Lakeshore Community: South Haven

Hartman School Building

The home of the Historical Association of South Haven (HASH), The Hartman School Building is a historic four-room school built in 1906. It hosts HASH’s archives, exhibits and events, providing a central place to honor and explore the region’s history. 355 Hubbard St.

Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens

The birthplace and home of Liberty Hyde Bailey, America’s “Father of Modern Horticulture,” is a National Historic Site, garden, park, museum and educational outreach center. The museum building was constructed from 1853-1856 as part of the 80-acre Bailey Farm. The grounds feature a number of gardens with interpretive signage, a series of community garden plots, the Bailey Farm’s old smokehouse, the South Haven Blacksmith Shop and Carriage Barn, and a nature trail.  903 S Bailey Ave.

Michigan Flywheelers Museum

Located on over 80 acres, the Michigan Flywheelers Museum features displays of old farm machinery, a sawmill, shingle mill and “Olde Town” – a 1920s-era community filled with businesses like Over The Hill Forge blacksmith shop, Pearl’s Millinery Shop, Abbert & Sons Farm Machinery Repair and Old Tyme Jail. Along with the agricultural themed exhibits, a 15 inch railroad encompasses the museum property. 06285 68^th St.

Michigan Maritime Museum

The Michigan Maritime Museum celebrates, preserves, promotes and stewards the vibrant heritage and culture of Michigan’s Great Lakes and waterways. From hands-on exhibits on its authentic waterfront campus to historically immersive experiences aboard an on-water fleet, it’s a fantastic destination for experiencing Michigan’s freshwater maritime heritage. 260 Dyckman Ave.

Our Town Players

Bringing stories to life since 1977, Our Town Players is a community theater offering performances throughout the year, at various community locations.

South Haven Center for the Arts

South Haven Center for the Arts offers free admission, art exhibitions and classes for all ages. Located in a Carnegie Library built in 1905, SHCA is also responsible for such public art programs as the Mural Bike Rack Project and Art on the Town. 600 Phoenix St.

South Haven Performance Series

The South Haven Performance Series provides a rich mix of professional music and the performing arts for residents and visitors of the area. Productions are presented at the First United Methodist Church (429 Michigan Ave) and Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church (06321 Blue Star Memorial Hwy).

South Haven Scott Club

Founded in 1883 as a reading circle, the South Haven Scott Club today presents bimonthly arts and cultural programs, monthly book club discussions, a concert series and more. Its home is a Michigan Historic Site featuring a Queen Anne-style design and Austrian stained glass windows. 652 Phoenix St.

South Haven Theatre Series

The South Haven Theatre Series brings a wide variety of one-night-only performances to the area, offering audiences the opportunity to experience compelling stories, inspiring performances, and unforgettable live theatre. Performances take place at South Haven High School’s Listiak Auditorium (600 Elkenburg St).

South Haven Historic Lighthouse

Officially known as the South Pierhead Light, the South Haven Historic Lighthouse has guarded the entrance of the Black River for more than 100 years. Noted for its picturesque setting, active light and historic original catwalk, the tower isn’t open for climbing, but visitors can walk the pier, see amazing sunsets and get a sneak peek at the lower level during special community events. Water St.

Bumbleberry Acres

Farm meets fun at Bumbleberry Acre Farms, which offers u-pick blueberries, a farm market, petting zoo, farm tours, barrel train rides, a fall corn maze, concessions and more. Seasonal. 6785 Baseline Rd.

DeGrandchamp Farms

Established in 1958, DeGrandchamp Farms has a farm store stocked with fresh and frozen blueberries, baked goods, specialty foods, gifts and more, as well as an ice cream shop and nursery. U-pick blueberries, too. 76241 14^th Ave.

Friends Good Will Splash Pad

Modeled after an 1800s sailing schooner, Friends Good Will splash pad is located just east of South Beach on the Black River channel. There’s a nearby snack shop and sand for kids to play in, too. 10 Water St.

