Harbors in the Lake Michigan region link Indiana to other ports in the Great Lakes and the works. Cargo shipped through the ports in the Lake Michigan region includes coal, coke, iron ore, steel and steel related products, fertilizer, grain, salt, limestone, and petroleum. Counties in northern, central and even southern Indiana benefit directly and indirectly from Burns International Harbor. Today, large industry contributes a dominant share to the local economy, including the payment of property taxes. 11 Significant contributions to the regional and state economy are also provided by agribusiness, as well as commercial and service sectors.
Recreation serves a major roll.
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore alone receives approximately 1.6 million visitors each year.