Notes
from the Northwest Indiana Traveler <Back
to Traveler Main Page
by Erin
Read
my disclaimer... |
| "Did
You Know This Is in Gary/Miller?"
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|
Did you
know these attractive places are in Gary/Miller? I
didn't. But then, I've only lived in Northwest Indiana
since 1994. And even if you did know about these great
assets to NWIN, I'm confident you won't object to my
suggesting or reminding you that they are ideal places for a
visit or re-visit. |
|
 I'm
speaking of (and please click to view the enlarged views of
the images throughout this page) Gary Beach House Aquatorium, Marquette Pavilion,
Patterson Island and all their surrounding beach areas,
dunes, park areas, nature, and terrific views. There
is plenty of room for walking and simply soaking in a
beautiful day.
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|
On
Friday, April 27, 2001 I was fortunate to take a drive to
the Marquette Park/Lake Michigan area on a blue-sky
day. It was clear enough to see the Chicago skyline,
something that can't be said every day for certain from the
Indiana side of Lake Michigan. The sandy beach at this
location was wide. I'm sure this location is much more
populated in the summer, but it was a terrific day to be at
the shore of Lake Michigan, with only one more person on the
beach, a solitary jogger. If you read this article on
a warm spring day, immediately jump in your car and go; Lake
Michigan can be such a peaceful sight. Or some
weekend when you really don't have anything to do during the
day and don't have time to drive too far to be entertained,
please keep this place in mind. And don't forget your
camera. |
|
The
Gary Beach House Aquatorium is a massive and impressive two
story structure. If most definitely shows wear from
weather and inattention, but I was able to peek in the
windows to see that there really are some accommodating
features to this facility. I viewed (and again, this
was limited to a peek trough a window!) seating area with
table and chairs for dining and a garden courtyard, and an
impressive upstairs balcony ideal for a terrific view of the
lake and beach. Surely this would be an ideal location
for a wedding reception or group dinner. |
|
 Behind
the Aquatorium, a bit to the west, is a lavish landmark that
was erected in celebration of the views. However, like
the aquatorium, this monument is impressive but also prey to ill-attention. I'm hoping
that as the weather warms up, maintenance crews will spruce
the place up the landscaping and pick up a bit.
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Steps at the landmark, allow you to get a
great view, which is explained on a plaque at the front of
the structure: |
The view
from this historic spot includes the camp site of
Father Marquette, the lagoons which are the
headwaters of the Grand Calumet River, the dune from
which octave Chanute launched aviation, Lake
Michigan, the largest fresh water lake in North
America, and the aquatorium, perhaps the first
modular block building in the world.
Dedicated 1994. |
|
Again going
bit further southwest is a path that leads to Patterson
Island, which could probably be traversed in somewhere
around 200 steps. This tiny island has two bridges:
one a suspension, the other a oriental garden style. A
plaque on the island provides a bit of information about its
1935 beginnings. |
The bridges and island lead you to Marquette Pavilion, which
to me looked like a setting for an event of Great Gatsby-ish
proportions. The lighted steps lead down to the
inshore water for an attractive view. |
|
The pavilion has
a tremendous outdoor dancing and dining area, seemingly
ready for a band and clothed tables for diners. Again,
this seems another ideal setting for a wedding reception,
which I'm guessing are held here since I spied a discarded
or forgotten corsage flower near the building. Again,
when I was there on a Friday afternoon, there was no one to
be found. The doors were locked, which lent itself to
more window peeking. Inside I saw lots of room and
impressive architectural space. One flaw was gold
covered, squared off interior columns, surely the fault of
an 1980's interior improvement attempt. Hopefully they
are not of the permanent type. Despite some surface
flaws, I was undoubtedly impressed by the facility of
Marquette Pavilion. |
Other draws to the Marquette area: a children's park
and playground (perfect in the shade and near the beach),
attractive landscaped area with statue of Father Marquette
(pictured here). |
|
There
are likely additional terrific views that I have not
discovered yet. I hope to return to see what else is
available in the area and to see how things have improved
with summer-time maintenance. |
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I
found two phone numbers for more information:
Marquette Pavilion (219) 938-7362 and Gary Park Department
(219) 886-7113.
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|
For the many of you who have contacted NorthwestIndiana.com
with questions on where to hold a wedding reception, add
this to a list of terrific potential places. For those
who simply value a place to venture in the outdoors, this is
an easy day's visit. I'm glad to have learned of this
place.
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Do
you have more information you would like to have added to
this section of NorthwestIndiana.com? We're always
pleased to hear
your responses and questions. You can reach us at mail@northwestindiana.com
. |
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