The Fun Park

Ride go-karts and bumper boats, and play mini golf and arcade games at The Fun Park.  4000-5410 68th St.

GingerMan Raceway

Visit GingerMan Raceway to watch a wide variety of racing events, sign up for driving school or drive your own car during open tracks. On-site camping is available. 61414 Phoenix Rd.

Lake Arvesta Farms & Sports Complex

The four-lake Aqua Park at Lake Arvesta Farms offer floating obstacle courses, water slides, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and cable wakeboarding all summer long. Fatbiking and cross-country skiing in the winter. Also has disc golf and indoor/outdoor pickleball facilities, plus onsite camping. 06464 Arvesta Dr.

Lakeside Social

Lakeside Social is a 16-lane bowling center with state-of-the-art scoring systems, dynamic lighting, an on-site restaurant and comfortable seating for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. 9921 Blue Star Memorial Hwy.

Michigan Theatre

This quaint three-screen movie theater presents first-run movies at old-time prices. Michigan Theatre opened in 1947, it still retains echo of its original Art Deco style. 210 Center St.

Overhiser Orchards

Operating since 1863, Overhiser orchards offers u-pick fruit apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums, plus farm tours, wagon rides, a petting zoo, corn maze and more. July 1 - Oct. 1. 6405 109^th Ave.

Riverbend Farms

Riverbend Farms is a u-pick raspberry and blackberry farm that also offers tomatoes, honey and maple syrup. Seasonal. 44 72^nd St.

Rocket Arcade

Play all you want for one low price on 75+ retro games from the 70s, 80s and 90s at Rocket Arcade, which also features a snack bar with drinks, chips and candy to keep gamers fueled for action. Or walk in and play 20+ games in the coin-op arcade. 237 Broadway, Ste 6.

South Haven Memorial Library

Housing more than 54,000 books, audiobooks, magazines, CDs, DVDs and other materials, the South Haven Memorial Library also offers free wireless internet access, public computers, free scanning of documents and more. 314 Broadway St S.

South Haven is home to more than 50 locally owned restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, budgets and ambiances. Here are some of our favorites:

Craft Beverages

Explore locally made craft beer and spirits at Harbor Light Brewery (516 Phoenix St),

New Holland Spirits Tasting Room (253 Center St), South Haven Brewpub (515 Williams St) and Three Blondes Brewing (1875 Phoenix St).

Discover why southwest Michigan has been called the Napa Valley of the Midwest at 12 Corners Vineyards Tasting Room (511 Phoenix St), Codgal Vineyards (7143 107^th Ave), Gravity Tasting Room (512 Phoenix St), Veritas Estate Winery (7073 Baseline Rd) and Warner Vineyards Tasting Room (515 Williams St).

Coffee & Sweets

Veteran-owned and operated Bean Box Coffee (225 Broadway St), seasonal Bunde’s Bakery & Café (89 N Shore Dr), sci-fi-themed The Flying Saucer (413 Phoenix St) and WE (Water’s Edge) Coffee (520 Phoenix St) are all cozy places to relax with a beverage and snack.

Cookies on Call! (406 Phoenix St) turns out homemade cookies and other baked goods while Sherman’s of South Haven (1601 Phoenix St) offers 32 ice cream flavors.

Global Cuisine

China Buffet (1220 Phoenix St) and China Café (319 Broadway St) serve up a wide array of Asian dishes.

Craving Italian? Maria’s Taste of Italy (330 Center St), Samuel Mancino’s Italian Eatery (8093 M-140), Tello Italian Bistro (524 Phoenix St) and Venezia Restaurant (306 Kalamazoo St) offer a range of dining experiences.

Dig into Mexican favorites and other south-of-the-border dishes at Barrio Tacos (248 Broadway St),  El Nopal Mexican Grill & Bar (261 73^rd St), El Paraiso Taqueria (600-602 Broadway St) Los Ranchos Mexican Grill & Bar (237 Broadway St) and the seasonal Su Casa Restaurante (206 Center St).

