The Most Charming River Towns In Michigan
Hemmed by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is an Upper Midwestern state, the 26th state of the Union. Characterized by the diverse geography of its two peninsulas, the ocean-like shores distinguish Michigan as the "Third Coast of America." Rightfully so, in the state where it is just a quick drive to one of the Great Lakes, like the colors of rainbow tulips in Holland.
With so much scenic beauty around, it's no wonder that art and culture often breed at the mouth of the rivers flowing into a lake. Even Berrien Springs is a popular college town where the St. Joseph River enters Lake Chapin. Frankenmuth is Michigan's Little Bavaria, south of Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, while every other town on a river and Lake Michigan is vastly different from one another.
Benton Harbor
Lakefront beauty and artful charm unite at Benton Harbor on the northern shore of the St. Joseph River as it spills into Lake Michigan. Visitors enjoy easy access to the "Riviera of the Midwest," yet all the serenity and beachfront views at Jean Klock Park. You can see the St. Joseph River & South Pier Lighthouse among a few families and picnickers along the sands. At the heart of town, the Arts District is alive with cultural experiences between galleries, studios, and performance venues.
Drop by Morton House Museum for historical insights, plus plentiful cafes, restaurants, and bars to relax after. Just up the river, along the Paw Paw River valley, Sarett Nature Center offers eight miles of trails. Whether you're hopping on the treetop walkway within this 1000-acre native wildlife sanctuary or opting for a breezy ride along the Lakeview Bike Trail, catch the sunset from Rocky Gap Park Overlook, with lots of scenic rocks for all you rock hounds on this westward-facing shoreline.
Berrien Springs
Berrien Springs is a popular college town where the St. Joseph River enters Lake Champlain. Home of Andrews University, the large and incredibly scenic university grounds boast architecture and even wildlife for a lovely overlook along the tree-lined trails. Take the Andrews Mountain Biking Trailhead, then drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center, a beautiful concert hall with remarkable acoustics and a glass-fronted foyer, flanked with staircases for access to the second-floor galleries.
Meanwhile, the intriguing exhibits at the Institute of Archaeology & Siegfried H. Horn Museum are sure to pique interest among history hounds. In addition to farm markets, u-picks, and cellars, nature pockets like Wolf's Prairie Park provide students a place to relax along the water. Meanwhile, Lemon Creek Winery has something for everyone. You can pick cherries in July, then apples, plus scenic grounds with a gazebo to just relax, and kind staff for wine tastings that have a personalized feel.
Douglas
Art, beaches, and... bliss define this town, next to the loud Saugatuck. Both twin cities have access to the harbor where it empties into the Great Lake. Some 40 minutes from Grand Rapids, "The Art Coast of Michigan" is an easy escape to unwind on Lake Michigan, the Kalamazoo River, and Lake Kalamazoo. Boasting its own beautiful Douglas Beach Park, this sandy sliver provides amenities like grills. Check out the Lost Rock, submerged at different levels, and it's fun to climb each time.
Boasting six beautiful beaches between the two towns, this package deal is ideal for family vacations and friends' getaways to play along the beaches, view art, and picnic to your heart's content. There are wonderful lodgings and cafes, like the standout Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, next to the Saugatuck Douglas History Center—a glimpse into history with neat exhibitions and a gift shop. Douglas also stakes claim to J. Petter Galleries, one of the region's best, with a cool art space and wine bar.
Frankenmuth
Settled by the Germans on the Cass River, this fun-sized town doesn't hold back in attractions, packing a ton of charm in just three square miles, with brats, buildings, and businesses. Located in the crease of the thumb of Michigan's "Mitten," many enjoy floating and tubing down the river, plus paddling with Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures. From rolling German pretzels to the world-famous chicken dinners at Zehnder's, horse-drawn carriages enhance the storybook vibes.
Between the local brews any day and the state's best Oktoberfest, over three million annual visitors enjoy the warm sentiment and German inspiration all year round in Michigan's Little Bavaria. Frankenmuth truly celebrates its deep heritage as a local way of life. After a stroll to the Frankenmuth Wooden Covered Bridge, hop aboard for a view of the picturesque Cass River at leisure along the narrated sightseeing tour from the top deck of the paddlewheel-powered Bavarian Belle Riverboat.
Grand Haven
This quick escape from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan shores transforms you along the Grand River. Home of the historic boardwalk, aka the "Lighthouse Connector Park," boasts two red-painted lighthouses to guide ships: the 1839-built Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse, accessible via pier, and the cylindrical red 1875-built outer light. In addition, Grand Haven State Park offers a sandy beach area for swimming and sunbathing, with scenic views of the fishing pier.
Truly a "grand haven" year-round, Mulligan's Hollow is steps from the beach. This fine park features ski and snowboarding hills, plus hiking, bonfires, and the famous Winterfest. The leaf-peeper enjoys contouring the Grand River Greenway via the Historic River Road, with an opportunity for a hike among the trees at Crockery Creek Natural Area. Follow up with seasonal brews at the two iconic breweries, like Oddside Ales' "Apple Pie," plus award-winning hard ciders at Farmhaus Cider Co.
Holland
It's a small river, but a river it is, through Holland on Lake Macatawa, right before spilling into Lake Michigan. Sprawling both banks, Holland takes pride in its vibrant waterfronts and heritage, with iconic landmarks like Windmill Island Gardens, home of De Zwaan, a working Dutch windmill on the Macatawa River island. Located within Windmill Island Gardens, this seasonal park is a refreshing slice of nature against the blue, with tulip gardens and a carousel, plus costumed, guided tours.
After a morning workout along the Stu Visser Trails across the lake, Window on the Waterfront is ideal for photoshoots along the marsh, with walking/biking paths framed by thousands of tulips. It is but a hop from downtown shops and architecture. In addition, the Cappon House is a restored 1874 home of Holland's first mayor, with period furnishings and exhibits. Yet, all this pales in the face of Veldheer Tulip Gardens, a farm—a sea of tulips in rows, in every shade of the rainbow.
South Haven
Golden sunsets define this beachy haven on the southeastern Lake Michigan shore, where the Black River enters the Great Lake. Home to its very own Michigan Maritime Museum, this particular venue features cultural and boating history exhibits on the Great Lakes, plus a shop. South Beach is a lively playscape, with its concrete pier to the traditional red 19th-century South Haven Lighthouse. For spillover crowds, North Beach offers year-round access for fishing, swimming, and pier views.
In addition to the maritime district, with shops, restaurants, and attractions, many enjoy the Kal-Haven Trailhead for an afternoon venture to a historic covered bridge. Minutes south, Van Buren State Park boasts lakeside sand dunes and woodland trails, picnic areas with grills, and modern campsites. Take the Van Buren Trail, a six-mile paved path between the state park and downtown with lots of wildlife, ideally followed up by the flaming ball drop at Van Buren St. Overlook and Beach Access.
In the Great Lakes State, most rivers flow through the "mitten," or the Lower Peninsula, known for its dunes and beachy towns, as well as a vibrant art and culture scene. From an overlooked town to South Haven, Douglas, and Grand Haven offer a cornucopia of beachfront charms under an hour from Grand Rapids.
It is not all about the beachin' weather either. In Michigan, peak color season is approaching with reflections in the perfect water bodies, scenic drives, and the most vibrant fall foliage in October. Whether you're escaping from Detroit or out of state, there's a perfect riverfront escape amongst these seven to plan your ultimate color tour.
