Berrien County - 25 Attractions You Must Visit

The Brandywine Creek Nature Park provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature. Located just two miles from the intersection of I-94 and M-51, the park boasts eight acres of wetlands and forest, complete with a creek running through it and abundant wildlife. The park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking trails, kayaking excursions, bird watching platforms, various educational programming and educational opportunities.

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.

Fort St. Joseph was a military installation that existed in Berrien County, Michigan from 1691 to 1781. It was built by French soldiers during the French-Indian War and served as both a trading post and a military fort for many years. The fort saw much conflict throughout its existence, and faced attacks from Pontiac's Rebellion in the 1760s. After the war ended, it eventually went into disrepair and was abandoned in 1781.

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.

Grand Mere State Park is a great destination for outdoor recreation and beach fun. Featuring spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the 1,200-acre park combines sandy beaches with miles of trails that lead through wetland areas and rolling dunes. Popular activities include fishing along the shoreline, biking on two miles of dedicated trails and swimming in the lake’s shallow waters. There is a convenient campground with tent and RV sites available.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Madeline Bertrand County Park is a 580-acre park is beautiful year-round and offers a range of recreational activities from kayaking to biking. Visitors can rent kayaks and bicycles, enjoy an invigorating hike along the lakeside trail, or explore the rolling hillsides at their own pace. During winter months, skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are great opportunities for outdoor fun. Guests can also gather around local campfires for a cozy evening gathering with friends.

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.

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.

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 Buffalo Railroad Museum is a unique place for history buffs and families to explore. Located in the historic New Buffalo Train Depot, the museum houses interactive displays that tell the story of the area's railroad history from its earliest days in 1837. Visitors can explore replica locomotives and rolling stock, view a variety of historic artifacts from times past, listen to train whistles echoing through the air, and take photos with an antique steam engine as a setting.

The New Buffalo Welcome Center is a must-see tourist spot for anyone exploring the area. Not only will visitors find helpful information on sights and attractions in the county, but the welcome center itself provides an entertaining experience with its interactive history exhibits and displays of local artwork. For those looking further afield, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, offering personal insights into some of Michigan's hidden gems.

Riverfront Park set along the banks of the St. Joseph River showcases stunning views of nature and idyllic waterways. Offering splash pads, playgrounds, grills, and pavilions, families can enjoy all the amenities and activities that this beautiful riverside location has to offer. An added bonus—admission is free! Whether you’re looking to have a picnic lunch or spend the day outdoors fishing in peace and quiet, Riverfront Park is sure to make your summer daydreams come true.

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!

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.