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)
1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph
Starts 9:00am
Fri, Sep 12 - Sun, Oct 26
2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tue, Sep 30 - Tue, Nov 04
707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph
6:00pm - 5:00pm
Fri, Oct 03 - Sun, Nov 16
Niles History Center - 508 E. Main Street
Niles
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Fri, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 11
707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph
6:00pm - 5:00pm
Fri, Oct 10 - Sun, Nov 23
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Oct 10
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Oct 11
Fernwood Botanical Garden
Niles
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Sat, Oct 11
4217 Lake St
Bridgman
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Oct 11
4217 Lake St
Bridgman
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Sat, Oct 11
6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma
11:30am - 1:30pm
Sat, Oct 11
2642 John Beers Rd
Stevensville
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Sun, Oct 12
1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Oct 15
2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thu, Oct 16
600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Fri, Oct 17 - Sun, Nov 02
707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph
6:00pm - 5:00pm
Fri, Oct 17 - Sun, Nov 30
Niles History Center - 508 E. Main Street
Niles
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Fri, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 18
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Oct 17
13988 Range Line Road
Niles
9:00am - 11:00am
Sat, Oct 18
107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Oct 18
1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Sat, Oct 18
Fernwood Botanical Garden
Niles
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Sat, Oct 18
501 Territorial
Benton Harbor
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sat, Oct 18
6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma
11:30am - 1:30pm
Sat, Oct 18
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
