Outdoors & water
Beaches, rivers, trails and orchards
The valley is made of water: Lake Michigan on one side, the St. Joseph River through the middle, and lakes in every township. Here are the public beaches, parks, rail-trails and water trails, the u-pick orchards and the wine trail, with when to go, what it costs and whether the dog can come.
Beaches and lake access 13
Lake Michigan’s sand and the inland lakes’ swimming beaches. Michigan state parks need a Recreation Passport on the car; Indiana state parks charge at the gate.
Beach / state park · Sawyer, MI
Warren Dunes State Park
Lake Michigan beach under some of the tallest dunes on the shore; swim in the buoyed area, climb Tower Hill, or walk six miles of wooded trails. Paddleboard and kayak rentals in summer.
When: Open all year; beach season Memorial Day to Labor Day; cross-country skiing listed as a winter activity. Phone 269-426-4013.
Cost: Michigan Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry (nonresident day pass $12, annual $42; residents $15 with plate renewal).
Dogs: Yes, on a 6-foot leash, on the beach north of the northernmost swim buoy (about 2.5 miles of shoreline).
Access: Three accessible restroom buildings in the beach day-use area; three 100-foot accessible walkways toward the water (they stop short of the water's edge); two beach wheelchairs to borrow at the ranger station.
The story: Businessman Edward K. Warren bought the dunes and beach as a conservation measure; the land became a state park in 1930. Source
12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49125
Beach / state park / dunes · Stevensville, MI
Grand Mere State Park
Hike over wooded dunes to about half a mile of quiet Lake Michigan shoreline, or fish for bluegill on South and Middle lakes; a fine spring birding spot.
When: Open all year; snowshoeing in winter. Vault toilets and a picnic pavilion by the main lot.
Cost: Michigan Recreation Passport (vehicle entry).
Dogs: Yes, on a 6-foot leash, along the half mile of Lake Michigan shoreline.
The story: Its three inland lakes, remnants of five, formed as the glaciers retreated; the area was named a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Source
No street address published by the DNR (directions link only); off Thornton Drive, Stevensville area — verify
Beach / state park · South Haven, MI
Van Buren State Park
A sandy Lake Michigan beach backed by high dunes, with a buoyed swim area, a pet-friendly beach just north of it, and a paved spur to the Van Buren Trail for biking.
When: Open all year; paddlesport rentals from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Phone 269-637-2788.
Cost: Michigan Recreation Passport (vehicle entry).
Dogs: Yes, leashed (6 feet), on most of the shoreline except the buoyed swim area; designated pet beach just north of it.
Access: Track chair to borrow; accessible restroom, parking and a paved walkway to the beach at the swim area; ADA campsites.
The story: Established in 1966 after the state bought 167 acres from the Harry LaBar Drake family in 1965. Source
23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven, MI 49090
Beach / county park · St. Joseph, MI
Silver Beach County Park
A busy, lifeguarded Lake Michigan beach below the bluff with a walk out the South Pier, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and kayak and paddleboard rentals at the north end.
When: Open dawn to dusk year-round; restrooms early May to mid-October; lifeguards early June to mid-August. Phone 269-982-0533.
Cost: Vehicle entry May–September: $8 Berrien County residents, $15 nonresidents; $40 annual Berrien County parks permit. Walk-ins free. Michigan Recreation Passport not accepted.
Dogs: Leashed on sidewalks only; no pets on the sand or in the water.
Access: Barrier-free walkway from the lot along the beachfront to the pavilions and South Pier; free beach wheelchair and beach walker in summer, first come first served (ID required, must be pushed).
The story: Silver Beach became a Berrien County park in the early 1990s. Source
101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Beach / city park · St. Joseph, MI
Tiscornia Park (Tiscornia Beach)
A 16-acre family beach on the north side of the St. Joseph River mouth with restrooms and a picnic pavilion; walk the North Pier to the two lighthouses at sunset.
When: Parking passes required April 1–October 31; lighthouse tours offered between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Cost: Paid parking (meter by the hour or day; $40 season city parks pass) April–October. Rates not published on the page we could read.
Dogs: Leashed dogs on the sidewalk and pier only.
The story: A light station has stood at the river mouth since 1832; the present North Pier inner and outer lights date from 1906–1907 and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Source
80 Ridgeway Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Beach / city park · Benton Harbor, MI
Jean Klock Park
A quieter Lake Michigan beach with a dune observation trail, interdunal wetlands, a marsh and a playground.
