Our Southern Shores of Lake Michigan

The Beach area of Northwest Indiana is host to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Midwest. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, taking a stroll along one of LaPorte County's many Rails to Trails bike paths, or visiting the county's many arts and cultural destinations, including the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, and the LaPorte County Historical Society. Click here to view a printable map of the area.

For a more comprehensive listing of area attractions and destinations, visit the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors' Bureau Web site by clicking here and also check our list of links below.

Places to Visit & Things to Do

	LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau For a recipe of fun and relaxation, bring it all together in one place: LaPorte County, Northern Indiana. Naturally beautiful along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, LaPorte County offers majestic dunes, wooded havens and country orchards. Find respite and peace In the Heart of It All.
	Long Beach Country Club Since 1924, members have enjoyed the best in golf, dining and friendly camaraderie. Their 18-hole golf course and comfortable clubhouse are nestled in and atop the dunes, just a few blocks from Lake Michigan.
	Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Miles of beaches, sand dunes, bog, wetlands, woodland forests, an 1830's French Canadian homestead, and a working 1900 era farm combine to make the national lakeshore a unique setting for studying humans and their impact on the environment.
	LaPorte County Historical Society and Museum The LaPorte County Historical Society's Museum has over 80,000 items on display. Many are family heirlooms brought into the county by the original pioneers. They include furniture, household items, tools, and memorabilia. An extensive collection of antique toys and rare dolls is on display.
	Bicycling in LaPorte County LaPorte County Bikeways is a system of Bike Routes in LaPorte County, Indiana. Bicycling and fitness opportunities abound using these 20 bike loops or bike trails.
	Lubeznik Center for the Arts The Lubeznik Center for the Arts is a newly renovated cultural venue, providing a variety of art experiences to diverse local communities, while creating opportunities for local and regional artists. The Center focuses on serving residents of LaPorte, Porter and Lake Counties, with an extended reach to the South Bend, IN area, Southwest Michigan, and Chicago-land.
	LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra The orchestra has a rich and distinguished history dating back to its founding in 1972. Through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and outstanding musicians, the organization has grown to be the artistic pillar of the community and a symbol of musical excellence.
	Footlight Theatre Community theatre located in downtown Michigan City.
	Rag Tops Auto Museum Rag Tops Auto Museum is a non-profit museum providing a unique educational experience, a means to inspire an interest, and an understanding of the impact of the automobile upon the American Way of Life.
	Blue Chip Casino Blue Chip Casino offers open boarding 7 days a week, all year round, giving you the freedom to come and go as you please.
	International Friendship Gardens A botanical environment that promotes world friendship through ethnic gardens, and enhances the lives of visitors by artistic, musical and nature-related educational programs.
	Washington Park Zoo Very accessible -- location wise as well as getting close to the animals. Great for small children and those who tire of walking easily.
	Barker Mansion & Civic Center A visit to Michigan City’s Barker Mansion enriches students’ knowledge of Indiana’s industrial heritage, the early history of Michigan City and surrounding area, and the role of the Barker family.
	Great Lakes Museum of Military History The purpose of The Great Lakes Museum of Military History is to educate people about the military heritage of this and other nations as well as to preserve, restore and display military memorabilia from the Revolutionary War to the present.
	Hesston Steam Museum At the Hesston Steam Museum, history comes alive as real working steam locomotives take you on a journey over a spectacular two and a half mile railroad, through deep woods, past lakes and farm fields.

Helpful Information

LaPorte County Beach Conditions
The LaPorte County Health Department samples beaches on Lake Michigan, along with several inland beaches in LaPorte County. They sample the water quality to ensure the water is safe for swimming.

Great Lakes Information Network
The GLIN is a partnership that provides one place online for people to find information relating to the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region of North America. GLIN offers a wealth of data and information about the region's environment, economy, tourism, education and more.

LaPorte County Government

Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce

Michigan City Government

Michigan City Area Schools

Marquette High School

Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce

LaPorte City Government

LaPorte Community Schools

The Community of Long Beach

LaPorte County's Vital Statistics

Definition: "LaPorte" means "the door" in French. It was called this by the French Fur Traders who came here in the 1600s. They found a natural opening in the forests which lead to the prairies beyond, so they called this opening LaPorte.

County Seat: LaPorte

Founded: 1832

Size: 608 square miles

Elevation: 700 to 850 feet on average. The highest point in LaPorte County is 957 feet above sea level. It is located on a knoll east of Lambs Chapel in Galena Township, about 6.5 miles north of the city of LaPorte.The lowest point in the county is 581 feet above sea level. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Time Zone: Central Standard Time, changing to Central Daylight Saving Time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.

Climate: Lake Michigan has a strong influence on the climate of LaPorte County. Temperatures in January range from a low of 15 degrees to a high of 32 degrees. Temperatures in July range from a low of 61 degrees to a high of 85 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 40 to 45 inches, which is high for this part of the state. The average annual snowfall accumulations are the state's highest, from 45 to 75 inches!

Long Beach Area Poster

Enlarged from the development brochure of Long Beach, this 20" x 25" poster is the perfect, nostalgic addition to any home or dwelling.

To purchase a poster, please send a check or money order for $100 (including shipping and handling) with mailing directions to:

Long beach Poster #1
1401 Lake Shore Drive
Long Beach, IN 46360

Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

A portion of all proceeds from poster sales goes to the Long Beach Community Center.