Southwest Michigan is a water wonderland hugged by Lake Michigan dunes, forests, farmlands, parks and small communities where tourism resources have been fine-tuned for more than a century. The lakes and streams, stunning scenery and seemingly unlimited recreational opportunities that attracted 20th century visitors to the region continue to create a vacation paradise.
Celebrated Beaches
- Southwest Michigan's Great Lakes coastline and many public beaches have made the region a tourist destination for generations. At Holland State Park, Lake Michigan's shoreline, towering dunes and golden sands attract 1.9 million visitors each year. The park ranks as the state's second most popular attraction. Other beach stars include Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer. Here, 3 miles of beach are framed by dunes towering 260 feet above the water. Any day at Oval Beach in historic Saugatuck is a good day. The scenic beach, along with the adjacent Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, provides ample space for sunbathing, water play and exploring the dune environment.
Trails Showcase the Seasons
- Trail recreation across Southwest Michigan encompasses opportunities for short and distance adventures throughout the seasons. Van Buren Trail State Park is a linear park spanning 14 miles between South Haven and Hartford. The multi-use dirt and gravel pathway accommodates hiking and biking and when the snow flies, it welcomes cross-country skiing and snowmobiles. In New Buffalo, a series of bike trails provide 12 self-guided tours ranging from 5 to 60 miles in length. It's Southwest Michigan sightseeing up close and personal with routes traversing streams, hills, woodlands and parks. Looped walking trails through the 38-acre Hidden Marsh Sanctuary at Three Rivers wind through hardwood stands ablaze with color during autumn days. Lucky trail explorers might catch sight of a fox, coyote or beaver, ducks, heron or turtles.
Water Play
- Southwest Michigan is an oasis for water recreation. Sport fishing is big in these parts, with Lake Michigan and inland waters producing catches of Coho and Chinook salmon, lake trout and steelhead, among other species. Water play is about challenge as well as relaxing. Cast your cares to the wind and sail into the sunset on an 1810 replica schooner operated by the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven. Rent a stand up paddle board from an outfitter, like the Outpost in Holland, and tackle inland or the open waters of Lake Michigan one-on-one. Kayaking, power boating, scuba diving and even Great Lakes Surfing ensure every water lover an activity to feed his or her passion. Marina services and rentals accommodate them all.
Entertainment and Enrichment
- Southwest Michigan is alive with entertainment and cultural opportunities. The Blue Coast Artists annual fall tour has been an area cultural highlight for more than 20 seasons. For the event, a dozen artists working in a variety of media open their studios and galleries situated along the Blue Star Highway, between South Haven and Saugatuck. Whatever the season, gaming action is hot at Four Winds Casino Resorts in Hartford, Dowagiac and the main facility at New Buffalo, where slots, table games and a high limit room are complemented by national entertainment acts, dining options and lodging. Located at Dewey Cannon Trading Company in Three Oaks, the Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle History Museum, one of the region's many small museums, reflects the region's passion for the wheeled sport. Among its collection are bikes dating back 1860 and the bike rode by Greg LeMond in Tour de France time trials in 1989.
