The area of Southwest Michigan nestled along Lake Michigan near the Indiana border is filled with breweries and chill vibes.
Southwest Michigan Tips:
Visit during the summer or fall for the best experience!
This area of Michigan is made up of a bunch of small towns. Everything is pretty close together, you can get across the whole area in about 20 minutes.
Lake Michigan stays pretty cold all year long, so don’t expect bath water temperatures like lakes in the south.
Rip tides are a huge issue on Lake Michigan, if you choose to go out from shore for a swim take precautions!
Adventures & Ales Top Recommendations:
Transient Artisan Ales: Transient is located in downtown Bridgman and has incredible beers. No matter the style they do it well!
Seedz Brewery: A stellar brewery focused on Lagers and Farmhouse Ales in Union Pier. They are dog friendly and have indoor and outdoor seating.
Watermark Brewing: There are amazing beers at this downtown Stevensville brewery! They have a nice large outdoor space as well with frequent food trucks and friendly staff.
Haymarket Brewing: The Bridgman location of this Chicago based brewery has a large outdoor space with nature-filled vibes. They have tasty beers and delicious pizzas in a very relaxing environment. Get the elote pizza!
Stay at this fantastic Airbnb: We had a fantastic stay with a group of 4. This is in Michigan City, Indiana and walkable to the beach!
Dune Billies is a great spot for breakfast and lunch a block away!
Warren Dunes State Park
The Classic Tourist Spots Actually Worth Visiting:
Warren Dunes State Park: A sand dune park with a large beach, hiking, and camping options. It is $9 for a day pass.
Indiana Dunes National Park: This is an interesting National Park just across the Michigan/Indiana border that is along Lake Michigan. It is intermixed with Indiana Dunes State Park so it is a bit spread out.
West Beach Dune Succession Trail: An easy 1 mile long trail with 75ft of elevation gain. This trail takes you out to the beach and back to the parking lot through some woods and staircases. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Paul H Douglas Trail: A moderate trail that is 4 miles long with 124ft of elevation gain. It is a bit of a leg-burner in the sand at times and leads out to an isolated beach through dunes and marsh. You can see the Chicago skyline from the beach! Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Hit the free beaches: There are a bunch of free local beaches with public access. Town Line Beach can be a bit crowded but is nice. Cherry Beach is shaded in the mornings but a lovely spot. The link has a plethora of options along the coast to check out!
Winery Hop: There are a bunch of wineries in the region! Shady Creek Winery has delicious food and wine and a lovely outdoor space. Located in Michigan City, Indiana.
Transient Artisan Ales
Other ideas:
Greenbush Brewing: A brewery and restaurant in downtown Sawyer. The Annex next door has an outdoor patio and small sandwich menu. Solid beers.
Beer Church Brewing: A brewery in a converted church in downtown New Buffalo. They have phenomenal pizza and a cute patio.
Burn ‘Em Brewing: This is a solid brewery in Michigan City, Indiana. They have patio seating and a wide variety of beers available.
Infusco Coffee Roasters: Delicious coffee shop in downtown Sawyer. Grab a coffee and hit the beach!
Round Barn Estate: A brewery, winery, and distillery. Round Barn has three locations in Southwest Michigan: The Estate, The Brewery, and the Union Pier Taproom. The Estate is the original location that has the round barn, vineyards, and a plethora of outdoor seating. They have a permanent food truck on weekends and you can bring your own food during the week.
