Renting a boat on Lake Michigan is easily one of the best ways to enjoy the water, especially in the summertime. With Blue Water Boat Rentals, you can choose between a speedboat, pontoon, dinghy boat, or jet-ski. Booking is easy; same-day reservations are available here. If you are traveling with friends, there is no better way to spend the day in South Haven than renting a boat and getting out on the lake.<\/p>\n
14. Kal-Haven Trail State Park<\/h3>\n Running for 33 miles between South Haven and Kalamazoo, the Kal-Haven Trail is a former railroad bed with a limestone surface. It\u2019s a popular destination for those who love hiking and biking in the summer or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The trail passes through quaint towns and over picturesque bridges, with plenty of historical landmarks to see along the way.<\/p>\n
13. Van Buren Trail & State Park<\/h3>\n Linking South Haven with Hartford, this 14-mile trail is ideal for mountain biking. It runs through open farmland, dense forest, and blueberry fields, giving you awesome views the whole way. To access the trail from South Haven, you can park where the trail starts, in Van Buren State Park, which is on the shore of Lake Michigan and boasts a mile of sandy shoreline and high dune formations.<\/p>\n
12. Rock \u2018n\u2019 Road bike rental<\/h3>\n What better way to enjoy the trails in South Haven than by renting a bike? The folks at Rock \u2018n\u2019 Road Cycle have a variety of bikes at an affordable price. Choose between road bikes, tandem bikes, tag-alongs, and even electric bikes! This is another great local business with an excellent reputation that you can support!<\/p>\n
11. Porter Legacy Dunes<\/h3>\n\n
As one of Michigan\u2019s most unique and ecologically important landscapes, Porter Legacy Dunes is a must-visit spot when you go to South Haven. The 48-acre lakefront nature preserve is a hot spot for migratory birds and other freshwater-loving species. Because of its serene atmosphere, it\u2019s ideal for visitors who are looking for a peaceful place to spend the day. <\/p>\n
10. Pilgrim Haven Natural Area<\/h3>\n\n
Pilgrim Haven Natural Area features a pebbled beach on Lake Michigan, as well as a trickling creek and a lush beech-maple forest. This 27-acre natural area is home to many species of wildlife, including migratory birds and monarch butterflies. If you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy the beach, this is one of the best!<\/p>\n
Museums, Landmarks, and Tours<\/h2>\n9. Michigan Maritime Museum<\/h3>\n\n
This part of Michigan has a rich maritime culture, which Michigan Maritime Museum captures beautifully. Located on the waterfront, this museum has interactive, hands-on exhibits and even boats that you can board. It includes five separate structures, which have both permanent and rotating exhibits to enjoy.<\/p>\n
Pay the Michigan Maritime Museum a visit for a unique and enriching lakeside experience.<\/p>\n
8. Blue Coast Artists Cultural Tour<\/h3>\n This unique tour is one of southwestern Michigan\u2019s best cultural experiences, as it showcases the hard work of local artists and allows guests to get an up-close look at their work. The tour includes stops at nine different studios where artists do demonstrations. Plus, you can purchase original artwork directly from them. The Blue Coast Artists Cultural Tour is the perfect artistic getaway. See more info about this year\u2019s fall tour here.<\/p>\n
7. South Haven Lighthouse<\/h3>\n\n
This piece of living history is cared for by the Michigan Maritime Museum. The South Haven Lighthouse, also known as the South Haven South Pierhead Light, is still operational today and is one of South Haven\u2019s most precious historical landmarks, as it\u2019s been around since 1872.<\/p>\n
6. The Bailey Museum & Gardens<\/h3>\n Liberty Hyde Bailey was a renowned horticulturist who was born and grew up in South Haven. The museum is inside the Bailey family\u2019s farmhouse, which is on 80 acres of farmland. The farmhouse itself is a beautiful representation of what life was like in the late 1800s, featuring Greek Revival clapboard architecture. On the property, you\u2019ll find a well-kept garden and even some nature trails.<\/p>\n
Food & Drink<\/h2>\n5. Arclight Brewing Company<\/h3>\n I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard of BYOB restaurants, but have you heard of BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) breweries? I hadn\u2019t \u2014 until I came across Arclight Brewing Company. This unique taproom has a variety of locally made beers on tap. It serves snacks but also encourages guests to bring their own food or even order delivery from local restaurants. In fact, the taproom often hosts food trucks that serve hungry guests.<\/p>\n
4. Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail<\/h3>\n\n
If you love a good wine trail, you won\u2019t want to pass up the chance to taste some local wines on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Along it, you\u2019ll find several wineries and tasting rooms, each with their own flair. Check out this map for your wine trail planning. <\/p>\n
3. DeGrandchamp Farms<\/h3>\n\n
Walk into a blue and red paradise at DeGrandchamp Farms, which specializes in blueberries and cranberries. This is one of many farms in Michigan that has U-pick days, where you can pick your own berries, weigh them, and take them home. U-pick days vary from year to year but typically start in July and go through mid-August. <\/p>\n
Not visiting during U-pick season? No worries! The farm has a variety of blueberry and cranberry products, including preserves, vinaigrettes, butters, and more. <\/p>\n
2. Barden\u2019s Farm Market<\/h3>\n\n
Don\u2019t miss out an opportunity to enjoy some of South Haven\u2019s best locally grown produce and handmade goods at the epic Barden\u2019s Farm Market. This isn\u2019t your average farm market, however. You\u2019ll also find a prepared food counter, a bakery, a community farm, and a greenhouse. Go for the delicious treats but stay to take a look around and appreciate the community\u2019s local farming efforts.<\/p>\n
1. Overhiser Orchards<\/h3>\n\n
This family-run orchard has been providing the South Haven community and beyond with fresh fruits since 1863. It is one of the best places to pick your own fruit. Depending on the season, you\u2019ll find sour cherries, plums, apples, pumpkins, and much more. Overhiser Orchards is a local favorite, and anybody from South Haven will tell you that you can\u2019t leave town without visiting at least once.<\/p>\n
Pin me for later:<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t know about you, but my mouth is watering just thinking about biting into a juicy piece of fruit from South Haven. Next time you make your way through the Midwest \u2014 by way of a Midwestern road trip or otherwise \u2014 make sure to spend some time enjoying everything that South Haven has to offer.<\/p>\n
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