Lakeshore Art Tours
This area has a love affair with the arts. We are home to some of the region’s most talented artisans. Your lakeshore art tours start in the bohemian Benton Harbor Arts District.
Day 1: Gallery hopping and DIY art
Inspire yourself with the work of local, regional and national artists, then try your hand at making something of your very own to take home.
Water Street Glassworks
(Approximately 1 hour)
This unique gallery showcases the fire arts: blown glass, stained glass and metalwork. Browse through the gallery. Sign up to learn the ancient art of glass bead making.
Take Main Street in Benton Harbor south to Whitwam Drive (a 10-minute drive) to enjoy lunch at Plank’s Tavern on the Water.
140 Water St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Plank’s Tavern
(Approximately 2 hours)
Enjoy exciting, fresh brunch and lunch finds! While you’re here, enjoy The Inn Art Program featuring local artists showcased in Harbor Village’s public and private spaces. Pop up the spiral staircase before you leave to see the Gallery at Harbor Shores, which also features a rotation of select Michigan artists.
800 Whitwam Dr.
St Joseph, MI 49085
Box Factory for the Arts
(Approximately ½ hour to 45 minutes)
Most of the three floors in this 55,000-square-foot brick building are dedicated to working artist studios, galleries, a gift shop and performance stage. Admission: free.
1101 Broad St.
St Joseph, MI 49085
Krasl Art Center
(Approximately 1 to 2 hours)
The American Association of Museums has accredited this visual arts center overlooking Lake Michigan. Enjoy artwork of national and international artists in three galleries. Exhibits change about every two months. Self-guided (all year) and guided (summer) walking tours of nearby sculptures are available. If you’re in the area the weekend after July 4, Krasl’s Art Fair on the Bluff is nationally recognized and a must-see. Krasl Art Center Admission: donation appreciated.
We recommend closing your day at one of the best restaurants to watch a sunset at.
707 Lake Blvd.
St Joseph, MI 49085
Grande Mere Inn
(Approximately 1 to 2 hours)
Situated atop the Covert Ridge in Stevensville, Grande Mere Inn serves up incredible views of Lake Michigan sunsets. This local dining classic, operating since 1980, serves upscale seafood, steaks and more in a cozy, cottage-style dining room. Hope you can linger for an awesome sunset!
5800 Red Arrow Hwy.
Stevensville, MI 49127
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Gallery hopping and DIY art
Inspire yourself with the work of local, regional and national artist, then try your hand at making something of your very own to take home.
Chartreuse
(Approximately ½ hour)
Peruse this artist-owned and operated art gallery in downtown St. Joseph on the shore of Lake Michigan. You’ll find art by more than 20 local artists who are experts at their craft. Choose from beautiful jewelry, photography, ceramics, glass, watercolors, wood and textiles. Come in and find a perfect gift or one-of-a-kind souvenir. New things are added every week!
304 State St.
St Joseph, MI 49085
Urban Garage Market
(Approximately ½ hour to 3 hours)
Shop vintage, modern and handmade finds at this artsy boutique, or spend some time in their workshop to create your own piece. Their DIY classes vary in length and price, so you can find the perfect fit.
807 Lester Ave.
St Joseph, MI 49085
Happy Poochie Eatery
(Approximately 45 minutes)
Fuel your pooch at this gourmet sandwich shop full of lunchtime freshness! Their delicious plates are determined to satisfy whatever your craving may be. Try classic deli sandwiches like their hot ham and swiss, or mix it up with the Greek a Pita featuring melted provolone on a pita with dill dressing, feta, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, lettuce and tomato. Happy Poochie’s menu has something for everyone! Their soups and salads are filling, too. Make sure to check their hours first. This location is closed on weekends.
325 W Main St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
JLN Studio
(Approximately 2 hours)
You’ll have a blast painting and creating something! No experience is necessary to take a class at JLN’s downtown Stevensville location and all supplies are included in the cost. Cost varies by class.
Golden Muse Winery
(Approximately ½ hour)
Golden Muse Winery celebrates the free-spirited lifestyle of the golden age of Paris. Enjoy vegan friendly wines served in a steampunk-style tasting room with an art gallery.
8903 Stevensville-Baroda Rd.
Baroda, MI 49101
Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan provides a place to nurture the arts by offering quality educational programs for all ages, as well as gallery exhibits, sales opportunities and a gift shop that support the featured artists and their classes. You can either shop around, view the galleries or take a class in one of several mediums! Admission: Donations encouraged.
117 W Front St.
Buchanan, MI 49107
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 before ending your tour.
15475 Walton Rd.
Buchanan, MI 49107
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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