Baroda

Trailhead for the Makers Trail

With 40+ wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries along the Southwest Michigan Makers Trail, visitors often wonder where to begin their tasting adventure. Start in the Village of Baroda! This charming rural town is just moments — sometimes a few steps — away from some of the region’s finest craft beverage destinations.

But Baroda offers so much more than just exceptional sips. It’s home to the Third of July Fireworks (locals claim the aerial display is tops in the region) and the festive Christmas in the Village. When you visit, discover mouthwatering restaurants to satisfy everyone’s cravings, outdoor art, live music venues and the must-shop Baroda City Mill.

Founded in the 1830s by Michael B. Houser, Baroda was originally named “Houser” after its founder. Mr. Houser fueled the town’s growth by offering free land to new businesses. When the post office opened in 1890, the town changed its name to Baroda, inspired by a city in India — though the reason remains a mystery.

Where Is Baroda

Baroda is in central Berrien County, five miles northeast of Bridgman. It’s amid rolling hills, lush vineyards, award-winning wineries, bountiful orchards and acres of golden grain. Access it from I-94 (Exit 16 Bridgman) or St. Joseph via S. Cleveland Avenue.

Things to Do in Baroda

Baroda is small, but it is big on bringing locals and visitors together. Add these fun things to your plans.

Golden Muse Winery

Find Your Favorite Craft Beverages at Eight Makers Trail Stops

Baroda Founders: Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your wine journey, the winemaker invites you to explore, taste and indulge in this cellar’s selection of award-winning wines. From robust reds to crisp whites and everything in between, there is something for every palate. Not sure what to taste, ask. This staff loves to share its knowledge with wine lovers.

Chill Hill Winery: Get ready to feel carefree when you walk into this tropical paradise. Wash away your worries with its award-winning wines, oh-so-good hard ciders, specialty drinks and new slushy flavors every week. Chillin’ is what they do best.

Dablon Vineyards & Winery: This winery’s globally inspired, locally made vintages are created from 17 varietals. The 30 different wines include surprises such as Malbec and Petit Verdot. Dablon hand-plants and hand-nurtures each plant in its estate vineyard.

The winery was recently named among USA Today’s 10Best Tasting Rooms in the country and Midwest Living Magazine’s Best Winery. Savor every sip with friends and family on the terrace, taking in vineyard views, or cozy up by the beautiful fireplace. Throughout the year, they offer tours, barrel tastings, wine dinners and live music — and in winter, snowshoeing.

Golden Muse Winery: This is one of Michigan’s newest women-owned wineries and it’s a thrill for both wine and art lovers. The winery, tasting room and art gallery replicate the free-spirited lifestyle of the turn-of-the-century Golden Age of Paris. Sip delicious wines and specialty drinks in the Steampunk-styled tasting room, peruse their world-class collection of art and kick back on the patio overlooking scenic Lemon Creek.

Gravity: The winemaker and staff believe the experience of enjoying the wine is as important as the wine itself. So, they specialize in serving signature flights and palate pairings from their selection of wines and ciders throughout the year and refreshing sippers during the summer. What elevates the tasting experience is the indoor tasting room and covered warm-weather deck overlooking the vineyards and private lake. The view is stunning.

Red Top Winery: Have you ever had wine on tap? That’s one of the standout experiences at this eco-friendly craft winery. Because they serve their wines from kegs in their tasting room, it prevents empty bottles from going into the landfill. It also expands your choices of what you can try, including vintages you have never tasted before. If you enjoy sparkling wines, you will love how they found a way to keep your selections bubbly.

Round Barn Winery & Estate: You won’t want to miss visiting this winery renowned throughout the region for its iconic Amish round barn and its exceptional selection of award-winning wines and craft beers. The newest experience on the estate is the Bourbon Barn which serves the finest spirits and exciting handcrafted cocktails plus offers exclusive events such as the Cigar + Bourbon nights. Come for Round Barn’s live music, seasonal events and special gathering spaces, including private cabanas.

For a memorable, year-round experience, sip your favorite craft beverages as you hike or snowshoe in winter, the Mt. Tabor Trails through the scenic vineyards and woods between Round Barn and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. You will quickly see why this is a repeat destination.

Round Barn Brewery & Public House: Go downtown and spend time with family or friends enjoying a rotating selection of expertly crafted beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, paired perfectly with pub fare and live music. Special events will bring you back throughout the year — a favorite is watching Baroda’s Third of July Fireworks in their beer garden.

Baroda Founders Winery

Take the Makers Trail Passport Challenge and Earn Prizes

One of the best reasons to visit Baroda from September through April is to take the Makers Trail Passport Challenge. When you arrive at each Makers Trail stop, check in by opening the Visit Southwest Michigan app and scanning each destination’s QR code. The more Passport check-ins you complete along the Makers Trail, the more reward levels you can reach. Visitors have earned new collectible prizes for years — join in the fun!

Where to Dine

Besides at several of Baroda’s wineries and breweries, you cater to every taste at these family-friendly choices:

Baroda Pizza Co.: Inside the Baroda Party Store (stocked with everything you need for a picnic, backyard BBQ or celebration), this beloved pizzeria serves some of the best pizzas and wings you will ever taste. Their warm hospitality and friendly service will keep you coming back when you’re in the area.

