From the railcar empire that built Michigan City to the Gilded Age rooms restored to their original splendor, there's always something new to discover at The Barker Mansion. Here's everything on view right now — and what's coming next.
At its peak, the Haskell & Barker Car Company employed 3,500 people and shipped 15,000 freight cars a year across America. This exhibit brings that industrial legacy to life with a scale model of the factory, original artifacts, and the human stories behind the machine that built a city.
A New Chapter in Michigan City's Industrial Legacy
As an exciting extension of The Barker Mansion Heritage Center, The Barker Depot will expand the story of Michigan City's remarkable industrial past. The centerpiece of this new exhibit space will be a rare 1902 Haskell & Barker box car, built in Michigan City by one of the nation's largest railcar manufacturers. Through this extraordinary artifact, visitors will discover the innovation, craftsmanship, and local workforce that helped shape both the city's identity and America's railroad history.
1893 Columbian Exposition
Beginning May 1 through October 30, visitors to The Barker Mansion will have the opportunity to experience a new special exhibit highlighting rare artifacts connected to the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893.
Packing for the Past
Restored from the original plans of renowned Danish-American landscape architect Jens Jensen, the Mansion's gardens are an exhibit in their own right. Stroll the brick pathways and landscaped beds that surrounded the home more than a century ago.
Weekend visit! Highly recommend! It's a self tour — they give you an iPad to read along the house, along with notes throughout. The workers are there to help with any additional questions. Very informative, and everything was refurbished and 90% original to the family of the early 1900's. Gorgeous house inside and out!
What a beautiful gilded age mansion! The restoration they have done is absolutely breathtaking! Great information about the history of the family and the city as well. Every room was its own mini museum! The staff was so helpful and informative. I'm so glad I visited!
As the mother of the bride, I can honestly say choosing Barker Mansion for our daughter's wedding ceremony was one of the best decisions we made. The gardens were breathtaking, the venue was impeccably maintained, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. But beyond the beauty of the property, what stood out most was the care and hospitality we received from Craig and the Barker Mansion team.
We stopped in for a self guided tour at the very tail end of our weekend trip, as people in my group are either history buffs or at least interested in learning neat random facts. Everyone was super nice and clear on the rules — they were also super helpful and gave us nice tips on where to start. 10/10 would do it again.
What a wonderful place. I got an iPad for a self tour. Very informative. Beautiful garden.
We were especially impressed with the excellent extensive renovations that were recently completed and the new exhibit in the lower level. Having recently toured The Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee and the Biltmore in North Carolina — Barker Mansion is our favorite. Truly a Michigan City gem!
Every exhibit is included with general admission or a guided tour. Walk the 38 restored rooms, take in the gardens, and step into Michigan City's Gilded Age — all under one historic roof.
Get Tickets →