Founded in 1906, Gary is the biggest city in Lake County, northwest Indiana. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city is about 25 miles from downtown Chicago. Gary is especially noted for its large steel mills. The city offers a variety of leisure time options, whether you intend to rent a jet ski or relax on the beach, spend the day shopping in Gary’s Lake Street Shopping District, or go for the jackpot at Buffington Harbor.
The city is full of history and culture and features a number of historical sites and attractions such as the Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium, Marquette Pavilion, several churches and statues, and a water tower. Furthermore you can visit a US steel plant, or the home of the Jackson Five.
Gary provides lovely beaches, fabulous dining places and exquisite shopping facilities including boutiques and galleries. Professional baseball is played in the city’s Genesis Arena starring the Gary SouthShore RailCats and the Gary Steelheads, while outdoor activities include water sports, golf, fishing and more. There are two play theaters in Gary, and nightlife entertainment takes place at the Buffington Harbor casinos with live music and dancing.
Highlights
Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium: this unique bathhouse was built in 1921 and is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places.
Marquette Park Pavilion: situated next to the Marquette Lagoon, this facility has accommodated meetings, banquets, weddings and proms for decades.
BankOne Building: one of Gary’s most stunning structures, this 10-story building was constructed in 1928.
Water Tower: the 150 feet tall concrete structure was erected in 1910.
Casinos: two gaming boats are located at Buffington Harbor, the Majestic Star I and II.
Beaches: Gary features three golden sand beaches that offer jaw-dropping views of Lake Michigan; Marquette Park, and Lake and Wells streets.
Tolleston Park Water Slide: this recently constructed facility is linked with the Tolleston Park outdoor swimming pool.