Dowagiac

The Grand Old City of Southwest Michigan

As you travel through Southwest Michigan, make your way to Dowagiac and the neighboring multi-lake community of Sister Lakes. Steeped in history and natural beauty, these two communities have welcomed entrepreneurs, farmers, artists and outdoor enthusiasts for centuries.

Dowagiac’s streets are lined with well-preserved Victorian-era stone mansions, historic downtown buildings and shops and outdoor art by renowned sculptors and regional artists. Near Sister Lakes there’s a fun family farm that celebrates bountiful harvests. Or take a paddling adventure on the Dowagiac River that chases away your stresses.

Discover below, the many reasons to return to this Grand Old City all year.

Where Is Dowagiac

Dowagiac is the only city in rural Cass County. It is southeast of Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, east of Berrien Springs and north of Granger, Indiana. From I-94, take Exit 29 and follow Pipestone Road to M-62. From Granger, take IN-23 north to M-62 and follow several roads through the beautiful countryside to M-51/M-62.

Reaching Sister Lakes from Benton Harbor/St. Joseph is easy. Follow Napier Avenue east, continue on 92nd Avenue and turn right on Sister Lakes Road (CR-690).

Headquarters of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

One of Dowagiac’s sources of pride is its Native American heritage. The name of the city comes from the Potawatomi word for Ndowathoyék (Ndo-wa-jo-yék) meaning a place for harvesting, gathering or foraging. It reflected the region’s abundance of wild game, fruits and medicinal herbs.

The residents of the Pokagon Band are descendants of the earliest settlers in the Potawatomi villages that once lined the St. Joseph, Paw Paw and Kalamazoo Rivers in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana. In the 1830s, during the forced removal of Indigenous tribes from their ancestral lands, the Pokagon Band was the only Potawatomi granted permission by the United States government to remain in Michigan.

As the original stewards of this land, Pokagon citizens have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the region’s culture and economy. They remain deeply committed to preserving their language, art, dance, song and storytelling — vital expressions of their enduring identity and heritage.

The tribe invites you to share in its culture and traditions

The best way to experience the rich history, traditions and culture of the Pokagon Band is to attend their annual Pow Wows or explore the exhibits at the Dowagiac Area History Museum. Each year, tribal citizens warmly welcome the public to two vibrant, family-friendly gatherings at Rodgers Lake Campground:

Ggaténmamen Gdankobthegnanêk Pow Wow, which translates to “we are honoring the ones we’re tied to through generations.” It is held each year during the Memorial Day Weekend. Grand Entries and food and craft vendors are available Saturday and Sunday.
Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Pow Wow, which celebrates the end of the huckleberry harvest. It is held during the Labor Day Weekend and gathers tribes from all over North America for the best indigenous dancing and singing in the region. Be awed by the Grand Entries on Saturday and Sunday. Taste traditional Native American foods and find jewelry, artwork and crafts from local vendors. Bring cash, as some vendors do not accept credit cards.

Canoes pulled up on to the shore of a river.

Popular Things to Do in Dowagiac

Play Outdoors All Year

Paddling is a premier outdoor passion. The Dowagiac River and the nearby Sister Lakes — 10 freshwater inland lakes within a five to six-mile radius — are a paddlers’ paradise. For a 1.5-hour paddle on the Dowagiac River, launch from the wetlands at the head of the river off Dowagiac Dutch Settlement Road and return there. To rent a kayak or canoe, visit Doe-Wah-Jack’s Canoe Rental — they also offer 2-, 4- and 6-hour paddling trips.

Whether you are chasing thrills or seeking tranquility, the inland lakes near Dowagiac offer the best of both worlds. Boating, waterskiing, tubing, sailing, jet skiing and paddling are all favorite summer pastimes in the Sister Lakes, Twin Lakes and Indian Lake communities. Rent a boat from a local marina and spend the day on the water — anchoring at the Round Lake or Magician Lake sandbars for hours of swimming and refreshing fun. Put your hectic life on pause watching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Once here, you will be in no hurry to leave.

Bringing your watercraft? You can easily access the water from several public boat ramps in the Dowagiac area.

Be active at nearby parks.

You and your kids won’t need much nudging to put down the digital screens and go play outside in and around Dowagiac. These parks are four-season favorites for all ages.

Fred Russ Forest County Park and Newton Woods are some of the most visited natural areas. There are four miles of hiking, equestrian and cross-country ski trails, a canoe/kayak landing and in-season fishing on Dowagiac Creek, a Class-A trout fishing stream. Novices to experienced anglers enjoy catching brown, brook and rainbow trout in this serene setting. There are picnic areas and a playground, too.
Arthur Dodd Memorial Park features a one-mile hiking trail and a family picnic and play area. Dowagiac Creek also runs through this park, offering opportunities for bird-watching, observing wildlife and seasonal fly fishing on this Class-A trout fishing stream.
Rotary Park, a 10-acre park off Riverside Drive, is your destination for softball fields, skateboard ramps and a shaded picnic and playground area. It also serves as a trailhead for the eight miles of walking and cross-country skiing trails in the Rudolphi Woods and Rudolphi Wildlife Refuge.
Russom Park is a top choice for family outings and meeting friends. Its 18 lush and sprawling acres host youth soccer, softball and football teams. Or challenge each other to a round of disc golf, walk and bike the trails or enjoy the universally accessible playground area and picnic.

