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

Creative Connections

some places are naturally inspiring — especially 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 who call this area home.

earn prizes by taking the Creative Connections Challenge from May 1 to April 30

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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

download
the app

Download the Visit Southwest Michigan app from the App Store or Google Play.

2

collect
stamps

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.)

3

complete
levels

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.

4

earn
prizes

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.

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. Joseph Today member locations)

Creative Connections

destinations

ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center

ARS Gallery, Arts and Culture Center



More Info
Bee Crafty

Bee Crafty



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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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Monday Musical Club, Inc.

Monday Musical Club, Inc.



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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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Owen Sisters & Co.

Owen Sisters & Co.



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Rebecca's Ceramics

Rebecca's Ceramics



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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 Sandpiper Fashion, Fiber, & Gifts /Hoof-To-Hanger Fiber Mill

The Sandpiper Fashion, Fiber, & Gifts /Hoof-To-Hanger Fiber Mill



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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

summer
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707 Lake Blvd
St Joseph

2025 KAC Summer Art Markets

10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, May 31 - Sat, Aug 30

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13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Dog Days

9:00am - 11:00am
Sat, May 31 - Sat, Oct 18

Anastasia the Musical
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Anastasia the Musical

7:30am - 9:00am
Fri, Jun 06 - Sun, Jun 29

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13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Dog Days

9:00am - 11:00am
Sat, Jun 07 - Sat, Oct 25

Anastasia the Musical
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Anastasia the Musical

7:30am - 9:00am
Fri, Jun 13 - Sun, Jul 06

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13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Dog Days

9:00am - 11:00am
Sat, Jun 14 - Sat, Nov 01

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13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Father's Day Nature Tour

9:00am - 12:00pm
Sun, Jun 15

Pub Choir
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Pub Choir - Something To Do Tour at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sun, Jun 15

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13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Pollinator Week

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Tue, Jun 17 - Sun, Jun 22

Gouache Flamingo Painting
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Gouache Flamingo Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Tue, Jun 17

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, Jun 18

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13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Community Benefit Dinner at Granor Farm

6:30pm - 10:00pm
Thu, Jun 19

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13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Summer Solstice Celebration

1:00pm - 4:00pm
Fri, Jun 20

Axolotl Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Kids Axolotl Painting Class

10:30am - 12:00pm
Fri, Jun 20

Little Italy Sign
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501 Territorial
Benton Harbor

Little Italy Walking Tour

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Fri, Jun 20

Anastasia the Musical
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Anastasia the Musical

7:30am - 9:00am
Fri, Jun 20 - Sun, Jul 13

Default Event Image
Map Icon

13988 Range Line Road
Niles

Dog Days

9:00am - 11:00am
Sat, Jun 21 - Sat, Nov 08

Cracker
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Cracker at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Jun 21

SteveEarle
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Steve Earle Solo & Acoustic at The Acorn: Fifty Years of Songs and Stories

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sun, Jun 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, Jun 25

St Joseph Lighthouse Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

St Joseph Lighthouse Gouache Painting Class

6:00pm - 9:30pm
Thu, Jun 26

Shawn
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Shawn Mullins at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Jun 27

Anastasia the Musical
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Anastasia the Musical

7:30am - 9:00am
Fri, Jun 27 - Sun, Jul 20

1950s Main Street
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205 Territorial Road
Benton Harbor

A Walking Tour Through 1950's Benton Harbor

5:30pm - 6:30pm
Fri, Jun 27

creative connections

faqs

What dates does the Creative Connections Challenge run this year?

From May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026

Where can I enter the Creative Connections Challenge?

Download the Visit Southwest Michigan app from the App Store or Google Play.

I forgot to get a check-in code when I visited a destination. Can I still count it?

Yes. Hold on to your receipt or proof of visit from the destination and contact the Tourist Council to receive credit for your visit.

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

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.

How do I earn the hotel prize?

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.

What prizes can I earn?

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.

How do I receive my prizes?

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.

I prefer to use a printed Creative Connections Challenge sheet, do you offer one?

Yes, you can download a printable copy or pick up a printed Creative Connections Challenge sheet from: Southwest Michigan Travel Information Center


Whenever you visit a participating destination, ask an employee to stamp your printed sheet. Each destination has a unique stamp. The more stamps you collect, the more prizes you can earn. (Duplicate stamps are not allowed.)

To earn your hotel prize, request a printed receipt to include as proof of your stay and submit it with your completed form. The name on the receipt must match the name on the printed sheet.

To receive your earned prizes, mail or drop off the stamped sheet and original hotel receipt to the Southwest Michigan Travel Information Center address written above. We must receive your Creative Connections Challenge Sheet to validate it by April 30, 2026. This offer is good while prize supplies last.

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

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