UPTOWN ART LOFT near Indiana Dunes National Park Guidebook
Food scene
Excellent chef-prepared food and cocktails in a historic building that was recently renovated. Cozy inside seating as well as outdoor patio seating with firepits and umbrellas. Located on the corner of Franklin St and 4th St, it's less than a 10 minute walk up Franklin from the Art Loft. Enjoy the shops along the way!
58 habitants recommandent
Leeds Public House
401 Franklin StExcellent chef-prepared food and cocktails in a historic building that was recently renovated. Cozy inside seating as well as outdoor patio seating with firepits and umbrellas. Located on the corner of Franklin St and 4th St, it's less than a 10 minute walk up Franklin from the Art Loft. Enjoy the shops along the way!
727 Franklin St. Six hundred feet North of Your Art Loft.
Tasty Mexican food with huge portions, salsa bar, friendly counter service. Historic building with artsy vibe. Nachos are HUGE, tacos are tasty and made with your selected toppings.
34 habitants recommandent
Mucho Mas
727 Franklin St727 Franklin St. Six hundred feet North of Your Art Loft.
Tasty Mexican food with huge portions, salsa bar, friendly counter service. Historic building with artsy vibe. Nachos are HUGE, tacos are tasty and made with your selected toppings.
701 Washington St., On block West and 2 blocks North of Your Art Loft.
One of the best burgers in town - freshly ground daily, not a frozen patty. Open for lunch. A convenient choice if touring the Barker Mansion next door or shopping at Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall.
The Boathouse Grill
701 Washington St701 Washington St., On block West and 2 blocks North of Your Art Loft.
One of the best burgers in town - freshly ground daily, not a frozen patty. Open for lunch. A convenient choice if touring the Barker Mansion next door or shopping at Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall.
12 On The Lake. One mile from Your Art Loft, located at the marina, next to the Old Lighthouse Museum.
Tasty chef-prepared food, indoor and outdoor dining overlooking Trail Creek and the Washington Park Marina and lighthouse. Live music, usually on Sundays. Located in what used to be the Michigan City Yacht Club.
58 habitants recommandent
Bartlett's Fish Camp
12 On the Lake12 On The Lake. One mile from Your Art Loft, located at the marina, next to the Old Lighthouse Museum.
Tasty chef-prepared food, indoor and outdoor dining overlooking Trail Creek and the Washington Park Marina and lighthouse. Live music, usually on Sundays. Located in what used to be the Michigan City Yacht Club.
10 Commerce Square. A 4 minute drive North from Your Art Loft.
A year-round favorite with a menu that has something for everyone, including the kiddos. Locally owned and consistently good whether you want a steak, pasta, ribs, seafood, or a bar snack. A great place for dinner with friends or your family. Generous portions, friendly staff, reasonable prices. Definitely a local favorite.
29 habitants recommandent
Galveston Steakhouse
10 Commerce Square10 Commerce Square. A 4 minute drive North from Your Art Loft.
A year-round favorite with a menu that has something for everyone, including the kiddos. Locally owned and consistently good whether you want a steak, pasta, ribs, seafood, or a bar snack. A great place for dinner with friends or your family. Generous portions, friendly staff, reasonable prices. Definitely a local favorite.
607 East Barker Ave, Michigan City, less than a mile South of Your Art Loft
Year-round local-favorite bar and restaurant with something for everyone. Friday walleye is especially popular when available. Good drinks, friendly staff, reliably good food. Sometimes have live music.
11 habitants recommandent
Barker Pub
607 E Barker Ave607 East Barker Ave, Michigan City, less than a mile South of Your Art Loft
Year-round local-favorite bar and restaurant with something for everyone. Friday walleye is especially popular when available. Good drinks, friendly staff, reliably good food. Sometimes have live music.
Menu has a variety of good choices. Blue gill is a favorite. I think anyone could find something they like on this menu. Check website for specials... burger night is a good deal.
