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South Haven Area Guide

South Haven, Michigan
South Haven, Michigan has been a popular year-round vacation destination for more than a century. Its location on Lake Michigan makes it an attractive getaway with a long stretch of sandy beaches and a great selection of activities and restaurants. South Haven is the perfect quick escape for those living in Fennville, Indianapolis, Saugatuck or Cincinnati.

South Haven Calendar of Events 
Click Here to view a full list of South Haven calendar of events.

Fun Things to Do In and Around South Haven

South Haven, Michigan is known for their great festivals, fairs, and events that take place throughout the year. Below is a list some of the 2012 festivals, fairs, and events in South Haven.

Saugatuck Waterfront Film Festival

June 13-16, 2013

Named as a top ten film festival in the US, this annual energetic celebration of film kicks off in downtown Saugatuck, featuring movie premieres, workshops, parties and a chance to mingle with Hollywood's movers and shakers. For more information go to www.waterfrontfilm.org

South Haven Harborfest

June 20-23, 2013
9am-10pm
Riverfront Park & Water St
South Haven
Contact: 269-767-7075
visit their website

Enjoy the weekend along the riverfront. Lighthouse tours, dragon boat races, craft fair, kids activities, food fest and free concerts happening all weekend. Fun for the whole family!

South Haven Light Up The Lake Fireworks

Date: July 3, 2013 at Dusk 
Where: South pier over Lake Michigan
South Haven, Michigan in Van Buren County 
Phone: (800) 764-2836 Admission: Free

Fenn Valley Vineyards Summer Evening Cookouts

July 5, 20 and August 2nd, 2013
Each event starts at 6pm
  • We will provide the grill and meat, you provide the grill master.
  • A buffet with picnic-style sides will also be provided.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening with live music, wine, food, and friends.
Admission includes champagne reception, meat (steak, chicken, or veggie burger/kabobs), dinner wine, sides, dessert, dessert wine, and music.

55th Annual Summer Art Fair

Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 10am-5pm
Stanley Johnston Park

South Haven Garden Club Garden Walk

Saturday, July 13, 2013
11am-4pm
Contact: 1-269-637-2478 or email hansen.esther@yahoo.com

Spend a Saturday touring some of the beautiful & unique gardens in the South Area. Also, visit their boutique at the Museum. Refreshment also served.

South Haven 50th Annual National Blueberry Festival

August 8-11, 2013
9am-11pm
Downtown South Haven
Contact: 269-637-5252
visit their website

This is the 50th Annual South Haven National Blueberry Festival. Kid's Carnival, 5K Run/Walk, Pie Eating Contest, Arts & Crafts Fair, Riverfront Concerts, Parade, Vegas Night and more! Fun for the entire family.

More Fun Things to Do In and Around South Haven
Below are some favorite activities and attractions and events.

Go to the Beach – There are seven public sandy beaches in South Haven alone!

Golf – If you'd like to sample some options for Michigan golf, there are four local courses, and within 25 minutes of South Haven, you'll find numerous chances to hit the links.

Visit the Wineries & Orchards – Southwest Michigan Wine Trail extends through South Haven where you'll find some notable wineries. Romantic walks through area vineyards are a popular activity for couples. Many vineyards offer free tastings!

Summer concerts in the park – Each summer, the city hosts free outdoor concerts at Riverfront Park on Water Street, overlooking the Black River.

Farmers markets – Dozens of vegetable and fruit farms offer visitors the chance to tour the grounds and pick their own!

Boating on the Great Lake – South Haven boasts more than 1500 boat slips along the Black River. The city owns a transient marina at Riverfront Park, where weekend boaters can tie up. Private marinas also offer transient slips, and a number of these offer boating supplies, marine services, and launching facilities.

Fishing off the Pier – If you have the fishing bug, Lake Michigan, being one of the 5 Great Lakes in the United States, is a great place to try your luck! You'll find great Michigan fishing where the usual catch is trout, salmon, and perch. Fishing charters can get you out on the waters and their local knowledge will help you nab that "big catch".

Hike or Bike the Kal-Haven Trail State Park – The Kal-Haven trail is a beautiful wooded outdoor trail that extends from South Haven to Kalamazoo. It covers 33.5 miles and goes through small towns, over bridges, meanders through the countyside, and passes historical points of interest. When there is a 4" snow base, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing is also permitted.

Walk the South Haven Pier and See the Light House – the South Haven Lighthouse is open for tours during Harborfest. The rest of the year walk the pier, take photos, enjoy the scenery, and see magnificent michigan sunsets.

Learn and Experience Boat History – Michigan Maritime Museum recounts Lake Michigan's nautical history using models and real boats. Friend's Good Will Ship Ride is a great experience. The sunset cruise is unbelievably wonderful and the captain is very knowledgeable. This is great for kids of all ages.

National Blueberry Festival – South Haven is known as the Blueberry Capital. To celebrate this honor, the National Blueberry Festival is held every second week in August. Not only are there loads of blueberry products available, but there is plenty to see and do -- concerts by the Black River, a craft show, 5K run/walk, blueberry pie social, blueberry pie-eating contest, fish boil dinner, and children's activities are all part of the free weekend event.

Got the Shopping Bug? – There are a number of antique stores. Other shopping in South Haven includes an old fashioned variety store, clothing and boutique shops. You'll enjoy this popular pastime in the scenic downtown sector with its unique shops, some of whose buildings date back to the early 1900's. It makes for a great variety of shopping.

Visit Downtown – The downtown shopping district is 3 blocks long, there are stores selling antiques, books, jewelry and clothing, even a store devoted solely to blueberries. There are also a few restaurants on this street.

Restaurants -Plenty of dining options will keep you satisfied when hunger hits, whether you are looking for a romantic meal for two, or a spot the whole family will enjoy.

More Family Fun – Family activities for kids in and around South Haven can range from the fun and obvious -- enjoying the beach and Lake Michigan waters-- to spending a day at GingerMan Raceway, Riverfront Skate Park, South Haven Outdoor Ice Rink and Willow Tree Equestrian Center are more fantastic family activities!

Spectacular Sunsets!– Come to South Haven to view our famous sunsets over Lake Michigan.

For a list of South Haven companies, contact information and hours of operation please visit the South Haven Chamber of Commerce.