Start Here: Discovering and Moving to Miller Beach
45 minutes from Chicago, Miller Beach (Miller) is the first “beach” community in NWI outside of Chicago. Part of Gary Indiana, the community is conveniently sandwiched between the two largest mills (USX and Cliffs) in North America, which collectively produce roughly 25% of the nation’s steel, while featuring some of the most exceptional national and state parkland in the Midwest, if not the country.
In Miller, the juxtaposition of industry and nature can feel post apocalyptic, sort of like Mad Max meets National Geographic.
Hidden by the hills and trees in the summer, the steel mills come into distant view in the fall and winter, serving as a reminder of the critical importance of industry to the region and the country, and proving that nature and industry can coexist together.
Marquette Park beach, in the middle of Miller, generally has some of the cleanest beach waters in North America according to EPA data, at least 99.9% of the time (notwithstanding the very occasional US Steel discharges which makes the headlines).
Swimmers, sunbathers, and kite-surfers frequent the waters (the latter throughout most of the year when the conditions are right).
And your dog can roam free (no doggie beach restrictions here)!
And air quality is usually as good or better than Chicago.
Aside from the juxtaposition of industry and the beach, the ever shifting sand dunes climb 50 feet or more in places, and are home to dozens of bird species which further explode during the fall and spring migration. Wild turkey, deer, coyotes, raccoons, opossums and other wildlife are more frequent than humans on many of the trails outside of the summer months.
I’ve personally run, rucked or biked on 30+ miles of trails here. Many chaotically cascade throughout the community and are often hidden from plain view. Some stretch miles. But you’d miss them if you don’t know where to look.
Socially, Miller is unique. Historically a literary town (Nelson Algernon lived and wrote here), Miller still has both an artist and writer community, and one that is increasingly becoming more diverse from a viewpoint perspective (all sides). The mills provide an average income for workers of around $100K (higher in 2022 based on larger than normal bonuses), which combined with a low cost of living, makes Miller a place where skilled manufacturing workers can live a great life close to work.
Even though local progressives shun the term “integrated,” one of the most beautiful things about Miller I’ve found is how it brings amazing elements from different American cultures together. And generally, aside from occasional social media debates, those of us who live here generally all get along.
All colors. All creeds. All religions.
Progressives. Liberals. Libertarians. Conservatives.
I found Miller through an artist friend, who had moved here from her Pilsen gallery years ago. Struck with the nature and the peace so close to a major city, I eventually moved here with my family after 20 years in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago after at first using Miller as a getaway from the city.
After I took residence here, a friend here described Miller to me as “wacky, weird and wonderful,” which really is the perfect description. Sure, we could use another supermarket, some more restaurants and a more vibrant high street (Lake).
But we’ll get there.
I’ll attempt to capture portraits of the dunes and the community in various dispatches and portraits on Substack, in hopes of documenting the place in a way that is useful for those who want to explore it further. And I’ll also poke and prod at topics which deserve a fresh perspective, from local industry and politics to education and IPA reviews from 18th Street, the best brewery in the Midwest.
18th St Brewery, Gary, Indiana (Miller Beach). #2 Pencil (a most excellent beverage)
Finally, Miller Beach Musings will not be a “safe space” — guest perspectives (especially conflicting ones) are welcome. Reach out if you would like to submit an essay.
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Sent to my daughters
Excellent piece, Jason!! Love it.