in Michigan City and LaPorte County, Indiana
In addition to all the seasonal events on your calendar, you may want to find time to visit LUBEZNIK CENTER FOR THE ARTS • GREAT LAKES MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY: AREA GOLF COURSES .... Public • INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP GARDENS • ATTRACTIONS NEARBY • • INSPIRING THEATRICAL PRODUCTIOBS Other local attractions have been listed in different areas on this website. (Links below) • A FEW MEMORIES• If you would like further information or a printed brochure
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some of the local year round attractions ..... presented to entertain, inform, and educate.
BARKER MANSION
"The House that Freight Cars Built." A remarkable
turn of the century English manor home with extensive marble
and rare woods. Exquisite carvings. Original furnishings,
tapestries and art reflect the oppulance of wealth. Admission fee for tours.
Each Christmas, the Mansion is transformed with stunning
holiday displays and 3 floors of Christmas past.
Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall, 1 block away, sits on the
site of the former boxcar manufacturing empire.
Barker Mansion is located on Washington St. (219) 873-1520
OLD LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
On Trail Creek in Washington Park. Original Lighthouse and
home of the Light Keeper, built in 1858. Museum of nautical
and local
history. MC Historical Society. Tour 2 floors.
Small Admission fee. (219) 872-6133
Read a little history of the museum before your visit:
LaPorte County Historical Society OLD LIGHTHOUSE
See a picture of the rare 5th Order Fresnel Lens on display: FRESNEL LENS
The original (John Blank) Art Center was Founded in 1978, this cultural center exhibits contemporary art. The Art Center changed names and moved from it's former location to 101 W. 2nd St. in 2003 (close to the lake). Displays, artists, art tours, history and more. (219) 874-4900. ART CENTER
RAG TOPS MUSEUM
View 50 classic autos at Rag Tops Museum, historical settings, a Lionel Train, and thousands of items that will activate your memory of days gone by. Small donation fee. 219-878-1514. Washington Street at US 12. RAG TOPS
Our Mission: "To restore and display military memoribilia
from the Revolutionary War
to the present."
Large reference library available for research. Heavy Military
vehicle display. Dunes Plaza. Admission fee. (219) 872-2702 or 1-800-726-5912.
GREAT LAKES MUSEUM
Michigan City Golf Course (219) 873=1516
Club House Driving Range, Michigan City (219) 873-0966
Beacon Hills, LaPorte (219) 324-4777
Beechwood, LaPorte (219) 362-2651
Briar Leaf, LaPorte (219) 326-1992
Incredible Floral Gardens from around the world.
Undergoing major restoration.
History, directions, photos, and Master Plan Map. GARDENS (219) 878-9885
MICHIGAN CITY LIGHTHOUSE
Depicted everywhere as an "icon" of Michigan City.
Built by the US Government in 1904 at a cost of $5,500, it is the only operating Lighthouse in Indiana. Focal plane of the light is 55' high. Brick lined and steel clad, the building once housed boilers for the fog horn. The 5th Order Fresnel Lens is now on display at the Old Lighthouse Museum. Automated in 1960.
From a different perspective, people are "attracted to" Michigan City to visit Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall, located on the North end of town at US 12 & Wabash St. See "Shop" link.
LaPORTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
Courthouse Complex in LaPorte, IN, the original structure in itself is an architectural marvel, built of Lake Erie Red Clay.
Large historical and educational items
significant to LaPorte County.
A 1,000 piece collection of antique firearms. Much more. Non-profit, no admission fee. Donations welcome.
Also genealogy research. (219) 326-6808 x 276.
Website:
NOTE:In 2006, the LaPorte County Historical Museum will be moving to the South end of LaPorte, on HWY 35 (at the Door Prairie Museum). There may also be an admission fee.
A new web site has a link regarding the move. NEW MUSEUM
HESSTON STEAM MUSEUM
Rolling Prairie, IN. "Iron Horse" steam train rides (fare required) on the narrow gauge "Flying Dutchman". Stroll among
still operating vintage steam machinery and vintage steam locomotives in a rustic countryside setting.
1 1/2" scale and 14" gauge railroad ride.
Sawmill. Case Steam Tractor. 350Hp Corliss Steam Engine.
92 Ton Crane. Some autos and gasoline engines.
Daily Admission is free except during special events.
(219) 778-2783 HESSTON STEAM TRAINS
Canterbury Theatre, downtown
CANTERBURY
• DUNES SUMMER THEATRE
DUNES THEATRE
• LaPORTE COUNTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
4 scheduled presentations Symphony Web Site
•
Casino Boat
• Mt. Baldy (Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore)
• Washington Park, Beaches, and Zoo (Host to annual events).
An excellent article to test your memory is presented by the library and can be found at:
www.mclib.org/quality%20of%20life.htm
Actress Ann Baxter once called Michigan City home. (Born 1923, granddaughter of Frank Lloyd Wright, and Egyptian Queen in "The Ten Commandments".) The "Sky Blue" was a 30,000 seat Boxing arena. Big Band dancing at the "Oasis Ballroom".
The lakefront once was home to a small amusement park of rides like the "Octopus", "Bullet" and "Tilt-a-Whirl". Ages ago, the park boasted a dual racing roller coaster called the "Rabbit". Games of chance down the Midway, and the chance to win at "Skee Ball". Famous Big Band dancing at the Oasis Ballroom, the entrance seen to the left. Remember the "Palm Tree" decor? The Oasis touted the "best dance floor in the Midwest".
Franklin Street was the hub of town, and the Spaulding Hotel.
"FISH-ON" at the MC Pier, 1949.
of these and other areas of interest, please contact:
LaPORTE COUNTY VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU
(219) 872-5055 or 1-800-634-2650
ON-LINE REQUEST FORM FOR FREE BROCHURES: TOURIST INFO LPVCB
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