The Arts, Comedy, Brewery and Tap Room, and More

Miller Beach is the perfect low key get-away for families and groups from Chicagoland and beyond.

Our comedy club and  wine bar have live and interactive entertainment every week, and live entertainment are found in our restaurants, mostly in the summer months.  Art and crafting classes are a regular feature at the Miller School Shops, or schedule with the Nelson Algren Museum to learn about world famous history that happened here.  

The Gardner Center features monthly artist events and is open weekly for browsing the exhibits or an artist presentation.  Paddle from the accessible launch or check out the scenic view at the Chanute Aquatorium. See what’s offered or hear live music during the summer at the Farmer’s Market.  Local organizations sponsor public events too.  Check our the Events Calendar page to see what’s happening.

Here are a few ways join in on the fun:

18th St. Brewery
Business Name
Taproom and craft cocktail bar, and kitchen. Founding site of the 2nd largest brewery in Northwest Indiana. Craft saisons, double india pale ales, double milk stouts. Sour and brett beers. Mexican American fusion food onsite from Memo's Kitchen.
(219) 939-8802
5725 Miller Ave, Gary, IN 46403
Calumet Artists Residency
Working to enhance our community through the arts and the environment, over 25 artists, working in a wide variety of media. Not for profit.
Miller Beach, Gary, Indiana
D Performance Comedy Theater
Bringing laughs to Lake Street.Shakespeare productions and other performances, weekly shows. Youth shows, mentoring. Founded by comedian Darryl Mance.
(773) 796-1327
Dialogue Wine Bar
Business Name
Wine Bar combining the comforts of Wine, Books, Music and Conversation in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Join us at one of our many weekly events or contact us to book your next party or event! Come experience the vibe!
(219) 246-2444
601 S Lake St Gary, IN
Dune Buggy Beach Shuttle
Temporarily closed for 2021. Tune back for updates. Free summer weekend shuttle provided by the National Park Service. Picks up at: South Shore Miller Train Station, Douglas Center, Lake Street Beach, Marquette Park. See official NPS website for most up-to-date service information.
(219) 395-1821
Gary Aquatorium
Business Name
Lakefront venue in Gary's Marquette Park. A National Historic Landmark available for booking for beach weddings, baby showers, or family reunions. Scenic overlook of Lake Michigan. Professionally managed court yard gardens. Large scale model of Tuskegee Airplane, Chanute glider, and other historical sculptures.
(219) 938-1986
6918 Oak Ave., Gary, IN 46403
Gary Landmarks & Art Guide
Want to see all the murals in Gary? Spend an hour in our great city and you can see more than 80 murals and sculptures by some of the best artists in the world. *Download a self guided tour map of 13 public murals clustered in downtown Gary (Gary Public Art Downtown 2021). *Download a map of 7 public murals Miller Beach neighborhood's downtown (Gary Public Art Lake Street 2021). This cluster is only a few minutes apart by foot. Park on Lake Street in downtown Miller Beach.
Indiana Landmarks Field Office
Revitalizes communities, reconnects to our heritage, and saves meaningful places, historic landmarks, neighborhoods and downtowns. Tours and events.
(219) 947-2657
541 South Lake St., Gary, IN 46403
Jet Ski Launch at Lake Street Beach
Small craft and jet ski launch to the boat-in City of Gary beaches. Parking fee applies. Free beach shuttle on summer weekends.
(219) 938-7362
860 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403
Lagoon Outlook Garden and Accessible Launch
ADA kayak and canoe launch on the Calumet Lagoon lets everyone paddle! Raised ADA gardens featuring native plants, and beautiful shoreline plantings. ADA picnic tables with chess/checker boards. Located in Marquette Park.
1 N Grand Blvd, Gary, IN 46403
Marquette Beach and Park
PUBLIC PARKING ALL YEAR, directly adjacent to Lake Michigan. Parking in limited in cooler seasons. Fees apply in lots closest to Lake Michigan. Sweeping and unbelievably scenic beachfront park with playgrounds, and nature preserve areas. Miles of walkable beach, a concession stand, hiking trails, picnic areas, and lifeguards near the parking area. Statue commemorating the famous missionary Jacques Marquette, ADA Kayak Lagoon Launch, and two historic events venues (Marquette Pavilion and historic Gary Bath House).
(219) 938-7362
1 North Grand Blvd., Gary, IN 46403
Marquette Park Pavilion
Special events and weddings at this stunning venue. Ballroom, Mezzanine, Dance Pavilion. Formal Lounge, Terrace, and Garden. Located on the lagoon. Look no further!
(219) 938-7362
Miller Beach Arts & Creative District
Art exhibits, concerts, charity fundraisers, community meetings, films, dance performances. Close to Miller South Shore stop. Buy unique and original art.
(219) 938-6278
Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts 540 S. Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403
Miller Beach Farmer’s Market
Market Open Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm, May through September. Buy something from our vendors. Tell your neighbors, and invite some guests.
667 S. Lake Street Gary, IN 46403
Miller School Shops
Business Name
An old schoolhouse jam-packed with art, fashion, vintage treasures and antiques, staffed by volunteers, offering classes and workshops that promote creativity and entrepreneurism. Come visit, shop, learn, sell, create and teach!
665 S Lake St, Gary, IN 46403
Nature Center – Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education (Indiana Dunes National Park)
We are the western visitor's center at Indiana Dune National Park. We feature live exhibits of turtles, snakes, and other small animals. Our ADA trail and boardwalk accommodate everyone and feature several picnic areas. Connect to the Miller Woods through ranger-guided hikes, indoor and outdoor activities. Our trails also connect directly to the Marquette Trail/Greenway. Come and see us!
(219) 395-1821
100 N. Lake St., Gary, IN 46403
Nelson Algren Museum of Miller Beach
"The Man with the Golden Arm" writer Nelson Algren lived in Miller Beach in the 1950's. Our Museum keeps his memory/works alive. By appt. only, call or email as shown.
(773) 914-2574
541 South Lake St., Gary, IN 46403
suerutsen@comcast.net
Panthera’s Cocktail Lounge
Sophisticated lounge where you relax and enjoy great music, dancing, food and drinks. Live entertainment booked, check our FB! Inviting atmosphere for a 30+ crowd.
(219) 315-8768
5245 East Dunes Highway, Gary, IN, 46403
Shops on Lake Street
Business Name
Enjoy First Friday events and happenings in Miller Beach's quaint downtown Lake Street corridor sponsored by a charming collection of unique shops, restaurants, and bars.
Lake Street north of Highway 12, Miller Beach, Gary, IN 46403
The Breathing Room at Vibrations
Enjoy Health and Wellness with Yoga, and Sound Therapy at Vibrations! Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stone Massage. Co-located with the Juice Bar at Vibrations.
(219) 427-1175
430 South Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403
Business Name
Historic bar in downtown Miller Beach with weekly specials like thirsty Thursdays. Billiards. Outdoor patio for the summer months.
(219) 938-0154
620 S. Lake St., Gary, IN 46403
West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park
Natural Lake Michigan beaches, on the east border of the Miller Beach neighborhood. Hike the West Beach Trail System in this section of the Indiana Dunes National Park. Enjoy the sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Chicago from the top of the Dunes Succession trail stairs. See website for updated information on parking fees, and seasonal bath house and lifeguard hours. Extensive parking available all year round.
(219) 395-1882
376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403
Woodson Library
Business Name
Check out some great reading or download an e-book! Computer room and quiet friendly location in downtown Miller Beach.
(219) 938-3941
501 S. Lake St., Gary IN 46403