Page 30 - FDI Alliance International Magazine, July 2019 Interactive Issue_Neat

MICHIGAN CITY BOASTS VIBRANT LAKEFRONT, MANY ATTRACTIONS
NORTHWEST INDIANA CITY INVESTING IN QUALITY OF LIFE, TOURIST APPEAL
BY JOSEPH S. PETE

A waterfront city with spectacular views that’s Economic Development Corporation Michigan “They’ve been successful in recruitment. It’s a big
centrally located in the middle of the United City, Indiana Executive Director Clarence Hulse week economically. We have so many guests.
States and near some of the busiest highways said. “We have invested in our infrastructure, It’s a premier event on Northwest Indiana, one
in the country, Michigan City boasts a number parks, downtown arts district and education and of the biggest on the southern shore of Lake $243 million Franciscan Health Hospital year and Artspace Uptown Artist Lofts bringing been one of our greatest assets and continues
of amenities that provide excellent quality of life are now reaping the benefits of those initiatives. Michigan along with the Taste of Michigan City.” that’s expected to bring other medical-related in performers like New York City-based antifolk to draw a crowd every year,” Eaton said. “With
and give tourists ample reason to visit. We are excited about becoming a choice city for businesses to town. legend Jeffrey Lewis and Los Bolts. the new designation of the Indiana Dunes
people looking for a great quality of life, access The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore already National Park right at our doorstep I believe
The city in LaPorte County in Northwest Indiana, to metropolitan Chicago, great transportation would be the seventh most visited National Park, There’s also a $7.2 million investment in a new “Michigan City’s quality of life continues grow we will see an increase of interest in this area
tucked between Chicago and South Bend, sits networks including commuter trains and jobs according to the National Parks Service. And the Holiday Inn Express, a $3 million in the BIG as more organizations add events that provide from tourists. Having added boat rides last year,
on Lake Michigan and offers miles of pristine of the future.” coveted designation likely will boost attendance Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Car Wash, and a entertainment for our residents and visitors,” in combination with the Washington Park Zoo,
beachfront. Michigan City enjoys the Lighthouse since many seek out national parks, including $30 million investment in the expansion of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce President and great restaurants by the lake Michigan City’s
Place Premium Outlets mall, the Blue Chip Michigan City also is next to the nation’s newest people who put visiting them all on their bucket GAF manufacturing facility. Katie Eaton said. “The Michigan City Mainstreet beachfront will continue to be a destination for
Casino Hotel Spa, the Washington Park Zoo, and 61st National Park, the Indiana Dunes lists. Association organizes the First Friday series, weekend and summer travelers. We are excited
and a vibrant arts district. It’s known as the Coho National Park. Up until recently, it was the Michigan City has been adding new attractions, Swale Fest, the Taste of Michigan City, and the to have more visitors in the area to learn about
Capital of the World for the fishing of Chinook Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore but was “The National Park puts us in a whole another including the boat cruises Harbor Country most popular Shelf Ice Brew Fest. The Lubeznik why we love to call Michigan City our home.”
Salmon and King Trout. since rebranded with the prestigious National league,” Meer said. “It’s one of the few National Adventures launched on Lake Michigan last year. Center for the Arts has ongoing exhibits inside
Park brand that legendary documentarian Ken Parks in the Midwest.” The New Buffalo, Michigan-based company is as well as classes, and the annual Art Festival
A robust dining scene includes upscale offerings Burns described as “America’s best idea.” offering cruises on the Great Lake, along with is a weekend that draws in many visitors. The
like Bartlett’s Fish Camp, Patrick’s Grille and Michigan City also is benefiting from an $11 speed boat tours, banana boat rides, dockside Michigan City Farmer’s Market is a great benefit
William B’s Steakhouse and hipster faves like “Our tourism continues to grow more and million expansion at the casino and a green concerts followed by sunset cruises and kayak for residents of Michigan City and also brings
Royale with Cheese, Fiddlehead Restaurant and more,” Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer said. infrastructure initiative. The city also is building rentals on Trail Creek, which flows into Lake in visitors from surrounding communities to our
Muchos Mas. Diners can savor a wealth of “We have the lakefront and the attraction of a new plaza downtown that could host live Michigan. downtown.”
ethnic options that include Jamaican, Polish, exposure to Lake Michigan. Traffic should be concerts, a farmer’s market and ice skating in
Irish, Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican, heavier than ever with the first National Park the winter months. The boat tours have drawn people across the Michigan City’s many cultural attractions
Indian and Chinese cuisine. Those who crave in the state. With us being adjacent to Mount Midwest and the world, owner Victor “Captain include the Barker Mansion, the Old Lighthouse
a locally crafted drink can kick back at Shady Baldy, we’re a gateway to the National Park. “They demolishing another building, a former Vic” Tieri said. The cruises have been extended Museum and the Friendship Botanical Gardens.
Creek Winery, Burn ‘Em Brewing, Shoreline We hope people will stay here while enjoying law office, on the 700 block of Franklin Street to two hours this season. On Saturday mornings, The city has a slew of parks that it has invested
Brewery, and Zorn Brew Works, a reincarnation the National Park.” to make way for the project,” Meer said. “The National Park Service Rangers will lead tours in, including the newish North Point Pavilion
of a 19th century Bavarian-style brewery founded next step is for it to go to the council. It’s a big along the shoreline of the Indiana Dunes that offers rooftop dining and cocktails and an
by a German immigrant as a modern-day craft Michigan City boasts a number of attractions, undertaking we’re doing with community input National Park. upgrade to the Rotary Children’s Castle in the
brewery. Zorn’s recently opened Brewery Lodge including the gleaming glass downtown hotel and community involvement.” Washington Park Zoo. The city recently invested
craft beer-themed hotel provides the public with tower attached to the Blue Chip Casino, the “We’re going to keep adding stuff every year,” $600,000 in the castle, adding new exhibit like
a chef-driven seasonal chalkboard menu at its Tri-State Regatta sailing race every Labor Day Michigan City has invested more than $1 billion Tieri said. “We’re coming back bigger and an observation beehive, axolotls and a tegu
restaurant and guests with craft beer shuttle tours weekend, and the annual Michigan City Grand in itself over the last seven years, including $10 better.” lizard.
of the city and neighboring Southwest Michigan, Prix powerboat race and parade every summer. million last year to prevent overflows from the
a thriving hub of craft brews, fine wines and The popular boat race has grown from one day sanitary sewer system, Meer said. Michigan City also has emerged as an arts And Michigan City boasts one of the most
artisan spirits. to two and expanded from 26 to 27 competitors hub for Northwest Indiana, with the Lubeznik popular beaches in Northwest Indiana.
to more than 50. In 2018, Michigan City attracted 13 new, Center for the Arts drawing visitors from across
“Michigan City is an up and coming Midwest expansion or relocation projects that would Chicagoland with its Andy Warhol exhibit last “Our Washington Park beachfront has always
USA city attracting both new businesses and “The LaPorte County Visitors Bureau has been include 306 jobs and $305 million in investment,
residents to our community,” Michigan City recruiting more and more people,” he said. Hulse said. The city for instance attracted the

30 FDI ALLIANCE | JULY ISSUE 2019