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

Menominee, Michigan

Among the water activities, shopping, and dining, Menominee, Michigan offers historical museum, beaches, and parks.

Gladstone, Michigan

Nicknamed “Happy Rock”, Gladstone, Michigan is known as “The Year Round Playground” with a spectacular choice of parks and activities.

Empire, Michigan

Empire, Michigan

Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Leelanau County, Empire is located south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Ludington, Michigan

Ludington, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a gem in West Michigan with beautiful beaches, great outdoor activities, and popular events.

New Buffalo, Michigan

New Buffalo, Michigan is notably known as the Gateway to Michigan and is included on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Suttons Bay, Michigan

Suttons Bay, in Leelanau County, about midway up the eastern shore of Leelanau Peninsula and is a very popular destination in the summer time.