Top 8 Free Fall Activities in Southwest Michigan

August 8, 2025 St. Joseph Blog

From the gorgeous fall colors to the bountiful harvest that fills our Lake Michigan coast, fall is one of the best times to travel to Southwest Michigan. It is also a more affordable and calmer time of year to visit since our popular summer season has come to an end. You will find plenty of free activities in the region that are perfect for anyone on a budget. Here are the top free things to do in Southwest Michigan this fall.

1. Take a fall color tour

Go on a fall color driving tour. Our jewel-toned landscape is one of the top reasons to visit Southwest Michigan this fall. Check out our Fall Color Guide for the best route suggestions.

2. Hike scenic trails

Start at Galien River County Park. Take in the colorful view of changing leaves as you walk the 300’ canopy walk that leads out to a 60’ high platform overlooking the marshland and Galien River. Or follow the boardwalk that leads to the fishing platform down by the water. Other beautiful fall hiking trails include Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails in Benton Harbor, the McCoy Creek Trail in Buchanan and the Paw Paw River County Park in Watervliet which is designed for people with all abilities.

Two more urban walking experiences with plenty of colorful foliage and restaurants, beer and distilled spirits nearby are in the cities of Niles and New Buffalo. See maps in our Trail Guide.

3. Walk along uncrowded beaches

Lake Michigan is beautiful in the fall! Visit these popular beaches for free: Silver Beach, Jean Klock Park, New Buffalo City Beach and Weko Beach. Avoid the crowds and stop paying parking fees after Labor Day weekend.

4. Paddle your way through Autumn’s beauty

Bring your kayak or rent one and paddle our rivers and lakes! Fall is one of the best times to be on the water. No bugs swarming you, mild temperatures and beautiful fall colors all around you. View our paddling guide to find your favorite route.

5. Bike thrilling trails beneath brilliant foliage

The gorgeous fall colors and technical features at Andrews University Trails will excite any cyclist. And with no admission fee, you can visit several times during your stay.

6. Explore our creativity

Krasl Art Center and the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph and ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center in Benton Harbor offer visitors the chance to see their art exhibitions at no cost. Plus, you can play Creative Connections year round and get rewarded for visiting our local galleries, museums and performances.

7. Learn about our fascinating past

There are a variety of museums in our area that tell about our history and house fun, interactive exhibits. Siegfried H. Horn Museum in Berrien Springs, the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum and the North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma are free to the public.

8. Stay over and enjoy a free, gorgeous sunset on Lake Michigan

Plan ahead, and book at least one overnight stay before heading home so you can watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. While this is free any time of year, the view is priceless no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Lookout Park in St. Joseph is a great, free viewing spot, or find other local spots in the Best Places to Enjoy a Southwest Michigan Sunset blog. There is more free fall fun awaiting you when you wake up tomorrow.

Southwest Michigan Summer Vacation: Top Things to Do with Kids

May 13, 2025May 7, 2025 St. Joseph Blog

A Fun-Filled Family Summer Getaway to Southwest Michigan

Looking for the perfect summer vacation destination for quality family time and making amazing memories? Set your sights on the beautiful beachfront communities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph in Southwest Michigan! These scenic towns hugging the shores of Lake Michigan offer an incredible array of attractions and activities to delight kids and parents alike. From sandy beach adventures and outdoor explorations to educational museums and classic downtown charm, you’ll find everything you need for a fun warm-weather family escape. Get ready to load up the car and head to this Midwest summer haven!

Sandy Beach Adventures

Silver Beach County Park, St, Joseph

A family trip in Southwest Michigan isn’t complete without ample beach time. This area has some of the most pristine sandy stretches and blue waters around! The crown jewel is Silver Beach County Park, conveniently located near The Silver Beach Carousel and Silver Beach Pizza. The beach is perfect for sandcastle building, swimming, beach volleyball, kite flying, and classic waterfront fun. Its sandy shore provides plenty of space to spread out and make yourselves at home for the day without feeling too crowded. They also have convenient changing rooms, bathrooms, and a sheltered picnic area. This accessible beach has a free beach wheelchair you can borrow, too.

