I thought it would be fun to get away from the negative things going on around town, and try something new and positive. What I hope I see is people taking turns giving their thoughts on what every Cityzen of Michigan City should experience at least once in their lifetimes here. It can be anything, as long as it is positive. I started out with 10 things, but if we can get more than that, we will keep going as long as the thread allows.
I'll even start out...
#1 Going out into Washington Park to view the Lighthouse catwalk after a series of cold, windy, snowy days. The ice frozen onto the pier and driven into the sands just make a picture-esque opportunity, unique amongst most of the world for its view.
#2 The Drum & Bugle show at Ames Field. This show is amazing. The young people are so talented. Even my kids enjoy it
#3 Visit the Library. It is the most lively and interesting place in the golden triangle. There is no charge. It is an amazing architectural experience. It is a common ground for all people to mingle, regardless of race, creed, social or economic status. It contains the wisdom of the ages. It is an easy bicycle or bus destination from almost anywhere in MC. Enjoy it while it lasts.
#4 Climb Mount Baldy...or at least go visit. We're so fortunate to have this beautiful creation in our backyard. Personally, I can't wait to take my kids out there this spring and summer.
#5 spend the day catching Jumbo Lake perch and fryng em up as soon as you get back.
#6. Stroll the Friendship Gardens in late Spring
#7 Float on your back in Lake Michigan on a 90 degree day!
#8 Make the climb up to the top of the zoo observation tower the day after a nice strong rain. All of the smog and pollution are cleared out of the air and you can see for miles and miles.
#9 Go to the Michigan City Regional final at the Wolves Den. Only time of the year you get to see between 7,000-8,000 people in there at the same time. For sports fans, it doesn't get better than that.
#10 Cruise Washington Park for the Festival of Lights. Its got to be the best show in NW IN.
#11: Fireworks on the beach!
#11 1/2 Fireworks from a boat on the lake!
#12 Take a ride on the last InterUrban electric line train in the United States of America into Chicago and spend a day in one of the world-class cities in the country. Among the great things to do I would suggest a December day at the Museum of Science and Industry, a summer day in Millenium Park, or a day shopping the Magnificent Mile... all walking distance from train stops.
#13 Take the Barker Mansion tour around Christmas time. The place is just beautiful when done up.
#2 The Drum & Bugle show at Ames Field. This show is amazing. The young people are so talented. Even my kids enjoy it
#3 Visit the Library. It is the most lively and interesting place in the golden triangle. There is no charge. It is an amazing architectural experience. It is a common ground for all people to mingle, regardless of race, creed, social or economic status. It contains the wisdom of the ages. It is an easy bicycle or bus destination from almost anywhere in MC. Enjoy it while it lasts.
#4 Climb Mount Baldy...or at least go visit. We're so fortunate to have this beautiful creation in our backyard. Personally, I can't wait to take my kids out there this spring and summer.
#5 spend the day catching Jumbo Lake perch and fryng em up as soon as you get back.
#6. Stroll the Friendship Gardens in late Spring
#7 Float on your back in Lake Michigan on a 90 degree day!
#8 Make the climb up to the top of the zoo observation tower the day after a nice strong rain. All of the smog and pollution are cleared out of the air and you can see for miles and miles.
#9 Buy The News-Dispatch?
Just kidding ...
#9 Go to the Michigan City Regional final at the Wolves Den. Only time of the year you get to see between 7,000-8,000 people in there at the same time. For sports fans, it doesn't get better than that.
I was thinking of Oktoberfest as well. Except it's not the same now that it's called Labor Dayz. I don't know why, but it just seems lame now.
#10 Cruise Washington Park for the Festival of Lights. Its got to be the best show in NW IN.
#11: Fireworks on the beach!
#12 Take a ride on the last interUrban electric line train in the United States of America into Chicago and spend a day in one of the world-class cities in the country. Among the great things to do I would suggest a December day at the Mueseum of Science and Industry, a summer day in Millenium Park, or a day shopping the Magnificent Mile... all walking distance from train stops.
