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

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fri, Dec 13

The Citadel Spectacular 2024
Map Icon

1100 Yore Ave
Benton Harbor

The Magic of Christmas Comes Alive at The Citadel Spectacular

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fri, Dec 13

It
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Fri, Dec 13

Improv Comedy just in time for the Holidays!
Map Icon

91 Hinkley Street
Benton Harbor

Ha-Ha Holidays! TORP Improv Comedy Show

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Fri, Dec 13

Holiday Open Mic
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Acorn Holiday Open Mic Night featuring Daniel Cole Dailey

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Fri, Dec 13

diy
Map Icon

4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

DIY Holiday Drop-In

11:30am - 2:30am
Fri, Dec 13 - Sat, Dec 14

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sat, Dec 14

The Citadel Spectacular 2024
Map Icon

1100 Yore Ave
Benton Harbor

The Magic of Christmas Comes Alive at The Citadel Spectacular

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sat, Dec 14

It
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sat, Dec 14

NHC Holiday Evening Open House
Map Icon

508 E. Main Street
Niles

Holiday Evening Open House

4:00pm - 7:00pm
Sat, Dec 14

Dancing Queen
Map Icon

107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

CLUB ACORN Presents: Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Dec 14

It
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Sun, Dec 15

2024 ghostlight theater holiday movies
Map Icon

101 Hinkley Street
Benton Harbor

Ghostlight Theater Presents ELF & THE GRINCH

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sun, Dec 15

candle class
Map Icon

4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

Holiday Candle Magic Class

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Sun, Dec 15

December Abstract Workshop
Map Icon

2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

December Abstract Workshop

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sun, Dec 15

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sun, Dec 15

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Tue, Dec 17

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Wed, Dec 18

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, Dec 18

It
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Thu, Dec 19

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thu, Dec 19

LIGHTS at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Rd
Niles

LIGHTS at Fernwood

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fri, Dec 20

diy
Map Icon

4209 Lake Street
Bridgman

DIY Holiday Drop-In

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

It
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Fri, Dec 20

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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