So, weve enlisted the help of locals to create more than a dozen itineraries to help you map out what routes to take, stops to make and where to call ahead for reservations. What tickles your fancy? Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's sunsets. He had a great time with all the different activities. more. Many highlights of the city and region favorites can be covered in a perfect dayif you plan well. While wandering around, we decided to take a spin on the carousel. Original artists are a plus. Follow these fall color tours in Southwest Michigan to see our beautiful leaves changing, savor seasonal eats and hike under the leaf canopies. Michigan summer is on its way! Then gaze toward the horizon in silent awe at sunset. Kenny was an absolute perfect host, and the day could not have done better. Southwest Michigans scenic Blue Star Memorial and Red Arrow Highways form a single scenic path along the Lake Michigan shore, twisting and turning through ancient dunes and beneath towering maples between Saugatuck and the Indiana border. We truly enjoyed each stop and the driver was very professional. Check out our itineraries for a step-by-step guide. Grand Haven Beach. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Almond was my favorite! 2300 Pipestone Road With so many fun places to go in Southwest Michigan, you will want to turn a day trip into a . My husband sampled six different wines for just $10 and I was able to sample their six varieties of sparking juices for no charge at all. We look forward to may more drinks and dinners in the future at Journeyman - Denise and Josh Lowmaster. Its just a few steps from the carousel to popular Silver Beach County Park on Lake Michigan. But this beautiful corner of the Great Lakes State lies just a short drive from the Midwests largest cities. There is They were overused, and lacked sufficient water pressure to flush some of the toilets. Hear intriguing stories in our historic places. Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council Whether you plan your vacations weeks in advance or spur of the moment, this twice-monthly e-newsletter will keep you in the know about Southwest Michigan. There is plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. The displays were amazing pieces by incredible artists, and the shops in Welcoming outdoor spaces, sculptures & exhibitions punching well above their weight, open minded and completely As we prefer dry wines, we were impressed with the overall quality of the wines we tasted. Everything you would want in this type of service and I really appreciate his availability in the St. Joe and surrounding area. Many travelers drive along the coast road in a hurry to get to the famous places along Lake Michigan. There are many things to do and spend the entire day such as; walk the pier, splash pad for kids, volleyball, and of. Charming downtown St. Joseph, a quaint brick-paved district, bustling with shoppers and diners on sunny days. was in great shape and made for a great experience, and captain Bill was exceptional. This is one of those things. Or cycle a portion of Michigans epic USBR-35, a designated 500-mile bicycle route that begins in New Buffalo and runs the entire length of the southwest Michigan shoreline and beyond to Sault Ste. Winter is just as exciting in Petoskey as the warm summer months. Learn its streets. 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Lake of the Clouds groveb / Getty Images The view alone should justify a stop at Lake of the Clouds in Ontonagon County in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. 1:30 pm - Founder's Winery. much to see that is often overlooked. Whatever brings you, its wonderful having you here. We really liked the ciders and bought some of the semi dry and some of the pear. Children love the colorful Silver Beach Center and Carousel. Antique shops lie scattered along the Red Arrow Highway between St. Joseph and the Michigan state line. St. Joes sister city Benton Harbor lies just across the St. Joseph River. This gorgeous 60,000-acre state park is a stop you definitely won't want to miss. Dont forget to bring your golf clubs for a perfect day on the course as you experience all Southwest Michigan has to offer. A great welcome center on I-94 W. Distributing a wealth of brochures from all over Michigan. A Michigan back roads day trip to southwest Michigan can Run down towering dunes and build bucket-sized sandcastles on pristine beaches. Would love to go back here when there arent multiple bus loads of people. The trails are. If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Grand Haven Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Grand Haven. We've planned the water getaways, but SkyBridge Michigan in Boyne is the perfect above-the-trees getaway for your Michigan Girls Trip. By Mackenzie Roche and Erin Vasta | Oct. 31, 2022,. The itinerary includes the best vineyards in Michigan's Wine Country with each boasting their unique charms! Great gift shop too! Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Joanna F/TripAdvisor This one-of-a-kind attraction will hold the attention of adults and children alike. The beach was busy even though the sun was going down. 888-784-7328, Round Barn Winery | Photo Courtesy of Joshua Nowicki, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | Photo Courtesy of Jerry James Photography, DeZwann Windmill | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan, Grand Haven Lighthouse | Photo Courtesy of Gert Wallison, Unwind at These 15 Southwest Michigan Wineries This Season. We loved seeing the herb garden area and walking down by the water wheel and the St. Joseph River to sit and watch the water. Walk Along the Tree Tops at Boyne. It's truly one of the hidden gems in Michigan! Stopped in for a flight. They are doing a beach reclamation so much of the beautiful beach was off-limits. Relax here. Expect a daytime high around 32C in August, and nighttime lows around 18C. