3085 WEST DUNES HWY., THE PINES, IN
219-874-6201
Pumps on 12 has a rich history of tradition in the Midwest. The land originally belonged to the Indians and was settled by fur traders in the 1700's. French explorer and missionary Pierre Marquette was one of the first to make the trek. France built "Fort Petite" in the area now known as Tremont, for soldiers to protect the trappers from the Iroquois Indians. In 1823, Congress authorized this stretch of Route 12 as the Chicago-Detroit Trail. By 1920, an engineer from Michigan City had an elaborate concept of building over swamps and cutting through the dunes. In 1923, between Michigan City and Gary, this road was declared Dunes Highway. As the population grew and more people traveled between Michigan City and Chicago, travelers needed frequent breaks during their journeys. This roadhouse was built soon after and was one of several gas stations and roadhouses along Highway 12. An addition to the roadhouse was built in the mid 1900's. Pictures on the hallway wall show the LakeShore Barbeque, which operated for approximately 10 years. The facade, brick walls, wood floors, and stone footings are the only remaining original structures of the building. The stained glass above the entry and dining room windows are all original. The gas pumps out front are the second or third set of pumps at this roadhouse.The last price for gasoline was 29.9 cents per gallon. We all wish that we could rollback prices to those days! Much of the memorabilia has been collected over the years from a variety of sources and is from vintage gas stations. The pump in the corner of the dining room is a Sinclair pump.  |
FINE PRINT In order to accomodate all our guests, we must limit dining time to 2 hours. Indiana Sales Tax must be added to all food and beverage sales. If you must order steaks well done, we cannot be responsible for the flavor or texture. The law requires us to inform you that eating meat that is cooked rare, medium rare or medium can be hazardous to your health. Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed inside the restaurant, but you can go outside by the pumps and smoke...it is probably the only filling station where you can do this. There will be a $3.00 plate charge for splitting entrees. |