The Top Southwest Michigan Towns to Visit This Fall

Taking a fall color tour along Southwest Michigan’s gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline and into its rolling countryside is a feast for your eyes. But don’t cruise by the welcome signs in these 11 communities. Pull into a parking spot and walk around.

Each town lines its sidewalks and fills its storefront windows with harvest cheer from tiny to giant pumpkins, rustling corn stalks, golden straw bales, and mums in many colors. As you walk by, take photos of your favorites and tag us at #swmichigan. 

Browse in shops for the latest cool-weather fashions and fall holiday decor. Then take a tasting tour, trying steamy cups of hot chocolate, fresh-brewed coffees, and sipping locally crafted wines, beers, ciders, and cocktails. Satisfy your hunger with harvest soups, salads, entrees, and sweet treats. Find fun autumn festivals and nearby activities too. 

THESE FUN FALL TOWNS ARE JUST MINUTES FROM EACH OTHER

BENTON HARBOR 

This Lake Michigan beach town wraps around the scenic Paw Paw and St. Joseph Rivers. It offers so many relaxing ways to fill a fall day. A great place to start is in Benton Harbor. In the heart of this walkable downtown meet and talk with regional artists in their galleries and working studios. A must-stop is Water Street Glass Works to pick a one-of-a-kind, blown-glass pumpkin!

Please your palate with an amazing selection of foods, from the best breakfasts ever to amazing pizzas to tender steaks at some of Southwest Michigan’s favorite restaurants. Then play for hours on this exhilarating playground with its St. Joseph River access to fish or cruise out to Lake Michigan. Rent or bring your paddling craft and be wowed by the brilliant fall colors along the riverbanks. Hike, bike, or work out on the 12-mile Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail System. Take the obstacle course challenge or a beautiful walk amid the trees at the Woods Fitness Park or have one of the best family outdoor experiences ever at the nearby Sarett Nature Center.

Whatever your level of golf, thrill playing at Harbor Shores Golf Course, Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club, or Point o' Woods Golf & Country Club. The head-turning scenery is the only thing that rivals the quality of play at these championship courses. Nearby are wineries, breweries, and farms where you can find the best of fall.

 Discover Benton Harbor

ST. JOSEPH

Many travelers know this Lake Michigan resort town as a vibrant summer destination. But visit in autumn, and you will fall under this city’s spell that entices you back every year. 

A hallmark of St. Joseph is it’s a very walkable city. Park and you can follow sidewalks to almost everything! The Victorian-era downtown brightens its sidewalks and windows with picturesque harvest decorations brought in from local farms. There are boutique shops with the latest fall fashions, bookstores, and toys ready for early holiday shoppers and craft wine and beer tasting rooms. Satisfy your cravings for the best fall flavors at an eclectic selection of restaurants, ice cream and candy shops, bakeries, and coffee cafes. 

Extend your fall color walk a few blocks to St. Joseph’s historic neighborhoods (some houses have ghost stories). Cross Main Street to see all the shops and fresh food choices in The Market. Go down to the St. Joseph River for front-row seats to watch the giant freighters anchor in the harbor and the trains slowly cross the historic bridge. The city’s bluff parks and beaches are among Michigan’s premier spots to watch sunsets that will leave you speechless. 

Below the bluff, ride the magnificent Silver Beach Carousel and visit Silver Beach County Park and the South Pier. Or take a short drive to Tiscornia Park to photograph the iconic North Pier lighthouses. As to when to come, look for St. Joseph’s upcoming fall festivals, downtown farm markets, concerts, theater performances, and more on our events page.

Discover St. Joseph

STEVENSVILLE

This village is five miles south of St. Joseph. As you approach Stevensville roll down your car windows and breathe in the autumn aromas wafting from the vineyards, orchards, and Lake Michigan. This is the hub for tasting the liquid artistry of acclaimed wine, beer, cider, and spirits makers. A popular fall destination for talking around firepits, listening to live music, sampling from food trucks or simply drinking a beer is Watermark Brewing Co.

College football fans have known for decades that two of the best places to go post-game are Tosi’s for its authentic Northern Italian cuisine and wine list and Grande Mere Inn with its cozy cottage-style dining room and Lake Michigan sunsets (you will often hear from diners that you can’t find a better plate of lake perch). Next door to Tosi’s is Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe where you walk away with an armload of irresistible artisan bread, pastries, cakes, and tortes. All three eating destinations are easily accessible from I-94. 

