Three Oaks

There’s no place like it

Three Oaks is a one-of-a-kind community with a rich and eclectic history. It’s brought in everyone from the buggy whip and corset makers to whiskey and bourbon distillers, acclaimed actors and musicians, Apple Cider Century cyclists and even national filmmakers.

Start your morning with fresh-baked pastries from a local café. Tour a distillery and test your skills on one of the world’s largest public putting greens in the afternoon. As evening falls, gather around a farm table for a delicious, chef-prepared organic dinner — or catch a live performance in an intimate theater where no two shows are the same. Then return tomorrow to try more of the fun ideas listed below.

How Did Three Oaks Get Its Name

Yes, the town is named after three oak trees. In the mid-1800s, as trains passed through the village, passengers saw a grove of three oak trees next to the tracks. They would say, “There’s the three oaks.” When the post office opened in 1854, the landmark became the town’s name.

While timber played a role in Three Oaks’ economy in the early days, it was turkey feathers that put the village on the map. In 1883, entrepreneur E.K. Warren founded the Warren Featherbone Company, revolutionizing corset designs by replacing rigid whalebone with flexible turkey featherbones. At the height of its success, Three Oaks earned a surprising place alongside fashion capitals like New York, London and Paris!

Where Is Three Oaks

Three Oaks is in southern Berrien County, just a few miles from New Buffalo and Lake Michigan. Along US-12 and east of I-94 exit 4, it sits south of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area. It is an easy stop for travelers from Chicago, Indiana and beyond.

Fun Things to Do

Two people shopping at Journeyman Distillery.

Take a Tasting Tour at an Award-Winning Distillery

A visit to Three Oaks isn’t complete without stopping at Journeyman Distillery, housed in the historic Warren Featherbone Company building. Initially a corset and buggy whip factory in the 1800s, the beautifully restored space now produces certified organic, handcrafted spirits, including whiskey, gin, rum and vodka. Guests can view the working distillery, enjoy tastings and relax with an expertly crafted cocktail. Don’t forget to check in on the Visit Southwest Michigan app as part of the Makers Trail Passport Challenge — it’s a fun way to earn rewards while sipping your way through the region’s best craft beverages.

Have a Blast Playing on One of the World’s Largest Putting Greens

Welter’s Folly is a 30,000-square-foot public putting green at Journeyman. It is one of the largest in the world and the biggest not affiliated with a golf course. Inspired by the Himalayan putting green in St. Andrews, its dramatic mounds provide a fun warm-weather challenge for golfers of all levels. This is a family-friendly course, but adults 21 years and older can elevate the experience by sipping Journeyman’s craft spirits and cocktails as they play.

A performance at The Acorn.

Applaud Well-Known and Up-and-Coming Performers

The Acorn

Once in a while, you come across a theater that blows you away show after show. The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts is such a place. Housed in the historic Featherbone Factory, this 260-seat funky-industrial-chic performance venue has wowed audiences since 2001.

There is nothing cookie-cutter about its lineup of acts by known and up-and-coming musicians, actors, comedians, storytellers, playwrights and songwriters. Find shows you know you will like or want to try from January to December. Ticket prices are intentionally within reach of almost everyone.

The Vickers Theatre

This century-old classic art house and cinema downtown is another intimate entertainment experience. The Vickers seats 126, including cafe seating and limited private balcony seating and entertains you with popular movies, independent, foreign and foreign language and documentary films that will open your mind and enrich your life. The theatre is accessible.

See In-Person Where Prancer (1989) Was Filmed

The John Hancock-directed holiday film Prancer was set in Three Oaks and partially filmed here. Stars in the movie were Rebecca Harrell, Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman, Abe Vigoda, Michael Constantine, Rutanya Alda and others. It is the story of a young farm girl who finds and nurses an injured Prancer, the third reindeer in Santa’s sleigh-pulling team, back to health. Take a self-guided walking tour around town and see for yourself why Santa has a special place in his heart for this village.

People hiking at Warren Woods State Park.

Feel Closer to Nature and Your Family at Area Parks

Warren Woods State Park is home to Michigan’s last virgin beech-maple forest, featuring towering trees and over 100 species of wildflowers in the spring.
Kesling Nature Preserve is a top bird-watching destination with a scenic ravine and Galien River tributary. The shady 1.25 miles of trails begin at the banks of the Galien River and take you through beech-maple woods — the scenery is extra beautiful when spring wildflowers bloom or during fall color. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you on your hike. Also, the Galien River’s South Branch is popular with anglers when salmon and trout swim in from Lake Michigan.
Carver Park is named after Army SP4 Randy Carver, the village’s only killed-in-action casualty during the Vietnam War. It is a popular picnic spot with a shelter, fireplace and grills, historical markers about the village’s past and a sculpture of a dog following a bicyclist created by artist Robert Cordsco as part of the Harbor Country Public Arts Initiative.
Chamberlain Path is also part of the Harbor Country Public Arts Initiative and features sculptures by several renowned artists.
Dillard Park and Timber Town Playground in Watkins Park are favorites for toddlers and their families. Watkins Park also features Hoadley Trail, a fitness path with 21 workout stations, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, picnic tables and a spacious rentable picnic pavilion with a prep kitchen for family reunions and other events.
Dewey Cannon Park is home to a historic Spanish-American War cannon, presented to Three Oaks by President McKinley after the town raised funds for a war memorial. In the summer, bring lawn chairs or a blanket to relax to the sounds of regional musicians during Music in the Park at 6:30 p.m. every Saturday.