Mediterranean flavors meet the charm of a speakeasy at The River Bottom (267 Kalamazoo), complete with expertly crafted cocktails and a wine list.

Waterfront Dining

Admiral Jack’s is a bar & grill serving beer, wine, burgers, seafood, sandwiches wraps and more for lunch and dinner. Open seasonally, it overlooks the Black River. 515 Williams St.

Offering views of the South Haven harbor and lighthouse in the distance, Black River Tavern features American pub grub and craft beer in an easygoing setting with outdoor seating.

Captain Lou’s is a humble dockside eatery on the Black River, specializing in burgers, tacos and fried seafood as well as craft beer and cocktails. Seasonal. 278 Dyckman Ave. 403 Phoenix St.

Fire Water Bar & Grill is a laid-back eatery located at Lake Arvest Farms aqua park. Enjoy elevated comfort food , a farm-to-table vibe, great cocktails and views of the water park. 06464 Arvesta Dr.

Idler Riverboat & Dockside is an open-air bar & grill on a boat moored in the Black River, known for its seafood, pub grub and cocktails. Seasonal. 515 Williams St #10.

The South Haven Social District lets you enjoy views of the Black River and other downtown sights as you stroll around enjoying alcoholic beverages from participating businesses.

Beaches

Deerlick Creek Beach is a small Lake Michigan beach that includes a small creek entering the big waters. Popular with kayakers, swimmers, birders and rock hunters – the river shoreline is rocky. 46773 13^th Ave.

Dyckman Beach features about 300 feet of Sandy Beach and 120 feet of ADA-accessible boardwalk just north of downtown South Haven. $10 daily parking fee in season. 145 N Shore Dr.

Newcome Beach is a small, secluded beach with stairs down a bluff to the Lake Michigan shore. The beach is about 30 feet wide. 725 N Shore Dr.

North Beach is an ADA-accessible city beach with decking/walkways leading across the beach to the water’s edge and more than 1,000 feet of Lake Michigan frontage. Features include a concession stand, picnic area, play equipment, beach volleyball courts, and kayak/paddleboard rentals. $10 daily parking fee in season. 45 Lakeshore Dr.

Oak Steet Beach is a small (but popular) beach with wooden stairs leading from the parking lot to Lake Michigan. $10 daily parking fee in season. 375 N Shore Dr.

Packard Park & Beach includes expansive grassy areas in both the sun and shade along with grills, picnic tables and restroom facilities, making it a favorite local picnic spot. A walkway leads to a deck with picnic tables overlooking Lake Michigan and down to the beach area. $10 daily parking fee. 231 N Shore Dr.

South Beach is an ADA-accessible city beach just south of the Black River channel, with a large beach area, concession stand and souvenir shop, picnic areas, play equipment, restrooms and access to the city’s historic lighthouse. Kayak and paddle board rentals are also available, and free beach wheelchair rentals are offered for universal access to the sand and shore. $10 daily parking fee. 60 Water St.

Van Buren State Park boasts towering sand dunes, one mile of pristine sandy beach and lush woodland trails across 400 acres. The park also includes a campground, buoyed swim area, picnic area and more. Visitors can walk a paved four-mile trail from the park to downtown South Haven (and vice versa). $12 daily fee for out-of-state residents; Michigan residents must have a Recreation Passport. 23960 Ruggles Rd.

Woodman Beach is another small but popular city beach on the north side of town, close to lodging and dining options. $10 daily parking fee in season.

Boating

Lake Michigan and the Black River make South Haven boater’s paradise. The 20-mile Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail along the Black River is ideal for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding, with scenic views, interpretive signs, two family-friendly sections and a “wilderness section” with obstacles. Access points include Black River Park Marina, Deerlick Creek Par and North Beach.

