Discover 15 Free Things to Do in Spring

No place does spring like Southwest Michigan. Thawing Lake Michigan roars back to life while orchards and vineyards burst into bloom. Trees and fields come alive with birdsong, while lakes and rivers teem with feisty fish. Communities spill onto streets to cheer marching bands and flower-covered floats. A refreshing energy fills the air everywhere you go, and best of all, many of our favorite springtime attractions are totally free. Here are 15 to try this year:

Create Days of Free, Breezy Fun

1. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Blossoms. All across our countryside, verdant orchards and vineyards explode in pastel blossoms and sweet scents from mid-April to the end of May. Just-snapped fresh asparagus and ready-to-plant flowers in an array of brilliant colors herald the start of our farm market season.

Here’s a favorite two-day blossom tour itinerary to guide you.

2. Bike Along 12 Miles of Scenic Waterfronts. Just minutes from downtown St. Joseph and the Benton Harbor Arts District, you’ll find three bike and walking trails. The longest is the Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail System, with 12 miles of paved paths. Cycle or hike loops around the golf course, across wetlands, along the Paw Paw River, Ox Creek, the St. Joseph River and up the dunes for a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. Misty early morning and tranquil evening rides offer the best chance to spot shorebirds and wildlife.

You also can explore two of our newest, nearby scenic routes, the Lakeshore Trail, a multi-use, 2.2-mile stretch along M-63 from Higman Park Road in Benton Harbor to the 7.5-mile Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail trailhead located on Monte Road.

Bike Trail Guide

3. Earn Rewards Doing the Southwest Michigan Murals Challenge. This is one of several fun-filled challenges we offer throughout the year to encourage visitors and locals alike to get to know our communities. Artists use cityscapes as their canvases, creating an array of whimsical, inspirational and thought-provoking murals on walls and streets. Take a selfie, share via our app, and win prizes!  

4. Walk the St. Joseph South Pier. For some of the best Lake Michigan and St. Joseph River Channel vistas, stroll out the South Pier at Silver Beach County Park. It’s free year-round to enter Silver Beach County Park on foot, and there’s no charge for parking at the beach lot November through April. This is a great vantage point to photograph the historic North Pier Lighthouse across the channel, watch the Great Lakes freighters coming into and leaving the harbor, or take in an applause-worthy sunset.

5. Play at North Lake Park. This Lincoln Township park on Grand Mere Road is a hidden gem! It tends to be less crowded than other local parks, so you’ll find wide-open expanses along this quiet lake to run, kick a ball, picnic, birdwatch or launch your stand-up paddleboard, kayak or canoe. Along the boardwalk are signs introducing you to the native plants growing here.

6. Make Friends Burning Calories on Local Pickleball Courts. Longer days and warmer temperatures are perfect for a fun game of pickleball, an addictive mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Finding a free place to play is getting easier as more and more Southwest Michigan communities are adding courts. This is a great way to meet new friends from all age levels.

7. See How Many Public Art Installations You Can Find. Southwest Michigan loves art, and artists love finding inspiration and showcasing their talents here. The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, the Benton Harbor Arts District and downtown Dowagiac all offer a number of outdoor sculptures within walking distance. How many can you find?

8. Paddle Soothing Rivers. Bring your kayak, canoe or SUP and dip your paddle into the St. Joseph, Paw Paw and Galien Rivers. From fluttering blossoms to downy ducklings bobbing in the shallows, there’s always something fresh and new in view. Find more destinations in our Water Trail Guide.

9. Rattle Disc Golf Chains in Our Parks. Enjoy a friendly game of disc golf, tossing your flying disc through wooded and open courses into chained baskets. Favorite free courses include River Park in Benton Township and Andrews University in Berrien Springs.

10. Marvel at the Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade. Don’t miss this early-May beloved tradition of gorgeous floral floats, marching bands, community royalty, veterans, classic cars and crowd-pleasing performers as they make their way through downtown St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. This is the grand finale of the Blossomtime Festival, Michigan’s oldest and largest multi-community celebration.

11. Wander Through Acclaimed Art Centers. Inspire your creativity as you view the free exhibits at the Box Factory for the Arts and Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph. Each site showcases local and regional talent, where ever-changing galleries feature paintings, sculptures and multimedia works. Follow their calendars for spring shows.

12. Hunt for Morel Mushrooms. Search for these elusive delicacies in wooded areas.

13. Collect Colorful Beach Glass, Rocks and Fossils. One of spring’s simple pleasures is combing Lake Michigan’s shoreline for colorful beach glass, sand-smoothed stones and fascinating fossils. Early morning or sunset are the best hunting times.

14. Take a Treetop Hike. Gain an exhilarating perspective of spring at Galien River County Park. Hike along its 300-foot canopy walkway to a 60-foot marsh overlook tower and a 600-foot boardwalk leading to a river viewing and fishing platform. 

15. Be Awestruck by a Lake Michigan Sunset. Take in spellbinding views of the sun dipping below Lake Michigan’s horizon at multiple free viewing spots including Lake Bluff Park and Lookout Park in St. Joseph. Arrive just before sunset at Lookout Park and if conditions are just right, you can catch a magical view of the Chicago skyline.

Stay Over and Make More Free Memories

With so many sights to see, you’ll need more than just a day in Southwest Michigan. Extend your trip at one of our lodgings with the amenities and spring rates you want.