Page 31 - FDI Alliance International Magazine, July 2019 Interactive Issue_Neat

$243 million Franciscan Health Hospital year and Artspace Uptown Artist Lofts bringing been one of our greatest assets and continues
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
businesses to town. legend Jeffrey Lewis and Los Bolts. the new designation of the Indiana Dunes
National Park right at our doorstep I believe
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
Holiday Inn Express, a $3 million in the BIG as more organizations add events that provide from tourists. Having added boat rides last year,
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Car Wash, and a entertainment for our residents and visitors,” in combination with the Washington Park Zoo,
$30 million investment in the expansion of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce President and great restaurants by the lake Michigan City’s
GAF manufacturing facility. Katie Eaton said. “The Michigan City Mainstreet beachfront will continue to be a destination for
Association organizes the First Friday series, weekend and summer travelers. We are excited
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
including the boat cruises Harbor Country most popular Shelf Ice Brew Fest. The Lubeznik why we love to call Michigan City our home.”
Adventures launched on Lake Michigan last year. Center for the Arts has ongoing exhibits inside
The New Buffalo, Michigan-based company is as well as classes, and the annual Art Festival
offering cruises on the Great Lake, along with is a weekend that draws in many visitors. The
speed boat tours, banana boat rides, dockside Michigan City Farmer’s Market is a great benefit
concerts followed by sunset cruises and kayak for residents of Michigan City and also brings
rentals on Trail Creek, which flows into Lake in visitors from surrounding communities to our
Michigan. downtown.”

The boat tours have drawn people across the Michigan City’s many cultural attractions
Midwest and the world, owner Victor “Captain include the Barker Mansion, the Old Lighthouse
Vic” Tieri said. The cruises have been extended Museum and the Friendship Botanical Gardens.
to two hours this season. On Saturday mornings, The city has a slew of parks that it has invested
National Park Service Rangers will lead tours in, including the newish North Point Pavilion
along the shoreline of the Indiana Dunes that offers rooftop dining and cocktails and an
National Park. upgrade to the Rotary Children’s Castle in the
Washington Park Zoo. The city recently invested
“We’re going to keep adding stuff every year,” $600,000 in the castle, adding new exhibit like
Tieri said. “We’re coming back bigger and an observation beehive, axolotls and a tegu
better.” lizard.

Michigan City also has emerged as an arts And Michigan City boasts one of the most
hub for Northwest Indiana, with the Lubeznik popular beaches in Northwest Indiana.
Center for the Arts drawing visitors from across
Chicagoland with its Andy Warhol exhibit last “Our Washington Park beachfront has always

FDI ALLIANCE | JULY ISSUE 2019 31