Watervliet

Where the Waters Meet

Watervliet offers visitors a perfect mix of small-town charm and relaxing activities. Stroll through the quaint downtown, where unique shops and farm markets offer a delightful shopping experience. In the summer, Paw Paw Lake is the ultimate getaway for boating, swimming and water skiing, while the annual Independence Weekend Celebration brings parades, a cook-off, carnival rides, fireworks and the famous Duck Race in Flaherty Park. In the winter, visitors can enjoy peaceful hikes, ice fishing and snowmobiling through the scenic landscape.

Where is Watervliet

Watervliet, MI, sits in the heart of Southwest Michigan, just minutes from the scenic Paw Paw Lake. Conveniently reached via I-94, M-140 and Red Arrow Highway.

Places to stay

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

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A selection of beers at Arclight Brewing Company.

Craft Beverages & Delicious Restaurants in Watervliet

Watervliet offers a delicious mix of dining and craft beverages. Enjoy handcrafted wines at Moonrise Winery and expertly brewed beers at Arclight Brewing Company, where you can also play bocce ball or try your hand at retro arcade games—making it a fun and unique stop on the Makers Trail. Start your morning with a rich espresso or specialty beverage from The Green Dragon Coffeehouse, then head to Sidetrack Cafe II for a hearty breakfast and a photo with its eye-catching steam-engine train mural to participate in the Murals Challenge. For lunch, dig into bold, authentic Cajun flavors at NOLA ROUX #2 Casual Cajun Eatery or enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes at Local 3 Grill & Tap. La Chula Mexican Market serves up authentic Mexican fare, while Saylor's Main Street Pizzeria is the go-to for classic, cheesy slices. When it’s time for dinner, indulge in flavorful Chinese cuisine at Moo’s Place. No visit is complete without a sweet treat—cool off with a scoop from Mikey’s Ice Cream. Whether you're in the mood for craft beverages, comforting classics, or global flavors, Watervliet is ready to satisfy every craving.

Top Things To Do In Watervliet

Get Outdoors With Family and Friends.

Outdoor fun awaits in Watervliet with several parks offering something for everyone. Hay’s Park is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a skate park, baseball fields and a canoe launch with a fishing pier. Flaherty Park is perfect for a picnic with its tables, grills and disc golf course, plus a reservable pavilion for gatherings. For a peaceful evening, Sunset Park offers a small dock with stunning views of the sun setting over Paw Paw Lake. Artesian Flow Roadside Park is a unique stop where visitors can fill their bottles with fresh, clean water.

Three people holding pumpkins

Shop for Fresh Farm Produce and More

Watervliet is a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce straight from the farm. J W Morlock & Girls offers an incredible selection of 41 different fruits and vegetables, making it a must-stop for farm-fresh goodness. Inside their farm stand, Mo’e Pies, LLC bakes delicious handmade pies using homegrown fruit from the family farm—a perfect treat to take home. For those looking to grow their own garden, the Watervliet Fruit Exchange features a well-stocked garden center with plants, seeds and feed, along with unique gifts and agricultural services.

Watervliet’s walkable downtown offers a variety of shopping experiences, from specialty stores to unique local finds. While enjoying downtown, visitors can sip a craft beverage from Arclight Brewing Company or Local 3 Grill & Tap in the social district. The Flower Basket creates stunning floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, and everyday occasions. Watervliet is also home to two unique cannabis dispensaries, offering both medical and recreational products. Just a short drive from downtown, Lane Automotive is a must-visit for racing and performance enthusiasts, stocking everything from classic muscle car parts to off-road gear.

A bride holding a bouquet.

Weddings & Retreats

Watervliet is a beautiful destination for weddings and retreats, offering a variety of venues to match any style. MillCreek Wilde is a countryside gem, featuring a chic, cottage-style dining room with grand windows, a rustic dance hall with hand-hewn beams and a breathtaking ceremony site framed by majestic pines and a vintage whitewashed arbor. Couples can add a fun twist with food trucks or hot dog carts to keep the party going late into the night. For a relaxed, rustic celebration, Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center offers outdoor ceremony sites, a cozy indoor reception space and a celebration bonfire, with over 300 acres of woods, a lake and scenic trails to explore. Retreats here are just as magical, with morning coffee by the lake, woodland wildflower walks and peaceful moments around the fire ring. For smaller gatherings, Next Door Events, located beside The Flower Basket, is perfect for intimate weddings, bridal showers, or birthday parties with space for up to 50 guests.

Watervliet Weather

You can enjoy this lakeside 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: 21°F to 45°F.
Spring starts cold and windy and ends pleasantly warm and breezy. Average temperatures: 31°F to 64°F.
Summer is warm, humid and sunny to partly cloudy. Average temperatures: 59°F to 78°F.
Fall starts out warm and ends cold and windy. For peak fall color, visit late September to mid-October. Average temperatures: 36°F to 72°F.