a guide to MICHIGAN & INDIANA
1
welcome to
MICHIGAN & INDIANA
2
22 15
14 24 16
12
lake michigan 11
7
29
21
17
25
26 13 8
9 23 18 10
28 38
27
19
michigan
37
indiana 33
39
34 41
35
3
36
table of CONTENTS Michigan
Indiana
Benton Harbor...................................7
Beverly Shores...................................33
Berrien Springs..................................8
Dune Acres..........................................34
Bridgman..............................................9
Hobart....................................................35
Buchanan.............................................10
La Porte................................................36
Coloma..................................................11
Long Beach.........................................37
Covert....................................................12
Michiana................................................38
Dowagiac.............................................13
Michigan City.....................................39
Dowling.................................................14
Ogden Dunes.....................................41
Fennville................................................15 Grand Junction..................................16 Hartford................................................17 Lakeside................................................18 New Buffalo........................................19 Paw Paw...............................................21 Saugatuck............................................22 Sawyer...................................................23 South Haven.......................................24 St. Joseph............................................25 Stevensville..........................................26 Three Oaks..........................................27 Union Pier............................................28 Watervliet.............................................29
4
5
southwestern
MICHIGAN
6
benton harbor
K
nown as the twin to its resort-town sister, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor provides extensive opportunities to live, work and play while soaking in Lake Michigan’s sparkling views. lake michigan The views, beaches and boat access are just a few highlights of this Southwest Michigan locale. From exploring the St. Joseph River shoreline or the “Makers Trail� to playing a round of golf on the world-class Jack Nicklaus-designed Harbor Shores Golf Course, there are plenty of ways to stay busy and enjoy all that Benton Harbor has to offer. Benton Harbor has also been revitalized to include shopping, galleries, restaurants and pubs. The Arts District of Benton Harbor is home to a wide range of artists and artworks integrated throughout the community.
Housing in Benton Harbor offers something for nearly every lifestyle, ranging from new construction on the golf course, to condo buildings on the water, to beachfront estates. Benton Harbor Area Schools serves the area, which includes K-12 education. Interstates 94 and 196 provide easy access from Benton Harbor to Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Michigan City. Amtrak offers daily service to Chicago, leaving from nearby St. Joseph. The Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority provides local bus service throughout Benton Harbor.
7
berrien springs
T
he community of Berrien Springs, situated along the St. Joseph River, is proud of its heritage as a quiet agricultural and recreational community. And it intends to keep it that way.
lake michigan
Residents and visitors enjoy 47 miles of river in Michigan and 16 miles in Indiana, with trout and salmon sport fishing and plenty of opportunities to canoe and hike. The area is popular with residents who enjoy a friendly, small-town community. To maintain its peaceful, rural community, residential parcels are required to be relatively large and a significant part of the community is zoned agricultural.
Once the county seat, Berrien Springs is home to the oldest courthouse in Michigan. The Greek Revival courthouse has been restored and houses a county museum and the Berrien County Historical Association. Area schools include Mars Elementary, Sylvester Elementary, Berrien Springs Middle School and Berrien Springs High School, as well as private schools.
8
bridgman
B
eaches and berries practically put Bridgman on the map. In the mid-1800s, George C. Bridgman started a farm, growing berries, fruit trees and grapes. lake michigan At the time, the market for fruit was entirely local. That changed when Bridgman granted a railroad right-of-way through his land in exchange for the establishment of a train depot. The nursery business took off when a local grower placed an ad in an East Coast farm journal and started taking orders for strawberry and cane plants. The mail order nursery business became a million-dollar industry in the community, and wholesale nurseries continue to thrive in the area today. The area’s Weko Beach became a popular destination in the 1920s with a waterfront pavilion featuring dinner, dancing and music. The city later purchased and renovated the pavilion, now known as the Beach House.
Weko Beach continues to be a popular attraction along the shores of Lake Michigan as well as the Warren Dunes State Park. Visitors can walk along nearly three miles of beach between Weko Beach and Warren Dunes State Park. Students attend Bridgman Elementary, F.C. Reed Middle School and Bridgman High School.