Black River Cruises (616.340.7298), Blue Water Boat Rentals (888.426.2864), CLM Pontoon Rentals (616.502.6552), Fresh Coast Sailing (269.420.353), Limerick Sailing Charters (269.355.5908) and The Sun Setter (269.364.0608) are among the local businesses offering cruises on South Haven waters. Cruisin’ Tiki (269.767.0011) specializes in floating tiki bar cruises and Jensen Charters (269.470.6100) operates the Elsie J, a 48 ft. x 13 ft. fishing tug originally built in 1945.

The Michigan Maritime Museum offers a variety of cruises on three history-nodding vessels: Friends Good Will is a working reproduction of a top sail merchant sloop that plied the waters of the Great Lakes in the early 19^th century; Lindy Lou is an electric-powered replica river launch akin to those that carried passengers to Black River resorts from the late 1890s to the 1930s, and USCG Motor Lifeboat 36460, built in 1941, starred in the Disney film, The Finest Hours, about a daring 1952 Coast Guard rescue.

If you prefer to chart your own water journey, you can rent pontoons, power boats, fishing boats, dinghies, jet-skis and more at Adventure WaterSports (141 Dunkley Ave).

Camping

Local campsites include The Fields of Michigan (154 68^th St), GingerMan Raceway (61414 Phoenix Rd), Lake Arvesta Farms (06464 Arvesta Dr), Off Map Glamping (63401 8^th Ave), Van Buren State Park (23960 Ruggles Rd) and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort (03403 64^th St).

Fishing

Cast a line from South Haven pier for salmon, steelhead, yellow perch and smallmouth bass, particularly near the lighthouse and along the channel rocks. Visitors and residents can use Black River Park Fish Cleaning Station (E Wells St) at Black River Park and Boat Launch to clean the day’s haul.

For guided fishing charters, consider Born to Winn Sportfishing (269.744.7166), Code Seeker Charters (269.838.3971), Hookup Sportfishing Charters (616.970.0063), IT-IL-Do & Red Baron Charters (269.214.6934) Lured Inn Charters (269.806.7854), Maykin Baykin Charters (269.217.9381), Rampage Fishing Charters (269.767.6734), Reel Time Fishing Charters (269.501.8911), South Haven Fishing Charters (616.218.5918), Tie One On Charters (15 72^nd St) and The Wildt Sport Fishing Charters (269.216.6794).

Hiking & Biking

With nearly 50 miles of hiking and biking trails and 770 acres of nature preserves, the South Haven area offers abundant opportunities for communing with nature while getting your steps in.

Black River Preserve offers two miles of easy-to-difficult hiking trails through forest and wetland, and along one mile of river frontage. 69401-69499 8^th Ave.

Casco Township Nature Preserve includes s short paved loop with meadow views, glimpses of native wildlife and cliffside views of Lake Michigan. 716 Blue Star Hwy.

Kal-Haven Trail is a 34-mile multi-use trail linking South Haven and Kalamazoo. The trail extends from the shores of Lake Michigan through busy towns, ghost towns, small villages, open farmland, orchards and delicate wetlands on the way to Kalamazoo.

Maritime District Harbor Walk is a 3.2-mile pedestrian trail connecting the North Beach pier to the South Beach Pier. It includes 21 historical makers, scenic views and access to the Michigan Maritime Museum. 234 Black River St.

North Point County Park, located near the entrance to Van Buren State Park, features 17 acres of forested dunes and trails along with 300 ft. of Lake Michigan beach. 22604 5, 20000 Blue Star Hwy.

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area offers 27 acres of trails through beech-and-maple forest, Lake Michigan overlooks and beach frontage that is sandy and/or cobbled with stones, making it popular with rock hunters. 18^th Avenue.

The Van Buren State Park Spur is a paved 4 to 4.5-mile scenic trail connecting Van Buren State Park and downtown South Haven. Access it from Kalamazoo/Huron Streets in downtown South Haven, following marked routes to the trailhead.

Van Buren Trail State Park is a 14-mile multi-use gravel/dirt trail connecting South Haven to the city of Harford. 300 Lovejoy Ave.