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area, or seek out the adventure tours. Rides are well kept and its clean and safe and. Youll not be wanting for things to do in Southwest Michigan. 6 Southwest Michigan Golf Courses to Explore this Summer Trip Idea Search Places in Southwest Michigan Sort Random Grand Ledge Grand Ledge Opera House Saint Joseph The Twin City Players Playhouse Visit Website Three Rivers St. Joseph Co. It's time to enjoy the Mitten State with all its lakes, beaches, and beauty. It is about a mile through dunes. This Dutch-founded town hosts an annual Tulip Time festival with millions of tulips blooming throughout town. 1. CST# 2056372-50. 10:45 am - Bus departs. Battle Creeks downtown offers a nice selection of shopping and dining options as well as the award-winning Arcadia Brewing Company. St Joe was a great town to grow up in and the schools were top notch - U of M Engineering grad. www.michiganbackroads.com We'll go back on a weekend to check out the slides. The only downside was the restrooms. Mostly high school and college aged too, so definitely not an easy crowd to please. By Matt Heffner Last Updated March 3, 2023 3 Comments Table of Contents Michigan's Railroad History Train Rides in Michigan Upper Peninsula Southwest Michigan Train Rides Train Rides in Southeast Michigan Alternative - A Southern Michigan Train Tour on Amtrak Michigan has several picturesque routes that you can drive. Attractions in Southwest Michigan Michigan's Southwest region offers attractions the whole family will enjoy from beaches to one-of-a-kind attractions like the Gilmore Car Museum, the Air Zoo, and Capri Drive-In. Preferred this to the St. Julian next door. Head to Saugatuck Dunes State Park for a natural getaway dominated by quiet, wooded dune trails and an uncrowded beachfront. Day Trips from Southwest Michigan Enter dates Filters Day Trips Traveler favorites All things to do Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows 3 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Whether you're looking for free things to do in Michigan or have room to splurge, we have everything you need to decide on your next Michigan summer vacation destination. The only thing it's missing is prepared cheese boards but they had cheese and crackers to purchase. We had a blast. Walk the landscaped boardwalks to South Havens South Pierhead or to the Grand Haven Lighthouse, both brilliant red against the sand dunes and each with their historic catwalks still intact. Find day trips to take today or this . The playground was outstanding and we could have stayed all afternoon. Lovely park with easy to use walking paths, and beautiful views. 2023 Travelscape LLC, an Expedia Group Company. Highly recommended! 5. Visit a county fair and let childhood memories wash over you as cotton candy melts in your mouth. Its worth browsing the Carousel houses large collection of old roller coaster cars and bathing suits, too, which recall a time 100 years ago when the Silver Beach Amusement Park stood here buzzing with travelers from across the Midwest. For my birthday, my partner took me to St. Joe for lunch and to walk around. Battle Creeks Kingman Museum, Natural History and Planetarium ranks as the only natural history museum in southwest Michigan, with three floors of exhibits about biology and anthropology. Chippewa River Facebook/Chippewa River Outfitters This beautiful river can be accessed in and around Mt. We had no idea what to expect, but this garden was a pleasant surprise. Definitely try a cherry apple slushy!! The We had time to kill before our dinner reservations. There are so many great places for stargazing in Michigan. There's truly something here for everyone: from fascinating works of modern art to a large outdoor sculpture park, Frederik Meijer Gardens is nothing short of stunning. My kids loved this splash pad. Unusual and You can see the St. Joe lighthouse. You can even park as we did then walk into downtown obtain a picnic and then move onto beach. Reignite the spark and make new memories with your love. The beach is clean and not crowded it was an easy stroll to the concession stand which had a toilet which was clean. It had been some time since our last visit. Just over two hours' drive from Detroit and an hour from the beaches of Lake Michigan, Kalamazoo has plenty to entertain the family on a road trip. The Blue Star Highway leads north out of St. Joseph, its tarmac dappled with sunlight through the tree leaves. By hischild1090. This is one of those things. The parking is very good lots of spaces and paying was no bother. It has it all from early rock to present day artists. 4.5 /5 (185 reviews) The southern shores of Lake Michigan consist of a stunning dune landscape, which is ideal for hiking, camping, bird-watching, picnicking and swimming. Youll instantly be on the radar of people who want to come here to relax and play people who will become your customers. 