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Gary is a city of about 68,000 people on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, about 30 miles from downtown Chicago. Founded in 1906 by U.S. Steel around its huge Gary Works mill, it boomed as an industrial city and became known for its architecture, music and as the hometown of the Jackson family.
Today Gary is best known to visitors for its lakefront. Marquette Park in the Miller Beach neighborhood has a sandy beach, dunes, lagoons and a restored historic pavilion, and the city borders Indiana Dunes National Park, with miles of beaches and dune trails. Miller Beach has local restaurants, galleries and a creative community.
Historic architecture draws urban explorers and photographers, including the dramatic shell of City Methodist Church, the West Fifth Avenue Apartments and the Edison concrete houses on Polk Street. The childhood home of Michael Jackson and his siblings at 2300 Jackson Street is a popular stop for fans, and South Shore Line trains make Chicago an easy trip.
Large lakefront park in Gary's Miller Beach area with a sandy Lake Michigan beach, lagoons, dune trails and a statue of Father Marquette. It was restored in recent years with new paths and a pavilion. Go on a weekday in summer for a quieter beach and watch for lifeguard hours.
Historic 1921 beach house in Marquette Park, restored as a community venue and small museum about Octave Chanute, who tested early gliders on the nearby dunes in 1896. The rooftop terrace gives views of the lake. Open hours are limited, so check for events and tours.
Small two-bedroom house at 2300 Jackson Street where the Jackson family, including Michael Jackson and his siblings, lived before fame. Fans visit to leave notes and flowers at the gate, and a memorial stone stands outside. It is private; view it from the sidewalk only.
Visitor center of Indiana Dunes National Park in Gary's Miller Woods, with nature exhibits and a trail through oak savanna, ponds and dunes to the Lake Michigan shore. Rangers run family programs. Admission is free; bring water and good shoes for the sandy trail.
Lakeside neighborhood on Gary's east side with sand dunes, woods and a small arts district along Lake Street with galleries, cafes and restaurants. It is the most relaxed part of the city and a base for beach days. Visit during summer art events for the best atmosphere.
Huge Gothic Revival church completed in 1926 with backing from U.S. Steel, abandoned in 1975 and later damaged by fire. Its roofless ruins have appeared in films and are a striking symbol of Gary's decline. The building is unsafe and fenced; view and photograph it from the street.
Beaux-Arts railroad station built in 1910 of poured concrete and abandoned for decades, standing near the U.S. Steel works downtown. Its weathered columns and empty halls make it a favorite of urban photographers. Do not enter the building; view it from the outside only.
Early 20th-century apartment building on West Fifth Avenue listed on the National Register for its architecture, built as the young steel city of Gary grew quickly. It is one of several historic buildings from that boom era. It is private property, so view it from the street.
Group of early 1900s houses built with Thomas Edison's experimental method of pouring an entire house in concrete using reusable molds, an idea meant to give workers cheap, durable homes. Listed on the National Register, they are private residences, so view them respectfully.
Independent professional baseball team playing at the downtown ballpark near the South Shore Line station, with affordable seats, promotions and fireworks nights. Games run from May to September. It is easy to reach by train from Chicago; check the schedule online.
Large casino opened in 2021 next to the Borman Expressway, with slots, table games, a sportsbook, several restaurants and a music venue hosting concerts and comedy. It is a popular night out from Chicago. Guests must be 21 or older; parking is free.
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