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Tours & Attractions
What an amazing place! Here, you can ride in a miniature train pulled by a 100 -year-old steam engine. Sail on a replica War of 1812 tall ship. Climb to the top of a lighthouse. Or challenge your teens to laser tag. This page directs you to hours of fun.
Makers Trail
Just follow the Makers Trail. What a welcome you’ll receive at each stop along the way in Berrien County as we pop wine corks, tap beer kegs and whiskey barrels, and pour flights for you and your friends. Drink in our makers’ art and bring home your favorites.
For Foodies
Southwest Michigan grows a cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Explore this section to find nearby farms and markets to gather up your favorite just-picked, flavor-rich foods. Or a myriad of restaurants and sweets shops — many proudly serving locally raised ingredients. There’s a table ready for you.
Outdoor Recreation
Southwest Michigan is a four-season paradise with Lake Michigan and a countryside peppered with scenic rivers, inland lakes and verdant hills.
Creative Connections
Some places naturally inspire us. Southwest Michigan is one of them. The vibrancy and beauty of Lake Michigan, the serenity of our countryside and the rich stories of our past fill this land with creative inspiration. That’s why some of the region’s finest artists, writers, musicians, history-makers and performers call this home.
Shopping
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, looking for the latest fashions, decorating your home or office — Southwest Michigan’s boutiques, galleries and shops are filled with must-have ideas.
Lighthouse
When you walk the Tiscornia Beach shoreline, look over the bluff or simply go for a drive along Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, you can’t miss the two St. Joseph Lighthouses.
Social Districts
Get a taste of several drinks in one place in Southwest Michigan’s social districts.

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Book A Room
Lakeshore
Arts Tour
1 Day

This area has a love affair with the arts. We are home to some of the region’s most talented artisans. Your tour starts in the bohemian Benton Harbor Arts District.

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(Approximately 1/2 Hour)

More information about ARS Gallery

Anna Russo-Sieber presents her work, plus local, regional and national artists. Next, cross the street to explore Water Street Glassworks.

147 Fifth Street, Benton Harbor

Directions

ARS Gallery

(Approximately 1 Hour)

More information about Water Street Glassworks

This unique gallery showcases the fire arts: blown glass, stained glass and metal work. 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 Street, Benton Harbor

Directions

Water Street Glassworks

Plank’s Tavern

(Approximately 1 1/2 Hours)

More information about Inn at Harbor Shores

Lunch and weekend brunch choices are exciting and fresh! While you’re here, enjoy The Inn Art Program that features local artists showcased in Harbor Village’s public and private spaces. To see a list of current artists, browse here.

After lunch, cross the St. Joseph River into St. Joseph, a Victorian-era resort town that relishes the visual arts. Two must-see galleries that are less than 10 minutes away are the Box Factory for the Arts and the Krasl Art Center.

800 Whitwam Drive, St. Joseph

Directions

(Approximately 1/2 Hour to 45 Minutes)

More information about Box Factory for the Arts

Most of the three floors in this 55,000 sq. ft. brick building are dedicated to working artist studios, galleries, a gift shop and performance stage. Admission: free.

1101 Broad St., St. Joseph

Directions

Box Factory for the Arts

Krasl Art Center

(Approximately 1 to 2 Hours)

More information about Krasl Art Center

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. Admission: donation appreciated.

We recommend closing your day at one of the best restaurants to watch a sunset. It is just minutes from downtown at Grande Mere Inn.

707 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph

Directions

(Approximately 1 to 2 Hours)

More information about Grande Mere Inn

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

Directions

Grande Mere Inn

ARS Gallery

Water Street Glassworks

Plank’s Tavern

Box Factory for the Arts

Krasl Art Center

Grande Mere Inn

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. Happy trails!