Creative Connections | Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
Creative Connections hero image showing a member organization.

Creative Connections

earn prizes while enjoying the arts and culture of Southwest Michigan

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 that call this area home.

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how to play

the game

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creative connections

destinations

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upcoming

events

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creative connections

faqs

how to take the

Creative Connections challenge

1

get your
brochure

Visit any of the Creative Connections destinations or the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council to get a game brochure. Use the Creative Connections brochure to keep track of where you have traveled and collect destination stamps from May 1, 2024-April 30, 2025. (You must be 18 years or older to play.)

2

collect
stamps

Whenever you visit a participating destination, make sure to get your brochure stamped by an employee. Each destination has a unique stamp. The more stamps you collect, the more prizes you can earn. (Duplicate stamps are not allowed.)

3

complete
levels

Level 1: Collect 3 different destination stamps to complete.
Level 2: Collect 3 more different destination stamps to complete.
Hotel Level: Stay in one of our hotels after completing Level 1 or 2. Ask for a receipt to include as proof of your stay. The name on the receipt must match the name on the creative license.
Complete ALL the levels for entry into the Grand Prize drawing.

4

earn
prizes

To redeem your prizes, fill out the creative license form in the brochure and mail your entire brochure to the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council for validation by May 6, 2025. (This offer is good while prize supplies last.)

prizes you can earn

$15 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice.

level 1

$15 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice

$30 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice.

level 2

$30 gift certificate to a Creative Connections destination of your choice

$75 Love Local SWMI Gift Card (redeemable at participating St. Joe Today member locations)

hotel prize

$75 Love Local SWMI Gift Card (redeemable at participating St. Joe Today member locations)

Creative Connections

destinations

ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center

ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center



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Berrien County Historical Association

Berrien County Historical Association



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Box Factory for the Arts

Box Factory for the Arts



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Brush + Bloom DIY Studio

Brush + Bloom DIY Studio



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Chartreuse

Chartreuse



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Citadel Dance & Music Center

Citadel Dance & Music Center



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CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement



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Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve



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Filkins Vineyards

Filkins Vineyards



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Fusion Gallery and Studio

Fusion Gallery and Studio



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Golden Muse Winery

Golden Muse Winery



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Inn at Harbor Shores

Inn at Harbor Shores



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JLN Studio

JLN Studio



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Krasl Art Center

Krasl Art Center



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Morton House Museum

Morton House Museum



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Niles History Center

Niles History Center



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North Berrien Historical Museum

North Berrien Historical Museum



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O & Co.

O & Co.



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Rebecca's Ceramics

Rebecca's Ceramics



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Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan

Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan



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Silver Beach Carousel

Silver Beach Carousel



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Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra



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The Acorn

The Acorn



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The Culinary Cottage

The Culinary Cottage



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The GhostLight Theatre

The GhostLight Theatre



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The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center



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The Lilac Loft

The Lilac Loft



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Twin City Players

Twin City Players



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Water Street Glassworks

Water Street Glassworks



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creative connections

events

diy
Map Icon

4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

DIY Holiday Drop-In

11:30am - 2:30am
Fri, Dec 20 - Sat, Dec 21

Jeremy Butler
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1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Jeremy T. Butler and Friends Celebrate “A Candlelight Christmas”

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Sat, Dec 21

Southwest Michigan Symphony Concert
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LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre
Benton Harbor

Merry & Bright

6:30pm - 8:30pm
Sat, Dec 21

Family Snowman Art Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Family Snowman Painting Class

10:00am - 11:30am
Sat, Dec 21

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
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13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sat, Dec 21

wrap it up
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Wrap It Up Weekend

11:00am - 3:15pm
Sat, Dec 21 - Sun, Dec 22

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
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13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sun, Dec 22

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
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1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Dec 25

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
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13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thu, Dec 26

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fri, Dec 27

new year new you
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4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

New Year, New You DIY Body Scrub

11:30am - 1:00pm
Sat, Dec 28 - Sun, Dec 29

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sat, Dec 28

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sun, Dec 29

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Mon, Dec 30

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Map Icon

800 Whitwam Drive
Saint Joseph

Boogie into the New Year

7:00pm - 12:30am
Tue, Dec 31 - Wed, Jan 01

Miles NYE
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts - New Year's Eve at The Acorn

10:00pm - 1:00am
Tue, Dec 31 - Wed, Jan 01

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Jan 01

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thu, Jan 02

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fri, Jan 03

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sat, Jan 04

Kids Cat Painting
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Kids Cat Painting Class, January 4th, 2025

10:00am - 11:30am
Sat, Jan 04

Gouache Cardinal Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Gouache Cardinal Painting Class, January 5th, 2025

3:00pm - 5:30pm
Sun, Jan 05

Out of the Box Open Mic Night
Map Icon

1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph

Out of the Box Open Mic Night

6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Jan 08

Aglaja
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Aglaja Petrova & Charlie Mueller Rhythms of America: Jazz to Classical at The Acorn

4:00pm - 7:00pm
Sat, Jan 11

creative connections

faqs

What dates does Creative Connections run this year?

From May 1, 2024-April 30, 2025.

Where can I pick up a Creative Connections brochure?

Pick up a brochure at any Creative Connections destination or the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council (2300 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor). You can also request a brochure online.

I forgot to get a stamp when I visited a destination. Can I still count it?

You cannot request a stamp retroactively. In order to earn a stamp, you must ask for one when you visit the Creative Connections destination.

I've only finished the first level. Can I still get my prize?

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 finish the first level, follow the directions and send in your brochure to get a prize!

How do I earn the hotel prize?

Stay in any hotel listed here. The name on this receipt must match the name on your creative license. Include the hotel receipt when you turn in your brochure for validation.

What prizes can I win?

Depending on which levels you complete, you have the ability to win 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 two-night, all-inclusive hotel package for two people.

How do I receive my prizes?

In order to redeem your prizes, fill out the creative license form and mail your entire brochure to the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council for validation by May 6, 2025. (This offer is good while prize supplies last).

If you still have questions about Creative Connections, Please reach out.

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