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“Lost Tourist Attractions of the Dunes” at Museum

August 02, 2010

Once upon a time, Chesterton had its own ocean liner floating in a clear blue bay in the tiny town of Littleville. Ogden Dunes had a 200 foot tall ski jump and Porter had a planetarium. These are just some of the tourist attractions that at one time brought thousands of tourists to the Duneland area, but are now lost to the past.

The Westchester Township History Museum is now celebrating these early businesses with its new exhibit entitled “Lost Tourist Attractions of the Dunes.” The exhibit will remain on display through the fall.

The exhibit includes photographs and memorabilia of the major tourist attractions to be found in the Duneland area from the early 20^th century through the 1990, the date when the popular amusement park, Enchanted Forest, closed its gates for the last time. 

The exhibit also includes photographs and menus from three restaurants popular with tourists of the past: The Spa, The Bailly Homestead Restaurant, and the Red Lantern. A number of area tourist hotels of the early 20^th century are also included in the exhibit. A map with locations of the various attractions will be available as a handout.

Westchester Township History Museum is an educational and cultural service of Westchester Public Library. The museum, housed in the historic Brown Mansion, 700 w. Porter Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304, is open 1 – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday or by appointment, 983-9715.