9
buchanan
N
estled in the southwest corner of Michigan, along the banks of the St. Joseph River, the City of Buchanan began as a milling town and today is part of Michigan’s wine country. lake michigan
The city has two historical districts with restaurants, shops and events. The Downtown Buchanan National Register Historic District is in the heart of the city center and includes buildings from the 1840s through the 1960s in an array of architectural styles. The Buchanan North and West Neighborhood National Register Historic District includes over 700 homes, barns and properties that once belonged to city leaders, merchants and business leaders. The district includes more than 20 architectural styles.
The St. Joseph River offers boating, kayaking and fishing with a boat launch off Red Bud Trail. The McCoy Creek Trail runs through the city for walking, running and biking. There is plenty to enjoy in addition to recreation, including classes at The Buchanan Art Center; the Saturday farmer’s market at the Common outdoor venue; and Thursday night concerts throughout the summer. Buchanan Community Schools serves the community, offering K-12 education.
10
coloma
T
he third time was definitely the charm for Coloma, the city in Southwest Michigan that is home to a majority of the area’s vineyards. lake michigan
The city was named twice before ultimately settling on Coloma, named after a California gold rush town. Earlier names included Shingle Diggins for the wood shingles manufactured in the area; and Dickerville for the bartering that went on after the timber supply was exhausted. Incorporated as a city in 1941, the city is part of the Fruit Belt in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, with rich farmlands made temperate by Lake Michigan. Some of the area’s vineyards date back to 1867.
One of the biggest attractions for both locals and visitors is Paw Paw Lake, which is surrounded by housing developments, shared between Coloma Township and Watervliet. With over 900 acres, it’s one of the area’s top lakes for fishing and recreation. Students attend Coloma schools including an elementary, middle school, junior high and high school.
11
covert
R
ich timberlands attracted early settlers to the community of Covert. lake michigan Soon they built mills, producing millions of feet of lumber a year. A horse railroad was built to carry lumber from the mills to Lake Michigan to be shipped to Midwestern cities including Milwaukee, Chicago and Racine. Substantial piers were built on the lakeshore to reinforce the railroad. Today the lake also provides an abundance of outdoor recreation for residents and visitors including camping, paddle boarding and kayaking.
There are 62 campground sites across 50 acres in the community. Campers who seek the comforts of home will find campgrounds with water and electricity; others will find some peacefully primitive sites. The unincorporated community is located just 10 minutes from South Haven and within easy driving distance of St. Joseph, Saugatuck and Holland. Students in the township attend Covert Public Schools.
12
dowagiac
T
he City of Dowagiac is known for its beautiful woods, flowing rivers and sightings of Big Foot. lake michigan We don’t know if Michigan Bigfoot (aka Dewey Lake Monster) was just visiting or made this a second home, as many do. Reported sightings brought national attention and a throng of thrill-seekers, monster hunters and law enforcement to the area in 1964. To this day, the mystery remains unsolved. Of course, it’s no mystery why Dowagiac remains a popular destination for nature lovers and Chicagoans looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Area attractions include the Dowagiac River and the Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary, commonly known as Dowagiac Woods – a 235-acre area protected to preserve the natural habitats of endangered plants and animals. Residents and visitors have ample transportation options including the Dowagiac Municipal Airport for private pilots; several highways; DART diala-ride bus service; and daily Amtrak train service to Chicago and Detroit. The community is served by the Dowagiac Union Schools including four elementary schools, one middle school and Dowagiac Union High School. The city is also home to Southwestern Michigan College – a twoyear school with on-campus housing.
13
dowling
D
owling may be small, but it’s a mighty nice place to call home. Just ask the 370-plus residents who live here, many for most of their lives. lake michigan Located in Baltimore Township, the center of town is at the intersection of State Highway M-37 and East Dowling Road. Downtown Battle Creek is 16 miles south. The community includes the northern half of Clear Lake, home to the Outdoor Education Center – a division of the Battle Creek Public School System. The lakeside school camp is the oldest in the nation, offering teachers and students an outdoor laboratory to explore nature.
In addition to overnight and day programs for schools in the region, the center also hosts weddings, workshops and family retreats. The census-designated place in Baltimore Township has several singlefamily ranch style homes along with land and access to services in nearby Hastings and other communities.
14
fennville
L
ocated along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Fennville is a quaint agricultural community in the middle of Michigan’s wine country. lake michigan
The community offers art, family-owned bed and breakfasts, cafes, antiques, pie shops, and vineyards and orchards that produce wines and ciders. The Allegan County community is located on M-89 on the boundary between Manlius Township on the north and Clyde Township on the south. The city of Saugatuck is about seven miles northwest.