Jean Klock Park, Benton Harbor

Want to relax in a peaceful oasis? Jean Klock Park is an uncrowded gem for playing along a large, soft sand beach and hiking or biking on paved trails through the dunes and lush natural surroundings. Other beach day amenities include a playground, picnic shelter, charcoal grills, boardwalk, observation trail, tower, bathhouse, concessions, and paved parking.

You can also find your place in the sun and sand at these nearby beaches. Many of them, like Jean Klock, are wheelchair-accessible. All are great places to treat your family to our spectacular summer sunsets.

Whirlpool Compass Fountain, St. Joseph

Pour on the water fun when you bring your family to the epic Whirlpool Compass Fountain splash pad between Silver Beach County Park and Silver Beach Pizza. It is the largest interactive splash pad in Southwest Michigan and one of the biggest in Michigan. Prepare to get wet!

Your kids will squeal with delight running under the shooting jets of water, splashing in the puddles, tossing a ball, rolling down the grassy berms, or resting up for the next dash under the spray. The cannons shoot water 35 feet into the air every 15 minutes! Parents can join in the refreshing fun or relax on the benches surrounding the pad. Check out this other guide for creating a splash pad tour throughout Southwest Michigan.

Engaging Indoor Attractions for Kids

Silver Beach Center, St. Joseph

Head to the Silver Beach Center for hours of air-conditioned, indoor entertainment. Take a spin on the majestic Silver Beach Carousel. There are 48 beautifully carved figures and two chariots, each with its own story, to pick from. At this carousel, find accessibility accommodations for all kinds of riders. It is a happy place for everyone! Besides the ride, an hour or more of fun, interactive activities await. This includes an elaborate model train display, a Silver Beach Amusement Park dorama, interactive exhibits, and indoor/outdoor games to play with each other.

Down the boardwalk from the Carousel is the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, which easily fills two hours with learning fun. A wonderland for ages 1 to 10 years, its interactive exhibits focus on science, engineering, and the arts. From a pint-sized construction zone to a giant Lake Michigan water table, lighthouse climbing tower, mesmerizing dance movement exhibit, and an all-hands-on traveling exhibit — your biggest challenge will be convincing your children to leave and go to your next destination.

Curious Kids’ Museum, St. Joseph

Along the top of the bluff is another fun-packed place for hands-on learning, the Curious Kids’ Museum. Use all five senses, plus your imagination, exploring two floors of interactive science, technology, engineering, art, and math exhibits that are more play and less work. Designed for ages 1 to 81 there is something to engage every age in discoveries and making friends. Before you come, check their upcoming summer workshops and events to see if they align with your time in St. Joseph.

Downtown St. Joseph

There is much for your family to discover in this walkable downtown. The brick streets offer block after block of shops and art galleries with toys, novelties, souvenirs, clothing, books, and sweets to tempt you through their doors. Catch your breath at one of the restaurants or get takeout for a leisurely picnic along the bluff or the St. Joseph River.

When you are here, check the events calendar, as downtown St. Joseph often hosts lively summer festivals, art fairs, and live music performances, adding to the already enchanting ambiance.

Outdoor Nature Adventures

Sarett Nature Center, Benton Harbor

Beyond its beaches, Southwest Michigan has no shortage of outdoor adventures for kids to explore. Hiking is a popular family activity, and Sarett Nature Center offers eight miles of trails meandering through its 1,000 acres. Watch for deer, sandhill cranes, turtles, and fascinating birds. Two highlights for families in the summer are the Butterfly House and a tree-top walkway. Check their weekend events for guided walks, or use this Southwest Michigan trail guide to find more family adventures while you are here together.

Lighthouses, St. Joseph

The St. Joseph lighthouses are among Southwest Michigan’s top attractions. On the North Pier, these century-old sentinels are accessible from Tiscornia Park.

