Cannabis and nature itinerary
Southwest Michigan’s Cannabis Collective, the Natural Route, is all about remedy and relaxation. While several states have not legalized recreational cannabis consumption, Michigan has. And lucky for several of our visitors in other states, we are a close enough drive that you can explore this industry’s products with ease. However, it is illegal to cross state lines with cannabis products — so take advantage of our booming tourism business and make a two-day trip out of it. Follow this self-guided itinerary which helps you dabble in sightseeing, enjoying nature and of course, relaxing with cannabis products.
Disclaimer: You must consume your cannabis products in private and not on public property. Additionally, there is no smoking allowed in hotels. Cannabis consumption and purchase is limited to those 21 and up in Michigan. Please have a designated, sober driver with you on this trip!
Day 1: St. Joseph & Benton Harbor
Explore the nature and dispensaries of Southwest Michigan’s twin cities.
Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails
(Approximately 2-3 hours)
Get waterfront views and see wildlife along the 12 miles that make up this free trail system in Benton Harbor. These paved hiking and biking trails take you through the Harbor Shores Golf Course, along the Paw Paw River, Ox Creek and the St. Joseph River, across wetlands and up the dunes for a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. Be mindful of the golfers you pass in spring through fall. You can either walk these trails or bike them! Bikes are available for rental from The Inn at Harbor Shores.
417 Champions Way
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Paw Paw River paddling
(Approximately 2-3 hours)
If biking doesn’t sound appealing, rent a kayak and journey down the Paw Paw River trail instead. This 65-mile water trail starts in the Village of Paw Paw and ends where it joins the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor. It traverses a large floodplain, through a forest corridor, making for a peaceful few hours. You can often spot wildlife in the mornings! Put in at Third Coast Paddling at 601 Graham Ave. in Benton Harbor.
601 Graham Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
NOBO Goods
(Approximately 1 hour)
NOBO operates some of Southwest Michigan's leading provisioning centers, offering both medical and recreational cannabis products. Their movement and business revolves around an educational retail experience that encourages a more progressive understanding of cannabis.
Grab your preferred products and ask about special deals! Get 10% off and choose either a NOBO preroll or pack of gummies for a penny with your first purchase. Then go to your hotel to consume or a private place to smoke. Always make sure to have a designated driver for the next stop.
Jean Klock Park
(Approximately 2-3 hours)
Once you have had a chance to indulge in your purchases, have your designated driver take you to Jean Klock Park. Your only responsibility is to lay on the soft sand and soak up the sun!
Jean Klock Blvd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Dinner: Silver Beach Pizza
(Approximately 1 hour)
A family-owned Italian restaurant located near the beach, their pizza is a local favorite. Silver Beach Pizza also offers tall, frosty glasses of beer, a full bar and a unique view of passing trains and beautiful Lake Michigan. Once you finish dinner, catch the sunset from Lake Bluff Park before heading back to your hotel.
410 Vine St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Niles and New Buffalo
Choose between visiting a provisioning center to purchase and consume privately, again, or visit Southwest Michigan’s first cannabis consumption site. Then explore our woods and a beautiful botanical garden.
Green Stem Provisioning
(Approximately 1 hour)
After breakfast, stop by this Niles provisioning center owned by a husband and wife who are passionate about providing high-quality cannabis products! Check their website in advance for the wait time or to start an order online for pick up. You can also peruse while there, too, with the help of knowledgeable and friendly staff.
1140 S. 11th St. Ste A
Niles, MI 49120
Rolling Embers
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
Home to Southwest Michigan’s first consumption site for recreational cannabis, you can consume your purchases in public as soon as you pay! Choose whichever provisioning center experience you prefer.
19279 Kinst Rd.
New Buffalo, MI 49117
Fernwood Botanical Garden
(Approximately 2 hours)
Fernwood is a special place where people, plants and nature come together. Beautiful gardens surrounded by forest are tucked into a landscape of 105 acres of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley. Fernwood's nature preserve, with its tall trees, tranquil ponds, abundant springs and carpets of wildflowers, is a magical place that draws people back continuously. Trails provide access to all parts of the preserve, allowing visitors to see a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife.
13988 Range Line Rd.
Niles, MI 49120
River Saint Joe
(Approximately 1 hour)
River Saint Joe is a unique farmstead brewery and restaurant at Flatwater Farms, an organic farm and hop yard in Southwest Michigan. They create organic and farm-focused beer and thoughtfully crafted, seasonally inspired dishes. Experience the beauty of the land and its harvest for lunch.
15475 Walton Rd.
Buchanan, MI 49107
Galien River County Park
(Approximately 1½ hours)
Composed of upland & wetland habitats, this nature park features a 300' Canopy Walkway that leads to a 60'-high Marsh Overlook Tower and a 600'-long Marsh Boardwalk that leads to a river viewing and fishing platform. Both of these major features are accessible via hard surfaced, barrier-free hiking trails. Evening visits offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Ghost Isle Brewery
(Approximately 1½ hours)
After your park visit, stop down the road at Ghost Isle Brewery for good food and drinks! While you’re there, ask about some of the rumored supernatural activity on the adjoining Ghost Island that gave the brewery its name.
17684 U.S. 12
New Buffalo, MI 49117
Thanks for joining us!
We hope you enjoyed your travels throughout Southwest Michigan. Check out other trips that you can take on our itineraries page.
Find More Idea Starters