Don’t Miss the Nation’s Biggest Flag Day Parade

Another thing Three Oaks does in a BIG way is celebrate Flag Day in early June. From its simple beginnings in 1953 to honor the American flag, veterans, military service members and our nation’s freedom, it now hosts the largest Flag Day parade in the U.S.A! The beloved tradition now features 100 units all proudly displaying Old Glory. Line the streets to cheer on veterans, color guards, musical marching bands, drill teams, equestrian groups, clowns, antique and classic cars, trucks and tractors plus much more. Other events include a pet parade, hog roast, Quilts of Valor and Flag Day market.

Ride in One of the Midwest’s Largest and Longest-Running Cycling Events

What started in 1974 as a small one-day bicycle tour in the Three Oaks area now draws up to 4,000 cycling enthusiasts on the last Sunday of September. Designed for all ages and skill levels, choose from 15, 25, 37, 50, 62 and 75-mile routes through some of Southwest Michigan’s most beautiful orchards, forests and wine country.

When you are not riding, enjoy a weekend of activities including an ice cream social, live music, spaghetti dinner, all-you-can-eat breakfast and lots of local apples and cider to celebrate the fall harvest.

People shopping at Froehlich

Find Unique Gifts, Contemporary and Vintage Fashions, Art and Antiques

Want a small-town shopping experience with lots of choices? Three Oaks is your destination for art, antiques and unique boutiques.

Alapash New Home and Alapash Mercantile offer curated home décor and gifts. Sherwood Forest specializes in rustic log furnishings, offering a unique selection of handcrafted log furniture, quilts, lamps, rugs, window treatments and rustic accessories.

Join other art lovers at Arbor3 Arts, Judy Ferrara Gallery, A Drawing Room and Nina Hancock Studio for local and regional artwork. Antiquers have fun hunting for antiques and vintage treasures at Poppy Hill Vintage, Second Wind, Trilogy Antiques & Designs and Vintage Goods.

Fashion lovers enjoy browsing Trilogy and Goods & Heroes for stylish apparel. Besides its ever-changing clothing collection, Goods & Heroes also features handcrafted jewelry and small-batch apothecary goods.

For fine wine and spirits, visit the P & E Bottle Shop.

Dewey Cannon Trading Company offers bicycle rentals and a selection of souvenirs, t-shirts and locally made goods. It's also great for tips on local attractions and cycling routes.

Let Two Fun Places Take You Back in Time

The Bicycle Museum at Dewey Cannon Trading Company will pedal you into the past with its unique collection of bicycles. See the 1860's Boneshaker, 1890's Tally-Ho Tandem, side-by-side tandem and other historic cycling items.

The Region of Three Oaks Museum is a treasure trove of Three Oaks and Harbor Country history. Learn about frontier physicians, the pioneers who operated local sawmills and grain mills, the popular fair that preceded the Berrien County Youth Fair and how local families helped fight World War II on the domestic front and much more.

A meal at Froehlich

Where Can You Eat or Find Snacks and Sweets

Three Oaks knows how to please everyone’s tastes. Here are local and visitor favorites.

Froehlich’s and Froehlich’s Kitchen & Pantry

Go early to Froehlich’s microbakery for the best selection of Colleen’s made-from-scratch loaves. The breads, bagels and muffins sell fast! For lunch or dinner, walk across the street to Froehlich’s Kitchen & Pantry. Besides the choices on the dine-in and takeout menus, they have incredible homemade desserts. Its floor-to-ceiling shelves are filled with homemade jams, preserves and other food items. There also is a separate, glassed-in beverage boutique featuring unique teas, beers, wines and other beverages.

Oaks Eatery

Oaks Eatery is your go-to spot for breakfast and lunch. You will wish you had room for more!

Patellie’s Pizza

When it comes to a delicious, hometown pizza you won’t be disappointed at Patellie’s. Using high-quality ingredients and time-honored pizza-making techniques, you can request one of their specialty pies or build your own. Do you prefer a sandwich, house-marinated olives or meatballs? Just ask for them when you give your order.

Staymaker at Journeyman Distillery

You only have to walk a few feet from Journeyman Distillery to find the perfect food pairings for their cocktails and spirits at Staymaker. In the former Warren Featherbone Company, this is as top-choice for a date or gathering with family, friends or co-workers. The restaurant has earned the James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Award for doing its part to ensure its seafood is sustainably and responsibly sourced. The chef loves creating classic dishes with mouthwatering twists using high-quality ingredients, many harvested on nearby farms.

