Overview
Michigan City is the primary Indiana harbor destination in Phase 1 — a south-shore Lake Michigan stop that Chicago boaters often reach for fishing trips, weekend cruises, or a change of shoreline scenery across the lake. The Michigan City Port Authority operates the public marina system and publishes information for Washington Park, Trail Creek, and related facilities on its official site.
Washington Park Marina sits against the city’s park and beach landscape and is the Port Authority’s flagship wet-slip harbor. Official Port Authority materials describe seasonal operations, fuel and pump-out services, and shore amenities such as bathhouses and laundry at Washington Park. Confirm current season windows and rates through mcmarina.org rather than cached third-party listings.
Crossing from Chicago to Michigan City is a popular but weather-sensitive lake run. Distances look modest on a chart until wind and wave period stack up on the open lake. Build margin into fuel and daylight plans, and have a bailout harbor strategy if conditions deteriorate.
Ashore, Michigan City pairs harbor time with Washington Park, the nearby zoo area, and downtown attractions. For boaters, the practical first step remains the Port Authority: slip availability, transient policy, and VHF/office contacts published on the agency site.