#13 Take the Barker Mansion tour around Christmas time. The place is just beautiful when done up.
I know I'm late to the game, but as a newbie to town, I appreciate the advice on what to add to the to-do list. Does anyone have any additional suggestions for someone unfamiliar with the area?
Welcome Michelle!!
If you're new in town, wait till summer!!! There is so much to there in the summer.
Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm looking forward to MC in the summertime, particularly these festivals I've heard so much about.
My question was partially a cover to find a way to introduce myself, but I'm interested in trying almost anything that's free. Moving expenses + economic downturn = precarious finances.
There doesn't seem to be much of a card culture here, apart from the boat. I love playing cards (poker, spades, cribbage, euchre) but haven't found an outlet for that yet. That will probably solve itself as I meet more people. But if there's a hotbed of cardplaying that I haven't found yet, please let me know.
#14 take in the Lubeznik Art Center. A community of our size is really lucky to have a place like that.
For the fit, if you dare:
#15 Take a bike ride (or run) from Washington Park down to the eastern end of Lakeshore Drive. It's a gorgeous eleven mile journey. The lake on one side and elegant homes all around.
#16 Hike through Moon Valley. Before I describe it, how many of you out there even know it exists?
#17 A shorter hike around Winding Cove Park. It is a new city park located on 8th Street at the intersection of Dickson (about 1/3 mile from Liberty Trail and Memorial Park). You can stand on old Peanut Bridge overlooking Trail Creek and then take the little side trail to another more secluded Trail Creek overlook where I've seen Blue Herons, deer, and, I think, otter.
#18 Run in either the Samaritan Skeedaddle (you just missed it), the Tower Run, or one of the other local runs/bike races. There will even be a triathlon come this September 6th and 7th.
A big Hear, Hear to number 17. Number 16--huh??
I know where Canada is, but frankly, to have visited there when I was a kid meant risking getting beat up.
See you there! I will be the middle-aged (yes, I can admit it!) guy running the trails. Thanks for the info--I promise not to tell anyone!
I am about a 9½-minute mile runner. Can we park in the Hacienda lot to go on the Trail?
By the way, for all maps, etc., of Indiana, I recommend the Indiana Map site. This is the link to the Moon Valley area:
http://129.79.145.5/arcims/igic/viewer.htm
SSider - it is a great walk and I go with my daughter all the time. Be careful of ticks this time of year. Check your shoes and pants every five minutes, and do a more thorough check when you're done.
Roger - I have never had a problem parking at Hacienda. The entrance to the "Long Beach Nature Preserve" is right across the street from the restaurant exit, right next to a sign with the rules for the Preserve. I have also parked on Lakeshore Drive at the Beachwalk boardwalk public parking space and at Mullen school, but getting to the paths from there is a little more difficult to explain.
BTW, I tried the map you provided the URL for, but it did not go straight to the Moon Valley location. You had to zoom down from an Indiana map.
Please let me know if any of you try it.
Well, I finally got to The Valley! I parked by Al's and started the run there, continuing north on Karwick Rd. I looked for the trailhead across from the drive to Hacienda, but did not see it. I continued on Chastleton and found the path across from the other drive into Hacienda. I thought to myself that a pair of pruners would have come in handy, but since Moon Valley is a conserved area, it will be left as is. Went past the swamp, got to the sandy trails. I was surprised by how many trails there are.
I veered leftward, which I figure is the southern edge of the Valley. I did not see anyone until I got to Lake Kai next to Beachwalk. A couple plus a hound. I ran on the streets around Kai, returning to the sandy paths by the basketball court. I did not go up the dunes to the left. I returned essentially the way I came out, the total run lasting about 50 minutes.