Warren Dunes State Park

If you’re looking to spend a full day outdoors, plan a trip to Warren Dunes State Park. It boasts towering dunes, three miles of sandy shoreline, and nearly endless hiking and outdoor exploring opportunities. More adventurous families can go sandboarding down the dunes for a huge adrenaline rush! Or stake out a spot on the beach and enjoy the stunning lake views or sunsets while the kids build sandcastles or fly kites. The park offers two, free-to-use beach wheelchairs during the summer. Just ask for one when you arrive.

As you build your day, be sure to arrive early, as this popular spot can fill up quickly on summer days.

One standout reason to explore this iconic park is north of the swimming area, where leashed dogs are welcome on a designated section of the beach. Another is the rare but exciting experience when the atmospheric conditions are just right, you can see the Chicago skyline 60 miles across Lake Michigan!

Family-Friendly Dining Delights

Silver Beach Pizza, St. Joseph

With all that running, playing, and exploring, you’ll want to refuel at some of the most family-friendly dining spots. Silver Beach Pizza is below the bluff with gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It is repeatedly voted the Best Pizza in Southwest Michigan. There are so many options, including mega-meat, vegetables-only, no-cheese and gluten-free pizzas. You will hem-and-haw over their delicious appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and a kid’s menu with lots of favorites.

Besides the hot-from-the-oven choices, three family pleasers are the wait staff bringing cups of raw pizza dough for the kids to play with until their meal arrives. Adults love their chilled schooners of beer. And the thrill of watching passenger and freight trains stop or rumble by within feet of the windows will hold everyone’s gaze mid-bite.

Clementine’s Too

Another welcoming stop is Clementine’s Too on the St. Joseph River. This casual American restaurant is known for comfort classics for your kids like chicken fingers, mini-corn dog baskets, and oodles of noodles. Adults fill up on some of the best-ever house-made onion rings, French onion soup, juicy burgers, and a long list of salads and sandwiches. A perk of eating here is their waterfront outdoor patio.

Mason Jar Cafe

For breakfast or brunch, treat the family to the Mason Jar Café. This delightful spot focuses on farm-fresh ingredients, with a menu of sweet and savory delights. Kids will go crazy for the banana oat pancakes or stuffed French toast, while adults will appreciate options like avocado toast, veggie scrambles, and flavorful quiches. Everything is made from scratch and absolutely delectable.

Fun Evening Activities

Hidden Pointe Fun Park

While also open during the day, Hidden Pointe Fun Park is a popular evening activity. Kids can show off their putting skills on the themed mini-golf course, show their driving prowess on the go-kart tracks, or challenge each other to bat cage competitions. They also have classic carnival games, an arcade room, and a restaurant on-site.

Captain Mike’s Family Fun Park

Another family-thrill spot is Captain Mike’s Family Fun Park, jam-packed with big-kid and junior go-karts, bumper cars, boats, water cannons, Jumpshot basketball, batting cages, a game room, and “The Captain’s Galley” snack bar! Choose from their unlimited attraction packages and pay-as-you-go options. Whichever you choose, your kids will be ready to sleep when you call it a night.

Plan Your Summer in Southwest Michigan

Start planning your time in this Midwest paradise today! Choose to stay over so you have time for more fun tomorrow. Your kids will be grinning from ear-to-ear making fantastic memories with the people they love most. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!

Plan Your Stay

10 Reasons to Visit South Haven this Winter

November 7, 2024November 7, 2024 South Haven Blog

South Haven offers more than just a summer escape. As winter blankets the landscape, our charming town along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore transforms into a cozy retreat for families and travelers alike. Discover ten winter activities to make your South Haven stay unforgettable!

1. The South Haven Ice Rink
The South Haven Ice Rink offers a fantastic way for families to stay active all winter long. Nestled in the heart of downtown, it’s central to downtown shops, restaurants, and even the Michigan Theatre, making it the perfect start to an evening out. Parents can cozy up by Dyckman Park’s inviting fireplace, enjoying their favorite adult beverage as part of South Haven’s Social District experience.