When: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (per Visit Southwest Michigan listing). Phone 269-927-8419.
Cost: Parking kiosks charge May 1–October 30 (minimum three hours, $5, per Visit Southwest Michigan); season passes available — verify current rates with the City of Benton Harbor.
The story: In 1917 John Nellis Klock and his wife Carrie bought the lakeshore from E. K. Warren and deeded it to the City of Benton Harbor in memory of their daughter Jean. Source
Jean Klock Boulevard, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Beach / county park · Benton Harbor (Benton Township), MI
Rocky Gap County Park
A small bluff-top park with a Lake Michigan overlook deck and a sandy beach below; a good sunset stop and picnic spot.
When: April through October, about 8 a.m. until shortly after sunset; no overnight parking. Vault toilets, no running water.
Cost: Free parking.
Dogs: No pets on the beach.
Access: Hard-surface ramp to the beach in the lower park.
1100 Rocky Gap Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Beach / city park · Bridgman, MI
Weko Beach
A city beach on Lake Michigan with a boat ramp, campground, and kayak and paddleboard rentals; no lifeguards.
When: Park hours 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; parking fees and rentals Memorial Day to Labor Day. Phone 269-465-3406.
Cost: $15 per vehicle per day (card only) in season; season passes $10 residents / $45 nonresidents at Bridgman City Hall. Recreation Passport and Berrien County park pass not accepted.
Dogs: No — dogs prohibited on the beach.
5301 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI 49106
Beach / city beach · South Haven, MI
South Beach (South Haven)
South Haven's signature wide sand beach, a walk from downtown, with the red South Haven lighthouse at the end of the pier; named the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice best beach in Michigan.
When: Summer beach season; city lifeguard program in recent years — verify current dates.
Cost: Paid parking in season (city rates have been changing; verify with the City of South Haven).
Dogs: Not stated on the visitor page — check city rules.
Access: Listed as accessible by Visit South Haven; beach wheelchairs have been donated to South Beach.
The story: The light station at the mouth of the Black River was lit in 1872; the present tower dates from 1903. Source
Beside the south pier at the end of Water Street, South Haven, MI 49090
Beach / city beach · South Haven, MI
North Beach (South Haven)
A family beach with a concession stand, picnic area, play equipment, restrooms and volleyball courts, facing the lighthouse across the river.
When: Summer season.
Cost: $10 per trip or $30 weekly parking (per Visit South Haven listing; verify current city rate).
Access: ADA accessible (per Visit South Haven).
North side of the Black River mouth, South Haven, MI 49090
County park / lake access · Vandalia area (Porter Township), MI
Henry Sears Park (Birch Lake access)
A small county park on the south side of Birch Lake offering public boat access.
Access: Limited parking.
Birch Road and Lake Shore Drive, Cassopolis, MI 49031
County park / swimming beach · Marcellus area, MI
Stevens Lakeside Memorial Park
A two-acre swimming park on the north side of Little Fish Lake with a small picnic shelter and an open games field.
Access: Limited parking; rustic restrooms.
South off Stevens Forest Lake Road, about 0.2 mile west of Lawrence Road
Public lake and river access · Various, MI
Michigan DNR public boating access sites
Hundreds of free-to-use state launches; representative Berrien County sites named by the DNR include Paw Paw Lake East and West, Black Lake, the Galien River, Buchanan, New Buffalo, Shamrock Park, Riverview Park and St. Joseph River Park on the St. Joseph River. The finder shows lanes, parking, local watercraft rules and closures.
When: Year-round unless posted.
Cost: Michigan Recreation Passport covers vehicle access to nearly 1,000 state boating access sites.
Access: Varies by site; see the finder.
Use the Michigan Boating Facility Finder map for exact locations
Parks, forests and nature centers 22
Old-growth woods, dunes, a dark-sky park, botanical gardens and nature centers with trails for every season.
State park / old-growth forest · Three Oaks (near), MI
Warren Woods State Park
A quiet one-mile trail along the Galien River through towering beech and sugar maple, with a footbridge over the river; a favorite in spring wildflower season and peak fall color.
When: Open all year; the Elm Valley Road entrance is closed in winter, use the Warren Woods Road access. Vault toilet only.
Cost: Michigan Recreation Passport (vehicle entry).
Dogs: Not stated on the DNR page (state park rule: leashed, 6 feet).
