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Light Up The Bluff in Saint Joseph, MI
Related Member: Eden Springs Park, Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, Berrien County Historical Association, Lake Bluff Park

If you want to see Christmas lights that would make Clark Griswold excitedly gaze with wonder — without the confusion of them turning on and off again — then come to Southwest Michigan! Each November, these bulbs are painstakingly placed throughout our region. Some are set to music, others you can walk through and all are a popular itinerary item for every visitor and local. Don’t miss out on the Christmas spirit! And don’t settle for less. Visit the best Christmas light displays in Southwest Michigan, and make us your home away from home for the holidays.

Winter in Downtown St. Joseph
Related Member: The Livery, Howard Johnson, ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center, Best Western, Comfort Suites - Benton Harbor, Comfort Suites - Stevensville, Curious Kids' Museum, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Inn at Harbor Shores, Krasl Art Center, Benton Harbor Arts Association, Silver Beach Carousel, SpringHill Suites, Super 8, Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area, Berrien County Historical Association, Courtyard by Marriott, Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park, tru by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites

Oftentimes, we all need a breather. It can take many forms — a wine tasting with friends, a meal out with your family, a solo walk along the beach and so on. These little breaks allow us to return to our daily lives refreshed after some self-care. Why should that time only last a few hours? Thousands of people come to visit Southwest Michigan annually for their vacations. Even if you live here, you could benefit from being a tourist in your own region. Looking for a weekend out or a break during the week? Look no further. Here’s your guide to vacationing right down your road with our Southwest Michigan winter staycation ideas.

Three people cheersing at Community Taproom

We are firing up to make Southwest Michigan the #1 tourist destination in the Great Lakes states. So, we are creating the most comprehensive online list of local restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, helpful services, and other reasons to visit here. To make it happen, we need more businesses and organizations to be part of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council — and it’s now FREE to join!

Biking at Love Creek County Park
Related Member: Love Creek County Park & Nature Center, Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park, Andrews Trails

Southwest Michigan is a known destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and cyclists aren’t to be excluded. If you are looking for a fun or challenging ride with beautiful scenery, below are some of the best local mountain bike trails in Southwest Michigan to add to your itinerary.

A person carrying a fresh cut pine tree.
Related Member: Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm, Bredeweg Acres, Weisse Taube Farm, Butler Tree Farm, Wahmhoff Farms Nursery, Bonamego Tree Farms, Red Creek Tree Farm, Tall Timbers Tree Farm

Want to make a holiday memory that will last a lifetime? A tradition you can repeat year after year, generation after generation? Come cut or choose a pre-cut fresh tree from the Christmas tree farms in Southwest Michigan.

Tree lighting in St. Joseph, MI
Related Member: The Livery, The Acorn, Citadel Dance & Music Center, Eden Springs Park, Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, Harbor Shores Golf Course, Love Creek County Park & Nature Center, Madeline Bertrand County Park, Benton Harbor Arts Association, Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area, Water Street Glassworks

When temperatures drop, you may be tempted to curl up at home, but you won’t want to miss all the fun that Southwest Michigan has to offer! We asked locals to list some of their favorite winter activities and traditions. When you’re ready to come out of hibernation, we have plenty to keep you entertained throughout the holiday season. Trade in your wool blanket for a countryside blanketed in freshly fallen snow, and end your day socializing in front of a roaring fire. Winter is a special occasion here, so join us for our seasonal celebrations and top 10 holiday activities in Southwest Michigan!

Ice skating at John and Dede Howard Ice Arena
Related Member: John and Dede Howard Ice Arena, Bit of Swiss Pastry Shoppe

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Southwest Michigan is stuffed full of activity! While you’re waiting around for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, preparing your feast or watching the Detroit Lions with hope in your heart, here are some Thanksgiving activities in Southwest Michigan to keep your visit exciting. 

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Whether you plan your vacations weeks in advance or spur of the moment, this twice-monthly e-newsletter will keep you in-the-know about Southwest Michigan. To opt-in for your free subscription, enter your email address below, then submit.