The next point on your triangular cruise is Michigan City, Indiana, 75 miles southwest of Saugatuck. Two lighthouses welcome mariners: The East Pierhead Lighthouse, built in 1904, is the only operating lighthouse in Indiana open to the public. It features an elevated catwalk used by light keepers of old to access the tower. Nearby, the Old Michigan City Lighthouse, built in 1858 and originally fueled by sperm-whale oil, is now a maritime museum and on the National Register of Historic Places.

You won't be lonely at the Heisman Harbor yacht basin in Michigan City, Indiana. It features 500 slips for boats up to 100 feet length overall. Photo courtesy Capt. Kleihege.

Pleasure boating received a big boost in 1965 from the creation of the Heisman Harbor yacht basin, where Washington Park Municipal Marina now features 500 slips and can accommodate boats of up to 100 feet in length. Transients are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photo courtesy Felicia Fairchild.

Festivals play a big part in Midwestern summers. For almost 60 years, the Michigan City Summer Festival held in early July has provided fun for the whole family. Among its attractions are the Big Parade along Franklin Street, a Cavalier’s Drum and Bugle Corps Pageant, the Kite Festival and the area’s longest-running free fishing tournament.