More parks to visit:

Catch and release or reel in tasty fish for dinner

Anglers love wetting their lines on the Dowagiac area’s inland lakes, including when ice hardens the water in winter. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports anglers can keep or release black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, longnose gar, Northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, warmouth, yellow bullhead, yellow perch and walleye.

You must carry a current Michigan fishing license on Michigan lakes and waterways. Purchase one at a local bait shop or online at the Michigan DNR website.

Elevate your game on picturesque golf courses

Whether you want to practice your swing or book a group outing, hone your skills on these rolling-hill public courses:

Hampshire Country Club: 36 championship-level holes and a weekend restaurant and lounge.
Dogwood Trails: 18 beautiful wooded fairways — this course is a shot maker, sporty and charismatic.
Indian Lake Hills Golf Course: The 27 holes on tree-lined watered fairways is a golfer’s dream come true. The mature dogwood trees, wide open areas, tight approaches, ponds and orchards demonstrate why this is a gorgeous area to play from spring to early fall.

A visitor looking at a display at the Heddon Museum.

Discover Local Arts, History and Shops

THEATER

The Beckwith Theatre was built in the 19th century with funds from Dowagiac’s renowned Round Oak Furnace Company founded by entrepreneur Philo Beckwith in the mid-1800s. In its early golden years, the theater attracted an impressive array of national talent. Lillian Russel sang arias here and in 1911, John Philip Sousa directed a rousing performance of "The 1812 Overture" and his own "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Today, regional talent takes to the stage performing classical and contemporary plays and improv. You will rise to your feet applauding wildly at the end of every show.

ART

Art lovers are surprised by the public SculpTour in the city. Fifteen abstract and realistic sculptures appear throughout the community, the stunning handiwork of national artists such as Richard Hunt, Rosetta, John Mishler, Fritz Olsen, Nina Akamu and others.

Or take the Southwest Michigan Murals Challenge. Submit selfies of you or your family in front of the “Welcome to Dowagiac” and “Orphan Train” murals using the Visit Southwest Michigan app. When you add photos taken in front of 10 murals, you can earn prizes!

MUSIC

When in town, check the arts calendar at Southwest Michigan College. The Dale A. Lyons building presents visual and performing arts including live theater, musicals and vocal concerts featuring SMC’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Show/Jazz Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Community Chorale.

INDOOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Sunshine, rain or snow, children, teens and adults will be in their element at Nitro Zone, Dowagiac’s new family entertainment center. Immerse in the Zone to play arcade games, laser tag, bowling, axe throwing, billiards — and, how cool is this — an indoor Twisting Fury rollercoaster. A restaurant, drinks and party packages are available, too. This is one place you won’t hear, “I’m bored!”

MUSEUMS

Fascinating stories come to life in the exhibits at the Dowagiac Area History Museum. Highlights include exhibits about the:

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, artifacts, art and a full-size wigwam
Underground Railroad
Sister Lakes, resorts and Camp Fitch
Locals who made history: Edward Lowe, inventor of Kitty Litter; Captain Iven C. Kincheloe, early space pioneer; Chris Taylor, 1972 Olympics Bronze Medalist; Charles Smith, African-American inventor and others.
Round Oak Stoves, Furnace City and Heddon fishing tackle.

Heddon Museum is a small museum dedicated to preserving the history and impact of James Heddon’s Sons fishing tackle company. The exhibits will fascinate history buffs and anglers alike with exhibits about fishing lures, rods, reels and other tackles. A favorite exhibit is the workshop featuring lure manufacturing tools and equipment used to manufacture fishing lures as well as a display of the different techniques used to create intricate lures by hand.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Plan a girls’ weekend, a solo retreat or explore downtown shops with your traveling companion. Locals recommend Cottage Gallery, Quilted Oak Leaf, Oh My Old Made New, Flowers By Anna and Rosy Tomorrows.

Create Happy Memories on the Farm

The land has always played a big role in Dowagiac. Give your children a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and let them have a blast while learning. Spragues Family Fun Farm is a must-visit during harvest seasons from July through October. Visit the market for fresh fruits, vegetables, cider, decorative gourds and Indian corn, homemade pies and fresh-baked loaves of bread. In the fall, join your kids for a memory-making hayride to pick crisp, juicy apples or find your own pumpkin to carve. Start a tradition that will repeat for generations.

A kid with an ice cream cone.

Where to Eat & Drink

Whether you are bringing together family or friends, searching for a special date-night destination or just want a good cup of coffee and a filling breakfast — there’s a restaurant or brewery ready to make you happy. Here are recommendations from residents.

