Take Our Murals Challenge and Earn Prizes
Finding Southwest Michigan’s vibrant murals is fun, but it is even better when you can earn prizes! The Mural Challenge begins October 1 and runs until the first 100 participants claim all the rewards. Kick off your fall fun by taking this challenge.
To play, go to our Free Challenges page and download the Visit Southwest Michigan app. Each time you find a mural, check in by taking a selfie (or ask someone to shoot a photo) of you in front of it. Be serious or silly, but have fun! Then, upload your shot to the app.
If you are among the first 100 people to check in at 10 murals, you will earn a $15 St. Joe Today e-gift card and a Southwest Michigan Murals Challenge sticker. Every year we will design a new sticker to add to your collection. Now, slip into your walking shoes and discover the stories these walls tell!
Benton Harbor
ACLU VOTE MURAL
133 E. Main St., Benton Harbor
This mural was one of eight murals painted across Michigan encouraging people to vote. They were all sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and over 100 nonpartisan partner Michigan organizations. That’s not its only purpose, though. The mural is also meant to be a conversation starter for community members about voting rights. At the time, there was especially a focus on voting early via absentee ballots. Detroit-based artist Jesse Kassel painted the patriotic mural.
ANEMEL MURAL
225 E. Main St., Benton Harbor
Anemel’s co-owner, Gabrielle Galbraith, was fascinated by a book that belonged to her grandmother. Artist Kim Wood used the book as inspiration for this mural that illustrates Anemel’s playful nod to the dusty scenes of old Southwest cartoons. It’s in the format of a Loteria game card, which Anemel uses for dine-in orders. Needless to say, Gabrielle and her husband James are very much 90s kids at heart.
ANNA RUSSO SIEBER GALLERY MURAL
This Benton Harbor Arts District mural was created in 2024 by an ARS Arts & Culture Center alumnus and recent graduate of Interlochen to celebrate ARS’s 14th anniversary. Ari Nadine Waters worked with professional muralist Kim Wood, as part of the ARS continuing education program that supports local young artists.
BRAMMALL SUPPLY COMPANY “TIME BRIDGE BLOSSOMS” MURAL
This colorful collage mural by Tony Hendrick of Grand Ledge, Michigan, depicts key growth periods in the City of Benton Harbor. It shows how the region was first a prime fruit-growing region in the 1800s. This led to the dredging of the shipping canal which also brought in throngs of tourists. More people moved to the area and soon an influx of foundries and heavy industry smokestacks dotted the landscape.
CORNERSTONE ALLIANCE & ST. JOSEPH TODAY MURAL
This beautiful mural thrills everyone who walks behind the Cornerstone Alliance Building to see it on West Wall Street between Pipestone and Colfax Avenue. Indiana-based artist Jeff Pilikinton wanted to create a summery, sunshine moment and succeeded with this woman painted on a yellow background with vivid pink flowers around her. You can often see more of Pilikinton's work at the Chalk the Block Festival each August in downtown St. Joseph.
DERRICK ROSE MURAL
Corner of West Main Street and Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor
NBA player Derrick Rose was tagged by an unknown graffiti artist years ago on this vacant Benton Harbor building. Rose, who played for the Chicago Bulls, was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and became the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2011 at age 22. He suffered significant knee injuries and was sidelined for the 2012-13 season. The hashtag #TheReturn recalls the flurry of advertisements promoting “The Return of Derrick Rose” to the game and the Chicago Bulls in 2013.
MASON JAR CAFE MURAL
The Mason Jar Cafe in the Benton Harbor Arts District is one of the most loved breakfast and lunch destinations in Southwest Michigan. Alaina Riedel’s artwork, a colorful explosion of mason jars, plants and whimsical patterns, perfectly complements the cafe's theme. Her predominant use of green and brown tones evokes a sense of nature and freshness, reflecting the Mason Jar chef’s commitment to serving wholesome, homemade dishes made with locally sourced food. Go inside (or snag a table outdoors on a warm day) and see what all the reviewers are raving about.
PIPESTONE ALLEY STREET MURAL
Pipestone Alley, Benton Harbor
This vibrant artwork stretches along the sidewalk in the alley leading to Pilikinton’s mural on West Wall Street. In 2024, Muralist Kim Wood stenciled her vision and community volunteers filled in her markings with specific colors. The goal was to add more outdoor art to the city and create a community gathering space. Grab lunch from a nearby Arts District restaurant and enjoy it.
