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.
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. (You must be 18 years or older to play.)
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.)
Level 1: Collect 3 different destination stamps to complete.
Level 2: Collect 6 different destination stamps to complete.
Hotel Level: Stay in one of our hotels after completing Level 1 or 2.
Complete ALL the levels for entry into the Grand Prize drawing.
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 5, 2023. (This offer is good while prize supplies last.)
$15 gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice
The Acorn, located approximately 70 miles from Chicago and 60 miles from Kalamazoo, is an intimate performance space featuring rock, folk, indie, jazz, opera, open mics, drama, and comedy. Housed in a turn-of-the-century former corset stay factory, this beautiful building is now a venue for performers of incomparable talent who delight patrons with audience proximity and outstanding acoustics. A funky-industrial-chic atmosphere complete with a full bar, The Acorn is within walking distance to Three Oaks eateries and boutiques.
Go To WebsiteAnna Russo-Sieber (ARS) Gallery Arts & Culture Center is a community art center offering cultural arts, applied arts, fine arts, and extensive outreach programming. The IATG program embraces our whole community and fosters personal growth through positive interaction and social development. Founder/executive director, Anna states, “You can say more through art than words alone!”
Go To WebsiteThe Box Factory for the Arts is a regionally significant multi-use center for the arts. The historic 55,000 square foot building houses artist studios, office space, galleries, a performance stage, classrooms, ArtMarket, meeting space and more. It is a welcoming hub for creativity, learning, sharing, socialization and fun for our members and the community at large.
Go To WebsiteChartreuse Art Gallery is an artist-owned and operated art gallery located in downtown St Joseph. We offer handmade art by artists who call this area home. Come check out our locally-made gifts and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. We have something new every day!
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Music: 204 Water St. | Dance: 91 Hinkley St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-925-1099
Citadel provides year-round dance & music instruction for infants to adults. Private music lessons, KIndermusik, Music Therapy, Ukulele, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Pointe, Creative Movement & more. Performances include "A Steamed Nutcracker" & Fly Me to the Moon. Take a class, lessons, attend a performance or stop in for a tour.
Go To WebsiteCPR Dance: Inhale Movement believes movement is as fundamental to existence as breath. This premiere Southwest Michigan dance company — owned by Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers — brings access to dance and movement, sharing collaborative and engaging opportunities to connect, view and participate in movement.
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313 N. Cass St.
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
269-471-1202
The Berrien County Historical Association invites you to explore the history of the cornerstone of Michigan at the History Center at Courthouse Square. Here, guests of all ages can dive deep into the past thanks to our exhibits, programs, and more!
Go To WebsiteThe Gallery at Harbor Shores features a rotation of select Michigan Artists. Located on the mezzanine level of the resort, as well as select public spaces throughout The Inn. The Gallery is a thoughtful curation dedicated not only to supporting local artists but to enhancing your overall experience at The Inn. Art has been a large focus at The Inn from the very beginning. In addition to ditching the standard hotel prints and supporting the regional art community, we have also incorporated some of the local history of this area.
Go To WebsiteThe GhostLight Theatre, in the Benton Harbor Arts District, opened in June 2019. Our innovative playhouse has a diverse, creative, and socially conscious culture, with engaging and passionate performers. We provide storytelling education to audiences and performers of all ages and backgrounds to enlighten, inspire, and illuminate our region.
Go To WebsiteKrasl Art Center provides southwest Michigan residents and visitors the opportunity to experience high-quality art exhibitions, installations and programs at no cost. Find one-of-a-kind gifts in The Shop at KAC, or give the gift of education through one of KAC's studio classes, camps, or workshops all year long. Learn more at krasl.org.
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1100 Yore Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-927-8700
World Class Entertainment
Our location is also welcoming and accessible for your guests. Removed from the crowds and tourist centers, the quiet setting of The Mendel Center is easy to find.
Go To WebsiteExhibits at the North Berrien Historical Museum cover 10,000 years of human history, from archaeology to modern technology. Educational Programs compliment exhibits with engaging and interactive lessons about history. We are handicap accessible and there is no cost to tour — donations are welcome.
Go To WebsiteYou can't help but smile when you enter the Silver Beach Carousel house in St. Joseph, Mich. The band organ music lifts your spirit as 48 hand-carved and brilliantly painted figures, plus two chariots (a rocking peacock and a sea serpent that welcomes wheelchairs), whirl merrily around. What fun to choose which ones to ride!
Go To WebsiteThe SMSO has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of our community since 1951. We strive to cultivate and inspire a diverse audience through professional musical experiences. We offer innovative programming by harnessing live music's transformational power to foster creativity, promote joy and unite our community.
Go To WebsiteFormed in 1932, Twin City Players is a volunteer based nonprofit organization that strives to engage the community in quality theatre that changes lives and to be recognized for organizational excellence producing quality performances in southwest Michigan.
Go To WebsiteWater Street Glassworks is a public access studio, school and gallery dedicated to the ‘fire arts' media of glass and metal. WSG's mission offers community members opportunities to experience the fascinating, transformational mediums of glass and metal, with an emphasis on community renewal through the arts and reaching vulnerable and at-risk teen populations.
Go To WebsitePick 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.
You cannot request a stamp retroactively. In order to earn a stamp, you must ask for one when you visit the Creative Connections destination.
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!
Stay in any hotel listed here. When you check out, make sure to ask the front desk for a stamp to put on your brochure.
Depending on which levels you complete, you have the ability to win the following: a gift card to a Creative Connections destination of your choice, an autographed Joshua Nowicki Photo Print & & Creative Connections tee, a 14 oz Creative Connections Mug & $50 gift certificate to The Market, and our Grand Prize, a two-night, all-inclusive hotel package for two people.
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 5, 2023. (This offer is good while prize supplies last).