Winter Staycation Ideas

In winter, we all need breathers that don’t require a multi-hour road trip. Think mini-getaways: a wine tasting with friends, a chef-prepared meal with your family, a solo snowshoe walk along the beach or an uplifting concert.

Each year, thousands of people visit Southwest Michigan to chase away the winter blahs. Why not you? Even if you live here, spending a weekend — or even a midweek break — as a visitor in your own region can be surprisingly restorative. Here’s your guide to vacationing right down the road with winter staycation ideas that make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Staycation Advantages

The biggest advantages of vacationing close to home are the time and cost savings. No worries about delayed or canceled flights, renting a vehicle, navigating unfamiliar surroundings or hearing, “Are we there yet?” You’re already in Southwest Michigan, with plenty of ways to relax, enjoy favorite activities or try something new. And you don’t have to stay in your house.

Book a Few Nights Where Someone Else Does the Housework

It’s hard to relax at home these days. Sometimes, it’s nice to get away and stay where someone else makes the beds and cleans the kitchen and bathrooms. Southwest Michigan hotels are your take-it-easy answer. Some offer connected suites so the kids can stay in their own room. Many offer breakfast each morning. Others have access to onsite restaurants, art galleries, spas, trails, exercise and game rooms and more getaway amenities.

Book Your Stay

Hotels with Pools

Since it’s too cold to take a dip in Lake Michigan, you and your kids can always make a splash in an indoor hotel pool!

The following hotels have onsite pools: 

• Baymont Inn & Suites  - Stevensville 

• Best Western - Benton Harbor

• Comfort Suites - Benton Harbor

• Comfort Suites - Stevensville 

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Benton Harbor

• Courtyard by Marriott - Benton Harbor

• Fairfield Inn & Suites - Stevensville

• Hampton Inn & Suites - Benton Harbor

• Hilton Garden Inn - Benton Harbor/St. Joseph 

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - St. Joseph 

• Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Benton Harbor

• Inn at Harbor Shores - St. Joseph

• Spark by Hilton - Stevensville

• SpringHill Suites - Benton Harbor

• Staybridge Suites by IHG - Benton Harbor

• tru by Hilton - Stevensville

Grab a Bite to Eat

Take a breather from your kitchen on this staycation, too. Try exploring the many food establishments at your disposal in our area. There is cuisine for everyone, including barbecue, classic American eats, seafood and farm-to-table meals. If you have a favorite, enjoy. But this is also a great opportunity to go somewhere new. You can’t go wrong with the food here. There is a wealth of choices. 

Staycation Ideas for the Family

Sometimes it’s hard to find something everyone will like. Not here! There is plenty of room to roam and plenty of new things to do.

Play in the Snow Outside

You can build snow castles at the beaches, ride fat-tire bikes on several trails, watch the stars at Dr. T.K. Lawless International Dark Sky Park, hike or sled on the snowy dunes — and that's just the start. Explore fresh-air hotspots with our trail and park guides. Head to Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area to hit the slopes (they offer classes, too). Race down the 400-foot, snow tubing lanes under the night sky at Five Pines. Or go ice skating at these outdoor and indoor rinks.

Try These Winter Sports

Explore Our Fascinating Culture and History

If outdoor recreation isn’t your thing, no worries. Your local corner of the mitten has several tours and attractions for history buffs and creativity seekers. A good place to start is the Benton Harbor Arts District where you can find curated gallery exhibits showcasing national and regional talent, take enriching classes and discover why the restaurants here are regional top-picks. The Livery brewery is a favorite for craft brews, spent-grain pizzas and entertainment. It’s a walkable area so check out the sculptures and murals, too. 

Add the magnificent Silver Beach Carousel to the top of your winter bucket list. The hardest part is choosing which of the 48 hand-carved figures or two chariots (one wheelchair accessible) to ride while the band organ fills the space with some of the happiest music in Southwest Michigan.

Other family favorites include Curious Kids’ Museum, Discovery Zone and Eden Springs Park with its December holiday train rides.

Krasl Art Center offers rotating galleries, sculpture tours of the area, family days and nights and classes for you and your children. 

In Berrien Springs, enjoy learning more about the area’s history at the History Center at Courthouse Square. Self-guided tours of the historical buildings, special events and romping outdoors in the snow take you back to life in the 1800s.

Before setting out on your adventure, download the Visit Southwest Michigan app and take the Creative Connections Challenge. See how many art galleries, plays, concerts, museums and more you can visit to earn rewards.

Staycation Suggestions for Adults and Couples

Are you going on a solo staycation? Getting some time away with your significant other or some close friends? Hit the Makers Trail where every delicious sip comes with a story that you will discover at over 50 local wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. To encourage you to visit as many as you can from September through April, download the Visit Southwest Michigan app and take the Makers Trail Passport Challenge. You will taste your way across our countryside scanning codes to earn rewards.

A few local wineries and breweries also have igloos and warm outdoor seating options, giving you a cozy place to enjoy your favorite beverages, food and wintry views. Turn it into a date night!

There are other reward-earning challenges to chase away winter boredom. Plus a growing list of itineraries to make planning your stay ultra-easy, including if you bring your pet.

Don’t wait for summer. Winter is the perfect time for a staycation. Pick dates and go have fun outside your door!