38 habitants recommandent
Fiddlehead Restaurant
422 Franklin StMenu has a variety of good choices. Blue gill is a favorite. I think anyone could find something they like on this menu. Check website for specials... burger night is a good deal.
If you like sushi, this is the place! Prepared to order and you can watch them craft your selections from the dining area. Just a few blocks north on Franklin and you can get your sushi fix!
23 habitants recommandent
Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant
725 Franklin StIf you like sushi, this is the place! Prepared to order and you can watch them craft your selections from the dining area. Just a few blocks north on Franklin and you can get your sushi fix!
About a 10 minute drive from the Airbnb is this casual, simply-decorated, Vietnamese restaurant and bar. Favorites are the Pad Thai, Pho, Fried Noodle dishes, and Banh mi sandwiches. Eat-in or carry-out.
SAIGON CITY BAR & GRILL
About a 10 minute drive from the Airbnb is this casual, simply-decorated, Vietnamese restaurant and bar. Favorites are the Pad Thai, Pho, Fried Noodle dishes, and Banh mi sandwiches. Eat-in or carry-out.
Opened in 2023 yet has the feel of a long-standing establishment. You'll find tasty Italian food with a nice wine and cocktail list in an historic Uptown building. The interior brick walls, long dark bar, and cozy seating are cause for lingering. Attentive staff make you feel at home. Portions in general are large. Sandwiches are big enough to share. Conveniently this restaurant is located in the block adjacent to the Art Loft... just look North out the bay window!
Cafe Farina
Opened in 2023 yet has the feel of a long-standing establishment. You'll find tasty Italian food with a nice wine and cocktail list in an historic Uptown building. The interior brick walls, long dark bar, and cozy seating are cause for lingering. Attentive staff make you feel at home. Portions in general are large. Sandwiches are big enough to share. Conveniently this restaurant is located in the block adjacent to the Art Loft... just look North out the bay window!
Go here for delicious creative lunch options… sandwiches, paninis, soups, and even a few European pastries/dessert options. I believe everything is made from scratch. Sandwiches served with a small green salad. Very tasty and everything is fresh. Very popular for good reason!!
32 habitants recommandent
Panini Panini
1720 Franklin StGo here for delicious creative lunch options… sandwiches, paninis, soups, and even a few European pastries/dessert options. I believe everything is made from scratch. Sandwiches served with a small green salad. Very tasty and everything is fresh. Very popular for good reason!!
I think this is the oldest continuously operated bar in Mich City. Sitting at the bar has a great feel and these people know their beer! They have a wide variety on tap and pour each into the appropriate glass style for that beer. The Ritz Klub is also known for its delicious and oversized 3/4 lb freshly grilled burger. We recommend splitting one of these with some fries and ordering 2 draft Kolsch's for the perfect summertime treat.
13 habitants recommandent
Ritz Klub
124 W 4th StI think this is the oldest continuously operated bar in Mich City. Sitting at the bar has a great feel and these people know their beer! They have a wide variety on tap and pour each into the appropriate glass style for that beer. The Ritz Klub is also known for its delicious and oversized 3/4 lb freshly grilled burger. We recommend splitting one of these with some fries and ordering 2 draft Kolsch's for the perfect summertime treat.
Pizza
Serving great pizza for about 7 decades. Decor is stuck in time, but don't let that stop you. Try the Masterpiece if you like lots of toppings or the Italian Beef if you prefer a sub.
12 habitants recommandent
Albano's Villa
1612 Franklin StServing great pizza for about 7 decades. Decor is stuck in time, but don't let that stop you. Try the Masterpiece if you like lots of toppings or the Italian Beef if you prefer a sub.
Our guests rave about the deep dish “stuffed” pizza at this bar. Many people choose to do carry-out since you must be 21 or over to eat inside (because it’s a bar) and they allow smoking. Located South of the loft on Franklin, it’s a 3 minute drive. Get you Chicago pizza fix without the trip!