The story: Edward K. Warren began buying the woods in 1879 to preserve them; the stand, called the last climax beech-maple forest in Michigan, has been a National Natural Landmark since 1967. Source
Warren Woods Road trailhead (Elm Valley Road entrance closed in winter); no street address published
County park / dark-sky park · Vandalia, MI
Dr. T. K. Lawless Park
Cass County's big all-season park: seven miles of hiking trails, ten miles of mountain-bike singletrack, disc golf and a paved one-mile accessible trail by day, and some of the darkest skies in southern Michigan by night, with scheduled public sky-viewing nights.
When: Open year-round; hours posted at the park. Winter: seven miles of groomed cross-country ski trail and inner-tube sledding (tubes provided).
Cost: Admission $3 Cass County residents, $5 nonresidents.
Dogs: Not stated on the county page — check Cass County Parks rules.
Access: Paved total-access trail (1 mile); modern restrooms; large parking area.
The story: Accepted as an International Dark Sky Park in January 2020. Source
15122 Monkey Run Street, Vandalia, MI 49095
County park / forest · Decatur, MI
Fred Russ Forest Park
A shaded picnic park inside a 580-acre research forest, with four miles of hiking trail, equestrian trails, a canoe landing and trout fishing in a Class A stream.
When: Open year-round; four miles of cross-country ski trail in winter. Reservations 269-445-4456 (weekdays 8–4).
Cost: Donations appreciated.
Access: Not stated; rustic restrooms, well water, electricity at shelters.
The story: The park sits within the 580-acre Fred Russ research forest. Source
20379 Marcellus Highway, Decatur, MI 49045
County park / creek access · Niles, MI
Arthur Dodd Memorial Park
A 51-acre park along Dowagiac Creek near the county line with a canoe landing, trout fishing, a one-mile trail and picnic shelters.
When: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.
Cost: $3 Cass County residents, $5 nonresidents.
Access: Wheelchair-accessible swing; rustic restrooms.
61437 Creek Road, Niles, MI 49120
County park / lake access · Vandalia area (Porter Township), MI
Henry Sears Park (Birch Lake access)
A small county park on the south side of Birch Lake offering public boat access.
Access: Limited parking.
Birch Road and Lake Shore Drive, Cassopolis, MI 49031
County park / swimming beach · Marcellus area, MI
Stevens Lakeside Memorial Park
A two-acre swimming park on the north side of Little Fish Lake with a small picnic shelter and an open games field.
Access: Limited parking; rustic restrooms.
South off Stevens Forest Lake Road, about 0.2 mile west of Lawrence Road
County park / river access · South Bend, IN
St. Patrick's County Park
Riverside park on the St. Joseph River at the state line with hiking trails, a big red barn, a public boat ramp, and canoe and kayak rentals for river trips from Keller Park down to the park or on to the Niles dam.
When: Rentals in recent seasons ran late May to early October, Friday–Sunday (verify current schedule). Winter: snowtubing, cross-country ski trails and ski rentals. Phone 574-277-4828.
Cost: Not stated on the park page — check St. Joseph County Parks.
50651 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637
County park / nature center · New Carlisle, IN
Bendix Woods County Park
Wooded trails, a 6.5-mile mountain-bike trail, a nature center in the old clubhouse, maple-sugaring in late winter, and the famous pine trees planted to spell STUDEBAKER.
When: Open year-round; sledding hill (unsupervised) in winter; Sugar Camp Days in early spring. Phone 574-654-3155.
Cost: Not stated on the park page — check St. Joseph County Parks.
The story: Studebaker opened its proving ground here in 1926 and in 1938 planted 8,000 pines that spell STUDEBAKER from the air; the clubhouse and tree sign joined the National Register in 1985. Source
56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle, IN 46552
State park / lake beach · North Liberty, IN
Potato Creek State Park
Swim at the Worster Lake beach, rent a canoe, kayak or rowboat (electric motors only), ride the paved bike trail or the 7.4-mile mountain-bike loop, and hike the woods and prairie.
When: Daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Winter: cross-country skiing (no rentals) and a tubing hill.
Cost: Indiana state park entrance: $7 per Indiana vehicle, $15 out-of-state; annual pass $50 resident / $120 nonresident.
Dogs: Not stated on the park page (Indiana state parks generally allow leashed pets outside beaches and buildings — verify).
Access: Motorized trail wheelchair to borrow; ADA sidewalk from the lot to the water's edge.
