Make a Day of Your Visit
The Old Lighthouse Museum is located in Washington Park along the shores of Lake Michigan, surrounded by great places to relax and enjoy Michigan City’s lakefront. Just steps from the beach, visitors can also explore the Washington Park Zoo, the Uptown Arts District, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, Indiana Dunes National Park, and many nearby restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. FREE parking is available at the Old Lighthouse Museum for museum visitors during their visit. Beach parking is not permitted in the museum parking lot.
Tip: If you are visiting with a group of more than 10, please call or email so we can help you plan your timing.
Admission
Hours
1 PM to 4 PM CT
12 PM to 3 PM CT
Location
Michigan City, Indiana 46360
PO Box 512
Michigan City, IN 46361
The museum has seven exhibit rooms and a gift shop on two floors connected by stairs. Due to the historic nature of the building, wheelchair access and stair lifts are not available. Access to the lantern tower is by a narrow spiral staircase.
🚌 Group Tours and School Field Trips
- Please call or email us for groups larger than 10 people. Groups of 10 or fewer do not require a reservation.
- Groups larger than 25 people cannot be accommodated all at once and will need to enter in smaller groups.
- Adult group tours are $10 per person for ages 15 and older. We do not offer group or senior discounts.
- Field trips for school groups are $1 per child. Chaperones are admitted free.
- Private events such as weddings or group gatherings cannot be accommodated due to space limitations.
- Group tours and field trips must be scheduled in advance and are subject to staff and volunteer availability.
- All tours are self guided, with docents available to assist with questions.
Scheduling: We recommend scheduling at least two to three weeks in advance whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Do you charge sales tax on admissions?
A) No, we do not charge sales tax on admissions.
Q) Do I have to purchase admission in advance or buy tickets?
A) No. Admission is paid at the time of your visit. We do not have tickets.
Q) Do you offer guided tours?
A) Tours are self guided with audio tours available in each room. Docents are available to assist with questions.
Q) Are tour directors or bus drivers complimentary?
A) All tour participants pay the same admission rate.
Q) Do you offer group tour discounts?
A) The group tour rate is a flat $10 per person ages 15 and older. We do not offer additional discounts. Active military, fire, police, and veterans receive free admission with applicable ID.
Q) Are there any additional service charges, fees, or gratuities associated with group bookings?
A) No additional fees are applied.
Q) What times of the year do you offer group tours?
A) Group tours are offered during regular season hours from April through October 31. Special group tours outside of this timeframe may be approved under certain circumstances.
Q) How long does a group tour typically take?
A) Most self guided group tours take approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on the pace of your group.
Q) How far in advance should a group tour be scheduled?
A) We recommend scheduling at least three to four in advance whenever possible.
Q) Is parking available for buses or large vehicles?
A) Yes. Bus parking is available nearby. Specific instructions will be provided when your tour is confirmed.
Q) Are restrooms available for tour groups?
A) The museum does not offer public restrooms. Public restrooms are available in the plaza next to the museum.
Q) May visitors take photographs inside the museum?
A) Photography for personal use is welcome.
Q) Do you allow food or drinks inside the museum?
A) Food and beverages are not permitted inside exhibit areas to help preserve artifacts.
Q) What if our group arrives late?
A) We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals. Tour time may be shortened depending on museum scheduling.
Q) Is there a gift shop available?
A) Yes. The museum gift shop is open during regular hours and accepts multiple forms of payment through our Square payment system. Cash is always preferred. You do not need to purchase admission to to visit the gift shop only.