Are you thinking about going to South Haven, Michigan, and want to find some fun things to do to make the trip unforgettable? Don’t look any further! There are 19+ great and fun things to do in South Haven, MI. You’ve come to the right place.
South Haven is a town on the blue waters of Lake Michigan with just the right amount of old-fashioned charm and new sights and activities. People often call South Haven “the Catskills of the Midwest” because it has so many beautiful natural areas.
It is one of the best places to visit in Michigan for tourists because of its beautiful scenery and lively community. Discover 19+ must-see and do things in South Haven, Michigan, in this piece. This will help you get the most out of your trip to this interesting place. You should also know when the best time is to go to South Haven so that you can get the most out of your trip.
19+ Fun and Awesome Things To Do In South Haven, MI In 2024
1. Van Buren State Park
Van Buren State Park is a great place to start your trip to South Haven. Along the shore of Lake Michigan, this 400-acre park is a great place for people who love the outdoors.
The park has a lovely sandy beach, dune formations, a new campground, a mile of sandy beach, wooded walks, and a place to spend the day.
You can get to the Van Buren State Park Spur Trail from the park. It’s a beautiful 4-mile paved path that leads into the city of South Haven. You can also get to Van Buren Trail State Park and other interesting places.
At this park, you can do many things, such as picnicking, biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, kite flying, swimming, fishing, and taking a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan.
The address is 23960 Ruggles Rd, South Haven Charter Twp, MI 49090.
2. South Haven Lighthouse
This famous feature is a must-see in South Haven. It is at the mouth of the Black River. The 37-foot building, which was built in 1872, shows some of South Haven’s maritime past.
It has one of only four boardwalks that were built to connect the lighthouse to the shore. As one of the fun things to do in New Haven, you can take a relaxing walk along the South Pier, which has a beautiful view, especially at sunset.
Water St., South Haven, MI 49090
3. Michigan Maritime Museum
The Michigan Nautical Museum is one of the best things to do in South Haven to learn about the Great Lakes’ nautical history.
This museum is right on the Black River and is a great way to learn about the area’s maritime history. The museum is made up of five buildings that show things like shipwrecks, lighthouses, and naval fights.
As a guest, you can ride on the 47-ton Friends Good Will, a topsail sloop from the War of 1812 that was used in the North American fur trade. Also, don’t miss the special boat tours where you can learn how to sail by doing it.
North 260th Street, South Haven, MI 49090
4. Kal Haven Trail
Visit the Kal Haven Trail today; it’s a one-of-a-kind thing to do in South Haven. It was once a railroad track, but now it’s a peaceful trail covered in plants.
Along the 33.5-mile path from Kalamazoo to South Haven, you can see lush forests, old bridges, and lots of wildlife.
Kal Haven Trail has a lot of places to rest and have lunch, so it’s a great place for a family trip. A lot of people also like to go there to hike, bike, cross-country ski, and ride snowmobiles.
Tenth Street is the trailhead for the Kalamazoo trail and Baily Street is the start for the South Haven trail.
5. Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market
In the summer, going to the Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market is one of the best things to do close to South Haven. The family-run farm is only a few minutes from South Haven and is the best place to get farm-fresh food.
You can also have a great time picking your blueberries at the Farm. They also sell a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in the area, like fresh-picked strawberries, sweet cherries, peaches, plums, sugar peas, green and yellow beans, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, sweet corn, potatoes, and more.
Also, don’t miss their famous blueberry cookies. Both locals and visitors love these sweet treats.
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This is the address: 15793 James St, Holland, MI 49424
6. Michigan Flywheelers Museum
Want to find fun things to do today in South Haven? Then go back in time to the Michigan Flywheelers Museum and learn about farming in the past.
The museum is on 80 acres and is only a few minutes from the shore of Lake Michigan. It has a log house, a working sawmill, a shingle mill, the farm history building, and a post-and-beam barn that is 130 years old.
The museum puts on one of the biggest “Antique Engine and Tractor Shows” in the state of Michigan every September. If you’re in South Haven during this time, you should join in because it’s always fun.