Golf

Beeches Golf Club, designed by third-generation golf course architect W. Bruce Matthews III, is an 18-hole, 7,100-yard course with five sets of tees. A giant beech tree close to the clubhouse and the 18^th hole is the course’s centerpiece. Just four miles from downtown South Haven. 09061 68^th St.

HawksHead Golf Course ranges from a 4,889-yard game from its gold tees to a 6,915-yard, 72-par layout at the championship tees. Rated a 4½ Stars by Golf Digest and recognized in the book The Rolex World’s Top 1000 Golf Courses, HawksHead is known for its links-style layout, sand dunes and challenging fescue grasses. 523 Hawksnest Dr.

The Fun Park (4000-5140 68^th St) is a 9-hole disc golf course set on unique, somewhat rustic land lined with old machinery and abandoned lodgings.(SHARA Disc Golf Park (75327 14^th Ave) and Daydreamer Domes (397 Blue Star Hwy) offer more traditional 18-hole disc golf courses. The 54-hole disc golf course at Lake Arvesta Farms (06464 Arvesta Dr) features two tees, seven water hazards and an 80-ft. elevation change.

Parks

Chancy Lewis Park features a wood playground with steps, bridges, monkey bars, rope ladders, platforms and more. A separate Tot Lot has a slide, sandbox, monkey bars and large wooden cars to “drive.’ 520 S Main St.

Dyckman Park is home to the South Haven Farmer’s market and a winter ice skating rink along with benches, picnic tables and public restrooms. Free parking in Huron St lot adjacent to the park. 536 Phoenix St.

Elkenburg Park has a playground with swings, basketball courts, picnic facilities, public restrooms and free parking. 309 Elkenburg St.

Ellen Avery Park, at the south end of N Shore Dr, is a beautifully landscaped spot to enjoy a picnic and watch the boats go by on the Black River channel to Lake Michigan. 2 N Shore Dr.

Monroe Park & Kids Corner features a lavish playground or tots and adolescents plus a ballfield with bleachers, picnic facilities and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. It’s across the street from stairs to South Beach. 563 Monroe Blvd.

North Point County Park, also known as North Point Conservation Area, features 17 acres of forested dunes and trails. 22604 5, 20000 Blue Star Hwy.

Riverfront Park on the Black River in downtown South Haven has a picnic area, shelter, grills and restrooms. It’s a great starting point for taking a stroll to the South Haven Historic Lighthouse, and hosts a summertime concert series along with various festivals. 345 Water St.

Stanley Johnston Park is a community space with basketball courts, play equipment, picnic facilities and plenty of shade from the sun. Sesquicentennial Trail is a walking path through the park that highlights 150 years of the city’s history with informative panels and artwork. 202 Dyckman Ave.

Van Buren State Park boasts towering sand dunes, one mile of pristine sandy beach and lush woodland trails across 400 acres. The park also includes a campground, buoyed swim area, picnic area and more. Visitors can walk a paved four-mile trail from the park to downtown South Haven (and vice versa). $12 daily fee for out-of-state residents; Michigan residents must have a Recreation Passport. 23960 Ruggles Rd.

Antiques

Shop Eagle Street Market (422 Eagle St) and Murphy’s Antique Mall (321 Center St) for a huge variety of vintage treasures.

Furniture & Home Décor

Artworks Gallery (263 Broadway St), Country House Furniture (08337 M-140 Ste 6), The Farmer’s Daughter (510 Phoenix St) and More Polish Pottery (406 Phoenix St Ste 29) are great places to find distinctive home furnishings and accessories.

Clothing & Accessories

Find everything from casual wear to formal attire at these downtown South Haven shops:

• Bells and Whistles (512 Phoenix St) offers “fun finds for men and women.”

• Betty’s Closet (503 Quaker St) is a consignment shop featuring women’s fashions.

• Coastal Blue (410 Phoenix St) is stocked with a stylish collection of relaxed beachwear.

• Coastal Outdoors (412 Phoenix St) is the place for outdoor clothing and gear.

