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View of Silver Beach and the Whirlpool Compass Fountain
Related Member: ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center, Box Factory for the Arts, Siegfried H. Horn Museum, Krasl Art Center, North Berrien Historical Museum, Berrien County Historical Association, Weko Beach Campground, Jean Klock Park, Rocky Gap Park, Silver Beach County Park, Galien River County Park, Paw Paw River County Park, Roadside Park, Andrews Trails, Lookout Park

One of the simple joys of visiting Southwest Michigan is that you don’t have to empty your wallet to have a relaxing, fun-filled time while you are here. Since we are a tank of gas or less away from most major cities in the Midwest, what happens at the gas pumps won’t deter you from getting away, either. Here are the top free things you can do when you are in and around St. Joseph.

Kids learning to surf
Related Member: Curious Kids' Museum, Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Public Library, Silver Beach Carousel, Berrien County Historical Association, Third Coast Surf Shop, Water Street Glassworks, Whirlpool Compass Fountain

With your children home for the summer, you’re bound to have lots of fun coming up with exciting activities to keep them entertained. However, there will come a day when you’ve “trial and error-ed” your way through your at-home science experiment books, worn down all the chalk and none of the board games sound fun to anyone. Your kid may come down the hall and say, “I’m bored.” While they look to you to come up with something creative, don’t stress and don’t desperately search Pinterest, either. Bring them to Southwest Michigan! There are loads of unique summer day camps, art classes, events and activities geared towards your little learners and explorers. We even have stuff for your picky teens! You don’t even have to search for them online, we’ve already curated them for you below. Here are summer activities for kids in Southwest Michigan. 

Farmers' Market in St Joseph, Michigan
Related Member: DeGrandchamp Farms, Fruit Acres Farm Market & U-Pick, Stovers Farm Market & U-Pic, Lehman's Farmhouse, Lemon Creek Winery, Watervliet Fruit Exchange

One of the best reasons to visit Southwest Michigan in the summer is what’s ripening in our countryside. This is one of the juiciest, crispest, most-delicious seasons in Southwest Michigan. Our farmers grow lots of heart-healthy, cancer-preventive fruits and vegetables, plus flowers that make your days brighter. They also entice you with homemade pies and baked goods and jars of jams, preserves, salsas, pickles, syrups and sauces. So where can you find all this summer goodness?

A family walking in the woods.
Related Member: ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center, Box Factory for the Arts, Chartreuse, Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, Inn at Harbor Shores, Krasl Art Center, Love Creek County Park & Nature Center, Benton Harbor Arts Association, Water Street Glassworks, Warren Woods State Park, Galien River County Park, Paw Paw River County Park, Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park, Fred Russ Forest Park

All of us would like to be healthier physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s a dream shared by people all around the world. With the slogan, “One day can change your whole life,” we celebrate living well every day. And Southwest Michigan can help you change your whole life with a myriad of activities soothing to the individual. Be free from stress, recognize the value of your life and find peace with yourself with these wellness activities in Southwest Michigan.

A couple enjoying the sunset at a beach.
Related Member: Doe-Wah-Jack's Canoe Rental, Harbor Shores Golf Course, Stovers Farm Market & U-Pic, Silver Beach Carousel, Third Coast Surf Shop, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Jean Klock Park, Arclight Brewing Company, Scooter Joe's Wheel & Water Rentals, Tiscornia Park, Lions Park Beach, Silver Beach County Park, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park, John and Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail, Lake Bluff Park

Most everyone is familiar with honeymoons — that post-wedding, romantic getaway for the bride and groom. But a Babymoon? Similar to a honeymoon, it is a special time for expectant parents to focus on each other before their bundle of joy arrives.

Thinking of taking one? Other Babymooner women say the second trimester is the best time to go. Those mid-three months are after your energy returns and before you're anchored by extra weight or keeping one eye on your due date.

Related Member: St. Joseph Today, City of St. Joseph, Eden Springs Park, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Warren Dunes State Park, Scooter Joe's Wheel & Water Rentals

Having lived in and around St. Joseph, we understand exactly why people flock to small towns like ours each summer. We don’t blame you! The charm of our downtown brick, shop-lined streets and the allure of Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches — there’s a reason we live here year-round. We understand that when you get away on your vacation, staycation and day trip adventures, you’re looking to find life’s simple joys. Simple doesn’t need to be redundant though. In Southwest Michigan, you’ll find so many unique summer activities that you can’t find anywhere else. Make it a part of your summer bucket list to see and do some of these activities while you’re here!

The owner and brewer at Seedz Brewery holding beers.
Related Member: The Livery, Haymarket Taproom, Lehman's Farmhouse, North Pier Brewing Company, Round Barn Winery & Estate, Silver Harbor Brewing Company, Tapistry Brewing Company, Transient Artisan Ales, Watermark Brewing Company, Arclight Brewing Company, Ghost Isle Brewery, Niles Brewing Company, River Saint Joe, Seedz Brewery

“Good people drink good beer,” journalist Hunter S. Thompson famously opined. We couldn’t agree more. Fortunately, here in Southwest Michigan, there is no shortage of phenomenal craft beer.

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