Gary, Indiana: The grand old dame is getting a makeover
In the first half of the 20th century, Gary, Indiana was the grand dame of the Midwest. A steelworks boomtown, Gary was also a center of arts and culture, with fabulous beaches attracting weekenders. But because its fate was directly tied to the steel industry, Gary fell from grace in the 1960s as steel production fell. Today, the city is on the ups, getting made-over and reclaiming its status as an arts center. Choose from scores of Gary vacation rentals and get a front seat to this fascinating transformation.
Miller Beach: a lakeside destination lined with historic structures
Only a few people are likely aware that Gary has a lakeside playground called Miller Beach. Located on the southern bank of Lake Michigan, Miller Beach is the westernmost point of the federally protected Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The neighborhood's Miller Woods is home to nearly 300 plant and animal species, some of which are endangered. Gary vacation rentals will let you bask in the charms of Miller Beach, including Lake Street, the area's vibrant shopping and dining hub, and the restored Marquette Park and Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium, veritable playgrounds for history enthusiasts.
Make a pitstop at 2300 Jackson Street, birthplace of the King of Pop
With its glory days long gone, Gary has been pegged as a modern American ghost town, mostly attracting shutterbugs who like snapping pics of abandoned buildings. Those abandoned buildings are now stops on heritage tours in Gary. If you're a Michael Jackson fan, you'll want to go on these tours as they typically include the cramped bungalow where the Jackson 5 spent their childhood. Meanwhile, Miller Beach has always been Gary's best-kept secret, and it's now drawing in weekenders once again for water fun, folk music, and yoga on the beach.
Rainy night in Gary? Time for a snuggle-fest
Gary's climate is largely affected by its close proximity to Lake Michigan. The summer months of June to August can be hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 84 degrees. In winter, which runs from December to February, Gary is snowy, with the occasional blizzard blowing in from the lake. Temperature can drop to 16 degrees in winter. However, no matter what season it is, you can expect rain to cool things down, especially in summer. Not that rains deter travelers—Gary vacation rentals, particularly those near the lakeshore, are busiest in summer.
A flat plain on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan
Gary stands on a flat plain stretching from the banks of Lake Michigan. Though the land is flat, it teems with beauty. Gary's lakeside area forms part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the most pristine areas surrounding Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes reportedly has more plant and animal species than any US national park, totaling 1,445 species. These include the various species of orchids and the endangered dune thistle. The lakeshore is also home to coyotes and a vital stop for migrating birds. On a visit to Indiana Dunes, you can pop into the environmental centers or go fishing and walking along the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk.
Transportation options to and around Gary
Fly into Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD), the closest airport, located 39 mi (62.7 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), which is 24.4 mi (39.3 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, the main station is Gary Metro Center.
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