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

Boyne City, Michigan

Boyne City is a jewel in the crown of Michigan and boasts an art district, street music in the summer, the Morel Festival, and more.

Winnetka, Illinois

Winnetka is a beautiful place for many activities within its forest preserve land and twenty-seven parks surrounding Winnetka.

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.

Peshtigo, Wisconsin

One attraction of importance to Peshtigo is the Peshtigo Fire Museum, which reflects the city during the time period after a devastating fire.

Highland Park, Illinois

With it’s downtown shopping district, three public beaches, and more, Highland Park gives visitors plenty of opportunities to explore.

Algoma, Wisconsin

Located just 35 minutes east of Green Bay, Algoma welcomes visitors to their sandy beaches, historic downtown, and fun festivals.