I thought I would have sore ankles, but I actually felt pretty good. Thirsty. I think I got one chigger just south of my right knee. A little judicious scraping with a sharp knife has taken care of that. I did not meet up with a lot of wildlife, mainly squirrels. I saw a number of places I would put a deer stand. On the return trip, I closed my mouth quickly to avoid a flying insect; unfortunately, I inhaled with enough force to pull it into my nose. That was bad enough, but worse was being able to feel it on the nasal side of the soft palate! That one eventually got swallowed, along with another to keep it company. I was just about ready to find a spider to swallow.
Here is a hint about running in sand: Run tiptoe.
#19 Vote
#20 Vote in a City by the lake poll
#20 Get involved in your neighborhood and your community
#21 Sing karaoke at one of the local watering holes
#22 Attend an event at the newly renovated Memorial Park
#23 Walk the beach from Washington Park to stop 40 and back again (or catch a ride on a sailboat for the return trip)
#24 Have a coffee, a paper, and a bakery good by the fireplace at the Al's on Karwick
#25 Eat on the deck behind Swingbelly's, and enjoy the view of Lake Michigan, the Harbor, and the Lighthouse (ignore NIPSCO)
Nice additions to the list!
26. Ride a bicycle on York St. (just the cobblestone part).
27. Watch the drawbridge go up from Millenium Park, then watch the boat go through
Yeah, moon valley is cool. I grew up in Long Beach so that was my stomping grounds back in the day. Great trails for hiking and or cross country skiing. I know someone who had a chance to buy the entire forest for 10,000 back about 30 years ago. Ahhhh hindsight.
Have a cheese dog and a root beer at Carlson's
Cruise the strip
See a play by the Footlight Players
Sit out a BIG thunderstorm in the Library.
28. Watch the 4th of July parade and the fireworks show.
Finally got a couple shots of Moon Valley uploaded that I would like to share with you:
First, the hill that I took the shots from. Actually, the tree on the top of the hill from which I took the shots. See the tree on the tip-top?
The north view from the top:
My favorite view, the west view. What all can you identify?
Northwest (lighthouse) view:
South view: even though the day was a bit hazy you can still see the -- Grain Elevator on 12, Michigan Blvd Water Tower, roof of the Marquette Mall -- just a little to the right and further back as a barely visible white line--, and the Valparaiso moraine.
Southeast view: you can see a bit more of the "Prarie becoming Oak Savannah," the path through it, and hidden farther to the left are the marshes, woodlands, more dunes, and, finally, Karwick and Hacienda.
Isn't it interesting how the city looks like a big forrest surrounding a few isolated buildings when you see it from this kind of angle? I'll post a few of the marshes after I take a couple.
Nice pictures! Did you climb the tree? I'll take the view of Lake Michigan over the beachwalk homes and the casino anyday. I think the structure on 12 is an old coal tower. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful Pics Marram! Thanks for making me homesick all over again!
Actually, I got up this morning and went outside to drink a cup of coffee and enjoy the early morning. I swear I could smell the lake! The air smelled so much like home that I began to ache for my love, Michigan City. Then I come inside and see these beautiful pictures....
Thanks for the nice comments.
Don't tell anyone, but, yes, tree climbing is a hobby/sport/excercise for me. You are probably right about the coal elevetator -- that rings a bell. And, don't get me wrong, I love the view of the Lake, but the view of Beach Walk and the rest of the city behind it is just a little more "Michigan City."
Not to give you any ideas Marram but the Long Beach water tower is a nice climb!
Visit Blue Chip casino. (Convention hotel opening January 2009 & more restaurants opening Spring 2009). Even if you are not an occasional gambler, Rocks (bar) offers quality local entertainment (especially on weekends) and the steakhouse and deli are additional eating out options.
According to local sources, Blue Chip contributes greatly to our city funds, so that probably helps the other great things to do in Michigan City also.
As a new resident I have not tried all of the ones already listed here, but heartily concur that the Christmas Light show at Washington Park is a Must. I emailed pictures of it this year to our friends in Indy.