On the outskirts of Stevensville, you can combine retro-bowling with hard cider tasting at Peat’s Cider Social. Or do some hard-core cardio while climbing the dunes at Grand Mere State Park. A visual treat at Grand Mere’s beach is you can “see” the Chicago skyline when the atmospheric conditions are just right.

Discover Stevensville

BARODA

This close-knit town is small but has a big, welcoming heart. Its quaint brick main street will take you back to a less busy era. 

In Baroda, you can find a different Makers Trail destination at almost every turn. Try the wines at Baroda Founders Wine Cellar, Dablon Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room, Chill Hill Winery, and Red Top Winery. Each setting has a distinctive vibe. 

For just about anything you need on your shopping list (including a leaf rake for back home), visiting the Baroda City Mills general store is fun for all ages. Baroda is also a good starting point for fanning out in any direction for pick-your-own farm markets and hiking trails. But, start your day with a delicious, hearty brunch at The Local. 

BERRIEN SPRINGS

Berrien Springs is a charming college town with a rich history, scenic landscapes, and local fun spots. Start at Stovers Farm Market & U-Pic, owned by the same family since 1927. Generations of tourists consider this the best place to pick apples, grapes, and pumpkins – saving 30% to 70% off what you probably pay at your supermarket. Take a hayride to the orchard and return to the Big Red Barn for fresh apple-cider donuts, cider, fall vegetables, fruits, and preserves.

Nearby Lemon Creek Winery & Fruit Farm combines tasting award-winning wines with gathering fresh fruits, wine-making grapes, and vegetables at their market. Or for wine tasting, weekend music, and warming by their huge fireplace, unwind at Domaine Berrien Cellars.

History buffs will appreciate the 1839 Courthouse, one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the Midwest, which now serves as a museum. It provides a glimpse into the area's past with exhibits on local history. It’s also the place for storytelling, scavenger hunts, and other adult and family events.

Andrews University features the Andrews Trails for walking, running, and challenging mountain biking. The Siegfried H. Horn Museum houses over 8,500 artifacts from Bible lands and the Howard Performing Arts Center presents world-class musical and cultural performances.

If you simply want to immerse in fall beauty, find tranquility hiking at Love Creek County Park & Nature Center. Rent or bring your mountain bike to ride their 3.5-mile bike trails. During the fall migration, this is a top bird-watching area, too.

BRIDGMAN 

As you drive along Red Arrow Highway or I-94, take the Bridgman exit. This charming resort town is one of the best along Lake Michigan. 

Start at Warren Dunes State Park, your high-adventure playground. Tower Hill is the largest dune and stands nearly 260 feet above Lake Michigan. You will delight in climbing its slopes and running or sandboarding down. This park is one of the best for hiking, seeing Lake Michigan, and watching a sunset.

Head to Weko Beach to spend an hour or more on its 960-foot shoreline, boardwalk, and two observation decks with panoramic views of the Big Lake and dunes. It’s a good place to launch your kayak or paddleboard or read a book to the sound of waves.

On Sundays until mid-October, wander through the Bridgman Open-Air Market. Its vendors offer one of the most diverse selections of locally-grown produce and the handiwork of talented artists and crafters. 

If you love to shop, walk along Lake Street. Find hand-knotted Tibetan rugs at Accents and fiber arts, yarns, and clothing at Sandpiper/Hoof-to-Hanger Fiber Mill. Or, relax by painting ceramic bowls and decorating at Rebecca's Ceramics.

You won’t be disappointed by the delicious choices or friendly service at  Lake Street Eats, Rochefort's Next Generation, Emma Hearth & Market, and Transient Artisan Ales. Or drive to Red Arrow Highway for amazing craft beers and wood-fired pizzas at the Haymarket Taproom. Come once and you will be back often to this Chicago-based brewery.

Discover Bridgman

THREE OAKS

Add this charming town close to Lake Michigan to your fall stroll itinerary. It’s best known for being home to Journeyman Distillery and Staymaker Restaurant. Come for the handcrafted whiskeys, vodka, gin, or cocktails, distillery tours, and the chef’s twist on classic lunch and dinner offerings. 

