south haven michigan Archives - Michigan Beachtowns

Harvest Hues & Lakeside Views: 15 Fall Highlights in South Haven

A Playbook for Crisp, Coastal Escapades

Wrap yourself in the warm hospitality of the West Michigan coast in South Haven, where cozy getaways, crisp trails, and festive streets invite you to discover joy in a fresh patchwork of special moments. This season, we’re here to inspire—with the best local flavors, events, and hidden gems that make autumn along the lakeshore unforgettable.

From apple-picking afternoons to viewing the cosmos under campground skies, South Haven has everything you need to make this fall unforgettable. Read on to explore our top recommendations!

1. South Haven Storywalk at The Bailey Museum

At the childhood home of Liberty Hyde Bailey Jr.—a foundational figure in modern agriculture—the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens interprets his work through gardens, trails, exhibits, and outreach. Take a crisp fall StoryWalk® through the backwoods sanctuary. Free and family-friendly; check the museum’s site for the current title and hours.

Discover more at libertyhydebailey.org

2. A New Season with Fresh Voices at the South Haven Center for the Arts

This fall, the South Haven Center for the Arts (originally a Carnegie Library) presents its Annual Juried Exhibition (Sept. 27–Nov. 8), alongside intimate Pocket Galleries with works by Dorothy Sherrod and Margarita Kulys.

See classes, exhibits, and more at southhavenarts.com

3. Line Up Your Weekend with Unique Dining Experiences

South Haven serves up more than just scenery—round out your weekend with a visit to our two favorite local speakeasies:

The Groovin’ Grove – A former blue-collar burger joint reborn as a 70s-inspired music lounge. From formica tables to vintage couches, every seat sets the stage for rockabilly, classic rock, and Americana shows. Pair the tunes with a limited menu and cocktails in this 21+ speakeasy-style venue. Caftans encouraged!

The River Bottom – Tucked beneath Black River Tavern, this hidden gem channels a 1930s speakeasy into a unique Mediterranean dining concept. Weekly chef-inspired specials, international brews, craft cocktails —all in a setting that feels worlds away from the everyday.

Local Tip: The Groovin’ Grove is the Recipient of Visit South Haven’s RAISE THE BAR Award for revitalizing a former restaurant into an in-demand venue.

4. Enjoy Cocktail Classes, Trivia, and Live Music at New Holland Spirits Tasting Room

Test your smarts at Sunday Trivia, peruse the lineup of musicians, or become your own mixologist thanks to New Holland Spirits Tasting Room‘s popular cocktail classes hosted by resident experts It’s all at newhollandbrew.com!

Local Tip: Check out the tasting room’s daily specials, like Mocktail Mondays and the after school special for folks in the education industry.

5. Explore West Michigan Wine County

Take a tour of area wineries in style with Happy Trails Wine Tours & Limo Service, or chart your own fall excursions into West Michigan wine country with our handy maps of The West Michigan Pike and Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Whether you’re exploring Michigan’s oldest wineries in Paw Paw or exploring the flavors of coastal provenances, the area is ripe with opportunities to broaden your palate.

Wine Tasting in and Around South Haven:

Gravity Tasting Room and 12 Corners Tasting Room – Conveniently located in downtown South Haven, both offer a laid-back setting to sample local wines.

Warner Vineyards Tasting Room – Situated in the charming Old Harbor Village, this spot combines historic ambiance with Michigan-made wines.

Cogdal Vineyards – Just a five-minute drive north of town, this scenic vineyard offers tastings with stunning views, especially vibrant during fall color season.

Veritas Estate Winery – South Haven’s newest addition features an on-site winery, housemade wines, and chef-prepared meals. Overnight stays available for a full vineyard escape.

6. Catch the latest thriller at The Michigan Theatre

Take in the latest flick at The Michigan Theatre in downtown South Haven! Enjoy first-run films with affordable tickets in the heart of Downtown South Haven.

Local Tip: Monday Movies are only $4!

7. Make it a Market Morning under The Pavilion

Discover autumn’s abundance at the South Haven Farm Market! Located downtown at the Huron Street Pavilion, the freshest produce from local farms is available Saturdays through October 12.

Did You Know: Come winter, the Huron Street Pavilion transforms into the South Haven Ice Rink!