Local Option
Our guests rave about the deep dish “stuffed” pizza at this bar. Many people choose to do carry-out since you must be 21 or over to eat inside (because it’s a bar) and they allow smoking. Located South of the loft on Franklin, it’s a 3 minute drive. Get you Chicago pizza fix without the trip!
Our newest pizzeria in Michigan City which opened in July 2023. Very tasty pizza carry-out located only steps away in our neighboring building to our South on Franklin St. Riccardo offers regular and "stuffed" (deep dish) pizza as well as a variety of sandwiches. This would be a perfect stop on your way to the beach or park for a picnic.
Riccardo's Pizzeria
Our newest pizzeria in Michigan City which opened in July 2023. Very tasty pizza carry-out located only steps away in our neighboring building to our South on Franklin St. Riccardo offers regular and "stuffed" (deep dish) pizza as well as a variety of sandwiches. This would be a perfect stop on your way to the beach or park for a picnic.
A small restaurant, open during the warmer months only, tucked away in Michiana Shores, just East of Michigan City. Here they craft woodfired pizzas, baked and blistered at high temps, with a thin crust. Somewhat pricey, but that doesn't stop them from having a lot of regulars who won't eat pizza anywhere else. Look online for menu and driving directions.
63 habitants recommandent
Stop 50 Wood Fired Pizzeria
500 El Portal DrA small restaurant, open during the warmer months only, tucked away in Michiana Shores, just East of Michigan City. Here they craft woodfired pizzas, baked and blistered at high temps, with a thin crust. Somewhat pricey, but that doesn't stop them from having a lot of regulars who won't eat pizza anywhere else. Look online for menu and driving directions.
Wine & Brews
111 West 6th St, Michigan City.
Who doesn't need a little wine tasting adventure while on vacation?? Opened in 2020 by dedicated wine-lovers whose goal is to make wine tasting less intimidating. Has an outdoor patio and interior seating as well as a small stand-up bar area. They serve wines from around the globe and offer appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Pizza is thin crust and tasty.
15 habitants recommandent
Brix Tasting Room
111 W 6th St111 West 6th St, Michigan City.
Who doesn't need a little wine tasting adventure while on vacation?? Opened in 2020 by dedicated wine-lovers whose goal is to make wine tasting less intimidating. Has an outdoor patio and interior seating as well as a small stand-up bar area. They serve wines from around the globe and offer appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Pizza is thin crust and tasty.
208 Wabash St, One block West and 6 blocks North of Your Art Loft.
Many house-made beers and wide-variety of excellent food. Indoor and outdoor seating. Often have live music. Big place, historic brick building with great vibe. Friendly service.
90 habitants recommandent
Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant
208 Wabash St208 Wabash St, One block West and 6 blocks North of Your Art Loft.
Many house-made beers and wide-variety of excellent food. Indoor and outdoor seating. Often have live music. Big place, historic brick building with great vibe. Friendly service.
605 East 9th St, just a 10 minute walk East on 9th St from Your Art Loft.
Historic Brewery brought back to life lovingly. Brick structure with an urban vibe. Excellent brews and a "bar food" menu. Large bar. Indoor and plentiful outdoor seating with fire pits. Often with live music. Can't go wrong with this choice for live entertainment and good beer.
69 habitants recommandent
Zorn Brew Works Co.
605 E 9th St605 East 9th St, just a 10 minute walk East on 9th St from Your Art Loft.
Historic Brewery brought back to life lovingly. Brick structure with an urban vibe. Excellent brews and a "bar food" menu. Large bar. Indoor and plentiful outdoor seating with fire pits. Often with live music. Can't go wrong with this choice for live entertainment and good beer.
Yes! We have a winery. Located about 6 miles East of the Art Loft on Tryon Road. They carry a selection of their own wines as well as those made especially for them from California and other places. You can do a wine tasting, or order by the glass or bottle. If you like dry reds, our favorite is the petite sirah. Order a thin crust pizza or an appetizer, sit outside or in, and relax! And bonus...they often have live music on weekends- bet you'll know all the words too.