TJ’s Baroda Tap and Grille: The spacious horseshoe bar and dining room have a cool, modern vibe. Regulars rave about its Classic Smashburger, but you and your traveling companions won’t be disappointed with the appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, baskets and specials. There’s a solid selection of local beers, too.

Two Parks for Playing and Unwinding

Baroda has two beautiful parks for solo and group enjoyment.

Baroda Village Park features tennis courts, basketball courts, playground equipment and a pavilion. In the summer, it’s the perfect place to relax on the fourth Sunday in June, July and August during “Music in the Park” from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pack snacks or a picnic (non-alcoholic beverages only). There are picnic tables or bring chairs or a blanket. You will find Village Park at 1500 W. Lemon Creek Road along the banks of Hickory Creek.

Baroda Township Park at Hess Lake is a fun place for toddlers to senior adults. It has a fishing pier on the lake, a walking/biking trail, a nature trail, soccer and baseball fields, a toddler playground and two picnic pavilions. The park is at 640 W. Lemon Creek Road and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Farmers Market

Bring Home Flavorful, Fresh-Picked Fruits

Mmmm. There is nothing that compares to the flavor of sun-ripened, farm-fresh fruits in Southwest Michigan. You will find many you-pick farms and markets within minutes of Baroda. But the closest is The Shafer Farm in Baroda where you can you-pick, in season, nine varieties of peaches, 24 varieties of apples, plus Concord and Niagara grapes. The farm has been in the Shafer family for three generations and is open from August through October. Join the many locals and visitors who return year after year to bring home bags and bushels of their favorite fruits for eating, baking and preserving.

Another type of farm and garden experience awaits year-round in the village at the Baroda City Mill. All ages will enjoy this treasure trove of garden decor, garden supplies and seeds, organic plants and gardening advice, bird and animal feeds, candy and much more.

Exterior and mural at Chill Hill Winery.

Love Art? Find It in Baroda.

If you have a passion for art, you can shop in the village for gifts or new additions to your collection at Schaller Gallery and Tabula Rasa Gallery. Schaller Gallery showcases the works of various makers specializing in hand-built porcelain, stoneware, earthenware and more. Tabula Rasa Gallery presents strikingly beautiful photography, mosaic glass and crochet pieces.

Outdoors, visit the village’s first piece of public art, the “Exhausted: sculpture by Jim Small. The piece is constructed of Corvette exhaust pipes that “didn’t make the cut” during assembly at the vehicle plant. It is installed in front of the Baroda Village and Township offices at 9091 First St.

There are also two murals in Baroda. Artist Hilary Burchett’s mural representing the Baroda area is on the north side of Nye’s Autotech and Tire. Look for it on the corner of Hills Road and First Street. Chill Hill Winery has a mural of two ladies chilling with a bottle of wine. It was created by Mexican artist Salvador Rodriguez who also works in the local vineyards.

Join the Mural Challenge and Earn Prizes

Finding Southwest Michigan’s dozens of vibrant murals is fun, but it is even better when you can earn prizes! The Mural Challenge begins October 1 and runs while reward supplies last. 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 asking 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 check in 10 murals, the prizes are yours!

fireworks

Don’t Miss These Family-Friendly Events

As you can tell by all the Makers Trail stops in Baroda, it loves having fun all year round. But it also hosts two Southwest Michigan top events. Join us at:

Third of July Fireworks: Baroda boasts some of the most spectacular fireworks in the Midwest! The Baroda Fire Department puts on an awesome show starting at dusk. Come early, park in the Baroda American Legion fireworks field and bring blankets, chairs and snacks! Be ready to be wowed.

Christmas in the Village: Ho! Ho! Ho! Baroda is the merriest place to be on the first Saturday of December. Bring the whole family to the Baroda American Legion Hall to share wish lists with Santa, do kids' crafts and enjoy food and beverage favorites.

More Nearby Events

Baroda Weather

Baroda’s weather is temperate throughout the year thanks to Lake Michigan to its west. It’s rarely sub-zero cold or over 90 degrees hot. To see our vineyards and orchards drenched in pastel blossoms, drive through Baroda’s farmlands in late April through mid-May — roll down your vehicle windows and breathe in the sweet fragrances. For warm-weather fun, visit from late May through September. And to lift your spirits with vivid fall leaves, take a fall color tour from late September through mid-October. Do you want to snowshoe in the vineyards? The snowiest times are in January and February.

Winter is snowy and mostly cloudy with an average annual snowfall of 76 inches. January is the coldest and snowiest month. Average temperatures: 18°F to 43°F.
Spring starts cold, wet and windy and ends pleasantly warm. Average temperatures: 28°F to 72°F.
Summer is warm, humid and partly cloudy. July is the warmest month. Average temperatures: 55°F to 80°F.
Fall starts warm and ends cold and windy. Average temperatures: 33°F to 77°F.

Where to Stay Near Baroda

With over 25 lodging choices nearby, you will easily find a place that fits your needs. Rooms fill up quickly in the summer, so make reservations early. Or book during the other seasons for the rates and amenities that will help you enjoy more memories.

Book Your Room Today