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.

Neighborhood Update: Sewer/Roadway Repair Status On White Oak Drive

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: March 3, 2025

Neighborhood Update: Sewer/Roadway Repair Status On White Oak Drive Local Contractor Woodruff & Sons has completed emergency repairs to the sanitary sewer system on White Oak Drive, south of Greenwood Avenue. The emergency repairs were needed to fix a failing manhole that contributed to a severe dip in the...

Tickets and Sponsorships Now Available for Mayor Angie’s Charitable Gala

By: City of Michigan City Last Updated: March 3, 2025

Tickets and Sponsorships Now Available for Mayor Angie’s Charitable Gala Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s highly anticipated Second Annual Charitable Gala is set for Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa (777 Blue Chip Drive). Following the overwhelming success of...

Tryon Meadow development plans bolster housing options

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

Tryon Meadow development plans bolster housing options Tryon Meadow would mix townhomes, single-family homes and rentals in one workforce housing community on 39 acres with frontage on Tryon Road. The proposed development, a joint venture between Sloane Avenue Group and Redstone Group, has been approved...

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....