City of Michigan City Archives

The 19th century town of Michigan City emerged as a plan before it ever became a settlement. The plan arose from the ambition to create a harbor on Lake Michigan, and a road to transport supplies to homesteaders in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 1830, just 14 years after Indiana became a state, the land for Michigan City was purchased, sight unseen, by Isaac C. Elston, a real estate speculator who had made a small fortune in Crawfordsville. He paid about $200 total for 160 acres of land including the future harbor at the mouth of Trail Creek. The town was named after the road leading up to Lake Michigan.

Early visitors to the region were captivated by its rugged beauty, its abundance of wildflowers and berries, and especially the majestic sand dunes, one towering to 175-foot height. The land, however, was not suitable for farming. The growth of Michigan City was due to the flowing waters of Trail Creek, which afforded good locations for lumber and gristmills. Farmers came from miles around to have their wheat ground into flour. Other businesses developed rapidly.

The historic Downtown District has retained the ethnic diversity and rich cultural traditions of 19th century Michigan City.

Mayor Angie’s list of priorities was formed with one overarching goal in mind: to enhance the quality of life in Michigan City. The mayor knows that providing proper support for her municipal employees allows them to increase the standard of service they deliver to our residents, neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofit organizations and visitors. And in doing so, they make Michigan City the Region’s premier place to live, work and play.

10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, February 20 – February 23

By: Damon Modglin Last Updated: February 18, 2025

10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, February 20 – February 23 Win a trip to Vegas at the City of Hammond’s 219 Day celebration If you’re a proud Region rat, the City of Hammond wants you out for a night of dancing, temporary tattoos, and more! On top of the fun activities planned, this free event will...

Mayor Angie’s first town hall will be Feb. 13

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: February 6, 2025

The first gathering in Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s town hall series “Let’s Talk Solutions” will kick off on Thursday, Feb. 13 at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with opening remarks and general updates set...

Community adds input to prison reimagination process

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: January 31, 2025

Community adds input to prison reimagination process Community members had the opportunity to offer input and ideas for the reimagining of the Indiana State Prison site during an interactive event Jan. 22 at the H.O.P.E. Community Center. The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City and Farr...

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City Joins the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

By: Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Last Updated: January 27, 2025

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City Joins the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is pleased to welcome Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and Michigan City, IN to its growing coalition of more than 260 mayors and top elected local leaders working to advance the socioeconomic and...

Mayor to host town hall series

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: January 24, 2025

Mayor to host town hall series Let’s talk solutions: Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch has scheduled a series of eight town hall events in 2025 to facilitate face-to-face conversations between Michigan City residents and businesses, the mayor and other leaders from within...

Water Main Break in Michigan City

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: January 22, 2025

We've experienced a water main break on Franklin Street just north of CR 400N as a result of the cold weather. Crews have been out working to address the problem since around 3:30 a.m. Work will continue into the day until the main can be fixed....

City of Michigan City: MLK Day 2025 observance

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: January 17, 2025

City Hall and all other municipal offices will be CLOSED to the public on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Michigan City Transit and Refuse departments also will be nonoperational on Monday, meaning no bus service...

Project sparks plaza plan, rejuvenated downtown spaces

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: January 17, 2025

Project sparks plaza plan, rejuvenated downtown spaces A new renovation project at 711 Franklin St. will link commercial and retail space to a proposed city plaza. The spot will include first-floor spaces to lease that will range in sizes from 860 to 1800 square feet and face an area pegged to provide...

Michigan City announces special events for 2025

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: January 16, 2025

Michigan City announces special events for 2025 Michigan City Special Events and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch are excited to announce the 2025 Michigan City Special Events schedule, highlighted by the return of The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival and Oktoberfest. “Our special events lineup...