2. View the Ice Covered Lighthouse and Lake Michigan Ice Circles
South Haven’s red lighthouse is the most popular summer landmark in town, but she does not disappoint in the winter either. Ice forms an ever-changing shell around the beacon as soon as the temperature drops and waves splash against the pier. Bring your camera and snap a photo of this unique seasonal experience. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing ice circles on Lake Michigan that come and go without warning. If you’re bundled up and looking for a peaceful walk, the pier-to-pier Harbor Walk remains a perennial favorite through all seasons.

3. Get Nostalgic at Rocket Arcade
Play all you want on over 65 retro games from the 70s, 80s, and 90s at Rocket Arcade. Purchase a free play or family pass to get the fun started on a blistery winter day. Snack on fun foods and classic sodas while you embrace your inner child for hours on end, then browse through their unique collection of T-shirts, art, and novelties. Hear more from “Rocket” Ralph in a recent interview here!

4. Gear-Up with Downtown South Haven’s Shops
Local merchants are meticulously stocking their shelves with handpicked items you’re sure to find nowhere else but South Haven! Treat your furry friends to the pampering they deserve at Decadent Dogs, or dazzle your significant other with a shiny accessory at Johnny’s Lakeshore Jewelry. Looking for a unique girls’ outing or date night? Get hands-on at Ruth’s Bath & Body Care where you can build your own terrarium at the succulent bar and indulge your skin with house-made soaps, lotions, and oils. Upgrade your winter apparel to withstand the Lake Michigan chill at Coastal Blue, SoHa Surf Shop, Glik’s, or one of South Haven’s newest storefronts: Coastal Outdoors.

5. Explore Dining Options & Seasonal Specials
Winter in South Haven is a perfect time to discover (or rediscover) the town’s diverse culinary offerings. Looking for a classic burger paired with a local brew? Or perhaps a martini crafted to perfection alongside a chef’s seasonal specialty? South Haven has it all. Indulge in the charm of our hometown diners, savor creative flavors at upscale eateries, or grab a slice from a favorite local pizzeria. This winter, take the time to uncover your new favorite dining gem in South Haven!

Date Night: Taste, The River Bottom, Tello Italian Bistro
Family Style: Clementine’s, Kitchen 527, Three Blondes Brewing
Friend’s Outing: South Haven Brewpub, Black River Tavern, The Lodge

6. Stay the night in South Haven and Dine On Us!
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or just need an excuse to break the monotony, South Haven has the perfect place to call home base as you chart your expedition across town. With amenities like fireplaces, whirlpool bathtubs, breakfasts in bed and other sweet indulgences, the deal gets even sweeter with our Dine On Us promotion! Book a room at a participating property to redeem a complementary $25 digital dining voucher to use at South Haven’s most popular restaurants! Get the details on Dine On Us here.

7. Catch the latest Blockbuster at The Michigan Theatre!
Enjoy first-run films and concessions at value prices at The Michigan Theatre! Located downtown near the Old Harbor Village, the Michigan Theatre is locally-owned and offers a big-screen cinematic experience with prices that make it affordable for the entire family. Local Tip: Mondays you can grab (2) movie tickets for only $8! On Thursdays, you can enjoy a complementary popcorn bucket refill.

8. Tour New and Old Museums
South Haven is rich with culture and opportunities to feed your need for new experiences. The Michigan Maritime Museum is one of the Great Lakes’ premiere destinations to experience freshwater maritime heritage. If the fine arts is more your speed, check out the South Haven Center for the Arts to immerse yourself in one of their rotating exhibitions or classes, and to shop for holiday wares during the annual Mistletoe Market. Explore the rich history of South Haven at the South Haven Historical Association, or listen to engaging talks and performances at the South Haven Scott Club. Families with small children will be thankful for the Mitten Children’s Museum and the outdoor StoryWalk at the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, not to mention the weekly activities at South Haven Memorial Library.

9. Sled by the Riverfront at Coast Guard Hill
Visit one of South Haven’s best-kept winter secrets. Bring your own sled or borrow one at the sled library on Coast Guard Hill located next to the Great Lakes Research Library at 91 Michigan Avenue. During the winter, the street is closed and barricaded, so you can bundle up and slide down the hill that overlooks Riverfront Park. Coast Guard Hill also serves as the venue for the annual Ice Breaker Festival’s Cardboard Sled Competition.