82 habitants recommandent
Shady Creek Winery
2030 Tryon RdYes! We have a winery. Located about 6 miles East of the Art Loft on Tryon Road. They carry a selection of their own wines as well as those made especially for them from California and other places. You can do a wine tasting, or order by the glass or bottle. If you like dry reds, our favorite is the petite sirah. Order a thin crust pizza or an appetizer, sit outside or in, and relax! And bonus...they often have live music on weekends- bet you'll know all the words too.
Favorite Entertainment Venues
907 Franklin St, directly across the street from Your Art Loft.
You need to check this place out... uptownsocialmc.com.
This is a recently renovated historic church building from the mid-1800's. The friendly and capable team at Uptown Social not only host weddings/receptions and private events, but also have a wide variety of entertainment for the public, including music acts, comedy nights, etc. Buy your tickets online. We strongly recommend you check their website before you visit Michigan City. This is a "smallish" venue with an outstanding sound system & lighting, plus creative bar tenders. Can't go wrong! You will have a unique, memorable night out!
9 habitants recommandent
Uptown Social (The Uptown Center)
907 Franklin St907 Franklin St, directly across the street from Your Art Loft.
You need to check this place out... uptownsocialmc.com.
This is a recently renovated historic church building from the mid-1800's. The friendly and capable team at Uptown Social not only host weddings/receptions and private events, but also have a wide variety of entertainment for the public, including music acts, comedy nights, etc. Buy your tickets online. We strongly recommend you check their website before you visit Michigan City. This is a "smallish" venue with an outstanding sound system & lighting, plus creative bar tenders. Can't go wrong! You will have a unique, memorable night out!
Outdoor Recreation
Less than 3 miles away from Your Art Loft is the Eastern edge of the Indiana Dunes National Park. You can enjoy nearly 20 miles of Lake Michigan coastline with beaches, hike or bike on various trails, and see this park's unique habitat where Eastern hardwood forests blend with Western prairies and shoreline sand dunes. The park includes several rare plants and animals and has more than 1,400 species of plants, ranking it 8th in total plant species among all the National Parks. Michigan City is the gateway to this wonderous national treasure. It's a "Can't Miss" while you're in town. Check with the Park's website or Park Service for special events like stargazing through the telescopes at Kemil Beach or hiking the enormous Mount Baldy with a ranger.
141 habitants recommandent
Parc national des Dunes-de-l'Indiana
1215 North State Road 49Less than 3 miles away from Your Art Loft is the Eastern edge of the Indiana Dunes National Park. You can enjoy nearly 20 miles of Lake Michigan coastline with beaches, hike or bike on various trails, and see this park's unique habitat where Eastern hardwood forests blend with Western prairies and shoreline sand dunes. The park includes several rare plants and animals and has more than 1,400 species of plants, ranking it 8th in total plant species among all the National Parks. Michigan City is the gateway to this wonderous national treasure. It's a "Can't Miss" while you're in town. Check with the Park's website or Park Service for special events like stargazing through the telescopes at Kemil Beach or hiking the enormous Mount Baldy with a ranger.
The National Park Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the Park, pick up maps, get hiking/biking/kayaking recommendations, see a film about the Park, and buy a souvenir. In the summer, there often is a bike rental trailer on site as well. Call ahead to confirm. From the Visitor Center you can pick up the Dunes Kankakee Trail which can take you into the IN Dunes State Park or connect you to the Calumet Trail or the Prairie-Duneland Trail. Look online for maps/info.
12 habitants recommandent
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center
1215 N State Rd 49The National Park Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the Park, pick up maps, get hiking/biking/kayaking recommendations, see a film about the Park, and buy a souvenir. In the summer, there often is a bike rental trailer on site as well. Call ahead to confirm. From the Visitor Center you can pick up the Dunes Kankakee Trail which can take you into the IN Dunes State Park or connect you to the Calumet Trail or the Prairie-Duneland Trail. Look online for maps/info.
