Gary Travel Information
Gary, population 102,746, and Hammond, population 83,048, are the
two largest cities in the metropolitan area bordering the southern
shore of Lake Michigan. The area is a short drive from downtown
Chicago, Illinois. Both towns feature attractions along Lake
Michigan. Four casinos provide gaming, dining, entertainment and
lodging lakeside. In Gary, the Trump Casino and Hotel and the Majestic
Star Casino sit side-by-side at Buffington Harbor. East Chicago’s
Resorts Casino and Hammond’s Horseshoe Casino are just a short drive
northwest. Marinas and boat launches provide slips and boat
rentals for adventures on Lake Michigan. Charter fishing cruises, sail
boating and windsurfing are popular. Beaches and dunes along the lake
provide access to Lake Michigan for swimming, picnicking and views of
the Chicago skyline. In Gary, the Miller Beach shops have a resort
feel. A short drive east of Gary, Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore provides trails, camping and birdwatching on more than
15,000 acres bordering Lake Michigan. The metropolitan area is
approximately 20 miles from downtown Chicago, Illinois and is
accessible via Interstate Highways 65, 80, 90 and 94. Lodging options
include casino hotels along the coast and national chain hotels and
motels in Hammond and Merrillville.
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