10. Winter Festivals & Attractions
South Haven’s winter attractions continue to captivate visitors year to year. Click an event below to learn more!

Holiday in the Park | November 29: Kick off the holiday season with us while enjoying a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, ice skating, festive activities, and plenty of holiday cheer – including free family photos with Santa + Mrs. Claus, and their Elves!

Christmas in the Park Light Show at South Haven Jellystone Park | Click to view December Dates: The drive through light show will feature over 60,000 lights festively displayed along a 1/2 mile drive throughout Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort. Enjoy photo-ops, and stop by Mrs. Claus’s Bakery and Santa’s Toy Shoppe!

Drive-Thru Holiday Lightshow at Crane Orchards | Select dates Nov 29 – Dec 29: With a mile of lit winter wonderland decorated with hundreds of hand-crafted props, experience the orchard like never before and enjoy holiday magic from the comfort of your car.

New Year’s Eve Celebration | Dec 31: Get ready to ring in the New Year with South Haven’s most electrifying celebration yet! In addition to our traditional beach ball drop and fireworks, this year’s celebration will feature bigger LED screens lighting up the night sky, more laser lights cutting through the crisp air, and sound systems booming as you dance in the streets. South Haven will come alive in ways you’ve never experienced before—come be part of it!

Ice Breaker Festival | January 31st – February 2nd: This winter celebration brings the heat with stunning ice sculptures, a chili cook-off, cardboard sled races, and the always popular Pub Slide. Roam the streets and take in 30+ blocks of ice carved into incredible works of art.

BONUS: Live Music in South Haven

Several local venues are anchoring South Haven with year-round live entertainment, because dancing is the best way to keep warm! Discover the best local talent with the following live music schedules:

1. Black River Tavern offers live music with no cover every Friday and Saturday night. Touring artists are known to pack the joint and blow the roof off with thunderous sound, and is a popular mainstay for a night out with friends. Acts range from soul, funk, to classic rock ‘n roll.

2. Harbor Light Brewery is a traditional beer hall that features an eclectic mix of performers. Brian McClure’s brings his Celtics & Classics show the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Brian is a talented fiddle player who incorporates other Celtic instruments into the mix by using a looper. He’s a one-man band who brings the house down every time!

3. The Groovin’ Grove features a diverse lineup of local talent in an intimate cocktail lounge that’s every bit as cozy as it is nostalgic.

Take the time to treat yourself to cozy connections in our welcoming community this winter. Start your exploring by requesting or downloading our visitor’s guide, browse area events, and connect with us on social media to discover more winter attractions!

What to do on a Rainy Day in the Grand Haven Area

August 12, 2024 Grand Haven Blog

The Grand Haven Area is known for its bright summer days on the beaches, cool hikes on an autumn day, or special nights out on the town in the winter. While on your trip, you may experience rainy days, winds, and gray skies. While that isn’t the typical type of weather we experience, you can rejoice in knowing there are still plenty of activities and things to see and do during a potential gloomy day. To save time on your search, let’s highlight ten to consider:

1. Stay Dry While Shopping

Sunny or dreary, the inside of the local shops in downtown will have the same energy and aura of a visitors paradise. There are lots of options from gift shops, to snack shacks, and to restaurants to choose from, and breweries to make any guest happy. No matter what you or your family may like, there are plenty of options to choose from.

2. Visit Centertown & East End

Centertown, just a little down the road from downtown, you can expect to find unique things at Vintage Green Antiques or your new favorite book at The Bookman or The Book Cellar. Along with those are other local niche stores that may fit your liking. Subjects like cycling, guitar, sports gear, and premium clothing are hidden gems in Centertown. Consider checking these stores out, especially on a rainy day in the Grand Haven Area.

Diving into East End, you’ll find many hidden bars, parks, and cafes. Enjoy hand crafted beers and live music at BurZurk Brewing Company or watch dogs run around at the Grand Haven Dog Park. East End’s long streets of historic homes can also be something to do while going for a run on a gray day. So don’t forget about this side of Grand Haven!

