30 Things to do in Southwest Michigan.
Enjoy your stay at Francoys Resort!
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1.) Fish the lakes.
You have many lakes to choose from. One day you can try Big Fish. Next, you can test your luck on either Finch Lake or the Saddlebag Lakes all accessible from your dock.
2.) Have an evening campfire.
There is nothing more enjoyable than an evening campfire with the lake by your side.
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3.) Visit and tour St. Julian Winery.
St. Julian Winery is located in Paw Paw, Michigan so it is a fairly quick drive. You have the chance to tour the largest and most rewarded winery in Michigan.
Address of St. Julian Winery:
716 S Kalamazoo St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Contact St. Julian Winery:
269-657-5568
4.) Walk to “The Rock” for dinner.
“The Rock” is a restaurant less than half a mile away from the cottages. Right next to the lake, it’s an ideal spot for drinks or dinner.
Address of The Rock:
14625 Loveridge St, Marcellus, MI 49067
Contact The Rock:
269-646-7625
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5.) Have a frosty draft root beer at Red’s Root Beer.
Treat yourself to some of the best root beer around and also some basket orders!
Address of Red’s Root Beer:
813 S Kalamazoo St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Contact Red’s Root Beer:
269-657-8725
6.) Take a trip to South Haven.
In South Haven you will not find yourself bored. You can visit the museum and eat on the Idler River Boat or Captain Lou’s.
Address of South Haven:
60 Water St, South Haven, MI 49090
Contact South Haven:
269-637-0737
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7.) Paddle one of our canoes around the lake.
Relax and take one of our canoes around the lake to watch the sunset in the evening.
8.) Go golfing at Lake Cora or Heritage Glen.
Getting out and golfing at one of these two beautiful locations is always a good way to spend a day.
Address of Lake Cora and Heritage Glen:
56640 Co Rd 671, Paw Paw, MI 49079
29795 Heritage Ln, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Contact Lake Cora or Heritage Glen:
269-657-4074
269-657-2777
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9.) Head to Silver Beach in St. Joseph.
Silver Beach is a nice place to relax and enjoy the water or the sun.
Address of Silver Beach:
Silver Beach, St Joseph, MI 49085
Contact Silver Beach:
269-982-0533
10.) Take a wooded trail walk at Russ Forest.
Take a short drive over to Russ Forest and enjoy the outdoor nature with a trail walk.
Address of Russ Forest:
20379 Marcellus Highway, Decatur, MI 49045
Contact Russ Forest:
269-445-4456
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11.) Sample craft beers in Lawton.
Head to Lawton’s Barn Brewers Brewery and sample a variety of craft beers.
Address of Barn Brewers Brewery:
114 Main St, Lawton, MI 49065
Contact Barn Brewers Brewery:
269-299-0482
12.) Go to Four Winds Casino.
Feeling lucky? Head over to Four Winds Casino and have a good time.
Address of Four Winds Casino:
58700 Michigan 51 South, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Contact Four Winds Casino:
866-494-6371
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13.) Fish or swim in one of the 36 lakes within 6 miles.
Try your fishing luck or swimming fun a couple more of the 36 lakes in Marcellus.
14.) Fish for rainbow on Hemlock Lake or for muskie on Bankson Lake.
These fish are always very fun to catch. You can try it out for yourself.
Address of Hemlock Lake:
50500 Maple Road, Box 247,
Marcellus, MI 49067
Address of Bankson Lake:
80th Ave Ramp Located Area Lawton, Michigan
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15.) Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park are located in Grand Rapids and are always beautiful when visiting.
Address of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park:
1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Contact Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park:
616-957-1580
16.) Tour the Kalamazoo Air Zoo.
The Kalamazoo Air Zoo is a very fun especially when with kids. It has very engaging experiences.
Address of Kalamazoo Air Zoo
6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Contact Kalamazoo Air Zoo:
269-382-6555
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17.) Tour the Gilmore Car Museum and restored barns.
The Gilmore Car Museum is very well known and holds one of Michigan’s largest collections of classic and vintage automobiles.
Address of Gilmore Car Museum:
6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Contact Gilmore Car Museum:
269-671-5089
18.) Go to the Allegan Antiques Market.
On the last Sunday of every summer month Allegan hosts a huge Antiques Market with 400+ vendors.
Address Allegan Antiques Market:
150 Douglas St, Allegan, MI 49010
Contact Allegan Antiques Market:
616-735-3333
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19.) Go charter fishing from Lake Michigan.
Spice up your normal fishing routine and head over to Lake Michigan and do some charter fishing.
Address of Hookup Charters:
394 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
Contact Hookup Charters:
616-970-0063
20.) Take a ride on the stern wheeler “Star of Saugatuck”
This place is a haven for artists. You can take a trip down the Kalamazoo River on the “Star of Saugatuck.”
Address of Star of Saugatuck:
716 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Contact Star of Saugatuck:
269-857-4261
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21.) Visit the Amish town of Shipshewana.
It’s always a good time looking the stores of Shipshewana. There are many cool things you can purchase there such as homemade quilts, baked goods, and more!
Address of Shipshewana:
Shipshewana, Indiana 46565
22.) Visit the Covered Bridge on St. Joseph River.
A park is constructed on the farm where Don grew up on the North Shore. The Covered Bridge is where Don fished, trapped, and swam his horse.
Address of the Covered Bridge:
Covered Bridge Rd Centreville, Michigan
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23.) Order a pizza from The Rock or Big Tony’s.
Both places are local businesses and have some great pizza. You should try them out for yourself!
Contact The Rock:
269-646-7625
Contact Big Tony’s:
269-646-2200
24.) Have dinner at “La Cantina” in Paw Paw.
“La Cantina” is an authentic Italian restaurant. They have hand-crafted Italian food cooked by great chefs. Tuesday night is $4.95 spaghetti night.
Address of La Cantina:
139 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Contact La Cantina:
269-657-7033
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25.) Visit St. Gregory’s Abbey.
In St. Gregory’s Abbey you will find a small community of people living under the Rule of Saint Benedict. [Adults Only]
Address of St. Gregory’s Abbey:
56500 Abbey Rd, Three Rivers, MI 49093
Contact St. Gregory’s Abbey:
269-244-5893
26.) Catch a theater showing in Paw Paw at the Strand Theater.
The Strand Theater is a small movie theater located in Paw Paw, Michigan. You can catch a show on most nights at 7:00 pm.
Address of The Strand:
115 E Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Contact The Strand:
269-657-7033
27.) Attend a Sunday Service at the Hemlock Lake Chapel.
The chapel is a very peaceful location and is also very nice to visit.
Address of Hemlock Lake Campground:
50500 Maple Road, Box 247,
Marcellus, MI 49067
Contact Hemlock Lake Campground:
269-646-2618
28.) Go for a balloon ride.
Enjoy the serenity of a champagne hot air balloon flight. The Michigan Balloon Corporation is always friendly and it’s a very relaxing time.
Contact Michigan Balloon Corporation:
269-327-6446
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29.) Have a breakfast at The Breakfast Place in Lawton.
The Breakfast Place is iconic in Lawton and has some very good breakfast choices.
Address of The Breakfast Place:
206 N Main St, Lawton, MI 49065
Contact The Breakfast Place:
269-624-3241
30.) Canoe the Dowagiac River.
If your looking to spend the day on the river then take a trip to Dowagiac and canoe the river for 4 hours!
Address of Canoe Rentals:
52963 M-51, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Contact for Canoe Rentals:
269-782-7410
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