Gary, Indiana was recently named America’s most miserable city, but those who know and love the place are certain that cannot possibly be true. Once named “the murder capital of the nation,” the true story of this thriving post-industrial community is one of improving infrastructure, decreasing crime, and a prospering job market.
The city also has plenty of fun things to do and see that keep locals entertained and visitors returning time and again. Scroll on for more details.
- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Wikimedia Commons/NPGallery The West Beach portion of this 25-mile park is accessible from this city. It is open daily between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. and visitors pay per vehicle. This amazing oasis along Lake Michigan offers views of the lake, the nearby Baily Nuclear Power Plant, and, on clear days, views of the Chicago skyline.
- Marquette Park
Facebook/Marquette Park Pavilion Surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park, this 1.4-mile stretch of beach and park area includes wetlands, dunes, a lagoon, oak trees, ponds, and many other diverse ecosystems. It is so lovely that it is known as a popular place for couples to wed.
- Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education
Facebook/Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education This year-round education center is a true diamond in the rough whether you consider Gary to be America’s most miserable city or not. Also situated within the Indiana National Dunes, it acts as the western visitors center for the park, offering many activities for all ages.
- Miller Woods
Alltrails/Michael Gaughan This system of trails along the lakefront is made up of boardwalks, stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and much more. Endangered species of many types call this place home.
- Lake Etta County Park
Facebook/Lake Etta County Park Open daily between 7 a.m. and sunset, this lovely park has ponds for fishing, playgrounds, shelters, and even a banquet hall for private events. The grounds are gorgeous just about anytime of year and really make Gary a pleasant place to be.
- Majestic Star Casino
Facebook/Majestic Star Casino In business since 1996 and situated right on the lake, this popular casino has more than 1,600 slot machines as well as table games, a poker room, and much more. Dining, drinks, and everything else you need to have a good time are all in one place.
- Aetna-Miller Arman’s
Google/Ted Mac
Facebook/Aetna-Miller Arman’s This classic hot dog stand has been around for many years and is a tried-and true staple of the city. Locals and travelers alike enjoy this roadside stand for its American comfort food. Favorites include the Polish sausage, Italian beef, burgers, chicken strips and sandwiches, and even some seafood.
- Captain’s House
Facebook/Captain’s House
Facebook/Captain’s House This unique restaurant is one of the best is the whole city. It is a converted old home in which each room has a different theme. There is outdoor dining, a boat out front, several different dining rooms within, and much more that makes this place special. Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this spectacular eatery.
How do you feel about Gary being named America’s most miserable city? Share your thought with us below in the comments.
Wikimedia Commons/NPGallery
The West Beach portion of this 25-mile park is accessible from this city. It is open daily between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. and visitors pay per vehicle. This amazing oasis along Lake Michigan offers views of the lake, the nearby Baily Nuclear Power Plant, and, on clear days, views of the Chicago skyline.
Facebook/Marquette Park Pavilion
Surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park, this 1.4-mile stretch of beach and park area includes wetlands, dunes, a lagoon, oak trees, ponds, and many other diverse ecosystems. It is so lovely that it is known as a popular place for couples to wed.
Facebook/Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education
This year-round education center is a true diamond in the rough whether you consider Gary to be America’s most miserable city or not. Also situated within the Indiana National Dunes, it acts as the western visitors center for the park, offering many activities for all ages.
Alltrails/Michael Gaughan
This system of trails along the lakefront is made up of boardwalks, stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and much more. Endangered species of many types call this place home.
Facebook/Lake Etta County Park
Open daily between 7 a.m. and sunset, this lovely park has ponds for fishing, playgrounds, shelters, and even a banquet hall for private events. The grounds are gorgeous just about anytime of year and really make Gary a pleasant place to be.
Facebook/Majestic Star Casino
In business since 1996 and situated right on the lake, this popular casino has more than 1,600 slot machines as well as table games, a poker room, and much more. Dining, drinks, and everything else you need to have a good time are all in one place.
Google/Ted Mac
Facebook/Aetna-Miller Arman’s
This classic hot dog stand has been around for many years and is a tried-and true staple of the city. Locals and travelers alike enjoy this roadside stand for its American comfort food. Favorites include the Polish sausage, Italian beef, burgers, chicken strips and sandwiches, and even some seafood.
Facebook/Captain’s House
This unique restaurant is one of the best is the whole city. It is a converted old home in which each room has a different theme. There is outdoor dining, a boat out front, several different dining rooms within, and much more that makes this place special. Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this spectacular eatery.
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Address: Gary, IN, USAAddress: Marquette Park Beach, Gary, IN 46403, USAAddress: 100 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403, USAAddress: 47-75 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403, USAAddress: 4801 W 29th Ave, Gary, IN 46406, USAAddress: 1 Buffington Harbor Dr, Gary, IN 46406, USAAddress: 5875 Melton Rd, Gary, IN 46403, USAAddress: 6004 Miller Ave, Gary, IN 46403, USA