RAVITRON “THE HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY” MURAL
276 Colfax Ave., Benton Harbor
This massive timeline mural by Erick Bradford and Jessica Hightower highlights the impact and contribution of African Americans and women in technology. Their contributions led to the invention of the telephone, GPS, cybersecurity, safer space flights, fiber optic cables, the transmission of holograms and more. The mural’s center art, created by Kelise, Phoenix and Sinai from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan, represents their memories of Benton Harbor and what they can achieve in the future.
STATE OF PROGRESSION MURAL
Corner of Water and West Main Streets, Benton Harbor
Painted in 1997 by Marcus Akinlana, State of Progression is an unfinished mural with much to say. Per Akinlana’s website: that year, Benton Harbor’s murder rate was one of the highest in the country despite only having a population of 10,000 people. To bring some positivity to their hometown, two men commissioned a mural to increase community involvement. State of Progression was a community-based acrylic mural created in collaboration with the people of Benton Harbor and fabricated with START youth apprentices and community members.
THE BRICK HOUSE VAN HALEN MURAL
190 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor
Inspiration comes often in the simplest ways. For artist Eric Bradford, it came during his first visit to The Brick House in the Benton Harbor Arts District. He was intrigued by the restaurant’s “Van Halen”- themed menu items. Buoyed by the good mood food, the cool vibe and a personal reckoning with The Brick’s “Smash Burger,” Eric knew what to paint when asked to create a mural. Now, the spirit of rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen in angel wings powers The Brick House “Smash Burger.” You are welcome to stand in front of the artwork for a photo opportunity, but better yet, get your shot and go inside to see how this place can lift your mood.
THE LIVERY “CONTINUED LEGACY” MURAL
Spanning two buildings that are part of The Livery brewpub, the mural’s bright colors tell the story of Benton Harbor and African American history in a timeline progression. A beautiful woman represents the ancestors who lived in Benton Harbor years ago. Her headdress transitions into a library, symbolizing the knowledge of the people who came before passing it on to the present-day people of Benton Harbor. Fruit trees, sunrises, music notes and other facial portraits pay homage to the area today. This impressive work was created by artists Dorothy Jean Carter, Megan Canon and Dean Campillo.
VILLA ENVIRONMENTAL MURAL
215 Colfax Ave., Benton Harbor
This mural appears on the former Whirlpool Archive Museum that opened to celebrate Whirlpool Corporation’s 100th anniversary. Indiana-based artist Brandon Sharpe depicted the company’s growth from the small Upton Machine Co., which produced electric wringer-washers, to a global manufacturer of home appliances employing 59,000 people.
St. Joseph
BLUFF STAIRCASE MURAL
Lake Bluff Boulevard Staircase, St. Joseph
Sometimes you can find a mural painted onto the stairs leading you below the bluff from Lake Street Boulevard. These murals are usually temporary and painted during early summer. They are perspective pieces, so look at them from the bottom of the stairs. Previous paintings include children riding down a slide, butterflies and an abstract sunset.
BOX FACTORY FOR THE ARTS MURAL
The façade takes flight under the artistry of St. Joseph-based Kim Wood. Her mural design “Birds of a Feather, Flock Together” wraps the sides and front of the building in a colorful mix of flora and fauna. Minneapolis mural artist Shawn McCann also assisted in the final work.
Before The Box Factory was a gathering place for the community’s artists, it was in the paper business. Paying homage to that, Kim chose origami birds for the mural to mimic that history as the bright papers evolve and take flight into something new.
HOLT BOSSE SQUIRREL MURAL
This Midwestern mural is nuts enough that you have to see it to believe it! In 2019, advertising agency Holt Bosse partnered with the St. Joseph Today to fund a piece of art that isn’t squirreling around. This masterpiece created by Minneapolis-based artist Shawn McCann invites you to have your photo taken by a squirrel on the corner of State and Port Streets. How often can you say that?
SHORELINE ALLEYWAY MURAL
The back of the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center captures the lake resort city as it was decades ago. Houston-based artist Anat Ronen spruced up the alley wall that faces Main Street with a mural showing a family visiting Silver Beach dipping their toes in the water. Chicago’s South Shore Line train posters from years ago inspired the art déco-style painting.
SILVER BEACH PIZZA MURAL
This whimsical mural is at one of the area’s most popular pizzerias, Silver Beach Pizza. It will make you hungry while kicking your imagination into gear! Created by Alaina Riedel of St. Joseph, it represents a slice of life in this Lake Michigan resort town. The boats have pizza sails and the dragons have pizza wings. After your meal, take a short walk to the beach to see what’s really sailing offshore.
SILVER HARBOR BREWING COMPANY MURAL
Bees buzz above pink flowers on this mural’s bright blue background on the Silver Harbor Brewing Company building. The simple, but inviting image was crafted by Florida-based artist Kumpa Tawornprom. It pays tribute to bees’ vital role in Southwest Michigan’s nationally renowned fruit-growing region.
Stevensville
PEAT’S CIDER SOCIAL MURAL
6201 Red Arrow Highway, Stevensville
This mural along this cider/retro-bowling alley’s patio is a tribute to resiliency. Three weeks before the cidery was to open, COVID-19 hit. That’s when Peat’s Cider Social decided to create a patio for outdoor seating and add a large piece of art to encourage groups to take Instagram photos — something you can do today! The mural’s artists Rich and Angela Valha captured a little bit of bowling, cider, apple blossoms, apples and, yes, flamingos.
Baroda
CHILL HILL WINERY MURAL
As you drive through charming downtown Baroda, you’ll see a mural of two ladies chillin’, dressed in red & white, enjoying a bottle of wine. Mexican artist Salvador Rodriguez painted the relaxing scene. He intimately knows about the wines served here because he also works in the local vineyards. Behind the wall is Chill Hill Winery, a little tiki paradise!
Berrien Springs
KREAMO ADVERTISEMENT MURAL
107 E. Ferry St., Berrien Springs
This brick wall artistry is not so much a mural as a blast to the past. An old Kreamo bread buns advertisement remains faded on the side of a building. Because of its placement, you can snap a photo, but not directly in front of it. The best viewing is from the Harding's parking lot.
Bridgman
BRIDGMAN BODY SHOP MURAL
This mural has such brilliant colors and a funky, cartoon-esque design, that you’ll be shocked to find out it is a body shop! These fun colors outline the door and windows and give this business a quirky, nostalgic look. Artist Sick Fisher is known for his vibrant, pixelated style and his ability to transform urban spaces across the United States with his engaging murals. This is one you will gaze at before moving down the road to spend time on Weko Beach.
HCM WAREHOUSE MURAL
9600 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman
The Harbor Country Mission (HCM) aids those in the surrounding area who live in or on the border of financial poverty. Its network of volunteers and staff provides home repair, home goods distribution, simple appliances and life coaching. The mural is on HCM’s 5,000-square-foot warehouse which has storage and a “free room” for people transitioning from living in hotels, shelters or with family. Artist Matt Coronado uses his bold, vivid style to bring to life the plants along Lake Michigan with butterflies, symbolic of hope and transformation, and a hummingbird, symbolic of resilience, perseverance and happiness.
Three Oaks
SWEET ON ELM MURAL
If you didn’t know what the Sweet on Elm store sells, you will when you see its giant mural! Chris Stackowicz was given free license to design three concepts and store owner Colleen Froehlich chose the candy cabinet theme. You can stand outside and drool over your favorite treats or take your photo with the mural and then go inside and buy the real thing.
Niles
IRON SHOE DISTILLERY MURAL
Edwardsburg-based artist Chris Stackowicz’s handiwork transformed this old muffler shop into a catch-your-eye distillery when it opened in 2018. Black, white and gray wheat, bags of grain and barrels come together with larger-than-life antique stills. Look for Iron Shoe Distillery’s horseshoe logo and, if you are an art lover, see how Stackowicz gave Caravaggio’s painting “The Calling of St. Matthew” a new twist with sunlight pouring through a window onto a pile of grain bags. Stackowicz's work also appears on buildings in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Greece, Turkey and Russia.
WHAT LIFTS YOU MURAL
Muralist Kelsey Montague is known for painted wings that have spread across the country as part of a movement called #WhatLiftsYou. Previously, Montague painted wings in Nashville for Taylor Swift's album announcement in 2019. New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle are among her other mural locations. Take your photo in front of these wings and tag #WhatLiftsYou.
This mural was made possible with the help of many sponsors, including Remarkable, INC. — a philanthropic nonprofit focused on Niles.
Buchanan
BUCHANAN BMX WORLD CHAMPION MURAL
117 N. Red Bud Trail, Buchanan
In 2020, Buchanan locals gathered for a watch party as one of their own, Hannah Roberts, competed in the summer Olympics. She won the silver medal. She has also claimed BMX World Champion titles in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The mural, completed by artist Jeff Zimmerman in 2022, shows Roberts completing a 360-degree tail whip. She was the first woman in the world to do so in competition. The mural is on the north wall of Honor Credit Union — stop by and take your photo in front of a local and global legend.
BUCHANAN DISTRICT LIBRARY MURAL
Buchanan’s first-generation history is preserved in this mural thanks to help from the University of Notre Dame. Professor Stanley Sessler, then head of the University’s art department, created a guide map and painted the actual mural panels now displayed in the library’s archives room. Come inside the library to see what life was like when wooden manufacturing was at its height and pioneer railway trains and covered wagons were the only transportation.
