20 Attractions to Explore Near Grand Mere State Park

Lookout Park, is the perfect place for a picnic or a summer day adventure. The park offers spectacular views featuring rugged cliffs that plunge into the expansive Lake Michigan. Visitors can cool off in the crystal clear water at the beach or explore the numerous trails to discover wildflowers and wildlife. Additionally, there are several covered pavilions throughout where people can stop and enjoy lunch or an outdoor event before continuing along their trek.

Kiwanis Park is a nature-lovers paradise. Located on 35 acres of rolling hills and bubbling creeks, the park provides recreation for both people and wildlife. Visitors can hike along trails that meander through meadows and vast forests while they take in stunning aerial views of the lake. There is also plenty to do within the park such as fishing, canoeing, camping, and picnicking. The park also offers an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground, athletic fields, restrooms and more.

The Krasl Art Center is an exciting and vibrant place to visit. It showcases works from some of the best contemporary artists throughout the region. The exhibits feature pieces inspired by local landscapes and cultures, giving visitors a chance to experience the true spirit of Michigan. Krasl also offers a variety of educational and dynamic art programs, like hands-on workshops for children and adults, classes for aspiring artists and public lectures about emerging art trends.

Warren Dunes State Park offers a breathtaking experience for outdoor adventurers. Upon arriving, visitors are overwhelmed by the beauty of its rolling sand dunes and the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan that surround it. Set on 1,952 acres and lined with miles of pristine sandy beaches, it's an ideal destination for swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. The park also features several trails that wind through the forest-covered dunes offering spectacular views along the way.

Lake Bluff Park is a scenic stop along the shores of Lake Michigan. The park offers a beautiful view of the lake, as well as a beach area for swimming, hiking trails, and picnicking. There is also a playground and a pavilion available for rent.

The Whirlpool Compass Fountain is an iconic and historic point of interest. Located near the narrows of the Saint Joseph river, it is one of the most photographed spots in Southwest Michigan. The fountain belongs to the family-owned and operated Pere Marquette Beach amusement park right down the road. The structure dates back to 1929 when it was originally built for a Detroit department store. At sixty-feet tall and three feet wide, it has become a signature landmark along the waterfront.

The Silver Beach Carousel sits in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan, where it has been a popular attraction since it originally opened in 1910. This restored artifact features 48 hand-carved horses and two chariots, each painted with nostalgic colors like sapphire and gold. For a century, the carousel has remained a symbol of nostalgia for families in Berrien County and beyond; today, it is still the only restored two-row stationary carousel of its kind in the Midwest.

Silver Beach County Park is a popular spot located on the south shore of Lake Michigan. Visitors love to explore nature and enjoy the breathtaking views as they bask in the sunshine. This park offers loads of recreational activity options for all ages, such as swimming, bike rentals, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds for kids. It also has a boardwalk perfect for sunny seaside strolls in addition to plenty of picnic areas with grills available for those looking to spend time outdoors.

St Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse stands tall between the two North Pier heads, at a height of 51 feet. This lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope for sailors who come across the glittering blue waters of Lake Michigan. Constructed in 1907 from iron and steel, it reflects the splendor of bygone days in its white tower that's crowned with a bright red roof. Withstanding wear and tear over many decades, this lighthouse is a living example of our industrial heritage.

Tiscornia Park, is a perfect destination for nature lovers looking for some peace and quiet. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Tiscornia boasts miles of shoreline with trails to explore plus a beach area and picnic spots where you can enjoy the stunning beauty of the Great Lakes. Visitors can also take advantage of great fishing opportunities as well as ample wildlife viewing areas.

Harbor Shores Golf Club is a championship golf course that offers stunning views of both Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. It was designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2010 as the only public golf course he has designed in the Midwest. The layout features 5 distinctive tee boxes located on every hole to cater to all skill levels, while still providing an exciting challenge for even the most experienced golfer.

The Morton House Museum is a fascinating place to visit. It is located on a 35-acre property in Three Oaks and was originally the home of Isaac and Sarah Morton. Built between 1870 and 1875, the house is loaded with historically-significant artifacts, taking visitors through two centuries of local history. Guests can take guided tours to learn more about the Morton family and their settler lifestyle from the pioneer era.

Rocky Gap Park, is a nature lover’s paradise. This destination offers visitors the opportunity to explore its 154 acres while immersed within breathtaking wilderness and landscapes. Rocky Gap Park also provides several activities for visitors such as camping, fishing, kayaking, and hunting during certain seasons. Additionally, it features picnic areas and several miles of trails for hiking and biking - perfect for outdoor recreation or getting away from it all!

Warren Woods State Park is an incredible destination set on the beautiful woods of Southwestern Michigan. Boasting a wide array of amenities and activities, the park has something for everyone. From seasonal camping to hiking, mountain biking, hunting, birdwatching and snowshoeing - there's no shortage of fun to be had. The scenic nature trails meander through 313 acres of forests, wetlands and prairies, giving you a chance to take in the stunning beauty of the region.

Mud Lake Bog Nature Preserve is a unique natural wonder with a vast diversity of wildlife and plant life. Spanning over 250 acres, it is the largest Atlantic white cedar swamp known in the state of Michigan. The preserve’s diverse habitats provide habitat for great blue herons, sandhill cranes, beavers, muskrats and river otters among others. Aside from aquatic mammals, the preserve is also home to several snakes and turtles as well as rare insect species like wood nymph butterflies.

Fernwood Botanical Garden, is a stunning natural haven perfect for a day of exploration. Spanning nearly 70 acres, the lush landscape offers plenty of room to roam and take in the breathtaking nature around you. You can traverse though landscaped gardens or morning glory-draped arbors, become mesmerized by an array of seasonal blooms in our Perennial Garden or explore eight different habitats each with their own distinctive flora and fauna.

Galien River County Park, is a treasured outdoor recreation area along the tranquil banks of the Galien River. Known for its spectacular aquatic and woodland flora, the park is popular among hikers, campers, and birdwatchers. With over 200 acres of park land featuring a picnic center, five miles of nature trails, and numerous fishing spots – including two boat launches – this scenic getaway provides countless opportunities to connect with nature and explore the beauty of local wildlife.

Indian Lake, is a popular getaway for locals and out-of-state visitors alike. Surrounded by gorgeous outdoor beauty, the lake provides a wealth of activities for recreational enthusiasts. Fishing is a favorite pastime among visitors thanks to the annual smelt run that attracts anglers from all around each year. For those looking to enjoy a more relaxed visit, Indian Lake offers swimming, beach-going, boating, and water skiing opportunities.

New Buffalo Beach is a beautiful and popular vacation destination. With its miles of white sand and pristine blue waters, it is the ideal spot for family getaways. The beach offers a variety of activities, including swimming and kayaking, as well as the opportunity to explore local nature trails. Visitors can also enjoy restaurants that line the shoreline offering delicious seafood dishes. For those looking for more adventure, there are many great places to go fishing or boating.

The Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary is a small oasis located between M-62 and US 12. This 105-acre sanctuary offers three miles of self-guided interpretive nature trails, providing stunning views of meadows, prairies, and wetlands. Visitors to the sanctuary can explore the area's diverse wildlife including many species of birds and butterflies, as well as mammals and reptiles. Nestled within the ancient oak groves are a variety of wildflowers that are certain to wow any visitor.