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Tours & Attractions
What an amazing place! Here, you can ride in a miniature train pulled by a 100 -year-old steam engine. Sail on a replica War of 1812 tall ship. Climb to the top of a lighthouse. Or challenge your teens to laser tag. This page directs you to hours of fun.
Makers Trail
Just follow the Makers Trail. What a welcome you’ll receive at each stop along the way in Berrien County as we pop wine corks, tap beer kegs and whiskey barrels, and pour flights for you and your friends. Drink in our makers’ art and bring home your favorites.
For Foodies
Southwest Michigan grows a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Explore this section to find nearby farms and markets to gather up your favorite just-picked, flavor-rich foods. Or a myriad of restaurants and sweets shops — many proudly serving locally raised ingredients. There’s a table ready for you.
Outdoor Recreation
Southwest Michigan is a four-season paradise with Lake Michigan and a countryside peppered with scenic rivers, inland lakes and verdant hills.
Creative Connections
Some places naturally inspire us. Southwest Michigan is one of them. The vibrancy and beauty of Lake Michigan, the serenity of our countryside and the rich stories of our past fill this land with creative inspiration. That’s why some of the region’s finest artists, writers, musicians, history-makers and performers call this home.
Natural Route
Take the Natural Route today for remedy and relaxation, and discover our local dispensaries.
Lighthouse
When you walk the Tiscornia Beach shoreline, look over the bluff or simply go for a drive along Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, you can’t miss the two St. Joseph Lighthouses.
Social Districts
Get a taste of several drinks in one place in Southwest Michigan’s social districts.

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Blogs

See Chicago from Southwest Michigan

Chicago as seen from Warren Dunes photo by Joshua Nowicki
Related Member: Warren Dunes State Park, Lake Bluff Park

You may come for a visit to see Lake Michigan and experience our quaint beachfront towns, but while you’re here, you may see a major city on the horizon. Did you know that with the right conditions, you’ll catch skyscrapers seemingly floating on the lake in the distance? That’s right, you can see Chicago from Southwest Michigan.

Best places to watch the sunset in Southwest Michigan

Sunset at Warren Dunes State Park
Related Member: Contessa Wine Cellars, Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, Grande Mere Inn, Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, Weko Beach Campground, Warren Dunes State Park, Grand Mere State Park, Tiscornia Park, Silver Beach County Park, Bistro on the Boulevard, Galien River County Park, Plank’s Tavern on the Water

Whether inland or by the coast, Southwest Michigan’s sunset game is strong! Enjoy a great meal with the family, or a weekend getaway with your sweetie or your besties, and take in an after-dinner treat featuring beautiful hues of red, orange and yellow streaked across the western skyline. As a native to the area, I have more than a few personal favorite spots to watch myself. Enjoy the best places to watch the sunset in Southwest Michigan.

Visit Galien River County Park for over-the-top marsh views — literally!

The overlook and walkways at Galien River County Park.
Related Member: Third Coast Surf Shop, Galien River County Park, Ghost Isle Brewery

Two-plus decades ago, the Berrien County Parks and Recreation Commission acquired 86 acres of upland and wetland habitats along the Galien River in New Buffalo Township. Today, those acres comprise the Galien River County Park at 17424 Red Arrow Highway, New Buffalo. The wetlands are part of the New Buffalo Marsh — a Great Lakes marsh formed upstream from the river’s mouth at Lake Michigan.

Southwest Michigan’s best fall hiking trails

Two people hiking a trail in the fall.
Related Member: Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, Weko Beach Campground, Warren Dunes State Park, Grand Mere State Park, Galien River County Park, New Buffalo Beach

The days are shorter, the air is cooler, and that can only mean one thing — fall has arrived! Nature has begun its yearly transformation and will soon be ablaze in bright shades of red, orange and yellow.

Discover why St. Joseph is one of the most romantic places in Michigan

A couple on the bluff overlooking the Silver Beach Carousel.
Related Member: Clementine's Too, Grande Mere Inn, Inn at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor Arts Association, Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, The Boulevard Inn, Jean Klock Park, Tiscornia Park, Lions Park Beach, Silver Beach County Park, Bistro on the Boulevard, Ghost Isle Brewery, John and Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail, Plank’s Tavern on the Water, River Saint Joe

A few years ago, the Detroit Free Press named the City of St. Joseph “Michigan’s Most Romantic City.” Today, it’s a very popular destination not only for romantic getaways but for weddings and honeymoons, too. Here are ways to celebrate your love in a town that warmly welcomes lovers:

Top Free Fall Activities in Southwest Michigan

A group of people hiking at Galien River County Park.
Related Member: ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center, Box Factory for the Arts, The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, Siegfried H. Horn Museum, Krasl Art Center, Berrien County Historical Association, Weko Beach Campground, Jean Klock Park, Silver Beach County Park, Galien River County Park, Paw Paw River County Park, John and Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail, Andrews Trails, Lookout Park, Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail System

From the gorgeous fall colors to the bountiful harvest that fills our Lake Michigan coast, fall is one of the best times to travel to Southwest Michigan. It is also a more affordable and calmer time of year to visit since our busy summer season has come to an end. You will find plenty of free activities in and around St. Joseph that are perfect for anyone on a budget. Here are the top free things to do in Southwest Michigan this fall:

Six insider tips for planning your wedding - and other special events - in Southwest Michigan

A couple at Tiscornia Park at sunset.
Related Member: Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council

Are you … or someone you know … thinking about getting married? Do you have a special occasion to celebrate? A family reunion? A meet-up weekend with your college sorority or fraternity? A significant anniversary or retirement?

Related Members

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