Ride Your Way to the Perfect Mother’s Day Weekend in Southwest Michigan

There are plenty of ways to celebrate the important moms in our lives in Southwest Michigan. But what if you didn’t have to choose just one?

This year, our Mother’s Day Weekend Trolley makes it easy to build the day Mom wants most. Instead of committing to one location, you can hop between two charming lakeshore communities — St. Joseph and Stevensville — each offering its own way to celebrate.

From parades and brunches to artisan markets and wine tasting, the trolley lets you mix and match experiences to create a Mother’s Day that feels just right.

Mother’s Day Trolley

The Mother’s Day Weekend Trolley will offer free rides between St. Joseph and Stevensville on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jump on in either Stevensville or St. Joseph, and then ride to your next destination! The trolley will run continuously on a 30-minute loop between the two communities, so riders can hop on and off throughout the day. It’s an easy and relaxed way to explore without worrying about parking or coordinating transportation.

Instead, you can focus on enjoying the day and letting Mom decide what comes next.

Start Your Day At The Mother’s Day Market in Stevensville

When the trolley arrives in Stevensville, you’ll find one of the weekend’s most charming events: the Mother’s Day Market, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.

This festive market features local makers, handmade goods, flowers, artisan foods and thoughtful gifts. It’s a great place to find something unique for Mom, or simply enjoy browsing together while supporting local vendors.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to spend time strolling the booths and soaking in Southwest Michigan’s springtime energy!

Pair the market visit with breakfast at Hareloom Cafe or a craft beer at Watermark Brewing, and be sure to spend some time exploring Stevensville’s charming downtown. 

When you’re ready for the next stop, simply hop back on the trolley.

Spend Your Afternoon in St. Joseph

One of the highlights of the weekend is the Blossomtime Parade, a beloved local tradition that brings music, floats and community celebration to the streets. Watching the parade together is a festive way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend.

After the parade, downtown St. Joseph offers plenty of ways to continue the celebration. Enjoy lunch at one of the area’s restaurants, browse boutiques and specialty shops along State Street, or take a walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline. A stop for coffee, dessert or a sweet treat can be the perfect mid-afternoon pause.

Design Your Perfect Mother’s Day Celebration

With the trolley connecting these two vibrant communities, Mother’s Day weekend becomes a choose-your-own adventure!

However you choose to celebrate, Southwest Michigan offers plenty of ways to create a Mother’s Day filled with what really matters: memorable moments and time spent together. Book an overnight stay to extend the fun to Sunday: spend a relaxed morning shopping, strolling and maybe enjoying a Mother’s Day brunch.