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MARVAC
Southwest
Driving Tour: The Historic West Michigan Pike
Region
Driving Time: 2 hours, 19 minutes Mileage: 120 miles
MARVAC Staff Recommendation from Maris Brennan,
MARVAC Membership Director As a WMU Bronco graduate, Kalamazoo holds a place in my heart. Bell’s Brewery has a gorgeous outdoor beer garden that often has live music. My family always loves a trip to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. There are tons of hands-on exhibits, flight simulators, and so many different planes! It is great for history buffs, and kids that need an indoor adventure. Don’t miss a visit to Bilbo’s Pizza on Stadium Drive near campus and right down the street is the famous Sweetwater’s Doughnuts. Take some back to camp with you. You will thank me!
Stop ➊ New Buffalo This laid-back small town is the perfect escape and has been attracting visitors for decades to its sandy shore since it’s only 90 minutes from the Windy City. Not far from the wide public beach are vineyards and farms with fresh pro- duce for hungry travelers. The area’s natural beauty is why people still come here avidly: winding rivers that beckon paddling, paths that invite walking, and a beach that compels you to put out a beach chair for the afternoon until the sun sets. You’ll also find art galleries, restaurants, and homey shops to visit if you can tear yourself away from the
big water.
Nearby... This is the beginning of
the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. One establishment to try is Hickory Creek, a small-batch winery using European-style grapes, but there are a few others. Visit https://miwinetrail.com/ for details on where to stop.
Stop ➋ St. Joseph You’ll feel like you’re at a resort when
you visit Silver Beach, one of the main attractions here. Silver Beach County Park is most known for its carousel, fountain, and lighthouse. There is a daily parking fee from May through October, which differs depending on residency, but it’s free to walk in to enjoy the scenery and all the amenities. On the other side of the St. Joseph River is the North Pier, the sister beach at Tiscornia Park. The pride and joy of North Pier is the lighthouse. It can be quieter because there aren’t as many amenities. Regardless of which side of the river you visit, go for a long walk along the beach until the lighthouse is
out of view, or if the weather is nice, choose to walk the length of the pier to see the light up close and personal. In St. Joseph, you’ll find dozens of shops and restaurants, even some tasting rooms. Everything is walkable from
the beach.
Nearby... Fellow beach town Benton Harbor is within easy driving distance of St. Joseph and features beautiful art, but also some exquisite parks. It’s worth a stop if you have time.
Stop ➌ West Olive West Olive is a very relaxing four-
season destination, the miles of sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere that makes it a favorite stop for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle. Visit Windsnest Park, an often overlooked four-acre park that is relaxing and
just downright gorgeous. It’s perfect
for beachcombing. A more popular choice is the 68-acre Kirk Park, which features acres of wooded dunes, scenic overlooks, a pavilion, a playground, and connections to trails. There are numerous views to be had here if you go exploring the trails. If you have a dog, there is a designated off-leash segment of the beach where your four-legged friend can run freely.
Stop ➍ Grand Haven Known as the “Capital City” of the Pike, Grand Haven was one of the prime vacation spots along the route. Back then, it was the ideal stopping point between two larger cities, Holland and Muskegon. The scenery is what first attracted visitors. Also, because of the growth in tourism, one of the state’s first 23 state parks, Grand Haven State
Park, was created for all to enjoy. In modern days, Grand Haven’s top 10 list of attractions includes the Grand Haven Lighthouse (established 1839), musical fountain (built in 1962), and the 2.5-mile boardwalk. Don’t forget to spend some time at the beach, too!
Nearby... If you have time, go on a Harbor Trolley ride in downtown Grand Haven to get a narrated tour of the area and experience some of the history.
It operates daily from May through October.
Stop ➎ Muskegon
The last stop on our Southwest Michi- gan portion of the West Michigan Pike tour is Muskegon. There are 26 miles of sandy beaches, including a nationally certified clean beach, Pere Marquette Park (a must-see). Adventure seekers can go on a zipline at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, museum buffs can tour historic homes in the down- town area, and bikers can traverse the Lakeshore Biking Trail. For those who appreciate maritime history, tour the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum, USS Sil- versides Submarine Museum, or the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper.
Nearby... Michigan’s Adventure can make for a fun family outing, even for only half a day. It’s claim to fame? Shiv- ering Timbers, a classic one-mile wood- en roller coaster that holds the record as the longest and fastest in the state.
For more history and photos,
visit www.tri-citiesmuseum.org/ west-michigan-pike.
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