• Crescent Moon (317 Broadway St) features sustainable, casual and active wear for men and women.

• Emma’s Boutique (432 Phoenix St) showcases the latest trends in women’s fashion.

• Glik’s (420 Phoenix St) is the destination for trendy casualwear, shoes and accessories for adults and kids.

• HAVEN (505 Phoenix St) focuses on high-end, quiet-luxury clothing, jewelry and accessories.

• Janny’s Beach House (517 Phoenix St) is a woman’s boutique known for trend-forward fashion with a conscience.

• Johnny’s Lakeshore Jewelry (501 Phoenix St)  has served South Haven for 35+ years.

• Junebugs (515 Williams St) carries an eclectic mix of lake living-inspired clothing, jewelry and accessories.

• Lakeshore Trends (319 Center St & 335 Center St) offers clothing, accessories, gifts and home goods.

• The Perfect Setting (515 Williams St Ste 2) is a seasonal business specializing in handcrafted sterling and gold jewelry.

• Renaissance & Papyrus (507 Phoenix St) is stocked with clothing, jewelry, lotions and potions.

• The Shoe Collective (432 Phoenix St) is a family shoe store carrying a wide array of well-known brands.

• Sparkle & Spice Boutique (237 Broadway St Ste 3) creates and designs kid’s clothes, and offers a kid’s glam bar, DIY charm bar, sugar scrub bar and playroom.

• Urban Found (519 Phoenix St) features a curated selection of women’s clothing and jewelry as well as industrial home décor, candles and other fun finds.

Gifts & More

You never know what you’ll find at these South Haven gift shops:

• Daylily (515 Williams St) is a quaint little gift store stocked with fun finds.

• Harbor Toy Company (409 Phoenix St) is your source for children’s books, kits, plush toys, fidget times, beach umbrellas, souvenirs, games and more.

• Lilac Soap Company (515 Williams St Ste 5) offers artisan soaps, lotions and candles.

• Michigan Local Market (200 Center St) features a mix of South Haven merchandise and apparel.

• Momentum (425 Phoenix St) carries apparel and merchandise bearing a South Haven logo.

• Nature’s Country Cupboard (509 Phoenix St) is a family-owned specialty and health food store.

• Quilters Haven & Unique Michigan Gift Shop (2959 73rd St Ste 6) offers a complete selection of quilting products and many souvenir and gift items, 95% of which are made by local artists.

• Rambling Rose (411 Phoenix St) carries a great selection of unique gifts, toys, puzzles, books and more

• Shooting Star (405 Phoenix St) stocks and assortment of greeting cards, jewelry, imported pottery, South Haven-themed apparel and more.

• The Willow Tree (548 Phoenix St) specializes in cottage and home décor and gifts.

Hobbies

Decadent Dogs is an upscale dog boutique offering a wide range of products for dogs and their owners. 523 Phoenix St.

Dimitridon Rocks And Studio sells fossils, minerals, crystals and sterling silver jewelry. 418 Phoenix St.

Hello Books is a “mostly-used” independent bookstore filled with great finds. 330 Kalamazoo St #2.

Kruger Comics stocks weekly and vintage comics as well as collectibles, action figures and gaming. 1210 Phoenix St #6.

Phoenix Records & Boutique offers new and used records, locally made tie-dye and music apparel, posters and more. 330 Kalamazoo St

Oh My Darlings is a unique kid’s store with toys, games, puzzles and baby items. 508 Phoenix St.

Food & Drink

The Blueberry Store offers fresh and frozen Michigan blueberries, dried blueberries, blueberry coffee and syrup, blueberry gift baskets and much more. 525 Phoenix St.

The Depot offers a carefully curates selection of craft beers, spirits and wine in addition handmade sandwiches and takeout lunches. 555 Dyckman Ave.

Dutch Farm Market is a farmer’s market offering fruits and vegetables, including apples and peaches, plus baked goods, ice cream and a playground. 6967 109^th Ave.

