Southwest Michigan Tourist Council

What brings you to Southwest Michigan

There are many reasons to vacation in Southwest Michigan. Start with hazy-gold mornings on our paddling or fishing rivers or playing golf on championship courses. Drive through a countryside that goes from spring’s sweetly scented pastel blossoms to summer’s and fall’s fresh-picked strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and more. Visit makers of delicious craft wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Hear intriguing stories in our historic places. Or celebrate with us at enthralling live music concerts, art exhibits, performances and festivals.

Discover our scenic inland lakes, wooded trails and a star-studded dark sky park. Find chefs who turn locally grown ingredients into mouthwatering entrees and friendly shop owners who delight you with their choices. But it is Lake Michigan that fills your day with freshwater adventures. Run down towering dunes and build bucket-sized sandcastles on pristine beaches. Take sails across sun-dappled waves and walk to picturesque lighthouses. Then gaze toward the horizon in silent awe at sunset.

Whatever brings you, it’s wonderful having you here.

Fat tire biking at Love Creek County Park in the winter.

Best Christmas light displays in Southwest Michigan

Ice covered outer lighthouse in St. Joseph, MI.

Visit St. Joseph's Frozen Ligthouses

Two people enjoying wine and art at Golden Muse Winery

Connect with the artists, actors, musicians and dreamers

A person with a cocktail at Staymaker Restaurant.

Best Solo Travel Destinations in Southwest Michigan

What to know before visiting a dispensary for the first time

Dog friendly beaches on Lake Michigan

Southwest Michigan’s International Dark Sky Park

Rock Hunting

Best bachelorette party destinations in Southwest Michigan

Two people with dogs at Watermark Brewery.

Dog friendly stops along the Makers Trail

The Chicago skyline silhoutted in front of the setting sun over Lake Michigan.

Seeing Chicago from Southwest Michigan

Sunsets in Southwest Michigan

Collecting Beach Glass

Best Things

First Timers

A hand holding up a phone displaying the Makers Trail Passport app

Explore Wineries, Breweries and more with the Makers Trail

Free Things

Watching Great Lakes Freighters in Southwest Michigan

Warren Dunes State Park — your high adventure playground

Where to vacation with your wheelchair

Two people drinking wine on a couch at Dablon Vineyards

Best Wineries in Southwest Michigan

People walking down a dune at Grand Mere State Park

Visit our Sand Dunes

A child eating ice cream at Dairy Corner.

St. Joseph for Kids

The Best Breweries

Mt. Tabor Trails

Plan your dream summer wedding in Southwest Michigan

A Fishing Destination

Summer ideas for your Southwest Michigan bucket list.

Discover the Best Beaches on Lake Michigan

Moon and the Silver Beach Carousel weather vane.

Haunted places & chilling ghost stories

Scenic golf courses to play this fall

The best towns to visit this fall in Southwest Michigan.

Top free fall activities in Southwest Michigan

Visit The Area, Win Some Prizes

There's a challenge for everyone

Fill your days with beach time, delicious restaurants, shops and galleries. Enjoy your favorite outdoor activities, find new favorite craft beverages, kick back at weekly summer music concerts or have a blast at annual festivals throughout the year. Check out our free challenges.

Makers Trail Experience

Discover

Connect with the artists, actors, musicians and dreamers that call this area home.

Explore

Trails App Logo

Get you moving on some of the prettiest, most peaceful and popular trails!

Get Started

Visit The Area, Win Some Prizes

There's a challenge for everyone

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Unlock a world of potential customers

Read more in our Visitors Guide