Lat / Long:  41^o 43' 42" N, 86^o 54' 42" W

NOAA Charts:  14905 & 14926

Description:  The Government's interest in improving Michigan City Harbor for navigation began in the 1880's. The harbor, as it exists today, is protected by a 1,304 feet long outer detached breakwater, a 2,276 feet long east pier and a 835 feet long west pier. The project also includes a 425 to 150 feet wide by 14 feet deep navigation channel from Lake Michigan to the entrance of the Washington Park Marina, a 150 feet wide by 12 feet deep channel from the marina to Franklin Street, a 50 feet wide by 10 feet deep channel in Trail Creek from Franklin Street to Turning Basin #2 and a 50 feet wide by 6 feet deep channel from Turning Basin #2 to Miller Street. The harbor supports the U.S. Coast Guard, commercial fishing and several recreational marinas. 

Navigation Depths:  The above depths are the authorized navigation depths for the project and are referenced to Low Water Datum for Lake Michigan. The actual navigation depths may vary due to fluctuations in the level of Lake Michigan and the occurrence of shoaling within the navigation channel. The removal of shoaled materials from the harbor and creek portions of the channel was completed in 2003. This project was last surveyed during the summer of 2003. Paper copies of this survey can also be obtained by contacting the: