So you want to find something cool to do today!  With the economy like it is, most people are staying home and looking for less expensive entertainment options nearby.  Fortunately for LaPorte County residents, there are lots of free and low priced, fun activities that can make it a little easier on the budget and ensure a good time is had by all.

So many people visit LaPorte County for its parks, water access and museums. Unfortunately, many LaPorte County residents don’t take advantage of the many cool things right here.  Take a look at the following and get ready for a good time.

Washington Park Zoo, 219-873-1510, www.washingtonparkzoo.com For a somewhat small city, this zoo is a jewel. The Washington Park Zoo was founded in 1928, encompasses 15 acres on a hilly sand dune close to the lake, and is home to more than 200 animals. It is owned and operated by the City of Michigan City, Indiana.  Local residents even get a discount.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 219-874-4900, www.lubeznikcenter.org Located at 101 W 2nd Street in Michigan City, the Lubeznik Center is fast becoming a driving cultural force with a greatly expanded mission of community service and creative programming. What’s more, in addition to the regular exhibits, the Lubeznik Center often showcases special exhibits from around the country.

Barker Mansion, 219-873-1520, www.emichigancity.com Just downtown Michigan City on Washington Street is the Barker Mansion.  You can learn more about the mansion built by one of the founding fathers of the rail car industry, John H. Barker. This house, while actually lived in for only a very short time, has brought many years of enjoyment to the Barker family, and to local residents.  From educational guided tours to special seasonal functions, the Barker Mansion and Civic Center is a true jewel in the crown of Michigan City.

Ragtops Aurtomobile Museum, Inc., 219-878-1514 www.ragtopsmuseum.com Northwest Indiana’s largest antique auto museum, Ragtops Museum has over 70,000 square feet of cars on display along with memorabilia from eras gone by. Enjoy your time as you stroll among the collection of classic cars from the early 1900s through the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, their specialty, to current times. The museum has exhibits and entertainment for car enthusiasts of any age and even includes an exposition hall and a miniature golf course for the kids!  Admission is nominal and helps keep everything in tip-top shape.


Old Lighthouse Museum, 219-872-6133, www.oldlighthousemuseum.org The oldest remaining lighthouse in Indiana, the Old Lighthouse Museum offers a wonderful opportunity to peek into Michigan City history. Here, you can:

* Tour the historic 1858 Michigan City Lighthouse and climb the tower into the lantern room.

* Learn about the three Michigan City Lighthouses.

* See an exhibit about Miss Harriet Colfax, Michigan City Lighthouse Keeper from 1861 until 1904. She was a relative of Schuyler Colfax, U.S. Grant's Vice President.

* See a collection of beautiful ship models that we now have on loan.

* See a new display of running lights from the ship, Showboat. The Showboat housed a theater in which the play Tobacco Road was performed.

* See exhibits about Lake Michigan shipwrecks, including a collection of picture postcards commemorating the Eastland Disaster, the tragic sinking of a steamship bound for Michigan City's Washington Park from Chicago in 1915.

* Learn about Abraham Lincoln's funeral train and its stop in Michigan City.

* Learn about local maritime history and the ships that have sailed in and out of our harbor.

* Learn a bit about the history of Michigan City, Indiana.

Keisley Park Tennis Courts, 219-326-9600  www.cityoflaporte.com/city_parkdept_PS.asp#ParkPS Grab you tennis rackets and a few balls and head out to Kesling Park is located on the southern edge of  the county in the city of LaPorte.  It started with a small two acre land donation, and has since grown through additional donations by the Kesling family to the present day size of 90 acres. Active recreation includes ball diamonds, tennis courts, outdoor racquetball courts, play grounds, volleyball, basketball, tubing hill, soccer and fitness trails.  For the passive recreational users, Kesling Park offers picnic facilities, community playground, walking trail and a nature trail.

Oddyssey Sculpture Tour, (219) 785-5593, www.pnc.edu/odyssey/ Free and open to the public, Purdue University North Central is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series of multi-piece contemporary sculpture exhibits. The Odyssey Cultural Series also includes a number of events throughout the year, including exhibits of art, film showings and presentations.  The gallery is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you call the college, Judy Jacobi will be happy to set up an escorted group tour.

County Fairgrounds, (219) 362-2647, www.laportecountyfair.org Indiana’s oldest county fair, you won’t want to miss this year’s big event.  Slated for July 19 – 25, the County Fair features the Bullmania, a demolition derby, an Elvis tribute and a tribute to 1964.  Visit the website or call for ticket prices and other information.