8. Pick Some Apples, Harvest the Memories

Orchards like Dutch Farm Market and Overhiser Orchards offer more than fresh air and ripe apples—they’re the perfect backdrop for quality time. Whether you’re making memories with little ones or stealing a crisp afternoon with someone special, a stroll through the rows sets the pace for a day well spent.

Local Tip: Apple season in Michigan is from mid-September through mid-October.

9. Dog Days of Summer are OUT. Doggy Days in the Maze are IN.

Nothing says fall like getting lost in golden rows of corn beneath crisp blue skies. Bumbleberry Acres takes it up a notch with Doggy Days in the Maze—your pup can join the adventure too! Beyond the maze, this family-friendly working farm offers a petting zoo and hands-on demonstrations that give kids a true taste of farm life, down to the jams and jellies!

Find out what makes it “Bumbleberry Good”!

10. Explore the Studios of the Blue Coast Artists

The Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour invites you on a self-guided journey through working studios tucked along South Haven’s backroads from October 4-5! From pottery and glassblowing to fine art and multimedia creations, you’ll meet the makers, watch demonstrations, and discover one-of-a-kind pieces in the spaces where they’re created. It’s a weekend of creative connection, wrapped in the sights and colors of lakeshore autumn.

Local Tip: Can’t make the tour? No problem, click here to browse hours for each location and plan your visit.

11. A Different Kind of Fall Pick at Lake Effect Acres

Tucked just outside town, Lake Effect Acres offers a uniquely South Haven experience—chestnut harvesting. Available weekends in October, it’s a quiet, hands-on escape where you can gather your own nuts straight from the source. Simple, seasonal, and a little unexpected.

Local Tip: Save some of those chestnuts for Holiday in the Park on November 28—the one thing Santa loves more than visiting South Haven are chestnuts roasted over an open fire pit!

12. Explore Fall Scenes in One of Michigan’s Most Beautiful Social Districts

The South Haven Social District lets you take your favorite alcoholic beverage and enjoy it as you explore downtown. With designated outdoor zones and fresh autumn air all around, it’s a relaxed way to slow down and experience the season one sip at a time.

Local tip: Clementine’s Pumpkin Martini has been a community staple for years, available for a limited time!

13. Cruise the Black River in the Lindy Lou

Step back in time with the Michigan Maritime Museum aboard the Lindy Lou, an electric-powered replica river launch that recalls the leisurely cruises of the late 1890s. Once used to ferry resort guests and picnickers along the Black River, the Lindy Lou now offers visitors the same relaxing pace of days gone by. On fairweather days in October, it’s a marvelous way to experience the foliage along the river, and to see town from a unique perspective!

View Exhibits, Events, and More at michiganmaritimemuseum.org

14. Book a Fall Campout or Glamping Getaway

Cool nights and campfires under the cosmos—fall is perfect time for sleeping under the stars! Spend the night in a cabin or skoolie at Kal-Haven Outpost, go luxe at Off Map Glamping or the nationally recognized Fields of Michigan, or stargaze under the open grounds at DayDreamer Domes. Families will also love the events at Covert/South Haven KOA and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.

15. Watch Bogs fill with Crimson Cranberries at DeGrandchamp Farms

On the first two Saturdays in October—the 4th and 11th—DeGrandchamp Farms comes alive in brilliant red as cranberries are harvested from the bogs for Cranberry Days! Take a trolley ride to watch the harvest, then stop by the farm market for jams, salsas, baked goods, and other cranberry treats. A South Haven tradition that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Learn more about Cranberry Days

Bonus: Capture a Brilliant Autumn Sunset on Lake Michigan

No matter how full your day is—apple picking, trail biking, or sipping wine at a local vineyard—everything seems to pause when the sun starts its descent. South Haven’s sunsets are pure magic, especially this time of year. From the lakeside bluffs to soft-sand beaches, the sky bursts into an ever-changing masterpiece of fiery oranges, bold purples, and dusky pinks. With more than a dozen public beach access points to choose from between Van Buren State Park to the South and Casco Township Nature Preserve to the North, there’s always a perfect perch for this nightly show.

Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan lies South Haven, a town as renowned for its scenic beauty and charming downtown as it is for its delectable culinary offerings. As a lifelong local and unabashed foodie, I’ve embarked on many a gastronomic adventure in our little slice of heaven. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey through the flavors that make South Haven a must-visit for every palate.

