Michigan Travel Forum

Hi VTers,

My mom is looking to spend a nice weekend in Michigan and is considering the following destinations: St. Joseph, South Haven, & Harbor Country/New Buffalo.

I'd love to hear your opinions on which of these you think would make the best weekend trip and/or your experiences visiting any of them. Other suggestions for weekend destinations in southwest Michigan would also be welcome!

Thanks for your help!

The Dunes area make a nice day trip around the New Buffalo area. Be sure it is warm enough though as Lake Michigan can still be very cold through early June. This is a great area for fruit growing. Check out information on the internet for blueberry season. Another possibility is to head a little further north to the Holland, Michigan area for a little taste of Holland. They have a little village with shops, restaurants and of course in the right season plenty of tulips.

As we live in Ontario, Canada, Michigan is our neighbour and we love going there. South Haven is very nice with its beach area and Pier with a lighthouse at the end of it. South Haven has much to see and do such as museums and has many fine restaurants. You might also want to consider Saugatuck and Douglas which is a little north of South Haven. Saugatuck is one of my favourite towns along Lake Michigan. Lots of little artsy craft shops which I think Mom will like and restaurants overlooking the water. I haven't been to St. Joseph, but it is near Benton Harbor, which is very industrial and not such a nice area to visit in my opinion.

That is a very nice area. Lots of art and you can do some wine tasting as well. I think the most scenic part of the lower Penn. is in the NW part of the glove. The sleeping bear sand dunes, wineries, beautiful scenery, hiking.