But don’t leave without enjoying a wee piece of Scotland playing on Welter’s Folly putting course. The 18-hole course features dramatic mounding inspired by the famous Himalayan putting green in St. Andrews. Many believe it is among the 10 largest putting greens in the world and the largest not affiliated with a golf course. It’s fun to do before continuing your fall color tour along Red Arrow Highway.

Another place to find delicious food is Froehlich’s Bakery and Kitchen & Pantry. Their homemade bagels and house-roasted coffee are a good way to start any day. Locals also know that for sausages, bratwurst, bacon, or their Famous Baloney, Drier’s Meat Market is where to add flavor to your fall meals. 

Before coming downtown, check what is showing at The Acorn. This funky-industrial-chic venue is getting wider acclaim for attracting incomparable talent to perform rock, folk, indie, jazz, opera, open mics, drama, and comedy.  

Annually, after the autumn equinox, bicyclists arrive for Three Oaks’ Apple Cider Century rides. And holiday movie enthusiasts like to see where they filmed the 1989 movie Prancer.

NEW BUFFALO

Drive north over the Indiana state line and you are within minutes of one of Southwestern Michigan’s premier beach towns. Shops, restaurants, and more will entertain you for hours. Drive a few miles out of town to get your game on and watch big-name shows at Four Winds Casino Resort. Sip beers with pub foods at Ghost Isle Brewery Bar & Restaurant (ask them to tell the ghost story). Or for a refreshing fall hike, head to Galien River County Park or paddle the river.  The best times to see wildlife and migrating birds are dawn and early evening.

Celebrate the fruits of the harvest at the Harvest & Wine Festival in mid-October. You will get into the spirit of the season with live music, local wine, craft beer, and family-friendly activities.

A New Buffalo landmark since 2003, The Stray Dog is a popular family dining spot hosting guests from across the country year after year. The inviting, beachy space accommodates groups of all sizes with a menu rich in Midwestern guilty pleasure, plus the perfect microbrew to wash it down. Don’t miss Stray Dog’s 21-and-over lake-view rooftop either! Make sure to grab a t-shirt from their gift shop. You can see people wearing these shirts throughout the country.

Save room to order a treat at Oink's Dutch Treat — if you can pick from 53 flavors! This local joint serves Ashby's ice cream with a healthy dose of kitsch and small-town pride. Take time to peruse their 3000+ collection of pig and ice cream memorabilia. If you're feeling super-hungry, dare to finish a 10-scoop sundae! There is also a candy shop with old-time favorites. Be sure to visit the Sunday before Halloween in costume. The owners give out free Blue Moon ice cream to everyone dressed up.

Discover New Buffalo

BUCHANAN

Another town that knows how to celebrate fall right is Buchanan, named by Readers Digest as the “Nicest Place in America.” It’s also a Designated Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Association so expect to see miles of jewel-hued leaves and wildflowers from mid-October to early November. You will stop frequently to take photos as you follow the St. Joseph River fall color tour.

An autumn highlight is the 200+ handmade scarecrows that line the streets. Breathe in the fresh fall air hiking McCoy Creek Trail through downtown, Spafford Woods, and E.B. Clark Woods. (This trail is wheelchair, stroller and dog-friendly). 

Buchanan’s hottest new tourist attraction, which has earned the town its nickname, Bu-Cannabis, is its five legal medical and recreational dispensaries. Here’s more about cannabis in Southwest Michigan. 

Some other must-sees are Mud Lake Bog Nature Preserve, where you can observe sand cranes, insect-eating pitcher plants, and sundew. Boat, paddle, or fish on the St. Joseph River, McCoy Creek, or nearby Lake Madron, Weaver Lake, Clear Lake, Round Lake, and Burris Lake. See regional art at the Roti Roti Art Center or a fall play at the historic Tin Shop Theatre.

To send adrenaline screaming through your veins, the Redbud MX race track hosts amateur, youth, pro-am, and professional motocross races for bikes and ATVs. Or, explore Thousand Trails Bear Cave, Michigan’s only naturally formed cave. It’s open from May to October. 

After doing all this autumn fun, you will surely get hungry and thirsty. Try Lehman’s Farmhouse or these places to eat.

