LAPORTE COUNTY
County Offices
809 State Street
LaPorte 219-326-6808
https://laporteco.in.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
803 Washington Street
LaPorte 219-324-8584
https://laportepartnership.com/
Services
Situated at a comfortable yet accessible distance from metropolitan centers like Chicago and South Bend, LaPorte County enjoys efficient links to regional destinations via the Indiana Toll Road and Interstates 80/94 and 65. South Bend is also the location of the nearest commercial airport, Michiana Regional. Services are outstanding in LaPorte County, where major hospitals and medical centers combine with skilled professionals in every major specialty and most subspecialties to meet every need. Specialized care centers are available for cardiac and cancer care as well as long-term care, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. Home health and skilled nursing resources, family practice clinics, walk-in emergency care centers, and medical office complexes expand the medical services throughout the county. Throughout LaPorte County, leading healthcare providers are committed to optimum health through community outreach, health screenings, nutrition and fitness education, and support groups.
Newcomers to LaPorte County will discover a region dedicated to quality education on every attainment level. From preschool through 12th grade, public and private schools ensure a wealth of opportunity for academic and personal growth. Students of all ages enjoy a full complement of higher education options, from vocational and technical training programs and community colleges to private and public colleges and universities. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana and Commonwealth Business College are located in Michigan City, while Westville is home to Purdue University North Central. As a commuter campus within the respected Purdue system, PNC offers associate and bachelor’s degrees and select master degrees.
Among the institutions that are located within commuting distance from LaPorte County communities are Valparaiso University, Purdue University in Hammond, Purdue University Calumet, Sawyer and Bethel colleges, Indiana University Northwest, Indiana University South Bend, St. Mary’s College, St. Joseph College, and the University of Notre Dame.
Lifestyle
Sparkling lakes and scenic waterfronts with delightful marinas combine with historic and modern attractions in LaPorte County. Soldiers Memorial Park in LaPorte, for example, offers a 556-acre natural wonderland along the border of Pine and Stone lakes. The park’s rolling terrain makes it ideal for cross-country skiing, although the warmer months encourage every imaginable water sport. Nearby Luhr County Park features a marshland boardwalk, trails, picnic areas, and a nature center. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is an easy drive from LaPorte County, stretching for 18 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Golf courses, tennis courts, fitness centers, sports courts and fields, and supervised recreational programs for all ages are just a few of the recreational advantages. Gaming enthusiasts will want to try their luck at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.
The cultural attractions in LaPorte County communities tend to be highly developed and unusual for cities and towns with a modest population. The celebrated LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra and honored guests, the longstanding LaPorte Little Theatre Club, and the LaPorte Municipal Band are shining examples of local pride. The theatre group has been pleasing audiences with comedies, mysteries, musicals, and dramas for nearly 75 years. Fine museums dot the region, preserving yesterday’s heritage and providing valuable exhibits on a variety of topics. The LaPorte County Historical Museum showcases a magnificent collection of artifacts of local history, an exceptional firearms collection, and several rooms furnished in the styles of the 1800s and the early 1900s.
Colorful annual festivals like the Maple City Blues Fest, the LaPorte County Fair, Winterfest, and the LaPorte County Antique Show bring family and neighbors together around the four seasons. Shopping and services are conveniently centered in LaPorte City and Michigan City, although treasures are tucked away in every corner of the county. While agriculture still plays a vital role in the regional economy, LaPorte County is home to hundreds of thriving businesses and industries. The housing selection varies greatly in architectural style, size, age, and setting. Rural acreage, quaint farmhouses, suburban developments, historic jewels, and tree-shaded neighborhoods are just a few of the possibilities. Many homes are nestled in heavily wooded lots or feature lush landscaping that includes mature trees. Wherever you settle in LaPorte County, the “good life” is just beyond the front doorstep.