3. Learn About the Past at Historic Locations

The Grand Haven Area is filled with opportunistic locations to learn more about the past!

Checkout, regardless of weather, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, a large, free-admission museum in downtown Grand Haven with three floors that rotate exhibitions.

Another museum is the Midwest Miniatures Museum, where displays of miniature figures and documents fill the historic mansion near downtown Grand Haven.

The Dewitt Schoolhouse in Spring Lake can give visitors a taste of what school was like in 1891, as the school was originally built then, and has since been restored for viewing purposes.

Coopersville Historical Museum is a free-admission museum that can transport you to the past, with well preserved exhibits and equipment from early settlement in Coopersville.

Coopersville Farm Museum is a fun place to learn about the rural/farming lifestyle and attend events. Their exhibits of farming equipment, art, and jam sessions attract thousands of visitors to Coopersville every year!

One last suggestion is Engine House No. 5 in Allendale, which is a historical fire department museum!

4. Challenge Your Family at Grand Fun!

A great addition to Grand Haven is Grand Fun!, an arcade with all sorts of games, mini bowling, and prizes to win. They also serve fun foods like giant pretzels, delicious hot dogs and curly fries, or try pizza nights on Fridays. It’s also a perfect place to host a birthday party. Not only would this be a good way to spend a few hours on a rainy day, but also a sunny day since you can escape the heat and enjoy some air conditioning for a while. If you find yourself in the Grand Haven Area on a rainy day, challenge yourself or your family and friends to a world of Fun.

5. Work Together on an Escape Room

Head inside to Grand Haven Escape Room to see if you can complete one of their many challenging rooms. Your adrenaline will pump and most importantly, fun with the family will be had. You’ll need to find, and use clues to solve puzzles, all while working against the ticking clock. Come inside for an hour and have a blast while uncovering the mystery within these rooms!

6. Try a Local Brewery

The Grand Haven Area offers several options for breweries. Sipping a beer, watching sports, and snacking on tasty food is a good way to combat inclement weather. We already have a blog highlighting the many unique breweries in the area, as well as some wineries if that’s more your style. Check out that blog here!

7. Eat Ice Cream

Rainy days in the Grand Haven Area doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a good scoop of colorful, and flavorful ice cream. All around the Grand Haven Area lies ice cream spots, from the boardwalk all the way to Allendale. It doesn’t matter where you find yourself, ice cream is always something someone should try while on a vacation! Click here to view all of our ice cream spots.

8. Watch a Movie or Play

The Grand Haven Area offers a movie theater where you can enjoy new releases or a community theater that produces live musicals and plays! Depending on the time of your vacation this could be the perfect solution to weather conflictions. The Grand Haven 9 delivers quality time with the family along with snacks, a clean theater, and customer care. If you’d like to see a play, then the Central Park Players is the community theater for you with their seasonal shows and great performances at Central Park Place.

9. Refresh Indoors

If it’s too rough to do anything outside, the Grand Haven Area has many places where you can refresh yourself indoors. The Wildflower Yoga Studio in downtown Grand Haven is an easy place to book a class and center yourself. If you enjoy thrifting, not far away from downtown are several small and large thrift and antique stores. We even have an antique trail you can pick up from our Visitors Bureau! Aldea Coffee downtown is an awesome cafe where you can hangout to enjoy a freshly brewed cup, read a book, or play a board game. Good luck on deciding on what to do!

10. Partake in a Craft

You don’t need good weather to be creative, so try your hand at some of the many crafting opportunities in the area! Pour your own scented candle at Garsnett Beacon Candle Co. You could also spend a couple hours trying new forms of painting or drawing at Armory 2 Art Studio. You could also even design jewelry for yourself or as a gift at JSD Gallery. Be sure to view their websites beforehand for any events that may peak your interest. Happy crafting!

Try these suggestions for what to do on a rainy day in the Grand Haven Area. It may not happen often, but when it does, we still have some options to make your trip a memorable one!