The beauty and vibrancy of Lake Michigan, the serenity of our countryside and the rich stories of our past inspire us. Now, you can connect with the artists, actors, musicians and dreamers who call this area home.
Once you download the app, start the Creative Connections Challenge. At each Creative Connections stop, check in by opening the app and scanning the unique QR code. The more check-in codes you acquire from May 1 to April 30, the more rewards you can earn. (You must be 18 years or older to play.)
Level 1: Scan 3 different check-in codes.
Level 2: Scan 3 more different check-in codes.
Hotel Level: Stay in one of our hotels after completing Level 1 or 2. Submit the hotel receipt through the app. The name on the receipt must match the name on the Creative Connections Challenge form.
Grand Prize Drawing: Complete ALL the levels, including the hotel level, then submit the app. You will automatically enter the Grand Prize drawing.
To redeem your prizes, use the app to submit your Creative Connections check-in levels by April 30, 2026.
Wait to submit the challenge until you've completed all the levels you plan to achieve. Once you submit, you can't continue collecting more check-in codes.
$15 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice
$30 gift certificate to a Creative Connections destination of your choice
$75 Love Local SWMI gift card (redeemable at participating St. Joseph Today member locations)
707 Lake Blvd
St Joseph
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, May 31 - Sat, Aug 30
2642 W John. Beers Rd
Stevensville
10:00am - 12:00pm
Mon, Jul 07 - Thu, Jul 24
2642 W John. Beers Rd
Stevensville
10:00am - 12:00pm
Mon, Jul 14 - Thu, Jul 31
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Jul 18
1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Fri, Jul 18
205 Territorial Road
Benton Harbor
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Fri, Jul 18
Niles History Center - 508 E. Main Street
Niles
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Fri, Jul 18 - Sat, Jul 19
Arts Park
Benton Harbor
10:00am - 2:00pm
Sat, Jul 19
707 Lake Blvd
St Joseph
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Jul 19 - Sat, Oct 18
6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma
11:30am - 1:30pm
Sat, Jul 19
6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sat, Jul 19
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Sat, Jul 19
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sun, Jul 20
2642 W John Beers
Stevensville
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sun, Jul 20
13988 Range Line Road
Niles
9:30am - 4:30pm
Tue, Jul 22 - Fri, Jul 25
501 Territorial
Benton Harbor
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Wed, Jul 23
1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Jul 23
620 E. Main Street
Niles
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wed, Jul 23
2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Thu, Jul 24
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Thu, Jul 24
800 Whitwam Drive
Saint Joseph
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thu, Jul 24
6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Fri, Jul 25
Niles History Center - 508 E. Main Street
Niles
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Fri, Jul 25 - Sat, Jul 26
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Jul 25
From May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026
Download the Visit Southwest Michigan app from the App Store or Google Play.
Yes. Hold on to your receipt or proof of visit from the destination and contact the Tourist Council to receive credit for your visit.
Yes. While we encourage you to complete all levels and explore the creative destinations in Southwest Michigan, you don't have to complete every level. If you only finished the first level, submit it using the app.
Stay in any hotel listed here. The name on the hotel receipt must match the name on the app. Submit a photo of the hotel receipt through the app by April 30, 2026.
Depending on which levels you complete, you can earn the following: a $15 or $30 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice, a $75 Love Local SWMI gift card, and our Grand Prize, a one-night, all-inclusive hotel package for two people.
To redeem your prizes, use the app to submit your Creative Connections Challenge and a photo of your hotel receipt by April 30, 2026. Once we validate your prize levels, you can pick up your prizes at the Southwest Michigan Travel Information Center (see address below) or call the Tourist Council at 269-925-6301 to make other arrangements for your prizes to be mailed.
Yes, you can download a printable copy or pick up a printed Creative Connections Challenge sheet from: Southwest Michigan Travel Information Center
