We spent a week in Michigan City and stayed at Darlene's place. The apartment is really well positioned if you want to abandon your car. Although the walk to the beach is somewhat lengthy, about a 15-20 minute walk, especially on a scorching summer day.
The shopping mall and the uptown art district is much closer, the shopping mall right across the street and uptown a few blocks away.

The whole town feels a little depressed (someone else mentioned questionable neighborhood, nothing questionable about it, just a blue collar neighborhood) with dilapidated homes and empty streets.
But every place we went to was above average to excellent, the coffee shop (Lakeshore Coffe), ice cream shop (Cabo's ice cream), restaurants (our favorite was Oldschool on 9th) etc...there's a truffle shop that if you put it on Chicago mag mile it would be one of star attractions among everything else already there. People that we met were very friendly. If you're a craft beer lover Shoreline brewery is outstanding and I heard the food there is great but I only had cold pints. There's a cigar shop (Golden leaf) with a great selection. There's a liquor shop (King Richard's wine and spirits) with a stupendous selection of craft beer, scotch and whiskey.

Once you're on the Washington park beach you're in a sand and water heaven. If someone took you there blindfolded, dropped you off and asked where you were your first guess would probably be Southern California. There's plenty of parking there even on a busy weekend, there was art festival when we were there.

The apartment we stayed in was nice and comfortable, well it, quiet and well equipped. Darlene is a great host. She'll let you you have your privacy but she's easily accessible if you need her assistance.

We were nicely surprised with what Michigan city has to offer. There seemed be every single thing I look for when on vacation and everything within a couple miles circle. Sometimes I have a hard time finding all that in much bigger places. And everything here like I mentioned was outstanding. We'll be back for sure.
I'd recommend you travel there and help these people get out of their economic blues, they are fighting hard and still kept their optimism.

Perfect location for us. It was walking distance from the beach, across the street from the mall, and just a couple blocks from the historic district. We were lucky enough to be there during the Taste of Michigan City and boat races. It was a very enjoyable stay!

The apartment was easy to find and located directly behind the outlet mall. The beach and main street area were within walking distance, had we chosen to do so.

We found everything we needed in the apartment. I was relieved to find a coffee pot (hadn't seen it listed). Darlene provided all the amenities which made it easy to pack light.

We were in Michigan City for 2.5 days. The weather was volatile with the first day and .5 gray and chilly but the final day 84 degrees and sunny. You have to take what you get on the lake!

The apartment was located on the edge of a questionable neighborhood. We never felt threatened at all. It was quiet in the apartment in the evening.

I would recommend this spot to a friend for a quick. cozy get away!