History & architecture tour in Southwest Michigan
Southwest Michigan has proudly preserved many of its Victorian-era homes, downtown buildings and colorful past. This two-day, self-guided tour will introduce you to the people and events that shaped what and who we are today.
Day 1: Historic turf & surf
Learn about our nautical history and our location along Lake Michigan.
Michigan Maritime Museum
(Approximately 1-3 hours)
Before exploring the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, enjoy a picnic on the grounds or walk to nearby restaurants for lunch. This museum houses permanent and changing exhibits, a center for teaching boatbuilding and related maritime skills and waterfront festivals throughout the summer. But you can also cruise the river on the Lindy Lou, sail Lake Michigan on the replica tall ship Friends Good Will or the recently refurbished Bernida. A fun family event is participating in the Pirate Chaser Adventure Sail.
260 Dyckman Ave.
South Haven, MI 49090
North Berrien Historical Museum
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
This museum complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of this region’s development as an agricultural community and resort destination. Permanent and rotating exhibits bring to life Native American history, rural schools, resident life and businesses including the Paper Mill. Learn in the Print Shop, which contains the original newspaper linotype from the Watervliet Record. Explore farm equipment, lumbering tools and transportation displays used by local farmers. Check the museum website for children’s programs, events and musical entertainment. Activities for all ages and wheelchair accessible. Admission: Donations welcome.
300 Coloma Ave.
Coloma, MI 49038
Houndstooth
(Approximately 1½ -2 hours)
Houndstooth is a New American restaurant situated in the heart of the Arts District of Benton Harbor. Sibling-chef team James and Cheyenne Galbraith offer an area longing for something new and fun, a restaurant that is also casual but elevated. Houndstooth provides a vibrant alternative to your typical dining experience with an open-kitchen concept. Their delicious plates master sweet and savory artfully. This stop is closed Sunday-Monday.
132 Pipestone St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Ancient to modern times in Berrien County
Learn about Southwest Michigan’s agricultural history, explore our architecture and get a blast from our past in the amusement park business — some of our earliest days in tourism.
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center
(Approximately 1 hour)
This museum shares the stories of a history-rich region with special and permanent exhibits. Its research library is open to anyone interested in the history of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor and the Great Lakes region. The museum is fully ADA accessible. It is open Monday-Thursday by appointment and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free admission.
601 Main St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Silver Beach Carousel & Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum
(Approximately 1 hour)
This magnificent hand-carved and hand-painted carousel features 18 rounding boards that tell the area’s story from its native tribal people to current industries and events. It’s the first known carousel to use historic art and photos on its rounding boards! Historic exhibits and hands-on activities in the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum take you back to the days before televisions and computers when families spent summer at the park that once stood on the nearby beach. The museum is free. Please check the website for carousel hours and costs.
333 Broad St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Clementine’s Too
(Approximately 1 hour)
This is a local favorite and don’t be surprised to see a stack of onion rings on every table. Everyone orders them! Also well-known for its perch, wide variety of appetizers and sandwiches.
1235 Broad St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
The History Center at Courthouse Square
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
This is the site of Berrien County’s original county seat and is the Midwest’s oldest surviving county government complex. A free walking tour includes an 1830 log house, 1839 courthouse, 1870 sheriff’s house and 1860/1873 county records and office building. Open all year, it also hosts several special events and programs to enlighten all ages. Free. Please check the website for seasonal hours.
313 N Cass St.
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Andrews University Architecture Resource Center
(Approximately ½ hour)
In addition to housing several important and valuable collections of architectural research materials, this site includes the Environmental Design and Research Association Collection, the most comprehensive in the discipline of environmental behavior as it relates to architecture and design. Free admission, closed on Saturdays.
8975 Old 31
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Andrews University Siegfried H. Horn Museum
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
This is a treasure trove of more than 8,500 artifacts and objects from Bible lands. Seven exhibit halls in all, one includes a life-sized Bedouin tent filled with Jordanian Bedouin antiques. Another exhibit room houses artifacts and models from the days of Jesus. The Egyptian Hall lets you walk into a replica of an Egyptian tomb with a mummified Egyptian Ibis. And another hall houses the largest cuneiform collection in North America. The museum is open 3-5 p.m. on Saturdays and by appointment other days. Free. To set up an appointment, please email horncurator@andrews.edu or call 269-471-6180.
9047 US Highway 31
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Grande Mere Inn
(Approximately 1½ -2 hours)
This local and tourist favorite restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1980. Its cozy, cottage-style dining room offers a stunning view of Lake Michigan and beautiful sunsets.
The menu includes top quality steaks, lake perch, ribs, chicken, duck, and seafood, including Alaskan king crab legs and African lobster tails. Their soups, breads, dressings and sauces are made in house daily, and the chefs avidly support and utilize the local farmers, wineries, and breweries. Very friendly and welcoming.
5800 Red Arrow Hwy.
Stevensville, MI 49127
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