Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Gary, Indiana

Gary, Indiana, may not appear on many individuals’ itineraries, unless they are paying tribute to Michael Jackson at his childhood residence. However, the city holds significant potential, particularly on pleasant summer days.

The most exquisite beaches in the Chicago metropolitan region are located on the South Shore, offering breathtaking vistas of the Chicago skyline as well as the natural beauty presented by a national park.

1. Indiana Dunes National Park

Adjacent to downtown Gary, this national park encompasses approximately 20 miles of lakefront and over 15,000 acres.

In addition to its dunes, the park features a diverse range of habitats, including extensive beaches, oak savannas, bogs, swamps, prairies, rivers, and woodlands.

Visitors may explore 11 different trails totaling 50 miles, where they can encounter these various ecosystems. The Dune Succession Trail explains the colonization of sandy peaks by vegetation.

The Indiana Dunes also host historical attractions, such as the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, which provide insights into the settlement history of the South Shore dating back to the 1820s.

The expansive, golden sandy beaches draw significant numbers of visitors, offering opportunities for swimming and sunbathing during the summer, as well as birdwatching during spring and fall migrations. For those wishing to extend their visit, the Dunewood Campground operates from April through October.

2. Marquette Park

Covering 240 acres, this lakefront park is encircled by Indiana Dunes National Park and features beaches, lofty dunes, a lagoon, wetlands, indigenous oak savanna, and ponds. Marquette Park borders the Miller Beach neighborhood, which was an independent city until 1918.

This lakefront area has served as a cherished recreational venue since the late 19th century and includes two remarkable early 20th-century monuments: the Aquatorium (1921) and the Pavilion (1924).

After experiencing a period of neglect, both structures have undergone restoration as part of a $28 million redevelopment initiative.

Marquette Park is an ideal location to appreciate the natural beauty of Gary’s lakefront, unwind on the sandy beach, and enjoy views of the Chicago skyline on clear days.

3. Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium

One notable feature of Marquette Park is this historic facility for showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, completed in 1921.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994, the Aquatorium serves as an early example of precast concrete modular construction, primarily consisting of just six basic cast blocks.

Similar to many structures in Gary, the Aquatorium fell into disrepair later in the century and was sealed off.

Fortunately, it was preserved from demolition in the early 1990s and underwent restoration at the turn of the millennium.

The building now hosts events and contains an aviation museum that honors Octave Chanute (1832-1910), whose glider experiments in the dunes during the 1890s contributed to the Wright brothers’ first powered flight. Additionally, the museum recognizes the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, a pioneering group of predominantly African American pilots and airmen who served during World War II.

4. Lake Street Beach

Located just west of Marquette Park, another location allows for the enjoyment of the South Shore lakefront’s beauty.

Those familiar with the Lake Michigan beaches in the Chicago area will quickly recognize that Gary presents a distinct appeal. Lake Street Beach is a picturesque expanse of golden sand, spacious enough for visitors to enjoy and bordered by additional dunes.

A boat launch is available during the summer season, and a bike trail connects this beach with Marquette Park and the broader Indiana Dunes National Park.

Ample parking is available at the beach, but those arriving from the Miller South Shore Line station can enjoy a scenic walk through the Miller Woods unit of the national park.

5. The Jackson Family Home

It is difficult to measure the profound impact that the Jackson family has had on popular culture; in Gary, one can take a detour to the residence where it all commenced.

2300 Jackson Street served as the modest two-bedroom home for Katherine and Joe Jackson. Katherine worked at Sears and was a talented clarinet and piano player, while Joe operated a crane and played guitar in a rhythm and blues band.

The couple raised ten children in this home, five of whom would form The Jackson 5 in 1964, under the strict management of Joe.

The eighth child, Michael Jackson (1958-2009), set a benchmark for pop stardom spanning nearly five decades. While the house remains a private property, it understandably attracts numerous fans and is highlighted on road signs throughout Gary.

6. Dune Succession Trail

Located away from the lakefront in the park’s West Beach Unit is a mile-long educational trail that offers an intriguing perspective on the diverse stages of dune development.

The term “dune succession” describes the process by which dunes become inhabited by vegetation. Visitors will embark on a dynamic walk over the tops of tall dunes, enriched with grasses, shrubs, pines, black oaks, basswoods, and ashes, before descending past interdunal ponds.

The initial section of the trail entails a strenuous trek across loose sand, but the journey becomes easier upon reaching the boardwalk.

At this point, there is a staircase that, if visitors turn back, reveals yet another magnificent view of the lake and the distant Chicago skyline.

A leaflet detailing the walk is available, along with corresponding signs throughout the trail indicating key observations.

7. Gary SouthShore RailCats

Gary boasts a professional baseball team, one of twelve franchises competing in the American Association of Professional Baseball, which serves as a Partner League of Major League Baseball.

The SouthShore RailCats, founded in 2001, have consistently been a competitive force, finishing in either 1st or 2nd place in the league’s North Division six times over the past decade.

Their home field is the U.S. Steel Yard, which accommodates 6,139 spectators and opened in 2002, also hosting local little league and high school games.

