoo.com Open daily April 1-October 31, 10am to 5pm From African lions to grizzly bears and pythons to alligators, it's all happening at the Washington Park Zoo, the only zoo on the shores of Lake Michigan. You'll see more than 90 different animal and plant species on grounds planted with bursts of flowering gardens. Visit the historic Reptile Castle and the Zoo Tower built by the WPA in the 1930s. But, best of all, connect with creatures lovingly cared for by the diligent zoo staff. |
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