In addition to home-grown wine and pie, the city offers plenty to explore including a children’s museum and the annual Goose Festival. Residents are served by Fennville Public Schools.
15
grand junction
T
he community of Grand Junction was located at the junction of two railroad lines when it was settled in 1869. Only one rail line remains, but the community continues to thrive with blueberry farms and horse stables.
lake michigan
Located in Columbia Township in Southwest Michigan, Grand Junction is largely rural with farms and access to lakes. The community is popular with residents who want to enjoy quiet living. Local businesses cater to all ages with wagon rides, playgrounds, gem mining and gift shops. A wide variety of produce is grown and picked here, from strawberries, blueberries and peaches to pumpkins, asparagus and corn. Local bakeries also offer fresh baked goods as well.
The Kal-Haven Trail State Park runs through Columbia Township, passing through Grand Junction. Students attend schools in nearby communities including Bloomingdale, Bangor and South Haven.
16
hartford
A
ll roads lead to Hartford. Located along the Red Arrow Highway, with Chicago 100 miles to the west and Detroit 160 miles to the east, the small township is in the heart of the action.
lake michigan
Nestled with nature, the community offers the serenity of the countryside with horses, barns and berries. It is a popular place to escape the city, with many city dwellers making their summer home here. While there are under 3,000 residents in Hartford, the community attracts more than its share of visitors with The Van Buren Trail, an annual Strawberry Festival, and for those who have a need for speed, the Hartford Motor Speedway, which is open in the spring, summer and fall.
Residents also enjoy easy access to colleges, shopping malls, entertainment and major Midwestern cities. The community is served by highlyrated Hartford Public Schools, offering K-12 education.
17
lakeside
L
akeside is a beautiful lakefront locale and one of the most popular vacation destinations in Southwest Michigan. lake michigan
At the turn of the century, Lakeside was home to many famous Southwest Michigan lakefront resorts. The beauty and variety of the area’s real estate makes it a desirable place for vacation homeowners. An assortment of architectural styles can be found throughout the community, including typical Lake Michigan cottages, condominiums, modern homes and lakefront properties.
Lakeside features a number of antique shops as well as art galleries, boutiques and farmers markets. An active homeowners association is also present in Lakeside, sponsoring several events throughout the year and fostering a strong sense of community. With Union Pier to the south and Harbert to the north, exploring new beaches and scenery is just a quick drive away.
18
new buffalo
L
ife is a beach in New Buffalo. It’s also a marina, a boat launch, and a bustling downtown district home to shopping, dining, and recreation. The idyllic Lake Michigan shoreline community is located in the heart of Michigan’s Harbor Country.
A town built around local shops, restaurants, and recreational opportunities, New Buffalo greets residents and visitors with a large and modern harbor, a public boat launch, and a full-service dock facility with many opportunities to boat, fish, and kayak. The community is home to two luxury hotels and many renowned eateries, including a famous burger joint and restaurants overlooking the marina.
The New Buffalo Yacht Club is comprised of both year-round residents
lake michigan
and out of state members.
The Four Winds Casino Resort is one of New Buffalo’s many tourist destinations.
19
year-round FUN New Buffalo is also home to the Four Winds Casino Resort, which features a hotel, four restaurants, entertainment, and retail shops. Community events offer even more fun and entertainment, with the Ship & Shore Festival and New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest tour taking place each year. New Buffalo real estate includes a diverse range of architectural styles, from cozy Lake Michigan cottages to modern homes and waterfront mansions. Condominium communities offer maintenance-free housing opportunities for buyers interested in alternatives to single-family homes.
transportation ABOUNDS Students are served by New Buffalo Area Schools, which consists of K-12 education, including a joined middle school/high school. Rideshare services are available throughout the greater Harbor Country area. Meanwhile, the New Buffalo Amtrak station makes transportation to and from Chicago convenient for both residents and visitors.