This venue even served as a site for a memorial service for Michael Jackson in 2009, attended by 6,000 individuals, including much of the Jackson family.

RailCats games provide a family-friendly atmosphere, replete with diverse promotions and giveaways, lively between-innings entertainment, and stunning fireworks displays.

8. Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center

Operated by the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department, Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center encourages creativity and supports the social and cognitive development of children through interactive play.

Featuring nine engaging educational settings, the center is richly interactive and tactile, filled with items that can be handled and manipulated.

Some of the areas include a supermarket, pizza parlor, construction zone, water tables, an art studio, a dinosaur dig, and a performance space.

Additionally, children can ride pedal carts, dress up, experiment with cooking, explore the garden, climb a “tree-pee,” and construct with building blocks in a secure, open environment.

The center houses a café with seating for 180, adjacent to the play areas, five birthday party rooms, and a dedicated area for infants and toddlers.

9. Marquette Park Pavilion

Another notable feature in Marquette Park is the pavilion, which opened in 1924 and was constructed by the same firm that built the Palace Theater in downtown Gary.

The elegant Marquette Park Pavilion, designed by celebrated Chicago architect George W. Maher, exhibits a blend of Prairie School and Renaissance Revival architectural styles.

Despite multiple renovations, the latest occurring in the 2010s, this building remains eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and serves as an accessible venue for events ranging from weddings to community functions.

10. Abandoned Buildings

Currently, Gary’s population stands at approximately 70,000, reflecting a decrease of 110,000 from the city’s height in the 1960s. Consequently, the city is marked by a considerable number of abandoned structures.

It is estimated that nearly one-third of all homes in Gary are unoccupied, with a total of derelict buildings potentially reaching 13,000.

While this may not appeal to everyone, such decay fosters a unique intrigue, explaining why urban explorers, street artists, and photographers are drawn to Gary.

In the downtown area, several prominent abandoned structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the Union Station (1910), the Palace Theater (1925), and the City Methodist Church (1925).

As always, it is advisable to view Gary’s dilapidated buildings from the exterior, as many are hazardous and structurally unsound.

11. Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education

Within the Miller Woods unit of the Indiana Dunes National Park, one will discover this facility that provides an introduction to the park’s various habitats and natural history.

The Paul H. Douglas Center is situated in a stunning location, bordered by water on two sides, with trails leading north to the lakefront and east to other units of the national park.

Inside, informative exhibits cover the dune, oak savanna, swales, and wetland ecosystems prevalent in the area, alongside terrariums housing live animals such as turtles and snakes.

Beyond trail access, the center also includes a nature play area outdoors. Visitors should check the center’s schedule for ranger-led hikes, lectures, and numerous activities within the national park.

12. Erin’s Farm

Located just south of Gary in Hobart, Erin’s Farm serves as a non-profit animal sanctuary and rescue center. It provides a long-term home for animals rescued from abusive or neglected situations while also educating visitors about responsible and ethical animal husbandry practices.

The 33-acre farm allows ample opportunities for interaction with its residents, which include pigs, goats, cows, chickens, rabbits, cats, sheep, horses, and even some exotic species like a cockatoo and a Patagonian mara.

Visitors can participate in one or two-hour farm tours for a nominal fee or check the farm’s Facebook page for details on upcoming open days.

13. Southlake Mall

For a shopping excursion, head south of Gary to discover the only major shopping mall in Northwest Indiana.

Operated by the Westlake Group, Southlake Mall opened in 1974 and boasts around 150 stores and service-oriented businesses.

A selection of well-known brands present includes Macy’s, Foot Locker, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Lids, Hot Topic, and Claire’s.

For dining and snacks, visitors can enjoy a variety of food court favorites such as Sbarro, Auntie Anne’s, and Mandarin Express.

Additionally, a reason to make this trip is to enjoy films at the 12-screen AMC Classic movie theater located on-site, next to the main building.

14. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

The South Shore is a prominent gaming destination, featuring casinos in Hammond, East Chicago, and right here in Gary.

For around 25 years, the local gaming license was held by the Majestic Star Casino, consisting of two riverboats in Buffington Harbor.

In 2021, these establishments closed, and the license was transferred to the newly established Hard Rock Casino, located a few miles inland just off Interstate 94. Both high rollers and casual gamers will appreciate the expansive casino floor, which hosts 1,800 slot machines and table games.

The table game selection includes over 80 different options, featuring poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and many more.

The facility is equipped with five dining establishments, including a Hard Rock Café, as well as two bars and a lively schedule of live entertainment.

15. County Line Orchard

This local farm, situated a short distance away in Hobart, offers a wealth of activities during the fall months, particularly in September and October.

Spanning multiple acres, County Line Orchard cultivates over 30 apple varieties, from Gala to Pink Lady, readily available for U-Pick or purchase at the farm store. The orchard provides a seasonal guide detailing available fruit varieties.

Additional attractions include a pumpkin patch, impressive bee yurts, U-Pick sunflowers, a corn maze, barrel rides, and a petting zoo featuring pygmy goats and piglets.

Throughout the fall, live music performances take place primarily on weekends, and visitors can indulge in seasonal treats like apple cinnamon donuts and pumpkin pie at the bakery.