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.
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!
The Barker Mansion is absolutely gorgeous! As a historic home lover, I was anxiously awaiting the opening while the restoration was going on. When tours and events started, they did not disappoint — the house is absolutely bursting with beautiful antiques and architectural details to discover.
We finally booked tickets for a guided tour and it was AMAZING — our guide Craig was PHENOMENAL. Very, very interesting and totally worth it. We look forward to participating in other events at the Mansion.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered several questions from the group as we toured the home. Having a railroad heritage, I was quite interested in the history and manufacturing processes that generated the Barker wealth — as well as the building itself.
Very cool step back in time. The basement exhibit is great for history buffs. Staff was amazing!
Beautiful mansion with a fascinating history. The staff was great — very knowledgeable; they answered questions and offered information. This is a place to visit multiple times throughout the year; the decorations change with the seasons.
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.
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