La Porte
Municipal Offices
219-362-0151
www.cityoflaporte.com
Chamber of Commerce
219-324-8584
https://laportepartnership.com/
The county seat of LaPorte maintains a strong tradition of commercial and manufacturing strength, and the city has served for generations as a bustling hub for the surrounding rural area. Residents enjoy a flourishing local economy, a well-developed cultural community, active civic and social groups, a well-stocked library, good schools, and excellent recreational amenities. The vast park system covers more than 1,500 acres with lush open space, deep woods, and recreational facilities. The historic downtown district, a major mall, and numerous retail plazas ensure ample shopping opportunities. Homes in the LaPorte area range from modest bungalows along maple-lined streets to magnificent manors along the sparkling lakefront. Other points of pride include the 18-hole municipal golf course, “The Civic” auditorium, and longstanding performing arts groups.
Long Beach
Municipal Offices
219-874-6616
www.longbeachin.org
Chamber of Commerce
219-324-8584
https://laportepartnership.com/
Although the town of Long Beach claims a modest year-round population, the census tends to triple during the warmer months as seasonal visitors and vacationers arrive to enjoy the resort atmosphere. One of the crown jewels in the town is the Long Beach Country Club, serving members with the finest in dining, golfing, and entertainment since 1924. Perched atop the beautiful Indiana Dunes, the club is located just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. The multi-faceted Old School Community Center is a focal point of daily life, used for creative workshops and activities as well as theatrical performances, parties and meetings, special events, and recreational and sports activities. The homes in the Long Beach area vary from summer cottages to exclusive properties that command breathtaking views.
Michiana Shores
Municipal Offices
312-626-6799
https://www.townofmichianashores.org/
Chamber of Commerce
219-324-8584
https://laportepartnership.com/
Those who are looking for a hands-on community where involvement and volunteerism strongly impact the quality of life will find the ideal home in Michiana Shores. This small town covers only 212 acres and blends a relatively even mix of permanent and seasonal residents. Like many of the Lake Michigan resort towns, the area was first developed as a collection of summer cottages. Often updated or enlarged, vintage log cabins still dot the community. After World War II, the area matured into its present demographic blend, attracting a growing number of retirees and adults who once vacationed in the area as children. Slow growth has enabled this residential community to protect its enviable quality of life. Michiana Shores is just five miles from downtown Michigan City and offers quick and easy access to urban conveniences and expanded amenities.
Michigan City
Municipal Offices
219-873-1410
www.emichigancity.com
Chamber of Commerce
219-874-6221
https://mcachamber.com/
Proud of its well-deserved reputation as one of the region’s most diversified industrial communities, Michigan City also offers a friendly hometown atmosphere. Ideally located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the city offers transportation efficiencies, attractive housing, quality education, and a wealth of recreational and entertainment opportunities. Picturesque marinas and charter boats dot this area, known as the “Coho Capital of the World.” Nearly 600 acres of the city are devoted to lush parks and playground areas, including a 118-acre lakefront park with a marina, a zoo, a museum, and public beaches. Millennium Riverwalk Plaza in the park combines fishing opportunities with a Greek-style theater. Talented companies and dedicated organizations support a strong performing arts community as well as highlights like the Barker Mansion and the Great Lakes Museum of Military History.
Westville
Municipal Offices
219-785-2123
www.westville.us
Chamber of Commerce
219-874-6221
www.michigancitychamber.com
The small rural town of Westville is nevertheless home to one of the campuses for Purdue University, which places an impressive feather in the community cap. Residents of Westville enjoy a slower pace of life where school, church, and social events play a major role in daily life. While the area is home to several large employers, the majority of residents are involved in agricultural activity. Just 10 minutes south of Michigan City, the town offers easy access to expanded amenities and entertainment centers. One of the highlights in Westville is the new University Village, a unique residential development that serves the Purdue University campus and the entire community. State-of-the-art recreational amenities including a swimming pool, clubroom, game room, exercise room, and nearby sports courts combine with meticulously landscaped grounds and lovely residences.