The story: Dedicated as Potato Creek Recreation Area on June 6, 1977, the year its dam created Worster Lake, named for conservationist Darcy Worster; it became a state park in 1983. Source
25601 State Road 4, North Liberty, IN 46554
Botanical garden / nature preserve · Niles, MI
Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve
Gardens, an arboretum, tallgrass prairie, a garden railway and woodland trails above the St. Joseph River, with art exhibitions and a café; check in at the Visitors Center first.
When: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed July 4, Thanksgiving, Dec. 24–25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Some events (such as LIGHTS) cost extra.
Cost: Adults $12, seniors 65+ $9, youth 5–12 $7, 4 and under free; members free.
Dogs: No pets (service animals welcome) except at select special events.
Access: Paved garden paths; group tours can stay on paved paths or move indoors on request.
The story: Kay and Walter Boydston bought the first 12.5 acres in 1941 as their home; it became a public garden in 1964. Source
13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI 49120
Nature center / preserve · Benton Harbor (Benton Center), MI
Sarett Nature Center
Nine miles of trails through river bottomland, woods and wetland, boardwalks, a treetop walkway, a nature play area and a summer Butterfly House; a fine place to bird.
When: Trails dawn to dusk daily; building Tuesday–Saturday 10–5, Sunday 1–5, closed Monday; Butterfly House May–September. Winter: cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals. Phone 269-927-4832.
Cost: Nonmember adults $3; children and members free. Butterfly House extra ($8 adults, $5 children, nonmembers).
Dogs: No — pets not allowed on trails or in buildings.
Access: An accessible trail; trail accessibility vehicles available (see sarett.org/trailaccessibility).
The story: Founded in 1963 when Elizabeth and William Vawter bought 130 acres and Michigan Audubon agreed to manage it; named for the naturalist and poet Lew Sarett. Source
2300 N. Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Nature preserve (Michigan Nature Association) · Dowagiac, MI
Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary
Walk a 1.5-mile trail through a never-plowed woodland famous for spring wildflowers, especially more than 150 beds of blue-eyed Mary; over 400 plant species grow here.
When: Open year-round; best late April to mid-May for wildflowers. Trail can be wet in spring.
Cost: Free.
Dogs: Not stated — check the Michigan Nature Association's sanctuary visitation rules before bringing a dog.
Access: Natural-surface trail; no facilities stated.
The story: Established by the Michigan Nature Association in 1981 and enlarged to 384 acres in 2009. Source
Frost Road, one mile east of Sink Road (from Dowagiac take M-62 west to Sink Road, south 1 mile to Frost Road, east 1 mile); no street number published
County park / nature center · Berrien Center, MI
Love Creek County Park & Nature Center
Nine miles of trails through 200 rolling acres along Love Creek, including mature beech-maple woods with spring wildflowers, plus a 3.5-mile mountain-bike loop and a nature center.
When: Open year-round, daylight hours; nature center Wednesday–Sunday 10–5. Winter: groomed classic and skate ski trails with rentals, and groomed fat-bike trail with rentals. Phone 269-471-2617.
Cost: $3 per vehicle Berrien County residents, $5 nonresidents; annual permits available.
Dogs: Leashed dogs on trails when there is no snow; no dogs once trails are groomed for skiing.
9292 Huckleberry Road, Berrien Center, MI 49102
Nature center / preserve · Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo Nature Center
About 14 miles of trails across more than a thousand acres of woods, prairie and wetland north of the city, with a visitor center and accessible arboretum trails.
When: Visitor Center Mon–Sat 9–5, Sun 1–5; trails 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m. March–October, 9–5 November–February. Phone 269-381-1574.
Cost: Adults $8, 55+ and military $6, children 4–17 $6, 3 and under free.
Dogs: No — pets not permitted anywhere on the property, even leashed.
Access: GRIT Freedom all-terrain wheelchairs to reserve; Habitat Haven and Arboretum trails wheelchair- and stroller-accessible; accessible visitor center.
The story: Founded October 31, 1960, by Kalamazoo community leaders who pooled resources to buy land for an outdoor education center. Source
7000 North Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
County park / historic mill · Bristol, IN
Bonneyville Mill County Park
See the state's oldest operating grist mill grinding grain, then walk seven miles of trails along the Little Elkhart River, fish for bass and stocked trout, or ride the mountain-bike trail.
When: Park open daily (9 a.m. to 6–9 p.m. by month); mill Tuesday–Sunday 10–5 in season (closes in early-to-mid November — confirm). Winter: cross-country skiing and two sledding hills.
Cost: No park entry fee listed.
