With Labor Day now behind us and cooler weather becoming the norm, we have a few specific businesses and attractions that will be closing for the season and reopening next spring. We’ve compiled a few eateries and attractions that will be closing for the season shortly. So get those last alfresco meals in and trips to your favorite seasonal places before they close for the season.
Eats that Close for the Season:
Bridges Waterside Bar and Grill
Closing Date: September 26th
Don’t miss: The views!
As one of the only eateries in Michigan City located on the water, Bridges is the perfect place to catch a lake breeze, enjoy a great cocktail, and savor good food in a playful, family-friendly atmosphere. With plenty of games for the young and young at heart, this Michigan City favorite will close for the season on the last Saturday in September, the 26th. While all of the food and drinks are great, the true gem of this place is the view of the historic railroad swing bridge still in operation today. If you’re lucky, you catch the bridge in action, used by Amtrak between Chicago and Michigan.
Link: https://bridgeswatersidegrille.com/
Carlson’s Drive-In
Closing Date: October 11th
Don’t Miss: The chili, and a homemade root beer
This beloved Michigan City institution is known for its homemade chili, which is impressive on its own but even more stellar when paired with cheese fries or the infamous Carlson’s chili dog. Will close out another season on October 11th. Known for its authentic drive-in food and atmosphere, this gem in Michigan City is the place where locals know to get their homemade root beer and a hit of nostalgia for a bygone era as one of the few still fully operational drive-ins in the area.
Link: https://www.carlsonsdrivein.com/location/carlsons-drive-in/
Alfresco Dining in Michigan City
Closing Date: TBD, but typically mid-September
Don’t Miss: The historic charm of downtown Michigan City for lunch or dinner.
While this entry isn’t a specific eatery, it does deserve to be on the list. Michigan City has some truly great alfresco dining options that will, unfortunately, be closing up for the season as the weather turns cooler and typically wetter. Here is a list of our favorite patios to take advantage of before the season’s end:
Vita Del Lago– with one of the most beautiful patios in town be sure to stop by before they close for the season.
Rocco’s/ Café Farina– Next door to each other with the same owner, these two patios are not only charming but are a great place to grab a cocktail and some great eats.
Leeds Public House– By far the best outdoor brunch in Michigan City in our opinion, the carefully curated patio is a stunner. Be sure to stop by before they close their patio for the season.
Fiddlehead– A lot of love was poured into Fiddlehead’s updated patio that debuted this year. This is a great spot for a cocktail and awesome appetizers in our opinion (but the whole menu is awesome too).
The Ritz Klub– This patio was built for a great time! A great place to kick back and have a beer, the laidback atmosphere of this patio make it a JOYRide favorite.
Shoreline Brewery- With a beer garden complete with a stage, this patio is a great place to have a drink, some great eats, and catch some live music.
Fish Camp– As Michigan City’s only seafood-based menu, Fish Camp has a fantastic patio with a view overlooking the Michigan City harbor. Known for their drinks and seafood, this beloved favorite is a great spot to catch the sunset.
Attractions That Close for the Season
Washington Park Zoo
Closes: December 6th
Don’t Miss: The WPA Observation Tower
Celebrating its 100th season (dating back to 1925), the Washington Park Zoo is a local treasure. With an impressive collection of animals, this small zoo makes for a perfect day trip. Grizzly bears, cougars, and Bengal tigers are just a few of the exotic animals that call this zoo home. The zoo, situated on the side of a dune overlooking Lake Michigan in Michigan City’s Washington Park, often has a great lake breeze to keep visitors cool and even better views of the lake. Be sure to visit the observation tower, an original WPA that gives breathtaking views, including the Chicago skyline on a clear day.
Website: https://www.washingtonparkzoo.com/
Farmed and Forged Market
Closes: September 27th
Don’t Miss: All of the gorgeous local produce
The Farmed and Forged Market, Michigan City’s premier farmers market, closes their season on September 27th. This market specializes in locally grown and produced items. One can find a wide variety of locally grown, fresh produce, baked goods, homemade pastas, and much more. Each month, the market also features a local nonprofit organization. In September, Nest Community Shelter will be the featured nonprofit fundraising at the market.
Link: https://www.thecollectivein.com/fandf
JOYRide
Closes: September 1st.
Don’t Miss: While you may have missed a high-season ride, be sure to keep an eye out for us popping up at Michigan City events and for sure at the Festival of Lights.
Another season has come to an end for Michigan City’s favorite way to get from point A to B. We had so much fun this past season giving rides to locals and tourists alike to all of Michigan City’s best attractions. During our low-season schedule, we will be popping up at Michigan City events. Look for us at the Festival of Lights, where we will once again provide JOYRides to take in the seasonal lights. As we transition into the low season, we want to thank our community for their immense support and for another great season!
There is no doubt that Michigan City comes alive in the summer, how could we not, nestled next to the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan? With another summer season behind us, the city, much like us, is ready for a slower pace. Be sure to stop by many of your favorite places and let them know how much you’ve enjoyed dining alfresco or shopping with them this season. Until next season…
Please let us know in the comments if we missed a local Michigan City establishment that will be closing for the season. Or share a favorite summer memory from this past season here in Michigan City.
