South Haven, Michigan
South Haven, MI is a charming lakeside town on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and scenic landscapes. We hope you come to love this special place as much as we do. Here are a few of our favorite eats & activities in the area!
Guestbook
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Lighthouse Tours
Explore South Haven's historic lighthouses, including the South Haven South Pierhead Light and the nearby St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights. You can often take guided tours or simply enjoy the views from the shoreline.
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South Haven Beaches
Spend a day relaxing on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. South Haven's beaches, such as South Beach and North Beach, offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. We recommend North Beach for soaking in the sun. We love ending our day with the beautiful sunsets at Newcombe Beach, just a 15 minute walk from the Harbor View House!
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Maritime Museum
Visit the Michigan Maritime Museum to learn about the region's rich maritime history. The museum features exhibits on Great Lakes shipping, boat building, and the area's lighthouses.
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Charter Fishing
Experience world-class fishing on Lake Michigan with a charter fishing excursion. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, local charter captains can take you out on the lake in search of salmon, trout, perch, and more.
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Downtown Shopping + Dining
Explore South Haven's downtown area, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Grab a bite to eat at a waterfront cafe or browse for souvenirs and handmade crafts. Our favorite downtown restaurant is Taste, and they are the only one who takes reservations; however they fill up early so we advise booking your table weeks in advance. Downtown we enjoy Admiral Jacks, Clementines and the Idler, however you will most likely encounter a wait to be seated. If you want to venture 5-10 minutes out of town, The Lodge, Hawks Head and Three Blonds Brewery are nice options.
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Hiking + Biking Trails
Discover the natural beauty of South Haven and its surroundings by exploring the area's biking and hiking trails. The Kal-Haven Trail State Park offers a scenic route for biking, walking, and horseback riding. This trail is a 5-minute bicycle ride from the house, however a small portion of the ride to access the trail is on Blue Star Highway using a bike lane (not advised for children). In those cases, the trailhead and parking lot is a just a 3-minute drive from Harbor View Haven.
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Wine Tasting
Explore the local wine scene by visiting nearby wineries and vineyards. South Haven is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, where you can sample a variety of wines produced from Michigan-grown grapes. In your welcome gift you will receive a bottle of our favorite wine from Cogdal Vineyards (our favorite winery), along with a coupon for two complimentary wine tastings. This link will introduce you to all the other wineries that make up the famous South Haven Wine Trail.
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Farmer's Market
If you're visiting during the summer months, don't miss the South Haven Farmers Market. Held weekly on Saturdays from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, the market features fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts from local vendors.
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Boating + Water Sports
Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski and explore the waters of Lake Michigan and the Black River. You can also take a scenic boat tour or rent a sailboat for a leisurely cruise. As a guest of Harbor View House, there are 4 kayaks waiting for you to use at the Woodland Harbor Marina, located a 5-minute walk from the house. These are complementary and yours for your entire stay. If you are looking to rent a boat and venture out onto Lake Michigan or enjoy a river cruise, Blue Water Boat Rentals is also available at Woodland Marina.
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Kayaking
Kayaking the Black River is a wonderful way to explore the area from a different perspective. As a guest of Harbor View Have, you have 4 complimentary kayaks located at the Woodland Marina waiting for you. The paddles are in the garage game room and the kayaks are located at the kayak storage and launch area.
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Seasonal Events
Check out South Haven's calendar of events for seasonal festivals and activities. From the National Blueberry Festival in August to the Ice Breaker Festival in February, there's always something happening in South Haven.
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Blueberry Picking
DeGrandchamp Farms is a 10-minute drive from Harbor View Haven. This family owned and operated blueberry farm offers (U-pick) blueberries in July and August. In your welcome gift you will receive their famous Buttermilk Pancake Mix, a quart of blueberries (from their farm when in season) and bottle of another South Haven favorites Ridley Family Maple Syrup.
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxation by the lake, South Haven offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. If you do not see something that you are looking for, please contact Carol for additional ideas.
Don’t forget to explore the amenities at each of our properties!
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Harbor View Haven
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