The story: Built by Edward Bonney in 1832; listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Source
53373 County Road 131, Bristol, IN 46507
City park / riverfront · Niles, MI
Riverfront Park (Niles)
The city's park on the St. Joseph River with walking paths, fishing and boating, a playground, skate park and amphitheater that hosts summer concerts; the river trail to South Bend starts nearby at Plym Park.
When: Year-round. Phone 269-683-4700.
Cost: Free.
Water Street, Niles, MI 49120
County park / beach · Wolcottville, IN
Dallas Lake Park
140 acres on the south shore of Dallas Lake: a sandy beach and swimming pier (no lifeguard), about 2 miles of walking trails through wetland, prairie and woods, and a wetland deck over Pond Lil, a state nature preserve.
When: Daily 8 am–9 pm May 1–Labor Day; 8 am–sunset the rest of the year. Parks office 260-854-2225.
Cost: Beach $1 per person per day or $40 season pass.
Dogs: Not stated; ask the parks office.
505 W 700 S, Wolcottville, IN 46795
County park · Wolcottville, IN
Delt Church Park
110 acres of woods and prairie along the North Branch of the Elkhart River, with about 2 miles of hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course and a large accessible playground.
When: Daily 8 am–9 pm May 1–Labor Day; 8 am–sunset the rest of the year.
Cost: Not stated (no fee listed).
Dogs: Not stated; ask the parks office (260-854-2225).
Access: Accessible MegaTower playground.
6455 S 200 W, Wolcottville, IN 46795
Nature center / preserve · LaGrange, IN
Maple Wood Nature Center
About 2 miles of trails through northern hardwood forest, wooded swamp and wet prairie with nearly 40 kinds of trees, including a 1-mile Mindfulness Trail; in late winter the park taps its maples for syrup.
When: Trails 8 am–9 pm May 1–Labor Day, 8 am–sunset otherwise; the interpretive center is open by appointment.
Cost: Not stated (no fee listed).
Dogs: Not stated; ask the parks office (260-854-2225).
4550 E 100 S, LaGrange, IN 46761
County park · Howe, IN
Pine Knob Park
254 acres of woods, oak savanna prairie and wetland around Meteer and Duff lakes, with 4 miles of accessible trails and boardwalks, fishing piers, and field and 3-D archery courses.
When: Daily 8 am–9 pm May 1–Labor Day; 8 am–sunset the rest of the year.
Cost: $5 range fee for the 3-D archery trail; otherwise free.
Dogs: Not stated; ask the parks office (260-854-2225).
Access: 4 miles of trails described as accessible.
2835 E SR 120, Howe, IN 46746
County park / lake · Shipshewana, IN
Shipshewana Lake Park
A small, quiet lakeside park with picnic tables, a pavilion, grill and playground, about three-quarters of a mile from the Pumpkinvine Trail and close to the Chief Shipshewana Memorial.
When: Daily 8 am–9 pm May 1–Labor Day; 8 am–sunset the rest of the year.
Cost: Not stated (no fee listed).
Dogs: Not stated; ask the parks office (260-854-2225).
The story: The Potawatomi leader Shipshewana's camp ground was on the banks of this lake, according to the 2003 memorial marker nearby. Source
3180 N 915 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565
City park / petting zoo · Three Rivers, MI
Scidmore Park
An 18-acre riverside park with a duck pond, playgrounds and the free Scidmore Park Petting Zoo; the Riverwalk Trail starts at its south end, and the 1957 Three Rivers state marker is beside it on M-60.
When: Park open daily. Petting zoo mid-May to end of August, Tue, Thu and Sat 11–3 (some animals can be seen through the fence off-season).
Cost: Free.
Dogs: Not stated; ask the City of Three Rivers.
The story: Near the place where the Rocky and Portage rivers join the St. Joseph, a campsite used by Native people for centuries, according to the state marker. Source
112 Spring St., Three Rivers, MI 49093
Trails to walk and ride 7
Rail-trails on old railroad beds and riverwalks along the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers.
Trail (rail-trail) · South Haven to Kalamazoo, MI
Kal-Haven Trail State Park
Ride or walk about 34 miles of crushed limestone between Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo through farms, woods and small trail towns; a hybrid or gravel bike suits it better than a road bike.
When: Year-round; cross-country skiing allowed (not groomed); snowmobiles Dec. 1–March 31. Phone 269-637-2788.
Cost: No trail-use fee stated (the county trail pass was dropped in 2011); Recreation Passport for state park vehicle entry where applicable.