20
paw paw
L
ocated in the heart of Michigan’s wine country, this quaint town offers wineries, fine dining, antiques and more. lake michigan Paw Paw is home to the St. Julian Winery, Michigan’s oldest, largest and mostawarded winery, founded in 1921. Today the winery offers tours year-round. History buffs, fine diners, wine connoisseurs, and nature lovers alike can find plenty to do in Paw Paw. Four village buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, thanks to local culinary schools, professionally-trained chefs own and operate many of the community’s restaurants, making fine dining available at small-town prices.
Paw Paw has more than 100 acres of parkland, including Maple Island Park and the Kid’s Paradise Playpark. The area is also home to golf courses, lakes, flea markets and summer concerts. Every September, Paw Paw holds its annual Wine and Harvest Festival, featuring live music, fireworks and a barefoot grape stomping competition. Paw Paw offers a wide range of housing options, including historical Victorian houses, country homes and investment properties. Paw Paw is located approximately 25 miles east of Lake Michigan and 20 miles from Kalamazoo. It is conveniently located next to I-94. M-40 (Michigan Highway) runs through the town, providing access south to Indiana, and north towards I-196.
21
saugatuck
S
augatuck locals would agree that the west (Michigan) coast is the best coast. Named the “Best Small Coastal Town” by USA Today, the community has won the hearts of residents and returning visitors alike.
lake michigan
Art aficionados will find solace in Saugatuck. Long known as “the art coast of Michigan,” this community traces its creative roots back 100 years, when The Art Institute of Chicago established its Ox-Bow School here. Today, dozens of working painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and other artists call it home. A true tourist mecca, Saugatuck is a haven for creative culture, culinary delights, awardwinning beaches, outdoor adventures and cozy nights. The town is home to premier chefs, locally-brewed craft beer and charming accommodations. Saugatuck offers ample retail therapy opportunities in the numerous local boutiques and art galleries, while the Saugatuck Center for the Arts hosts art exhibits, stage productions and other cultural events throughout the year.
Situated along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, Saugatuck’s natural beauty is a canvas to hike, boat, fish and golf all year-round. Housing options include one-of-a-kind estates, historic beachfront cottages and shoreline beach houses.
22
sawyer
T
ake a deep breath and relax — you’re in Sawyer. A visit to Sawyer, an area rich with vineyards, dunelands and beaches, is the equivalent of a mental exhale. lake michigan Originally built as a solace from the daily grind, the area has a vibe that has stayed true to its origin. In the mid-1800s, Silas Sawyer left his courtroom roots behind to replant them in the area we know today as Sawyer. The town grew as an agricultural center and eventually established an open-air market. Today, fruit stands continue to grace the area. As Harbor Country’s most northern community, Sawyer is the site of Warren Dunes State Park, one of the largest state parks in Michigan. Warren Dunes is comprised of hundreds of acres of dune lands, campgrounds and beaches. Sawyer’s vibrant downtown is filled with antique shops, restaurants, a local craft brewery and more.
Real estate in Sawyer ranges from lowmaintenance cottages, to retreats in wooded enclaves, to awe-inspiring Lake Michigan lakefront estates. Ride sharing services serve the greater Harbor Country area, while Amtrak provides transportation from Chicago to nearby New Buffalo.
23
south haven
B
eautiful beaches, great restaurants and award-winning wineries make this Lake Michigan beach town a popular destination. Surrounded by nature trails, inland lakes
lake michigan
and golf courses, the port city has a quaint downtown, antique stores, berry picking, boating and breweries. In the 1900s, South Haven became a resort town and regional tourist draw with its picturesque harbor and beaches as well as entertainment. Visitors find historic inns, B&Bs and vacation homes. Cultural attractions include the South Haven Center for the Arts housed in the 1906 neoclassical Carnegie Library; The Michigan Maritime Museum with the tall ship Friends Good Will; and The Michigan Flywheelers Museum, which allows visitors to experience early farm life.
Residents and visitors also enjoy the area’s Centennial Celebration and Blueberry Festival. The Kal-Haven Trail is popular with bicyclists and snowmobilers; and the city ice rink provides activities during winter months. Students attend South Haven Public Schools as well as private parochial schools. Western Michigan University and Lake Michigan College junior college have branch campuses in the city.