Since we've got a lot more new members, I thought I would bump up this thread to remind everyone of all the great things in MC one can do for a good time.
Don't be afraid to add if you know of something that's not on the list.
This isn't in MC, but close by. I was reading USAToday online, and found an interested blurb about a hiking spot close by. http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/great-american-outdoors/51-great-places-to-hike/48780180/1
The Festival of Lights!
#8 Make the climb up to the top of the zoo observation tower the day after a nice strong rain. All of the smog and pollution are cleared out of the air and you can see for miles and miles.
This is something on my to do list, a lot of great things to do on the list
Go to the LP County fair and see Ted Nugent!
A Friday night fish fry at one of the clubs & then, after a fun day at the beach on Saturday, a nice pizza at Albano's!! A trip to church on Sunday, at one of the many historic old churches we still have in Our Fair City, and then a hot dog & "burp beer" at Carlson's Root Beer Stand afterward.
Then start diet on Monday....
I've updated the events calendar for April. Lots and Lots of fun things going on around LaPorte County!! Check it out, there is something for everyone.
I have to add the Easter Egg hunt at Washington Park. What a great event.
I've updated the event calendar to the end of the month. Sorry, I've been a little lacking on that....
Promise to try to do better.
I've updated the June calendar.....you can definitely tell summer is upon us!
Please check it out. There is much to do this summer, and some of the events have pre-registration deadlines to attend.
I've started working on the July calendar....
Please check it out. All Parade and fireworks dates that I have are entered.
Can someone tell me when other fireworks events will be going on around here? If you know....
Like Long Beach and other small communities.
(Does Beverly Shores do fireworks?)
Calendar is updated to the end of the month....
Lots of fun things going on, be sure to check it out!
VFW Summerfest is this Saturday from noon to 8 at the post. Good music, good beer, great food, and an even better cause!
Hey! I forgot to add that! Thanks for the reminder.
I'll be there.....
Calendar updated to the end of the month.
Also, I just want to add that I do not always know about everything that's going on. Not everything gets added to the calendar, so if you know of an event please PM me with the information and I will be happy to add it.
An example is the Patch Picnic...I did not put it on the calendar because I did not know about it until late Friday afternoon when I was driving down the Blvd and saw the sign. I did not have time to get it on the calendar before the event.
So, please please please.....if you know of something you think might interest our members, please PM me the info so I can put it on the calendar.
Thanks!
If you would like the football schedule is out for MC.
Aug. 23 Gary Roosevelt 7:00 pm
Aug. 30 South Bend Washington 7:00 pm
Sep. 6 Chesterton‡ 7:00 pm
Sep. 13 at Valparaiso‡ 7:00 pm
Sep. 20 Merrillville‡ 7:00 pm
Sep. 27 at Lake Central‡ 7:00 pm
Oct. 4 Portage‡ 7:00 pm
Oct. 11 at LaPorte‡ 7:00 pm
Oct. 18 at Crown Point‡ 7:00 pm
Got it! I even put directions to away games....
I also got a complete fall sports schedule and will post all athletic events as I have time.....
September calendar is updated...
Please be sure to check it out. Lots of fun things this month, but some require pre-registration. I tried to include the links where applicable.
Rode over to South Bend this afternoon. Took a guided tour of Notre Dame Joyce Center and Football stadium. Got to go into the Fighting Irish locker rooms, walk through the tunnel and touch the "Play Like A Champion Today Sign and go out on the field and stand in the north end zone. Also went over to "The Gug" to check out all the Heisman Trophy's. Went and lighted a candle at the Holy Grotto when the tour was over.
The head tour guide was an encyclopedia of knowledge of Notre Dame Athletics. Was informed that coach Frank Leahy resided in Long Beach. Did a little research and found out that house had a fire back at Thanksgiving.
Now eating some rib tibs and fries from Frankie's BBQ in South Bend at this time.
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