Dogs: Not stated on the DNR page (state rule: leashed, 6 feet).
Access: Limestone/slag surface.
The story: Built on the bed of the Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad (1870s), abandoned in 1973; the trail opened August 15, 1989. Source
Trailheads in South Haven and Kalamazoo, with access at Grand Junction, Bloomingdale and Alamo
Trail (rail-trail) · South Haven to Hartford, MI
Van Buren Trail State Park
A 14-mile former rail line: two paved miles from South Haven to 16th Avenue, then gravel to Hartford suited to mountain bikes and horses; links to the Kal-Haven Trail.
When: Year-round; skiing allowed (not groomed); snowmobiles on 13 miles Dec. 1–March 31.
Access: First two miles paved.
The story: Follows a former railroad right-of-way. Source
South Haven to Hartford; spur from Van Buren State Park
Trail (paved, two states) · Niles, MI to Mishawaka, IN, MI/IN
Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail
A paved riverside route linking Niles, South Bend and Mishawaka past more than 15 parks, Notre Dame and four downtowns; join it anywhere for a walk or a long ride across the state line.
When: Year-round.
Cost: Free.
Access: Asphalt and concrete surface.
Endpoints: Plym Park, 401 Marmont Street, Niles, MI, and Logan Street, Mishawaka, IN
Trail (urban riverwalk) · Mishawaka, IN
Mishawaka Riverwalk
A 2.6-mile paved loop on both banks of the river, crossing a suspension bridge and a boardwalk near the dam and fish ladder, past Battell Park, Central Park, Beutter Riverfront Park and Kamm Island.
When: Year-round.
Cost: Free.
Access: Asphalt, brick and concrete; the Battell Park section is wide paved concrete suitable for strollers and mobility devices.
Loop along both banks of the St. Joseph River; east end at Logan Street near Central Park (295 E. Mishawaka Avenue)
Trail (rail-trail) · Goshen – Middlebury – Shipshewana, IN
Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
A completed 17-mile paved greenway through Amish farm country linking Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana — slow down for buggies and bicycles alike.
When: Year-round.
Cost: Free.
Access: Asphalt surface.
The story: Built on the old Pumpkinvine railroad corridor; the Friends of the Pumpkinvine began the conversion in 1992 and the full 17 miles were completed in June 2024. Source
Trail access in Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana (see pumpkinvine.org Trail Information)
Trail (rail-trail) · Elkhart to Goshen, IN
MapleHeart Trail
A nearly five-mile paved rail-trail from Elkhart south to the edge of Goshen, linking the River Greenway with the Pumpkinvine network.
When: Year-round.
Cost: Free.
Access: Asphalt.
Between E. Hively Avenue (Elkhart) and Lincolnway North (Goshen)
Trail (urban riverwalk) · Elkhart, IN
River Greenway Trail (Elkhart)
Follow the Elkhart River from the Environmental Center into the downtown River District, with a connection to the MapleHeart Trail toward Goshen.
When: Year-round.
Cost: Free.
Trailhead at the Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516
Paddling and the rivers 9
Water trails on the St. Joseph, Dowagiac, Paw Paw and Galien rivers, and the liveries and launches that put you on them.
Paddling / whitewater course · South Bend, IN · Closed this season
East Race Waterway
A Class II whitewater channel in the heart of downtown where the public can raft (gear provided) or bring their own kayak.
When: CLOSED for the 2026 season for updates. Normally June 1–Labor Day, weekends.
Cost: Normally a $20 day pass with unlimited rides; 54-inch minimum height.
The story: Dug as an industrial raceway in the late 1800s, later filled in, re-excavated and opened in 1984 as the first man-made whitewater rafting course in North America. Source
Downtown South Bend along the east bank of the St. Joseph River
Paddling / water trail · Niles to St. Joseph, MI
St. Joseph River Water Trail (Michigan)
About 67 river miles from Niles to Lake Michigan with good fishing; plan portages at the dams in Niles, Buchanan and Berrien Springs, and watch for big boats and freighters in the working harbor at the mouth.
When: Spring through fall; check flows and weather.
Cost: Free (Recreation Passport for vehicles at state launches).
Access: Varies by launch.
Access sites in Niles, Buchanan, Berrien Springs, Benton Harbor and St. Joseph (interactive map on the trail page)
Paddling / water trail · North of Dowagiac to Niles, MI
Dowagiac River Water Trail
Southern Michigan's largest coldwater river, moderately fast through trees and wetlands. The stretch below Dodd Park to the former Pucker Street Dam site has significant logjams and is for advanced paddlers only.