24
st. joseph
K
nown as “the Riviera of the Midwest,” St. Joseph is a resort community surrounded by picturesque beaches, with Lake Michigan as its sparkling backdrop. lake michigan
The city was founded as a shipping community and has since evolved into an affluent resort community. St. Joseph’s lakeshore is lined with idyllic beaches and picturesque sand dune formations. Inland is a lush countryside that produces some of the country’s best orchards and vineyards. Downtown St. Joseph is comprised of local shops and eclectic dining options. Outdoor enthusiasts have nearly limitless options. The Margaret B. Upton Arboretum showcases many sculptures and park benches. Locals and visitors can also enjoy the many parks, such as Lake Bluff Park, Tiscornia Park and Silver Beach County Park, and recreational facilities that offer fishing, boating and swimming.
Housing in St. Joseph includes homes overlooking the bluff and plenty of opportunities to own property with Lake Michigan frontage, ranging from beach cottages to custom-built mansions. The award-winning St. Joseph Public Schools serves the area and offers K-12 education. St. Joseph has easy access to I-94, offering convenient travel to both Chicago and Detroit.
25
stevensville
T
he Village of Stevensville appears to be the road less taken, with woods, hiking trails and sand dunes in all their natural glory. Located just off the shores of Lake Michigan,
lake michigan
Stevensville is home to Grand Mere State Park. The park is a serene retreat where you’re likely to see more wildlife than people on a hike through its secluded woods and sand dunes. Recreation isn’t the only perk to living in Stevensville. Before a day of hiking, locals can be found dining at a breakfast café or grabbing a donut at the community’s favorite pastry shop. Downtown Stevensville also boasts a popular brewery with fire pits, games, and plenty of seating areas. The Lakeshore School District serves Stevensville as well as neighboring communities.
26
three oaks
W
elcome to Three Oaks, where smalltown USA charm meets Harbor Country’s arts and cultural hub. lake michigan Three Oaks’ patriotism goes back more than a century. Former U.S. President William McKinley visited the village to dedicate a war memorial following the Spanish-American war. Today, the residents of Three Oaks take honoring the flag seriously, as the village hosts the nation’s largest annual Flag Day celebration. Five miles inland from the Lake Michigan waterfront, Three Oaks is approximately 90 miles from downtown Chicago. The closeknit community prides itself on its rural character. Three Oaks truly caters to every type of interest, thanks to its regular concerts, live performance theater (Acorn Theater), fine arts cinema (The Vickers), art galleries, eclectic shops, one of Michigan’s largest organic distilleries and a farmer’s market.
Three Oaks hosts the state’s largest bicycle event, and the annual “Apple Cider Century” brings more than 5,000 cyclists to enjoy 100 miles of Harbor Country trails. The classic holiday film, Prancer, was filmed on Three Oaks’ historic main street. Three Oaks housing opportunities include historical homes, residential lots and modest properties with downtown locations or in wine country. The River Valley School District serves the area and offers K-12 education, including a combined middle/high school.
27
union pier
N
estled in the heart of Harbor Country, between Lake Michigan and the Galien River, Union Pier is a quaint resort community that has seen tremendous growth in recent years. With a small-town feel, it offers shaded streets, charming downtown shops and beautiful sandy beaches that are all within walking distance.
lake michigan
Union Pier is known for its many Lake Michigan cottages, which provide great housing options for both residents and visitors. The town offers a wealth of real estate opportunities, ranging from condominiums to waterfront property.
The beachside community boasts antique shops, art galleries, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and a corner store and bakery. A short drive to the east is Three Oaks with its range of cultural activities and festivals. Students in the area are served by River Valley School District and New Buffalo Area Schools.
28
watervliet
D
utch for “where the waters meet,� Watervliet is a rural farming community in Berrien County. lake michigan
A picturesque Main Street greets residents and tourists with antique and gift shops. Many Chicagoans make their summer homes here. Interstate 94 provides convenient access, crossing through the township with two interchanges, and M-140 also runs through the area.
Ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors, the city includes the popular Paw Paw Lake and Paw Paw River. Several housing developments surround the lake in Watervliet and Coloma. Watervliet School District serves the community with two elementary schools, a middle school and high school.
29
30
31
northern
INDIANA
32
beverly shores
S
unny beaches by day; starry skies by night. Welcome to Beverly Shores. lake michigan Originally designed as a resort, Beverly Shores is 36 miles east of downtown Chicago, just a train ride away on the South Shore Line. The community is known locally as “The Island” as it is located along four miles of Lake Michigan beaches and surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park. Beverly Shores is a haven for nature lovers, cyclists, bird watchers and beachgoers. Visitors and residents alike enjoy its natural beauty, and many Chicagoans make it their second home.
