Discovery is still the best thing about exploring southwest Michigan, and discovering beautiful, historic Buchanan is the best discovery you will make. A lot of people think of southwest Michigan and think of harbor country and beach towns. Think Again.

Nestled in the St. Joseph River Valley between Three Oaks and Niles, and just north of the Michigan-Indiana border, lies the beautiful historic city of Buchanan. Founded in 1833 at the junction of the St. Joseph River and McCoy Creek, the town once housed 13 grist and wood mills. Today, the City of Buchanan offers a both a rich history and new venues to delight visitors and locals alike. Historic Pears Mill, an authentic Greek Revival working grist mill is surrounded by a revitalized historic downtown filled with unique shops, eateries and galleries – and all this in the heart of southwest Michigan’s finest wine country.

There’s always something going on downtown. The City, partnering with the Downtown Development Authority and Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsor a number of events throughout the year and there is something for everyone. The year starts with the family focused “Thrill on the Hill”, always the last weekend in January, and continues with the Chamber’s annual Chili Walk in the spring. The always popular and growing Famers’ Market opens the first weekend in May at the Common and continues until mid-October. In the summer, the Common is home to free concerts on Thursday evenings and a unique “Stop, Lunch & Listen” program for the kids at noon on Thursdays. Buchanan also hosts the Last Saturday on the Common concert series, free concerts on the last Saturday of the month (June, July and August). Fall is heralded by the Chamber’s annual Harvest Buchanan event, with a 5K run walk along beautiful McCoy Creek Trail, local food and beverages, entertainment, and a celebration of the harvest of the bounty of fruit and vegetables that southwest Michigan provides. The year draws to a close with the annual Holiday Lighting ceremony at the Common, on the first Friday evening in December, when Santa and Mrs. Clause visit and the Holiday lights sparkle to life amid Christmas carols and hot chocolate.

There are many other discoveries to make in the Buchanan area, among them more than 17 wineries within five miles of the downtown, a first class golf course and dining on the St. Joseph River, and much more. And you can’t leave without a visit to Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, five minutes from downtown on Range Line Road, with its 105 acres of gardens and prairie habitat found nowhere else in the country. The Fernwood Café also has a delicious menu and the best carrot cake you will ever enjoy.

As you explore Buchanan, please visit our many businesses and public venues, who offer unique products and services for you that make Buchanan a place like no other. You’re only an “out of towner” once in Buchanan.

Handicap accessible.

Pet friendly with pets on leash or held, individual businesses vary.