Heritage Tour in Southwest Michigan
This two-day, self-guided trip encourages you to engage with the history of Berrien County and experience some of our best restaurants along the way. Some of the restaurants also double as Makers Trail destinations. These stops specifically were among the first in their area of expertise in Southwest Michigan and blazed the trail for dozens of others to follow.
Day 1: Our past
Learn the history behind some of our most famous buildings that have been restored and repurposed today, and support the businesses now inside of them!
St. Joseph Range Light
(Approximately 1 hour)
Constructed in the early 1900s and restored in 2016, the range lights are a popular destination year round. Frequently featured on the news, especially in the winter when crashing waves adorn them with ice, these lights are undoubtedly the most visited and photographed structures in Southwest Michigan. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the lights: a stroll along the beach at Tiscornia Park, a walk on the pier up close to them and seasonally, you can even take a tour and climb the tower of the inner light.
80 Ridgeway St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Water Street Glassworks
(Approximately ½ hour)
This studio, gallery and school is dedicated to glass and metal arts. It is housed in the restored Hinkley Block (circa 1898) and is one of the pioneer sites that revitalized this section now known as the Benton Harbor Arts District. Visitors are invited to overlook the school's “hot shop” and watch students and artists glassblowing and casting. Check online the Glassworks’ seasonal catalogs for a wide range of classes and workshops.
The Livery
(Approximately 1 hour)
This former early-1900s horse stable opened as Berrien County’s oldest dedicated brewery in 2005. It serves almost 80 different beers annually. The Livery has a growing reputation for its barrel-aged and sour beers, delicious pizza and sandwiches.
190 5th St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
North Berrien Historical Museum
(Approximately 1 hour)
This museum complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of this region’s development as an agricultural community and resort destination. Long before that, Native Americans called the area home, and still do to this day. Permanent and rotating exhibits bring to life rural schools, resident life and businesses. Check the museum’s website for special children’s programs, seasonal events and musical entertainment.
300 Coloma Ave.
Coloma, MI 49038
St. Julian Winery
(Approximately 1 hour)
St. Julian is Michigan's oldest, largest and most awarded winery. This family-owned winery, founded by Mariano Meconi in 1921, is nestled in the picturesque fruit-growing region along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. You can even tour the facility to learn more about their history and wine-making process.
Houndstooth
(Approximately 2 hours)
Houndstooth is a New American restaurant and bar situated in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Sibling-chef team James and Cheyenne Galbraith answered a local long-time desire, creating something new and fun, a restaurant that is casual but elevated. Houndstooth provides a vibrant alternative to your typical dining experience with an open-kitchen concept and delicious shareable and big plates.
132 Pipestone St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Past meets present-day Southwest Michigan
Learn the history behind some of our most famous buildings that have been restored and repurposed today, and support the businesses now inside of them!
Mason Jar Cafe
(Approximately 1½ hours)
Popular with visitors, locals, foodies and families, The Mason Jar Cafe will please any palate. Everything is made from scratch with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. With an extensive menu to accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free tastes, this funky cafe is not to be missed.
210 Water St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Jean Klock Park
(Approximately 1 hour)
This park was designed by Jens Jensen, a Danish-American architect who played a big role in the Chicago Renaissance. His work focused on conservation. Jensen’s priority was to protect the dunes at Jean Klock Park. This is one of the most beautiful, lesser-used beaches in Southwest Michigan. It includes swimming, an observation trail up the dunes, marsh and interdunal wetlands.
Jean Klock Blvd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant
(Approximately 2 hours)
This was the first Michigan winery to commercially plant and harvest European-style grapes, a decision that transformed our state’s wine industry. Take a guided tour of the winery and vineyards while tasting wines along the way. Lunch overlooking the vineyards is a must. Chef-crafted menus feature the freshest, seasonal ingredients, many from local farms.
185 Mt Tabor Rd.
Buchanan, MI 49107
Round Barn Winery & Estate
(Approximately 1 hour)
This unique tasting room is located in a round post-and-beam bank barn (circa 1912). It was disassembled at its original site in northern Indiana and reconstructed on its current site in Baroda. Here you can enjoy samples of their handcrafted wines, beers or spirits and bring back a logo glass to add to your collection.
10983 Hills Rd.
Baroda, MI 49101
Shawnee Road Antiques
(Approximately 1 hour)
Shawnee Road Antiques features thousands of antiques with three big buildings to explore! Find relics from our history and treasure them in your home.
638 E Shawnee Rd.
Baroda, MI 49101
Staymaker Restaurant at Journeyman Distillery
(Approximately 2 hours)
Journeyman Distillery's full-service, family-friendly, restaurant offers an inventive twist on classic dishes, all served in the artfully restored, historic Featherbone Factory (circa 1883) in Three Oaks. The adjacent Journeyman Distillery is a Southwest Michigan pioneer in handcrafting artisan whiskey, gin, rum, vodka and brandy. Be sure to book a tour of Journeyman’s grain-to-glass process and tasting.
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.
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