1. Spend a day exploring the arts and food of Southwest Michigan on this self-guided, two-day tour full of inspiration! St. Josephs white and red North Pier Lighthouse is especially beautiful in summer, when the Lake Michigan surf regularly coats the beacon in magnificent icicles. Enjoy a good breakfast in Battle Creekthis is Cereal City, after all, birthplace of breakfast cereal and home to Kelloggsand then head out on safari. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Visit makers of delicious craft wines, beers, ciders and spirits. The barn, the automated experience and petting the cows were all terrific. , and lots for kids to do (obstacle course, swings). Bell's Brewery, Eccentric Cafe and General Store is a highlight and one of Michigans largest microbreweries. We stopped for a tasting our teenage son. Beaches, amusements and the freshest tastes around are all on the agenda during a visit to Michigans southwest region. Take the lakeshore art tours to witness the best local and regional talent on display, then create your own art to take home. If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Silver Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Saint Joseph. Connect with the artists, actors, musicians and dreamers that call this area home. All Rights Reserved. Walk around the campus of University of Notre Dame, a top university in South Bend. On a typical day, you can purchase round-trip tickets between the Coldwater station and Quincy, a ride that lasts approximately 45 minutes. Take sails across sun-dappled waves and walk to picturesque lighthouses. Discover local U-Pick farms, lush with blueberries, peaches, apples and taste the fruit of the vine at one of the many wineries in the region. There were easy paths for those with walking issues. Our campsite was very spacious, and perfect for our setup. Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Boat Tours & Water Sports Sights & Landmarks Nightlife Fun & Games Museums Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Water & Amusement Parks Casinos & Gambling Traveler rating & up & up Good for Good for a Rainy Day interesting destinations are all around. We had a glass of a Michigan resting. Find Lesser Known Attractions in Lake Huron Bay I definitely recommend CAVVY Concierge. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We have rented boats from Oselka Marina in previous years but this summer we changed it up and rented the Moke electric cruise car. usually on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Michigan. Be alert for a few sandy soft shots that can be a problem. Tour DeZwaan, the United States only authentic Dutch windmill, to see the 5-story mill in action, then buy a sack of windmill-ground flour to take home. January: Hawk Island Park Google Reviews/Alpesh Patel We had a group of 11, mostly first time ATVers with a couple more experienced and everyone had a blast! Little River Railroad Facebook/Little River Railroads This family-oriented railroad excursion, which departs from Coldwater, offers all sorts of special events throughout the year. There are suggestions to do with the kids, beer lovers, history buffs and art seekers or for during girlfriend weekends. While Frankenmuth is great during winter, Holland is one of the best Michigan day trips in the spring. Your choices are endlessand so are the adventures to come. The farmhouse ended up being perfect for my girls and I to get ready in. In the 50s and 60s I spent most of my free time at the Silver Beach amusement park, fishing off the piers, and swimming and exploring the dunes at Lions beach and Silver beach. They also have created this space with safety in mind and have sturdy features that adults can also use, if so inclined. Great place. It is a wonderful beach and not as crowded as Silver We love coming and we love eating the apples every day. Add to that a fabulous view of Lake Michigan and this is a wonderful place to visit once or daily! Kalamazoos vibrant Art Deco downtown was home to the nations first outdoor pedestrian mall in the 1950s. 269-925-6301. Building blocks, of all sizes, an ambulance with a stethoscope and a stretcher, a dinosaur puzzle/excavation, an active volcano we had to promise him we would come back in order to get him out. Large enough for several groups to use at the same time, with lots of elements I had not seen before. Learn more about Michigan's dark sky parks here. With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, its no surprise that Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state, and many lie within southwest Michigan. Explore the smaller cities and towns past the border, and get to know the stories behind them. Okay, first this is a beautiful safe family friendly enviroment. Few places in America offer the gorgeous scenery, farm-fresh deliciousness and hours upon hours of affordable, family fun youll find in Southwest Michigan. Play a round of golf at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbors spectacular Jack Nicklaus signature course. Pack your sweet tooth for this wine and chocolate tour exploring award-winning creations and delicious chocolate treats. Gift shop. The Red Arrow Highway departs St. Joseph to the south, a twisting route that offers occasional peeks of Lake Michigan through ancient dunes now covered with hardwood forests. Sat on their patio with a wonderful view of the winery. Escape busy US-31 for a scenic drive along Lake Michigans backroads. Begin at the Air Zoo, five miles south of town. Captains Dave and Kyle were very friendly, answering all our questions.