A Park within a Park! The State of Indiana established this Park long before the federal government expanded the protected area and called it a National Park. As a result, Indiana Dunes State Park is located inside the Indiana Dunes National Park. Both offer shoreline, beaches, hiking, and gorgeous views, so why pay the entrance fee for the State Park? Because it has campgrounds, many well-kept hiking trails that traverse sand dunes and pine forests, with elevations that provide sweeping Lake Michigan views. On most days you can even see the Chicago skyline 30 miles across the Lake! They also have a Nature Center with a bird-watching room, ranger talks and hikes (a favorite is the monthly full moon hike, especially beautiful in the snow), and a public beach with restrooms and a food pavillion. If you are a bird-watcher, this Park needs to be on your bucket list - especially during migration when volunteers do bird counts from the bird-watching platform overlooking the beach.
66 habitants recommandent
Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State ParkA Park within a Park! The State of Indiana established this Park long before the federal government expanded the protected area and called it a National Park. As a result, Indiana Dunes State Park is located inside the Indiana Dunes National Park. Both offer shoreline, beaches, hiking, and gorgeous views, so why pay the entrance fee for the State Park? Because it has campgrounds, many well-kept hiking trails that traverse sand dunes and pine forests, with elevations that provide sweeping Lake Michigan views. On most days you can even see the Chicago skyline 30 miles across the Lake! They also have a Nature Center with a bird-watching room, ranger talks and hikes (a favorite is the monthly full moon hike, especially beautiful in the snow), and a public beach with restrooms and a food pavillion. If you are a bird-watcher, this Park needs to be on your bucket list - especially during migration when volunteers do bird counts from the bird-watching platform overlooking the beach.
2055 East US Highway 12, Michigan City, less than 2 1/2 miles from Your Art Loft.
A gem! A non-profit, volunteer-based property with formal gardens, wooded trails, and family activities including musical performances, Holiday events, a Children's Garden, and areas for exercise, yoga, etc. Check their website before you visit as some events require advanced ticketing.
52 habitants recommandent
Friendship Botanic Gardens
2055 US-122055 East US Highway 12, Michigan City, less than 2 1/2 miles from Your Art Loft.
A gem! A non-profit, volunteer-based property with formal gardens, wooded trails, and family activities including musical performances, Holiday events, a Children's Garden, and areas for exercise, yoga, etc. Check their website before you visit as some events require advanced ticketing.
115 Lake Shore Drive - just a mile North of Your Art Loft.
This is a must-do for anyone who loves the sun, sand, and surf. An excellent place to spend the whole day or simply visit at sunset for the perfect pic of the sun setting over Lake Michigan. If it's summertime, the sun sets behind the Chicago skyline which is a spectacular sight. While there, consider eating at the Sunset Grille with its 2nd story outdoor dining and bar overlooking the beach and marina.
Note that from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a fee to enter...$15 per car.
60 habitants recommandent
Washington Park Beach
115 Lake Shore Drive - just a mile North of Your Art Loft.
This is a must-do for anyone who loves the sun, sand, and surf. An excellent place to spend the whole day or simply visit at sunset for the perfect pic of the sun setting over Lake Michigan. If it's summertime, the sun sets behind the Chicago skyline which is a spectacular sight. While there, consider eating at the Sunset Grille with its 2nd story outdoor dining and bar overlooking the beach and marina.
Note that from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a fee to enter...$15 per car.