In the 1930s, Robert Bartlett purchased 16 structures from the Chicago World’s Fair and moved them to Beverly Shores. Five of the structures still stand within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, leased by the Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation. The town’s renovated Spanish Revival train station is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a museum, gallery and local art exhibits. Beverly Shores real estate ranges from classic and contemporary single-family homes with landscaped lots to million-dollar homes on the dunes near the lakefront. Students attend Michigan City Schools’ unified district including Pine Elementary School, Barker Middle School and Michigan City High School.
33
dune acres
L
ocated just off the shores of Lake Michigan, Dune Acres is a close-knit beachfront town that has quickly become a favorite tourist destination and place to call home. lake michigan Numerous parks, trails and gardens dot the local landscape, providing opportunities for walking, running, biking and cross-country skiing. For naturalists, the Brincka Cross Gardens County Park, spanning more than four acres, showcases the numerous plant species native to the area. The nearby Indiana Dunes State Park offers hiking trails and picturesque dune landscapes, and is a large part of the area’s past, present and future. The town’s shining jewel is its historic clubhouse, situated atop one of the tallest dunes on the Indiana shore of Lake Michigan, with beautiful views of Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Homes in Dune Acres include original log homes built in the 1920s, beach cabins on large lots and more modern, new-construction homes in a natural wooded or lake-front setting. While many are full-time residents who enjoy the tranquility of the community, others consider their Dune Acres home to be a second home used primarily on the weekends and during the summer months. Porter County is home to an acclaimed public-school system, as well as a number of private education options. Dune Acres is approximately a one-hour drive from Chicago. The community is also served by the South Shore Line commuter railroad, whose Dune Park station is just one mile east of the town.
34
hobart
T
he City of Hobart has grown by leaps and bounds. Actually, it has grown by shopping centers and malls. Located just over 30 miles southeast of Chicago, the historically-residential community has annexed a significant retail corridor.
lake michigan
In addition to the lake and recreation, Hobart is home to Southlake Mall, one of Indiana’s largest indoor shopping malls. The area also includes several outdoor strip malls with 200-plus stores and restaurants. Lake George winds its way through the city. The waterfront is a popular area for fishing, boating and enjoying the walking paths. The city also has 14 parks, a public 18-hole golf course, sports fields and an outdoor swimming pool.
Residents can drive 15 minutes west to visit casino boats on Lake Michigan; and 15 minutes northeast to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park to enjoy thousands of acres of beaches and sand dunes. Hobart is also home to businesses including an herb company and a manufacturer of hobby products and model aircraft. The community’s downtown shopping district includes several businesses and the historic Art Theatre. In addition to the Hobart Commercial District, the Hobart Carnegie Library and Pennsylvania Railroad Station are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
35
la porte
N
icknamed for its numerous maple trees, La Porte is a historic city with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. lake michigan
Nine lakes, over a dozen scenic parks and a slew of annual community events keep residents busy year-round. In the summer, La Porte hosts The La Porte County Fair, the oldest in Indiana, as well as annual boat and bicycle races. Residents and visitors attend Saturdays in the Sun, a series of weekly outdoor fitness classes and the annual Sunflower Fair and Taste of La Porte. When the temperatures drop, the La Porte Santa Parade and a holiday cookie walk are popular among residents.
Downtown La Porte boasts beautiful historic architecture, shopping, dining, entertainment and a seasonal farmers’ market. Housing options in LaPorte primarily include condominiums, townhomes, charming bungalows and single-family homes on private wooded lots. La Porte is served by the La Porte Community School Corporation, with a dozen public primary schools and one public high school in the area. La Porte is accessible by Amtrak, three major interstates (I-80, I-90, I-94) and TransPorte, offering local shuttle service.
36
long beach
L
ocated on the southeast shore of Lake Michigan, Long Beach is a picturesque community with smalltown charm and convenient lake access. lake michigan Established in the 1920s, Long Beach was predominantly a summer getaway before it became home to many year-round residents. The community’s proximity to Chicago makes it a popular destination for weekend vacationers as well. With Long Beach’s central location, residents have easy access to Michigan’s Harbor Country, Chicago and all that Indiana has to offer. The town is home to both the Long Beach Community Center, which offers a state-of-theart fitness center, classes and personal training, and a country club with an 18-hole golf course.