A Historic Bite
Onion Rings | Clementine’s

First up on our tour is Clementine’s, housed in a building that whispers tales from its past life as an old bank. But the real treasure here? Their hand-dipped onion rings, served on a wooden peg by the inch. Choose between 6 or 12 inches, but know this: with approximately nine miles of these crispy delights served yearly, paired with their house-made ranch, you’re starting your culinary journey with a local legend.

Crispy, Crunchy Heaven
Fried Chicken | Kitchen 527

No foodie’s quest is complete without the soul-satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken. Kitchen 527, nestled cozily in downtown South Haven, offers just that. Whether you opt for half or a whole chicken, each bite promises a seasoned, crunchy, and utterly divine experience. And the variety of sides? The perfect companions to your chicken indulgence.

Award-Winning Chili
White Chicken Chili | The Lodge

“The Lodge: where the locals go” — and for good reason. Tucked away outside of town, this cozy spot has clinched the chili competition at South Haven’s Ice Breaker festival three years running. Their white chicken chili, slightly spicy and irresistibly comforting, is served with warm, deep-fried saltines that rival the chili in deliciousness.

Family Style Comfort
Authentic Lasagna | Maria’s Taste Of Italy

Maria’s serves up more than just food; it serves stories woven into each layer of its lasagna. Tender pasta, meaty layers, a slightly sweet sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in a dish that feels like a hug from an Italian grandmother. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of cheesecake, the perfect sweet ending.

A Must Go Depot
The Edmund Fitzgerald Sandwich | South Haven Depot

Housed in an old depot train station, The Depot offers takeout that transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary experience. The Edmund Fitzgerald sandwich, featuring house-roasted wagyu beef, Hook’s 1-yr cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, and house-made horsey sauce on toasted sourdough bread, is a standout. But it’s not just about the food; The Depot also boasts an impressive selection of craft beer, wine, and liquor, catering to all tastes. Whether you’re a beer aficionado, a wine enthusiast, or someone who appreciates a fine spirit, there’s something here to complement your meal perfectly. Local Secret: You can spend the night in a Caboose train for a unique South Haven lodging experience.

Wing Cravings
3BB Michigan Cherry Wings | Three Blondes Brewing

Owned by three local sisters, Three Blondes Brewing is where large wings meet innovative flavor in the form of Michigan Cherry BBQ sauce. Paired with a Boom Boom Betty blonde ale, and perhaps enjoyed in one of their winter-friendly Blonde Domes, these wings are a flavorful testament to local ingenuity.

A Seafood Lover’s Brunch
Crab Cake Benedict | Phoenix Street on Broadway

After a venue upgrade to accommodate more visitors, Phoenix Street Cafe continues to wow with dishes like their crab cake benedict. Paired with crispy potatoes and perhaps a bloody mary or mimosa, it’s a brunch that elevates the classic to new heights.

Hidden Gem For Authentic
Quesabirria Tacos | El Paraiso Taqueria

El Paraiso Taqueria’s facade may be unassuming, but inside lies a treasure trove of traditional Mexican cuisine. The quesabirria tacos, with their perfect mix of flavor, crispiness, dipping sauce and homemade Verde, are a highlight. And the convenience of a drive-through window makes it easy to enjoy these gems on the go.

Cuisine With A Story
Potato Pancakes | Taste

At Taste, not only does the food speak of heritage and heart, but the story of its owners — a local couple who turned their meeting place into their dream — adds a layer of warmth to every dish. Overlooking the Black River Harbor, their potato pancakes are a nod to Chef Joel’s heritage. This vegan dish is served with apple chutney, sour cream, and chive oil. Pair it with an Elderflower Breeze martini for a truly unforgettable meal.

Summer Sweets And Soulful Delights
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake | Fruit Street Kitchen

The Fruit Street Kitchen food truck, a hidden gem next to Elkenburg Park, not only brings summer sweetness to life with their moist pineapple upside-down cake but also serves up an array of soul food that’s hard to find elsewhere. Among their unique offerings, the smothered turkey knuckles stand out as a must-try for anyone looking for an authentic taste of soul food. This dish, alongside their other non-traditional items, showcases the local owners’ dedication to diversity and flavor. Open only in the summer, the demand for their distinctive dishes encouraged the owners to expand, opening a sit-down restaurant 20 miles from South Haven in Lawrence, Michigan. Whether you’re there for the sweet treats or the soul food, Fruit Street Kitchen offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Tag: south haven michigan

Live Like A Local – A South Haven Guide To Culinary Delights