New Buffalo Michigan

[Jeff Graves]

Hello All,
I'm in south west Michigan near New Buffalo and was wondering if there is anything of interest other than the obvious beach stuff to photograph. Something cool like a old factory tucked away somewhere would be awesome! I've done a bit of exploring but I'm somewhat limited on time so any suggestions of "honey holes" would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff

[evan clarke]

Go over to Gary, lot's of edgy stuff over there!,

[dentkimterry]

I haven't been there in years but Benton Harbor used to look like a war zone. I think they have somewhat cleaned in up. Lots of closed business and stores if they haven't torn them down.

[photobymike]

I grew up in michigan ... i have never heard of New Buffalo ... i lived around Holland .. Shelby ... Ludington.. Silver Lake. Was there last summer.. i live in Tampabay florida area now.. Rented a car that I nearly ruined the front end on the roads in that area.... jeeez moon craters... The roads are really bad in michigan .. even if you find a place to photograph it would play hell getting there.... Dunes at Silver Lake on the weekend.... Shelby is kind of cool to photo

[frotog]

As Evan said, if you're looking for 20 cent. industrial you'll need to drive approx. an hour west to Gary/Hammond area. Once you arrive I would not be surprised if you choose to stay in your car. In any event, the interesting trips are to be had on the old highways. US 12 (the red arrow highway) headed east will take you up the lake past all kinds of funky old beach towns. Stop at Grand Mere Inn in Stevensville and have a plate of lake pearch. The restaurant and the recipes haven't changed in seventy years. Head west and stop in Michigan City on your way to Gary. The Indiana State Dunes is one of my favorite places in the world. Standing on top of Mt. Baldy (right off hwy 12 in Mich. City) towards the end of the day you'll see the refinery stacks of Gary immediately to your west lit up like some kind of infernal birthday cake while immediately to your east stands the ominous cooling tower of the Northern Indiana power supply co. and directly south, the Indiana state pen. Reflecting on the fact that this little corner of Indiana is among the most ecologically diverse areas in the country is enough to push this experience into the realm of the sublime (especially if you remembered to consume a frozen custard from Culver's along the way).

[Dan Henderson]

I agree with the previous suggestions about Gary, Indiana and Benton Harbor, Michigan. I have photographed in both places, and if it is decay and deterioration that you seek, you shall find it there. But unless you are really averse to landscapes, I recommend exploring north along the shore of Lake Michigan. There are some parks that provide great shoreline shooting.

[Pawlowski6132]

Hi Jeff. Though I live in Detroit now, I spent ten years in st. Joseph, Benton harbor or recently. This Friday, we are driving up to new buffalo for a weeks vacation. Maybe ill see u around. I'll be the good lookin guy on the beach with the wisner 4x5.

[Jeff Graves]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. Gary has been on my list for some time now, unfortunately it's not going to happen this trip. Benton Harber sounds interesting, maybe I'll give it a look later today if I can break away from the family. Pawlowski, the beaches have been fantastic in the early mornings and very peaceful. I'm headed back to Colorado on Saturday, enjoy your time on the beach!
Cheers,
J

[chris kleihege]

I'm always late to the threads. Alex Kotlowitz "The Other Side of the River: A Story of Two Towns" will assure you there is plenty of ruin (porn?) in Benton Harbor. I grew up at the southern end of the lake (Hammond, In.). Mostly it breaks my heart. Gary? Use your noggin, but its so depopulated, I've never felt threatened. It's beautiful in its decay, until you consider the destruction of human beings. Then we're back at the break your heart thing again.