06285 68th St, South Haven, MI 49090
7. North Beach
North Beach is one of South Haven’s seven public beaches. It is one of the busiest beaches in the city and is just north of the Black River.
The beach is a great place to have fun outside. You can swim, kiteboard, play beach volleyball, and fish at this beach, among other outdoor activities.
Some of the other things that North Beach has to offer are a playground, a nice beach, a cute picnic area, bathrooms, and a parking lot. It’s a great spot to plan a beach day with family and friends while you’re in South Haven.
45 Lakeshore Drive, South Haven, MI 49090
8. South Beach
Three of South Haven’s four main beaches are all on South Beach. North Beach is the other one. This is the only public beach on the south side of the Black River. It has a big red lighthouse.
The beach has a big area with a snack bar and a shop selling souvenirs. There are also picnic areas, play equipment, bathrooms, and a way to get to the old lighthouse.
You can do many outdoor things at the beach, such as swimming, volleyball, kayaking, paddling, and more.
60 Water Street, South Haven, MI 49090
9. Warner Vineyards
This weekend, one of the best things to do in South Haven is to visit Warner Vineyards and taste award-winning wines.
Warner Vineyards was one of the first wineries in Michigan to open in 1938.
Traditional and new ways of making wine are used on the farm. You can go on guided trips, wine tastings, and even events with a wine theme. They have more than 22 different wines to choose from.
515 Williams Street, South Haven, MI 49090
10. Kalamazoo Nature Center
You can have fun at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, which is close to South Haven. This wildlife center is one of the best in the country. It’s only a half-hour drive from the city.
There are hands-on exhibits, a tropical forest inside, live animals, and more at the center. It also has an 11-acre arboretum and a wildlife area that is 1,100 acres. The center also has a butterfly house, a farm, and a place to watch wildlife.
At 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, and elsewhere
11. Downtown South Haven
Walking around Downtown South Haven at your own pace is a must if you’re in this busy city. This busy part of town has a classic charm about it.
Downtown South Haven has a lot to offer, from places to shop and eat to breweries and wineries. Streets with cobblestones, historic buildings, and bright paintings all paint a vivid picture.
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In the evening, the famous movie theater with its well-known sign lights up the street. There’s a new find around every corner, from small shops that sell hand-made goods to artisanal coffee shops. Downtown South Haven is also home to many events all year long, making it one of the most fun places to visit in town.
South Haven, MI 49016
12. Lake Arvesta Farms & Arvesta Sports Complex
Visit the Lake Arvesta Farms & Arvesta Sports Complex in South Haven. It’s a fun thing to do with your family. There are a lot of fun water activities at this beautiful aquatic recreation center, like two wibbit-sized inflatable aqua parks and a full-size cable park.
There are also tennis courts at Lake Arvesta Farms, both inside and outside. The farm is a great place for people who love the water and sports.
Different water activities are available, like swimming, fishing, boating, or just going for a swim in the clear lake. People who like sports can also check out the basketball court, soccer grounds, or thrilling zip lines.
South Haven, MI 49090, 06464 Arvesta Drive
13. Sailing South Haven
In South Haven, Michigan, one fun thing to do is to look around on the water. Start your sailboat adventure at Sailing South Haven and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan.
The boat company has two-hour trips on Lake Michigan. The 37-foot Margaret Ann is available for a two-hour cruise where you can enjoy the sights and feel the sea breeze, or you can pack your stuff for a day of fishing and try to catch something big.
If you’re in the city with your partner, a sunset tour with snacks and drinks can be a sweet and relaxing activity.
515 Williams Street, South Haven, MI 49090
14. Kids Corner Playground
Going to the Kids Corner Playground is one of the coolest things to do in South Haven with kids. This wooden fortress-style playground is a kids’ dream come true. It’s right next to Lake Michigan.
The Kids Corner is a fun place for kids to play outside. This one-of-a-kind playground has swings, trees, slides, and a place to have lunch. While having fun at the beach, you can let your kids run, jump, and play.
