Indiana might not be adjacent to any oceans, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't find and go on an awesome lighthouse walk anyway! Lake Michigan shares plenty of shoreline with Indiana; and in fact, one of the most commonly photographed lighthouses in the Midwest just so happens to be near Michigan City Pier at Washington Park Beach. Better still, you can get up close and personal with the lighthouse; this short and sweet lighthouse walk in Indiana is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon no matter the time of year.
Lake Michigan is so immensely vast that it could easily be mistaken for the sea.
There's water as far as the eye can see.
There are 102 lighthouses situated all over the thousands of miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan; the Michigan City lighthouse is the only public operating lighthouse in Indiana.
Impressively, the east pier - the one you'll need to walk to reach the lighthouse - is 2,276 feet long. It's a pleasant, easy stroll to breathtaking views of pristine lakeshore and, of course, a breathtaking old lighthouse.
In 1988, the pier was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting it from certain doom.
To access Washington Park, which you'll need to do to reach the pier, you'll have to pay a parking fee. To see the most up-to-date information parking and entrance fees, be sure to visit the official website.
The stroll is leisurely and perfect to do on your own, or with friends.
It's also a great date night idea, so you might want to consider bringing your special person with you to watch the sunset over the lake.
Be sure to bring a camera - the lighthouse is easily at its most photogenic when paired with a wonderful, vibrant setting sun.
The sky and lake seem endless, and the result is truly picturesque.
Of course, Washington Park and the town of LaPorte are both also worth a visit once you're done at the pier.
You can find plenty of things to do and see in LaPorte on the official town website.
Whether you're visiting the Hoosier State or you live here, the amazing Michigan City pier and lighthouse are a thing that needs to be seen.
What are some of your favorite places to photograph in Indiana? Share your photos with us and tell us all about your picks in the comments. We love hearing from you! Or, you could tell us by filling out this form. You never know - you might see yours featured someday.
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