Whether you want to share innovative small plates or choose a filling sandwich or entree, Detroit-style pizza or scrumptious dessert from the menu you won’t be disappointed with your options. Pick one choice time and plan to return soon to try another.

Sweet on Elm

Any day you want to treat yourself to your favorite hand-dipped ice cream flavors, nostalgic candies or decadent chocolates and fudge, walk into Sweet on Elm. There are so many tempting choices, you will just give in and add a few more to your order. This stop knows how to make an ordinary day extraordinary.

Tomcat Tavern

Need a place to please your date, partner, friends or family? Tomcat Tavern is where you can dine with confidence. Locals and visitors give its vibrant ambiance, food and drinks rave reviews.

Three Oaks Sub Shop

If you want a sub, panini or wrap made the way you like, bring your appetite to Three Oaks Sub Shop. Sit inside or outdoors or pick up takeout to enjoy at one of the nearby parks.

Sweet on Elm mural.

Smile by the Sweet on Elm Mural

Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo in front of the colorful candy cabinet mural at Sweet on Elm — it's as joyful and tempting as the treats inside. While here, check in using the Visit Southwest Michigan app to participate in the Mural Challenge. Capture a selfie at 10 local murals to complete the game and earn a prize.

Potatoes and Carrots at a farm market.

Bring Home Fresh Farm Produce and More

You will quickly discover that farm fresh is our hallmark in Southwest Michigan. Three Oaks lives up to that claim.

Every Friday from June through September, the Three Oaks Farmers Market brings just-picked fruits and vegetables, baked goods and artisan creations to downtown.
Drier’s Meat Market, a National Historic Site, has been serving smoked meats from its 100-year-old smokehouse since the Civil War era. From boneless whole hams, Canadian-style bacon, baloney, hard salami, hot dogs and brats to bones for your pooch, you can experience an old-fashioned butcher shop where their quality meats and service are a cut above any chain grocery store.
The certified organic Granor Farm offers CSA memberships, a farm store and summer camps. It grows vegetables, flowers, herbs and grains. Watch their website for upcoming classes, workshops and special greenhouse dinners that are a taste-sensation.
Kaminski Farms Meats specializes in their grass-fed, grain-finished beef and group-raised, milk-fed veal. They also offer pork, chicken, lamb and goat, along with dairy and eggs from local farms.
In the fall, the Dinges family farm hosts a Fall Harvest. It’s a spooky, silly spot for your next pumpkin patch adventure. There’s a cornfield maze, hayrides, games and Halloween attractions. The family grows a fantastic variety of pumpkins, gourds, winter squash and some giant, exotic pumpkins. Bring cash for your purchases.

Journeyman Distillery Wedding

Celebrate Weddings & Special Events

Journeyman Distillery

For a one-of-a-kind wedding venue, Journeyman Distillery offers three distinct event spaces. Warren Hall features reclaimed barn wood floors, tall windows and vintage light fixtures, accommodating up to 300 guests. The Grainery overlooks the working distillery with a copper bar, floor-to-ceiling windows and a historic freight elevator shaft. It comfortably seats up to 150 guests. For a more personal setting, The Still Room offers exposed beams, a private bar and an outdoor patio with views of Welter’s Folly.

19 North Event Space

Above Froehlich’s Kitchen & Pantry, 19 North blends historic charm and modern elegance in an 11,000-square-foot venue. It features floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick, wood beams, a grand chandelier, handmade farm tables and a custom bar. Private bridal party rooms and in-house catering with locally sourced ingredients ensure a seamless experience.

Blissful Barn

Blissful Barn is a rustic yet elegant setting with a vaulted ceiling, hand-hewn beams and weathered plank walls. The Grand Patio overlooks a waterfall, koi pond and farmland and seats up to 200 guests. A wood pergola is a picturesque ceremony spot, with a weather-protected patio available as a backup.

Three Oaks Weather

You can enjoy this countryside community all year round, but for warm-weather activities, the best time to visit is late May through September.

Winter is snowy and mostly cloudy; January is the snowiest and coldest month. Average temperatures: 22°F to 37°F.
Spring starts cold and windy and ends pleasantly warm and breezy. Average temperatures: 32°F to 68°F.
Summer is warm, humid and sunny-to-partly cloudy. Average temperatures: 65°F to 81°F.
Fall starts warm and ends cold and windy. For peak fall color, visit late September to mid-October. Driving along Red Arrow Highway offers some spectacular leaf viewing. Average temperatures: 36°F to 73°F.

Where to Stay Near Three Oaks

For the most amenities and rate choices in Southwest Michigan, book a stay at one of over 25 hotels in nearby Benton Harbor, St. Joseph or Stevensville.

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