Discover Buchanan

NILES

This town is just minutes from South Bend, Indiana. It’s nicknamed the Four Flags City because, in its 300+-year-old history, four countries’ flags have flown here — France, Britain, Spain, and the United States. A good place to learn more about Niles’ prehistoric to present-day story is at the History Center downtown. It houses the Fort St. Joseph Museum, plus the magnificent Chapin Mansion (circa 1882). Or take a fall color tour on the Historical Bike Tour and see 21 historical sites or use the map to see it by car. Take time to read the historical markers and descriptions that tell the historical significance of each stop.

Two downtown places for an autumn walk are Riverfront Park and the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail. Take a short drive to do some leaf-peeping and play disc golf at Madeline Bertrand County Park. Spend a few hours walking the trails or sitting quietly at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve. Join other nature lovers in the movement meditation classes, lecture series and floral design, natural fall wreaths, and natural dyeing workshops.

Refresh after your outdoor fun at the Iron Shoe Distillery or Niles Brewing Company and indulge in decadent chocolates and candies at Veni’s Sweet Shop.

If you love apples and fair-ride fun, come at the end of September for the annual Four Flags Apple Festival. And if you want to scare the yell out of you and your older children, don’t miss 

the nationally acclaimed Niles Scream Park from September through early November. 

Discover Niles

SOUTH HAVEN

Another popular year-round Lake Michigan harbor town is South Haven. Its downtown shops and restaurants are within blocks of the beach and riverfront. While it’s tough to pick one eatery from your options, Clementine’s has one of the biggest food and beverage menus to please all your traveling companions. 

Walk off your meal on the pier to the historic lighthouse. Or learn more about the schooners and ships that sailed Lake Michigan’s waters at the newly renovated Michigan Maritime Museum (there are even opportunities to ride a replica tall ship, Friends Good Will, and other restored boats).

The city and surrounding area boast over 48 miles of hiking and biking trails, 91 miles of paddling waterways, 770 acres of nature preserves, and 11 miles of equestrian trails. For some of the most beautiful fall colors, follow sections of the 33.4-mile Van Buren Sesiquentennial State Park Trail between South Haven and Kalamazoo. Or for a unique twist on finding fall color, join hikers and rockhounds at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area. Be awed by the stunning leaves overhead on its trails and thousands of colorful rocks along its Lake Michigan shoreline.

Discover South Haven

ENJOY EATING AND DRINKING IN OUR SOCIAL DISTRICTS

Ever find yourself wanting to try several restaurants or drinking establishments in a town, but know you have to narrow it to one choice? That’s not a dilemma in Southwest Michigan! The State of Michigan has approved social districts in the Benton Harbor Arts District, St. Joseph, Bridgman, Niles, Decatur, Lawton, and South Haven. In designated areas, you can purchase food and alcoholic drinks from participating businesses and consume them in outdoor common areas. 

Think of social districts as one big food court. You can savor a drink while waiting for your seat at a restaurant. Or have everyone in your group choose a favorite food and beverage from the local dining choices, then reconvene outdoors. It’s a great way to sip, window shop, or share laughs and conversation. Verify that the social district is open when you arrive in town. 

How social districts work

EARN COOL PRIZES THIS FALL TAKING THREE FUN CHALLENGES

As you go from town to town, play our FREE Makers Trail Passport Challenge, Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge, and Creative Connections Game. The more places you visit in Southwest Michigan this fall the more fun you will have and the more rewards you can earn. 

Download the FREE Visit Southwest Michigan app to do the Makers Trail Challenge or Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge. The first challenge encourages you to visit up to 30 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries to try the liquid artistry of our makers on your fall color tour. There’s a bonus prize opportunity if you stay over in a participating hotel. The second challenges you to get outside and explore five hiking, biking, and paddling trails. There are no better ways to see the changing foliage. 

Playing the Creative Connections game for prizes is easy, too. Pick up a free game brochure at participating venues. You can earn up to two different prize levels by visiting up to six local art galleries, museums, theaters, and concert sites. Stay over in a participating hotel and there are more prize opportunities. 

Accept the Challenge

STAY OVER FOR MORE FALL BEAUTY

A day getaway to any of these fun fall towns is certainly doable from most major cities in the Great Lakes area, but why not stretch out your downtime? Our local lodgings come with all the warm hospitality, amenities, and rates you need for a relaxing stay. See you enjoying our beautiful leaves soon!

Book your best fall towns stay