563 Monroe Blvd., South Haven, MI 49090
15. Pilgrim Haven Natural Area
Want to do something different today in South Haven? After that, check out Pilgrim Haven Natural Area. This peaceful retreat is just south of South Haven and covers 27 acres. It has a variety of habitats, such as woods, wetlands, and dunes.
Rock hunters love this one-of-a-kind park, but it’s also great for walkers, picnickers, and anyone else who loves being outside.
There are paths in the natural area that lead people through the landscape. This makes it a great place for people who love nature, watch birds, or just want to get away from it all. This beautiful park is a great place to hike, swim, watch wildlife, snowshoe, boat, kayak, and have a picnic.
South Haven Charter Twp, MI 49090
16. Michigan Theatre
Going to the movies at the Michigan Theatre tonight is a sweet thing to do in South Haven, MI. Multiple screens are available at the theater, which shows the newest movies.
You can see shows in three different rooms: two smaller ones on the first floor, and one larger one upstairs. Check out the movie schedule and make plans to spend the evening with your partner at this lovely theater.
210 Center St., South Haven, MI 49090
17. Rocket Arcade
If you’re in South Haven with your family, Rocket Arcade is one of the best things to do. This indoor activity center is famous for having a lot of fun things for the whole family to do.
Rocket Arcade has fun things for people of all ages, like 75+ classic pinball machines, retro arcade games, and video games. For a snack, you can get pizza, ice cream, popcorn, candy, drinks, and more.
Get the whole family together to have fun at this mall.
The address is 237 Broadway St #6, South Haven, MI 49090.
18. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum
The Liberty Hyde Bailey house is one of the oldest homes in South Haven. It was built in 1858. This museum is in the house where Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey was born and is known as the “Father of Modern Horticulture.”
The museum is in a park with themed gardens that show different parts of Dr. Bailey’s studies and books. The space gives information about his life, his work, and the huge effect he had on farming and gardens in the United States.
South Haven, MI 49090, at 903 S. Bailey Ave.
19. South Haven Ice Rink
The South Haven Ice Rink is a great place to go for fun in the winter in South Haven. This place for family fun is right in downtown South Haven, across from City Hall. You will fall in love with it right away.
Enjoy the beauty of a winter night while skating under the holiday lights as one of the things to do in South Haven. The Ice Rink is open for skating almost every day in the winter.
The Ice Rink has a cooling system that runs polyglycol through coils under the ice. This keeps the ice frozen and at a steady temperature.
This place for family fun will keep you busy whether you’re a beginner, a student, or a pro.
546 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI 49090
20. Gingerman Raceway
The Gingerman Raceway is the place to go if you want to thrill yourself. The Gingerman Raceway is a road race track that has been around since 1995 and covers 330 acres.
The racetrack is 2.14 miles long and winds through a naturally hilly area. Gingerman also has services that are easy to get to and that you can enjoy to your heart’s content.
If you want to know what to do this weekend in South Haven, you should go to this racetrack and watch some planned racing competitions.
South Haven, MI 49090, at 61414 Co Rd 388
21. DeGrandchamp Farms
Visit the DeGrandchamp Farms in South Haven today to do something truly special. These farms are in the heart of Michigan’s cranberry country.
From bogs full of red cranberries to the yearly Cranberry Harvest Day festival, this family-run farm is a fun and educational place to visit.
They have a market where you can buy gift boxes, honey, maple syrup, frozen blueberries, jams, preserves, dried fruit, dessert toppings, and more. During the best blueberry season, from July to August, you can also get freshly baked items and homemade fudge.
76241 14th Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
22. South Haven Center For The Arts
The South Haven Center for the Arts is a great place for art lovers to spend time in South Haven. The center is a place where people can get more culturally rich, and it celebrates both the artistic and performing arts.
There are art shows, classes, and workshops for people of all ages, concerts, and talks at the center. It’s a place where people can get creative and get inspired, with shows, classes, and community events.
600 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI 49090
Ideas for Things to Do in South Haven
South Haven is like a well-written book. Its past can be heard in the air, and today’s celebrations have a steady beat. Every draw, whether it’s about art, nature, or food, has a story to tell, and you want to be a part of it. As you continue your trip through South Haven, let every event, sight, and sound feed your soul and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.