When: Spring through fall; stay off after heavy rain. USGS gage: waterdata.usgs.gov site 04101800.
Cost: Free.
Access: Varies.
The story: The Pucker Street dam has been removed. Source
Access points on the trail-page map; last access before the St. Joseph is the DNR site on M-139 just north of Niles
Paddling / water trail · Paw Paw to Benton Harbor, MI
Paw Paw River Water Trail
A 68-mile winding river trail past Lawrence, Hartford, Watervliet, Coloma and Riverside to its meeting with the St. Joseph near Lake Michigan; expect fallen trees.
When: Spring through fall; check the USGS gage (04102500) before going.
Cost: Free.
Access: Varies.
Begins below the Maple Lake Dam in the Village of Paw Paw; access map on the trail page
Paddling / water trail · New Buffalo area, MI
Galien River Marsh Water Trail
A marsh paddle near the Lake Michigan shore, listed by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission among the region's water trails.
When: Spring through fall.
Cost: Free.
See trail page
Paddling / livery (city-run) · Goshen, IN
Elkhart River canoe trips (Goshen Parks)
A roughly four-hour canoe trip down the Elkhart River from Shanklin Park to Ox Bow; the city drops the canoe at the launch (no shuttle back from Ox Bow — arrange your own return).
When: April 15–October 15; reserve 96 hours ahead at 574-534-2901.
Cost: $40 plus tax per canoe (two adults and two children, or three adults).
Reserve at the Goshen Parks office, 410 W. Plymouth Avenue, Goshen, IN; launch at Shanklin Park, take-out at Ox Bow
Paddling / rentals · Goshen, IN
Fidler Pond Park boat rentals
Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard by the hour on a calm city pond — a good first paddle for children.
When: Weekends late May through August (check dates), from 10 a.m. until an hour before dusk.
Cost: $10 per boat per hour; life jackets mandatory.
Fidler Pond Park, 1424 Lincolnway East, Goshen, IN
Paddling / livery · Three Rivers, MI
Liquid Therapy Canoe & Kayak Rental
Canoe and kayak trips on the St. Joseph, Rocky, Portage and Prairie rivers around Three Rivers.
When: Launches seven days a week Memorial Day–Labor Day. Phone 269-273-9000.
Cost: Call for rates.
221 S. Main Street, Three Rivers, MI 49093
Public river access · Elkhart, IN
Beardsley Park kayak launch (Elkhart)
An ADA-compliant kayak launch and fishing access on the north bank of the St. Joseph River just east of Main Street.
When: Year-round.
Cost: Free.
Access: ADA-compliant kayak launch.
135 E. Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, IN
U-pick orchards and berry farms 7
The fruit belt in season: strawberries in June, cherries and blueberries in July, peaches in August, apples and pumpkins in the fall. Picking days depend on the weather, so call or check the farm’s page the morning you go.
U-pick · Berrien Springs
Stover's Farm Market & U-Pic
What to pick: Strawberries, sweet and tart cherries, red and black raspberries, peaches (nine varieties), apples (23 varieties), pumpkins, gourds, squash
When: Late May/early June (strawberries) through October (pumpkins and squash); call ahead, dates follow the weather
7837 M-139, Berrien Springs, MI
U-pick · Coloma
Fruit Acres Farm Market & U-Pick
What to pick: Sweet and tart cherries, peaches, apples, pumpkins
When: Peaches mid-July through September; apples late summer–fall; u-pick Saturdays and Sundays 10–4:30
U-pick: 2789 Friday Road, Coloma, MI 49038 (market: 3452 Friday Road)
U-pick · Coloma
Jollay Orchards
What to pick: Cherries, blueberries and peaches in summer; apples and grapes in fall
When: June through November
1850 Friday Road, Coloma, MI 49038
U-pick · Niles
Lehman's Orchard
What to pick: Raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, apples (Honeycrisp and more); also listed for blueberries, cherries and currants
When: Summer into fall (2026 season listed raspberries and blackberries, with more apples from August)
2280 Portage Road, Niles, MI
U-pick · South Haven
DeGrandchamp Farms
What to pick: Blueberries (u-pick); cranberries sold in fall
When: Blueberries July–August; cranberry season October–November with harvest festival days the first two Saturdays of October
76241 14th Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090
U-pick · St. Joseph · Check before you go
Lonely Pine Farms – Scherer's U-Pick (St. Joseph)
What to pick: Strawberries
When: June (strawberry season; dates vary yearly)
5118 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085
U-pick · St. Joseph · Check before you go
Nye's Apple Barn
What to pick: Apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, blackberries, raspberries
When: Summer through fall
3151 Niles Avenue (M-63), St. Joseph, MI 49085
More farm markets, cider mills and orchards with a story are on Places to eat (choose “Orchards, markets & cider”).
