Creative Connections | Visit Southwest Michigan
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



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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

summer
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707 Lake Blvd
St Joseph

2025 KAC Summer Art Markets

10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Jul 19 - Sat, Oct 18

hull
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707 Lake Blvd
St Joesph

Hull House Exhibition

9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Aug 02 - Sun, Sep 28

summer
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707 Lake Blvd
St Joseph

2025 KAC Summer Art Markets

10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Aug 16 - Fri, Nov 14

Paint & Sip at Filkins Vineyards
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6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma

Paint & Sip Saturdays

11:30am - 1:30pm
Sat, Aug 23 - Sat, Nov 01

Swing
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Briar Leaf Golf Club
La Porte

Acorn Swing for the Arts

12:00pm - 5:00pm
Thu, Aug 28

Thursdays Dockside Summer Social
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800 Whitwam Drive
Saint Joseph

Dockside Summer Social

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thu, Aug 28

A photo showcases orange glass pumpkins created by Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor, Michigan
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140 Water Street
Benton Harbor

Pumpkin Harvest Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm
Thu, Aug 28

Filkins Vineyard Labor Day Weekend - Friday
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6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma

Labor Day Weekend FRIDAY at Filkins Vineyards

2:00pm - 8:00pm
Fri, Aug 29

Bowmanville
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Bowmanville at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Aug 29

Something Rotten!
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600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Something Rotten!

7:30pm - 10:00pm
Fri, Aug 29 - Sun, Sep 21

Flyer for Niles History Center Historic Walking Tours
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Riverfront Park Amphitheater
Niles

Historic Walking Tours with the Niles History Center

10:00am - 11:30am
Fri, Aug 29

Chapin Mansion
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Niles History Center - 508 E. Main Street
Niles

Chapin Mansion Tours

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Fri, Aug 29 - Sat, Aug 30

A couple drinking wine in front of Filkins Vineyards
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6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma

Filkins Vineyards Sunset Wine Dinner

7:30pm - 9:00pm
Sat, Aug 30

Paint & Sip at Filkins Vineyards
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6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma

Paint & Sip Saturdays

11:30am - 1:30pm
Sat, Aug 30 - Fri, Nov 07

Labor Day Weekend at Filkins Vineyards - Saturday
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6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma

Labor Day Weekend SATURDAY at Filkins Vineyards

Starts 11:30am
Sat, Aug 30

Rocks Off
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Rocks Off: A Tribute to The Rolling Stones at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat, Aug 30

summer
Map Icon

707 Lake Blvd
St Joseph

2025 KAC Summer Art Markets

10:00am - 5:00pm
Sat, Aug 30 - Fri, Nov 28

Paint & Sip
Map Icon

6991 Ryno Rd
Coloma

Paint & Sip Saturdays at Filkins Vineyards

11:30am - 1:30pm
Sat, Aug 30

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, Sep 03

Dragonfly Painting Class
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2642 W John Beers Rd
Stevensville

Gouache Dragonfly Painting Class

6:00pm - 8:30pm
Thu, Sep 04

Something Rotten!
Map Icon

600 W. Glenlord Rd
St. Joseph

Something Rotten!

7:30pm - 10:00pm
Fri, Sep 05 - Sun, Sep 28

Bobcat
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107 Generations Drive
Three Oaks

Bobcat Opossum at The Acorn

8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri, Sep 05

Chapin Mansion
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Niles History Center - 508 E. Main Street
Niles

Chapin Mansion Tours

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Fri, Sep 05 - Sat, Sep 06

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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