Best Rainy Day Activities in Southwest Michigan

When the weather turns dreary, it’s easy to feel like your plans are rained out. But in Southwest Michigan, rainy days offer a perfect reason to explore some of the region’s best indoor activities. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, cultural enrichment, or delicious food, the communities of St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Stevensville, and the surrounding areas have plenty to offer. Here’s your guide to the best rainy-day activities in Southwest Michigan.

CULTURAL GEMS

KRASL ART CENTER | ST. JOSEPH

The Krasl Art Center, in the heart of downtown, is a magnet for art lovers. Free to visit, this vibrant arts destination features rotating contemporary art exhibits from local, national, and international artists. The indoor galleries offer a serene space to appreciate sculpture, paintings, photography, and mixed media. Or dodge the raindrops browsing in their gift shop for unique, handmade art, jewelry, and decor.  

Sign up for a class, workshop, or one of their themed Family Fun Days to tap your inner artist. After the rain stops, walk to see the impressive outdoor sculpture collection. 

HISTORY CENTER AT COURTHOUSE SQUARE | BERRIEN SPRINGS

Dive into the rich history of Southwest Michigan at the Berrien County Historical Association’s History Center at Courthouse Square. From the stories of early settlers to developing local industries, an hour or two will immerse you in our fascinating past. The exhibits and artifacts are housed in the historic 1839 County Courthouse, the oldest county courthouse in Michigan. Visitors can also explore the Murdock Log House, the Bennett’s Forge blacksmith shop, and the Sheriff's Residence and leave knowing more about 19th-century life.

SILVER BEACH CAROUSEL | ST. JOSEPH

For nostalgia and family fun, head below the bluff to the Silver Beach Carousel. This magnificent, hand-carved carousel features 48 unique figures, including horses, tigers, and a raptor, plus two chariots. Open year-round, it welcomes riders of all ages, including anyone with a wheelchair and mobility device, and it’s sensory-friendly, too.  Come here rain or shine, snowy or blowy, chilly or hot. 

Besides riding the carousel, there's plenty more to see and do. Watch miniature trains wind their way through intricate, seasonal-themed displays. Play a friendly game on the checkerboards, try the hula hoops, decorate coloring sheets, and ask for your fortune. Before leaving, make crazy faces in the photo booth, grab snacks from the refreshment stand, and find toys, books, and gifts in the chockfull gift shop. Adults will like the memorabilia in the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum or learning the stories pictured on the carousel’s 18 rounding boards. This rainy-day stop rightfully boasts of being the happiest place in Southwest Michigan.

RELAX AND RECHARGE

WINE TASTING AT LOCAL WINERIES

Southwest Michigan is known for its excellent wineries and a rainy day is the perfect time to indulge in a tasting to find your favorite vintages. Here are two to start your search:

ROUND BARN WINERY & ESTATE | BARODA

The Round Barn Winery & Estate offers a delightful indoor wine-tasting experience. Housed in a distinctive, 20th-century Amish round barn, it is a charming place to try a variety of wines, dessert creams, sangrias, craft beers, spirits, mixers, and craft canned cocktails. You and your traveling companions will find something you like. 

12 CORNERS VINEYARDS | BENTON HARBOR

Wine enthusiasts love 12 Corners Vineyards and it’s one of the most scenic spots to escape the rain. The spacious tasting room plus a kids’ corner provide a relaxing setting. Its welcoming, knowledgeable staff guides you in selecting from its wine and hard cider list, helping you discover new favorites. 

TASTING FUN CONTINUES ON THE MAKERS TRAIL

There are over 40 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries to add to your tasting itinerary on the Southwest Michigan Makers Trail. Download the Passport App — the more Makers Trail sites you visit from the early fall through late spring, the more prizes you can earn. 

THE SPA AT HARBOR SHORES |  ST. JOSEPH

Treat yourself to The Spa at The Inn at Harbor Shores for the ultimate relaxation. Choose from luxurious moments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. The tranquil environment is perfect for unwinding and recharging, creating a rainy-day retreat. Enhance your experience by enjoying a mimosa while you indulge in your spa treatments. 

After your spa time, look at a regional artist’s curated artwork in The Gallery on the mezzanine level and select public spaces throughout The Inn. Request a Creative Connections brochure from the concierge to learn about other must-see art galleries, live theater, music concerts, and museums. The more connections you make, the more stamps you collect and the more valuable prizes you will earn. 

ACTIVE INDOOR ADVENTURES

PEAT’S CIDER SOCIAL | STEVENSVILLE

Get your competitive spirit going at Peat’s Cider Social. This fun venue combines a cider house with a bowling alley and an arcade, offering a variety of activities to keep you and your children entertained on a rainy day. Whether you aim for a strike on the bowling lanes or hundreds of points playing the arcade games, Peat’s Cider Social promises a lively and enjoyable experience until the sun shines again.

CURIOUS KIDS’ MUSEUM & DISCOVERY ZONE | ST. JOSEPH

The Curious Kids’ Museum and Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone are top on parents’ lists for keeping children entertained and learning on a cloudy day. These interactive museums awaken curious minds of all ages. Learn about science, art and technology through fun and engaging exhibits and activities. The biggest challenge will be to convince your kids to leave for your next destination. 

SLACKERS FAMILY FUN CENTER

Slackers Family Fun is a popular indoor entertainment center that offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family. From exciting laser tag battles to classic arcade games, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a casual gamer, Slackers Family Fun is the perfect place to spend a day of fun and excitement.

FOODIE FUN

BISTRO ON THE BOULEVARD | ST. JOSEPH

Ignore the inclement weather and focus on what you want to try at Bistro on the Boulevard. The chef pairs new twists on the elevated, modern American cuisine with talk-of-the-town wines and drinks. Take a leisurely approach in the cozy dining room or under the covered outdoor seating area. To the west, you will gaze out on Lake Bluff Park, Lake Michigan and a sunset that will pause every conversation.

RYEBELLES | ST. JOSEPH

Another excellent dining option is RyeBelles, a family-owned restaurant that prides itself on handcrafted food and stunning views of Lake Michigan from its covered rooftop patio or the comfort of its dining room. What will please your palate? Sumptuous seafood, tender, juicy steaks or refreshing Brussels sprout leaf salad? These and much more will pair nicely with their full bar.

THE RAINY DAY OPTIONS GO ON AND ON

Find more ideas on our Things to Do, Food & Drink, and Events pages. Or kick back, even catching a rare nap while it rains, at one of our hotels with the amenities and rates that fit your needs. And remember, a walk under an umbrella along the beach or in our historic neighborhoods is very soothing. 

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