Long Beach offers housing styles for the most discerning buyers, as well as the those who are looking for a casual weekend retreat. Real estate ranges from parcels of acreage to serve as a backdrop for a future dream home, to beachfront estates and lakeside cottages. Students in the area are served by Michigan City Area Schools, which offers K-12 education. The Michigan City Transit runs a local bus route which connects Long Beach to Michigan City. Both the Amtrak and the Metra South Shore line offer daily service from Michigan City to Chicago.
37
michiana
C
ome enjoy the best of Indiana and Michigan lake life, in the town that offers the best of both states. lake michigan The Michiana Shores beach community was developed in the 1930s, originally as a log cabin town for vacationers. Today, its proximity to Chicago continues to make it a popular destination for weekend vacationers. Michiana Shores rightfully gets its name from the Michiana region, located along the MichiganIndiana border. The town is adjacent to Michiana, Michigan, and also neighbors Long Beach, Indiana, where residents can enjoy amenities like the Long Beach Community Center.
Michiana Shores real estate includes wooded retreats, property on large lots, vintage cottages and land to build the ultimate dream home. The Michigan City Transit runs a local bus route which connects neighboring Long Beach to Michigan City. Amtrak and the South Shore Line both offer daily service from nearby Michigan City to Chicago.
38
michigan city
M
ichigan City has it all: pristine beaches and close proximity to both the Indiana Dunes and the south shore of Lake Michigan. Conveniently located between Chicago and South Bend, it is a frequent vacation destination for residents of both areas.
Home to the Old Michigan City Light, the community boasts one of the last remaining and oldest lighthouses in Indiana. Today, the Michigan City Historical Society operates the Old Lighthouse Museum for visitors to explore the historical landmark.
The Blue Chip Casino is one of Michigan City’s main visitor attractions.
lake michigan
Michigan City is a short drive from Indiana Dunes State Park.
39
beaches, parks and SHOPPING Michigan City includes the popular communities of Sheridan Beach, Shoreland Hills and Duneland Beach. Sheridan Beach is the closest beach community to the lighthouse, downtown Michigan City and Washington Park, which offers a beach, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, picnic areas, sand volleyball and ice skating in the winter. The area continues to grow as restaurants and cafes open in the Uptown Arts District and north along the beach area. Duneland Beach is another soughtafter community, while Shoreland Hills has its own homeowners’ association and offers residents beach access to Stop 31. In addition to many beaches and parks, residents take advantage of three golf courses and the nearby Washington Park Zoo, which is home to tigers, wolves, alligators and grizzly bears. Michigan City’s Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa is a local getaway destination with a full-service casino, dining options, a spa and accommodations. For shopping enthusiasts, the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets features more than 100 factory stores in a park-like, village setting.
cottages AND MORE Michigan City real estate opportunities encompass beachfront cottages, grand vacation homes and custom homes in gated resort communities. Michigan City Area Schools serves the area, offering K-12 education. The Michigan City Transit runs a local bus route, and both the Amtrak and the Metra South Shore line offers daily service from Michigan City to Chicago.
40
ogden dunes
O
gden Dunes encapsulates the hospitality and serenity of small-town living. Set against Lake Michigan’s scenic backdrop, the lakeside community and popular vacation town is located just outside of Michigan City in Northwest Indiana.
lake michigan
During the 1920s, Ogden Dunes was the home of a large ski jump that was used for training Olympic ski jumpers. The hilly landscape continues to be used for training local athletes today. Ogden Dunes is known for many things, including its picturesque location within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Featuring pristine sand, swimming, boating, fishing and hiking, it is one of the most popular beaches in the Midwest. The town is also home to a number of parks with soccer fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, picnic set-ups, tennis courts, and a walking trail that cuts through the town and connects to the Indiana Dunes.
Local housing includes lakeside cottages, beachside bungalows, as well as modern single-family homes, many with beach access and lakeside views. The Portage Township School System serves the area, offering K-12 education. Interstate 94 and the Indiana Toll Road make transportation throughout the Midwest easily accessible, and the South Shore Metra line provides train service from nearby Michigan City to Chicago and South Bend.
41
42
43
44
MI114-01