The Baker's Rhapsody: This coffee shop has the best iced coffee in all of Southwest Michigan. Additionally, their pastries are out of this world. Locals rave about the Blueberry Coffee Cake. You won’t be disappointed with your favorite choices — everything is made fresh and in-house.
Caruso’s Candy & Soda Shop: This is one place in Dowagiac’s history you will be happy is still going strong and looking much the same as it has for 100-plus years! Although you can no longer get your favorite sundae for 10 cents, much of the menu remains the same. So, treat yourself to an ice cream treat, old-fashioned ice cream soda or handmade phosphate. And yes, ice cream is as delicious in January as in July!
Dockside Dining & Drinks: Waterfront views paired with beers, cocktails, starters, handhelds, burgers, pizzas, wings, entrees and more.
Driftwood Summer Shop: For 75 years, Driftwood has been delighting families, friends and people seeking a date-destination. There are a dozen ice cream flavors, arcade games, Sister Lakes clothing, toys, sunglasses and now breakfast choices, coffee, smoothies and specialty lattes.
Lakeview Inn: The inn’s name tells you the view and the menu will satisfy your cravings for a burger, pasta, walleye, perch, whitefish, pizza, taco Tuesdays and jumbo shrimp baskets. Live music goes with its lake-living vibe.
Mr. Wahoo’s Eatery: For an affordable, family-style restaurant, this is the place to go. The staff keeps your coffee cup steaming and the kitchen staff loads your plates with diner favorites.
Propaganda Pizza: Want a made-from-scratch dough pizza with vegan, gluten-free, local ingredients and traditional options? Head to Propaganda — you will like their fun attitude.
Sister Lakes Brewing Company: Whether you come on your own, with family and friends or as a couple on a lighthearted date night, you will be warmly welcomed year-round at this family-friendly brewery and restaurant. Choose from their list of award-winning craft beers or order from a menu of scratch-made appetizers, salads and sandwiches featuring unique BBQ meats and seasonal vegetables — the chef uses mostly local ingredients so you can taste the freshness difference.
Watch their social media pages for their upcoming entertainment — live music, stand-up comedy, trivia and euchre nights, classes and workshops. In the summertime, hang out in one of the two outdoor biergartens. As a bonus, this brewery is on the Makers Trail, so present your Passport to earn prizes.
The Strand Brewery & Kitchen: The food is wonderful and the view (especially of the sunsets) overlooking Round Lake is even better. Sip and savor craft beers, cocktails and wines with starters, salads, brewpub handhelds, entrees, sides and a kids menu.
Tienda y Taqueria Del Rey: This family-owned Mexican taqueria and grocery store is known for its Tacos de Camarón, birria tacos and classic street-style options. Creative dishes like Birria Ramen and Carne Asada Fries add even more reason to stop by.
Timberline Inn: Its beautiful wooded setting is unique to the area offering a fine dining destination for intimate date nights, special celebrations or casual meals with friends. The chef uses local ingredients as often as possible while keeping top-quality steaks, seafood, ribs and more favorites on the menu. Entrees, soups, bread, dressings, sauces and desserts are made in-house.
Wood Fire: This cozy Italian trattoria embodies Dowagiac’s love of its history. Housed in a building that’s 150+ years old, the restaurant prepares most of its food in one of the city’s only remaining wood-fired ovens. You will love the ambiance as much as the food. It is ranked by locals and travelers as one of the warmest and most inviting spots for miles around. An extensive wine, beer and cocktail list, antipasti selections, salads, pizzas, entrees and jumbo wings will entice you to return. Need a place to celebrate a special occasion or host a meeting? The private Pompeii Room accommodates up to 60 guests.
Wounded Minnow Saloon: A lively downtown Dowagiac destination, it serves a wide range of craft beers, wines and cocktails along with its broad menu selections including pizza, calzones, wings, sandwiches and burgers. Watch its events page for upcoming popular parties, trivia nights and Drinksgiving gatherings.

Horse-drawn carriage rides at an event.

Attend These Annual Events & Festivals

Every season has reasons to celebrate in Dowagiac. For updates, visit the Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar.

SPRING

Dowagiac Weather

Dowagiac is a four-season destination. April through mid-May are when warm breezes and orchard blossoms make spring a favorite time to hike or take driving tours through the countryside. The warmest weather for paddling, swimming, boating and fishing is from late May to early September. For jewel-colored leaves and bountiful farm markets, visit from September through October. And if you love to ice fish, cross-country ski or snowshoe, visit in January and February.

Winter is snowy and mostly cloudy; January and February are the snowiest months. Average temperatures: 18°F to 36°F.
Spring starts cold and windy and ends wonderfully warm. Average temperatures: 26°F to 73°F.
Summer is warm and the skies are sunny to partly cloudy. Average temperatures: 73°F to 81°F. July and August are the warmest months.
Fall starts warm and ends chilly and windier. Average temperatures: 42°F to 77°F.

Places to Stay

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 enhance your vacation.

Book a room today