Southwest Michigan Photo | Lake Michigan Destinations

Explore Southwest Michigan!

The Southwest Michigan portion of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a beautiful drive that takes you through many charming towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Beginning in New Buffalo (known for its variety of vineyards) the Lake Michigan Circle Tour switches to I-94 through the St. Joseph / Benton Harbor region. Here is where you’ll find the popular Silver Beach County Park with an historic, restored merry-go-round called the Silver Beach Carousel, along with the St. Joseph North Pier lighthouse located at Tiscornia Park. Continuing north on I-196/US-31, you will pass though the Saugatuck / Douglas area on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour route.

Southwest Michigan Counties & Communities
Counties: Berrien County, Van Buren, Allegan
Communities: New Buffalo, Bridgman, Stevensville, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, South Haven, Saugatuck, Douglas

Southwest Michigan Destinations

There’s nothing like being “Up North” and we think you will want to linger in this beautiful region, filled with outstanding Lake Michigan Destinations. 

Here are but a few of the towns which are delightful to discover in Southwest Michigan:

southwest Michigan map

Southwest Michigan Lighthouses

Lighthouse lovers will love the lights located along the Southwest Michigan lakeshore.

 

Tiscornia Park St. Joseph Lighthouse Molly Schuler Pate

Tiscornia Park St. Joseph Lighthouse
Photo by Molly Schuler Pate

  • New Buffalo Lighthouse, New Buffalo
  • North Pierhead Lighthouse, St. Joseph
  • South Pierhead Light, South Haven
  • Kalamazoo River Light, Saugatuck

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Parasailing

Ephraim, Wisconsin

Nestled in the harbor, Ephraim of Door County, Wisconsin has a picturesque view of Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff and Horseshoe Island.

Port Washington, Wisconsin

Port Washington is a city with plenty of rich history to explore, boasting the highest density of pre-Civil War buildings in Wisconsin.

Lake Michigan water

LaPorte County Indiana

LaPorte County, Indiana is adjacent to Michigan. LaPorte County, Indiana is part of the Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Lake Michigan water

Mason County, Michigan

Mason County is located in central West Michigan with Ludington being the main destination. Features include Lake Michigan and the PM River.

Leland, Michigan

The charming town of Leland is a great “walking around” town. Spend the day exploring Historical Fishtown, local wineries, beaches, and more!

Winery

Carlsville, Wisconsin

Carlsville is located between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor. This small town is home to an impressive amount of famous Door County goods.