Haven Market is a charming grocery store featuring a wide selection of locally sourced vegetables, fruits, meat and cheese. 550 Phoenix St.

North Side Memories is a convenience store with a deli offering sandwiches, bagels, salads and ice cream. 112 Dyckman Ave.

Olive Cart is a gourmet boutique offering a variety of olive oils, vinegars, mustards, dips, salts and spices. 424 Phoenix St.

Sweet Haven Candy Shop is an old-fashioned candy store stocked with retro candy, bulk candy, homemade fudge, soda pop and more. 411 Phoenix St.

South Haven Farm Market, open Saturdays from May-October and Wednesdays June-August, offers and abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables along with artisan gifts. 539 Phoenix St.

Sporting Goods

GOJOE Rentals rents street-legal golf carts and LSV (Low-Speed Vehicles). 205 Broadway St.

Outpost Sports rents bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs and umbrellas, and offers a selection of retail products for your day on water or the beach. 114 Dyckman Ave.

Rock ‘n’ Road Cycle is a sales-and-service bike shop that also rents a wide variety of bike styles. 315 Broadway St.

SoHa Surf Shop sells surf apparel and gear, from swimwear to wetsuits, all year ‘round. 518 Phoenix St.

Stoke Riders provides lessons and gear rental for kiteboarding, E-foiling and surfing. 1101 Broad St.

Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals offers a wide array of bikes and watercraft. 205 Broadway St.

South Haven Scooter Rental rents scooters and golf courts for traveling around the city. 311 Broadway St.

KJC ATV Rentals & Trails of South Haven offers ATV rentals exclusively for use on their backcountry trails. 24835 68^th St.

If you plan to visit South Haven during your Grand Rapids trip, consider booking a hotel on GR’s southwest side for easy highway access to the lakeshore. Grandville’s Comfort Suites, Country Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites and Staybridge Suites are less than a 50-minute drive from South Haven.

Then again, downtown Grand Rapids is just another five minutes away from South Haven – book a downtown hotel to explore South Haven by day and enjoy a night on the town in Grand Rapids.

Ice Breaker

For more than 30 years, the Ice Breaker Festival has delivered winter fun for the whole family, with dazzling ice sculptures, a chili cook-off, cardboard sled race, outdoor ice skating, s’mores roasting, snowsuit fashion competition and more. January.

South Haven Harborfest

Harborfest transforms Riverfront Park and Water St. into a carnival-like party with children’s rides and games, craft vendor booths, food and a steady lineup of live music. Takes place over two days each June.

Light Up The Lake Fireworks

Held annually on July 3, Light Up the Lake Fireworks launches pyrotechnics from South Haven’s North Pier, where they burst and shimmer over Lake Michigan. Bring chairs and blankets to the waterfront for the big show, which starts around dusk.

South Haven Art Fair

The annual Art Fair in Stanley Johnston Park spans two days and 100+ artists offering paintings, jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, glass art, wood creations and more. There are hands-on activities for the whole family along with lots of food vendors. July.

National Blueberry Festival

One of the longest-running fruit festivals in the nation, the four-day National Blueberry Festival celebrates the world’s largest concentration of blueberry growers, right here in South Haven. The festivities include a parade, 5K race, live entertainment, pie-eating contest, kids’ activities and more. August.

Jazz Festival

This annual two-day celebration of smooth, soulful jazz features live performances across multiple stages along with the opportunity to savor Social District beverages as you enjoy the rhythm. The South Haven Jazz Festival takes place in Dyckman Park every September.

Holiday in the Park

Thousands of lights are strung through Dyckman Park and throughout downtown South Haven throughout the holiday season, which also features an annual Claus & Paws Parade and tree lighting ceremony.

New Year’s Eve

South Haven’s New Year’s Eve party takes over downtown each year for a street festival lined with food trucks and activities. A thumping outdoor dance party leads up to a New Year’s countdown culminating in the release of 1,000 beach balls synced with a spectacular fireworks display.