MCCOY CREEK TRAIL MURAL
West Smith Street and South Oak Street, Buchanan
This over-10-foot tall mural created by longtime residents Tracy Dippo and Peter Lysy, greets people at the head of the McCoy Creek Trail. It tells the story of McCoy Creek’s importance to the community and the water mills that harnessed its power and brought industry and settlers to the area. On either side of the trail map are panels featuring photographs and text that convey the creek’s and Buchanan’s fascinating history with trail walkers.
Watervliet
SIDETRACK CAFE MURAL
Drive into this small town, turn the corner at the light and the Sidetrack Cafe’s stunning steam-engine train will be barreling toward you. The mural pays tribute to when the Chicago and Michigan Railroad once serviced this historic sawmill town. The artist, Eduardo Mrlaylo Diaz, is renowned for bringing walls to life and this is no exception. A small bench has been added to make picture-taking easier. Then, head into the restaurant for coffee and comfort food.
Dowagiac
WELCOME TO DOWAGIAC MURAL
Inspired by vintage postcards, this mural by Joe Scola showcases imagery associated with the greater Dowagiac area. The letter “D” features golfing, “O” a bonfire, “W” the downtown cityscape, “A” fishing, “G” inland lakes, “I” the city flag and dogwood plants, “A” a Dowagiac runner and Southwestern Michigan College runner running on a local trail, and “C” produce.
STARTING A NEW LIFE: DOWAGIAC’S ORPHAN TRAIN STORY MURAL
You can see this heart-stirring mural on the Pennsylvania Street side of the Dowagiac Post Office. Artist Ruth Andrews captures the history of this compassionate town. Working with a dedicated group of community members, the mural memorializes the journey of the first Orphan Train Riders (14 boys), arriving from the harsh streets in New York to a new beginning in Dowagiac in late September 1854. It is a visual reminder of the town’s ongoing role in providing hope and opportunity to vulnerable children.
Cassopolis
FRED ATKINSON CHEVY DEALERSHIP MURAL
132 N. Rowland St., Cassopolis
Ruth Andrews restored this mural on the Cass County Building. Originally painted by Dowagiac artist Jerry Schlundt in 2007, the mural lets you look through the “window” of the 1950 Fred Atkinson Chevy car dealership showroom that used to be housed in the building.
SANCTUARY AND DELIVERANCE MURAL
This downtown Cassopolis four-panel mural by artist Ruth Andrews portrays the 1847 Kentucky Raid. It starts with the freedom seekers crossing the Ohio River then the Kentucky slave catchers entering a cabin to take "their property" back to Kentucky. That’s followed by the Quakers and other abolitionists confronting the slave catchers at O'Dell’s Mill in Vandalia. It ends with the freedom seekers testifying against the slave catchers in court — unheard of at the time — and jubilance when the magistrate found in favor of them on a technicality. You can read more about this extraordinary Underground Railroad story at the mural site.
WELCOME TO CASSOPOLIS
Corner of State and Broadway Streets, Cassopolis
This mural welcomes you as you enter town with its images of Stone and Diamond Lakes on a cloudscape. The artist, Chris Stackowicz, encourages you to pose in front of the mural's streetscape and become a part of the artwork and the community.
Edwardsburg
EDWARDSBURG “ALL ABOARD!” MURAL
69060 Elkhart Road, Edwardsburg
The City of Edwardsburg set out to improve the railroad that runs through town. This mural makes the town’s historic mill a bright spot with its blue skies, rolling hills, houses, a train and the depot that used to be in Edwardsburg. Illinois-based artist Brett Whitacre honored the various nonprofit organizations and donors throughout the mural by adding silhouettes and their names on train cars, an airplane banner and even downtown-style forefronts.
Vandalia
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORICAL MARKER MURAL
Vandalia is proud of its role as a station on the Underground Railroad and the role it played in helping nine freedom seekers during the 1847 Kentucky Raid. This mural is on one of the park’s garages. It is based on artwork created in the 1990s by Vandalia native Diriki Mose and was enlarged to the size of a building by Mural Makers of New Jersey, making it visible to visitors and passersby. The mural shows Vandalians welcoming the freedom seekers to their community and the symbolic North Star leading the way.
Plan Your Mural Tour and Stay
Look through the choices above to plan your day of mural hunting. Visit our Planning a Trip page for more fun activities and book your stay with us. All our hotels are an easy drive (sometimes only a walk away) from our murals. We're excited to see which murals you share as your favorites on social media!