Washington Park Zoo. On the South side of Lake Shore Drive, directly across from Washington Park, about a mile from Your Art Loft. Parking fees apply. This is a Michigan City gem! Excellent for families or adults who love animals. Your visit will take about 90 minutes and you'll get to see big cats, bears, wolves, zebras, monkeys, otters, reptiles, farm animals, gators, birds, and more. Kids love to feed the goats and budgies. Don't forget to climb the tower steps to get a spectacular view of Lake Michigan, Chicago, Trail Creek, Michigan City, the Indiana Dunes National Park and sand dunes, the Blue Chip Casino, and the Trail Creek drawbridge and the Amtrak rotating bridge. It takes some stairclimbing, but it's worth the view and the breezes up top!
102 habitants recommandent
Zoo de Washington Park
115 Lake Shore DrWashington Park Zoo. On the South side of Lake Shore Drive, directly across from Washington Park, about a mile from Your Art Loft. Parking fees apply. This is a Michigan City gem! Excellent for families or adults who love animals. Your visit will take about 90 minutes and you'll get to see big cats, bears, wolves, zebras, monkeys, otters, reptiles, farm animals, gators, birds, and more. Kids love to feed the goats and budgies. Don't forget to climb the tower steps to get a spectacular view of Lake Michigan, Chicago, Trail Creek, Michigan City, the Indiana Dunes National Park and sand dunes, the Blue Chip Casino, and the Trail Creek drawbridge and the Amtrak rotating bridge. It takes some stairclimbing, but it's worth the view and the breezes up top!
Indoor Activities
Try your luck! Only one mile from the Art Loft. The Blue Chip has not only a casino, but excellent restaurants and entertainment.
112 habitants recommandent
Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa
777 Blue Chip DrTry your luck! Only one mile from the Art Loft. The Blue Chip has not only a casino, but excellent restaurants and entertainment.
UNDER RENOVATION - Temporarily Closed
35,000 sq ft Barker family mansion was built in 1857 and expanded in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. The Barkers owned the Haskell & Barker (freight train) Car Company which eventually became part of Pullman Standard in 1922. Located a couple of blocks northwest of Your Art Loft, this architectural gem has undergone extensive rehabilitation during the pandemic so please check their website to be certain they are open for visits and tours.
25 habitants recommandent
Barker Mansion
631 Washington StUNDER RENOVATION - Temporarily Closed
35,000 sq ft Barker family mansion was built in 1857 and expanded in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. The Barkers owned the Haskell & Barker (freight train) Car Company which eventually became part of Pullman Standard in 1922. Located a couple of blocks northwest of Your Art Loft, this architectural gem has undergone extensive rehabilitation during the pandemic so please check their website to be certain they are open for visits and tours.
Built in 1858, this is Michigan City's second-ever lighthouse. It now houses a wonderful museum with artifacts and stories of local shipwrecks, seafaring lore, the local sand dunes, and has an exhibit on President Lincoln's funeral train which made a stop in Michigan City. Worth of visit!
37 habitants recommandent
Old Lighthouse Museum
100 Washington StBuilt in 1858, this is Michigan City's second-ever lighthouse. It now houses a wonderful museum with artifacts and stories of local shipwrecks, seafaring lore, the local sand dunes, and has an exhibit on President Lincoln's funeral train which made a stop in Michigan City. Worth of visit!
Coffeehouses
Delicious fresh coffee, teas, muffins, etc in a relaxed atmosphere. Has indoor and outdoor seating. Directly across the street from Lighthouse Premium Outlets, and less than a half mile from Your Art Loft. Locally owned! Not a chain!
29 habitants recommandent
Lakeshore Coffee & Specialties
444 Wabash StDelicious fresh coffee, teas, muffins, etc in a relaxed atmosphere. Has indoor and outdoor seating. Directly across the street from Lighthouse Premium Outlets, and less than a half mile from Your Art Loft. Locally owned! Not a chain!
Creative brews, locally owned, and only 1/3 of a mile up Franklin St from Your Art Loft. Convenient and delicious.
26 habitants recommandent
FLUID Coffee Roasting Lab and Lounge
518 Franklin StCreative brews, locally owned, and only 1/3 of a mile up Franklin St from Your Art Loft. Convenient and delicious.