NEWS
Guiding Lights: Michigan City’s Historic Lighthouses
Before radar, these landmarks steered ships safely through Lake Michigan’s waters.
Lighthouses? In Indiana? Yes, weather can get wild on our sliver of Lake Michigan in the northwest corner of the state, and in pre-radar days, ships needed the lighthouse for guidance. Michigan City boasts Indiana’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1858.
Harriet Colfax maintained the lighthouse for 43 years, until she retired in 1904, a community legend. In 1973, the Michigan City Historical Society restored the lighthouse and keepers’ quarters as a museum. You can tour the lighthouse and climb the tower, learn about Michigan City’s maritime history, and pick up lighthouse-themed souvenirs at the gift shop.
The Michigan City Lighthouse Museum is open 1 to 4 p.m. every day except Monday. Call 219-872-6133 or visit the website to plan a visit.
Washington Park and Beach is open year round, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. From Route 12 in Michigan City, take Franklin Street north to Lake Shore Drive which leads to Washington Park. Call 219-873-1506 or visit the website.
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