The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail
A collaboration of about 15 wineries in the Lake Michigan Shore growing region of southwest Michigan; the trail's members page links to each winery. The trail’s own page lists every member: Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. A few tasting rooms:
- 12 Corners Vineyard (Benton Harbor), 1201 N. Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 · Website
- Hickory Creek Winery, 750 Browntown Road, Buchanan, MI 49107 · Website
- Lemon Creek Winery, 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 · Website
- Domaine Berrien Cellars, 398 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 · Website
- Baroda Founders Wine Cellar, 8963 Hills Road, Baroda, MI 49101 · Website
- White Pine Winery, 317 State Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 · Website
Please choose a driver. Tasting-room hours change with the season.
Fall color and winter
Fall color drives
- Red Arrow Highway (West Michigan Pike). From St. Joseph take Main Street south to Lakeshore Drive and Red Arrow Highway through Stevensville, Bridgman, Sawyer, Harbert, Lakeside and Union Pier to New Buffalo
- Blue Star Highway (West Michigan Pike north). From St. Joseph north on tree-lined M-63 to Blue Star Highway along Lake Michigan through Benton Harbor and Covert toward South Haven
- St. Joseph River Tour. From St. Joseph follow Niles Avenue/M-63 to Scottdale, then M-139 and Red Bud Trail to Buchanan
- South Berrien wine-country loop. I-94 to Exit 12 (Sawyer); east on Sawyer Road, Flynn Road, Browntown Road, Hills Road and Lemon Creek Road, then Red Arrow Highway to Bridgman and Union Pier
- Madron Lake Road, Buchanan. A short wooded road near Buchanan named by the County Road Association of Michigan
- Fred Russ Forest Park tour (Cass County). I-94 Exit 56 (Decatur), M-51 south, left on Decatur Road, left on Marcellus Highway to the forest park
- Warren Woods State Park walk. Peak color in the old beech-maple forest off Warren Woods Road near Three Oaks
Color usually peaks around the middle of October. Routes from Visit Southwest Michigan’s Fall Color Guide and the County Road Association of Michigan.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Love Creek County Park (groomed classic and skate, rentals; fat-bike trail)
- Dr. T. K. Lawless Park (7 miles groomed)
- Sarett Nature Center (ski and snowshoe rentals)
- Fred Russ Forest Park (4 miles)
- St. Patrick's County Park, IN (trails and rentals)
- Potato Creek State Park, IN (no rentals)
- Bonneyville Mill County Park, IN
- Warren Dunes State Park; Kal-Haven and Van Buren trails (ungroomed)
- Grand Mere State Park (snowshoeing)
Sledding and tubing
- Dr. T. K. Lawless Park (inner-tube sledding, tubes provided)
- St. Patrick's County Park, IN (snowtubing)
- Potato Creek State Park, IN (tubing hill)
- Bendix Woods County Park, IN (sledding hill, unsupervised)
- Bonneyville Mill County Park, IN (two sledding hills)
Dr. T. K. Lawless Park is an International Dark Sky Park (2020) with scheduled public viewing nights, winter included.
Before you go
- Passes. Michigan Recreation Passport: $15 resident annual with plate renewal (2-year $29); nonresident $12 daily, $42 annual; covers vehicle entry to all 103 state parks and recreation areas and nearly 1,000 boating access sites. Source: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/recreation-passport
- Indiana state parks. Indiana state parks: $7 per Indiana vehicle, $15 out-of-state per day at most parks; annual $50 resident, $120 nonresident. Source: https://secure.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/rates-and-fees/entrance-fees
- Public land only. Every place here is open to the public. Please keep to paths and posted hours, and leave private shores and farm fields alone.
- Lake Michigan. Watch the beach flags and the forecast: rip currents along the piers are real. Never walk the piers in high waves.
Gathered and checked against each park’s, farm’s or agency’s own page in October 2026. Fees, hours and dog rules change; a farm marked “check before you go” was confirmed only from a listing site. Map pins come from each street address.