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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.
Shopping
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, looking for the latest fashions, decorating your home or office — Southwest Michigan’s boutiques, galleries and shops are filled with must-have ideas.
Itineraries
Few places in America offer the gorgeous scenery, farm-fresh deliciousness and hours upon hours of affordable, family fun you'll find in Southwest Michigan.
Parks and Nature
We’ll show you where to climb towering dunes, mountain bike on twisty trails, hunt for crinoids and beach glass and picnic as the sun dips below a vibrantly-hued horizon.

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Blogs

10 tips for picking the perfect pumpkin

Related Member: Bob's Barn Farm Market and Bakery, Stovers Farm Market & U-Pic, Nye's Apple Barn, Piggott's Farm Market & Bakery, Water Street Glassworks, Sommerfeldt's Farm

Pumpkin Patch

Do you still need to carve your jack-o-lantern for Halloween? Are you planning to decorate your porch or lawn with various sizes of pumpkins? Do you need funny-shaped gourds for each of your Halloween party attendees to paint? Come to Southwest Michigan! There are several patches and farm markets listed below where you can still find locally grown pumpkins. Here are 10 tips to help you pick the best one:

The Allure of the Lighthouse

Related Member: Joshua Nowicki Photography

Photo by Joshua Nowicki

Lighthouses are the irresistible superstars of the Great Lakes. We are drawn to them in every season and in any type of weather. We enjoy seeing, touring, listening to stories about and photographing them. Every day is a good day to enjoy the lighthouses on the Great Lakes.

The insider’s guide to pet-friendly fun from those in the know

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With fall here and the holidays right around the corner, talk at the office turned to our favorite events, traditions and local spots to enjoy with our pets. Read on to discover why our region gets a five-paw rating from those in the know. Southwest Michigan Tourist Council staff Vicki Dunlop and Snowman, Brandi Tucker and Zelda, and Marcy Simpson and Lola share their tips on the best of the Southwest for pets and their people.

Planning your Pet-Friendly Vacation in Southwest Michigan

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Everyone loves to go on vacation, but if you’re like me you hate leaving your pets behind. It can be difficult (and expensive) to travel with animals but luckily Southwestern Michigan is a very pet-friendly place. You can find many hotels, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, trails, beaches, farms, campgrounds and shops that will welcome your pets as they would any other member of your family. To help plan your pet-friendly vacation, here are some places I would recommend staying and visiting while you’re here. You can also download the pet-friendly guide for more information.

Top Free Fall Activities in Southwest Michigan

Silver Beach Carousel’s Haunted SCAREousel Family Fun Night

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.

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