Things to Do Near the Jackson Family Home in Gary
The modest home at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana is where Michael, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Janet Jackson grew up and launched a musical legacy that changed pop culture forever. It's a significant site in American music history — and it's just the beginning of what Gary has to offer.
The city that raised the Jacksons has been honoring that legacy in new ways, while also offering Indiana Dunes National Park beaches, a vibrant local dining and shopping scene, and family-friendly entertainment just minutes away. Whether you're planning a visit or already here exploring, here's what to experience next.
Make A Day Of It
Start at the Jackson Family Home, then head to Lake Street in Gary's Miller neighborhood — just a few miles away. Walk to the Jackson 5 Love Your Block mural, grab lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the Paul H. Douglas Center and hike through Indiana Dunes National Park to Miller Woods Beach on Lake Michigan. Cap the evening with a RailCats game at the U.S. Steel Yard if they’re in town or some table games and entertainment at Hard Rock Casino. One city, one unforgettable day.
Read on below to find out more about these stops and more.
Jackson Family Tributes in Gary
Love Your Block Murals
Gary's musical legacy is painted across the city in vivid, life-sized murals — and some are just a short drive down the street. Through the City of Gary's Love Your Block initiative, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, striking murals honor the artists who put Gary on the map. The Jackson 5 are immortalized in a mural on Lake Street, about a 15-minute drive. Closer to the Jackson home, find a tribute to Janet Jackson at 2468 Broadway, Grammy winner Deniece Williams honored at 25th and Broadway, and a mural celebrating Vee-Jay Records, the pioneering Black-owned record label founded right here in Gary — and first American label to sign the Beatles! — at 2448 Broadway.
Learn About the Love Your Block Murals →
Memorabilia at Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana celebrates Gary's musical heritage with Jackson family memorabilia on display. Beyond the gaming floor, the property features live entertainment, multiple dining options, and one of the area's premier concert venues at Hard Rock Live.
2300 Jackson Street Block Party
Every August, Gary throws a party worthy of its most famous address. The 2300 Jackson Street Block Party takes place at Roosevelt High School — right in the neighborhood where the Jackson family story began — with live music, food vendors and family fun for all ages. Mark your calendar: the event runs August 29–30, 2026.
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More to Do Near the Jackson Family Home
Indiana Dunes National Park
Just a couple of miles from the Jackson Family Home, Gary is also home to one of Indiana Dunes National Park's most beautiful natural areas. Miller Woods Beach is a hike-to beach accessible from the Paul H. Douglas Center on Lake Street — the trail winds through ancient sand dunes and oak savannas before arriving at a quiet stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. It's a hidden gem worth every step. West Beach in Gary is the National Park's most well-known beach, with seasonal lifeguards and plenty of parking.
Plan Your Visit to Miller Woods Beach →
Paul H. Douglas Center
Your gateway to Indiana Dunes National Park in Gary, the Paul H. Douglas Center sits along Lake Street and offers award-winning environmental education exhibits, an outdoor Nature Play Zone for kids and trailhead access to the park's unique ecosystems. Open daily (except federal holidays). No cost to enter the Douglas Center — a national park pass is required for trail access.
Shopping and Dining on Lake Street
Nestled between the South Shore Train's Miller/Gary Station and Paul H. Douglas Center, Lake Street in Gary's Miller neighborhood has become one of Northwest Indiana's most exciting local destinations. This walkable stretch delivers local restaurants, independent shops, and galleries in a neighborhood brimming with creative energy — and it's where you'll also find the Jackson 5 Love Your Block mural. Come hungry, come curious, and plan to stay a while.
Discover Lake Street in Miller →
Gary SouthShore RailCats
Cap off your day with a RailCats game at Steel Yard. Gary's independent baseball team delivers non-stop family entertainment — between-inning contests, giveaways, fireworks and an atmosphere that welcomes fans of all ages.
Where to Eat Near the Jackson Family Home
Restaurants Near the Jackson Family Home
Start your day at J's Breakfast Club, just a short drive from the Jackson Family Home, where soulful home-cooked breakfasts like chicken and waffles, eggs and pancakes draw a loyal local crowd. For a quick bite, Koney King is a Gary institution known for its chili dogs, chili cheeseburgers and chili cheese fries.
Restaurants on Lake Street
If you're heading to the Miller neighborhood to see the murals, shop or hit the beach, Lake Street delivers a vibrant dining scene. Caribbean Roots brings flavors inspired by the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Tiny's Restaurant offers a cozy lounge atmosphere with breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a full bar. The Eighteenth Street Brewery taproom serves its popular craft beers — including the Sinister DIPA — alongside food, with highly-rated wings. Miller Pizza Company is a classic regional favorite, and Vibrations Health, Wellness and Juice Bar is your stop for smoothies, fresh juice and made-to-order healthy fare.
