South Haven Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, South Haven is a picturesque city in the state of Michigan. Known for its stunning beaches, quaint downtown, and charming atmosphere, South Haven offers a delightful getaway for travelers seeking relaxation and outdoor adventures.

One of the main draws of South Haven is its pristine beaches. The city boasts several sandy stretches, including the popular South Beach, where visitors can soak up the sun, build sandcastles, and take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. The beaches also offer opportunities for various water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, providing endless fun for water enthusiasts.

Beyond the beaches, South Haven's downtown area is a vibrant hub of activity. Lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes, the downtown district invites visitors to explore its charming streets. Stroll along the Riverwalk, a scenic pathway that winds along the Black River, offering stunning views and the chance to spot boats sailing by. Indulge in some retail therapy at the various shops, where you can find everything from local crafts to trendy clothing.

For those interested in history, South Haven offers a glimpse into its maritime past. The Michigan Maritime Museum is a must-visit attraction, showcasing the rich maritime heritage of the region. Explore exhibits that tell the stories of Great Lakes shipping, boat building, and the lives of lighthouse keepers. Don't miss the opportunity to step aboard the iconic Friends Good Will, a replica tall ship that offers sailing experiences on the lake.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to do in South Haven. Take a hike through the Kal-Haven Trail State Park, a 33-mile trail that meanders through picturesque landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and open fields. Enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking along the way. Additionally, the nearby Van Buren State Park offers camping facilities, sandy beaches, and scenic trails for further exploration.

Alternative names: Population: 4.4 thous.Area: 3.51 mi²Elevation: 610 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°24'12"N, 86°16'20"W

Location

MichiganUnited States

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South Haven Top Attractions

South Haven Attractions - What to See and Explore

South Haven offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: South Haven Light, Michigan Maritime Museum, Van Buren Trail State Park, Friends Good Will. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Piers and boardwalks • Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
South Haven Light
The South Haven South Pierhead Light is a lighthouse in Michigan, at the entrance to the Black River on Lake Michigan. The station was lit in 1872, and is still operational.
Specialty museum • Museum • Maritime museum
Michigan Maritime Museum
The Michigan Maritime Museum is a museum and research library located in South Haven in the U.S. state of Michigan. The harborfront museum is located adjacent to Lake Michigan, and the museum specializes in the maritime history of the state of Michigan and the lake of the same name. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes.
Park
Van Buren Trail State Park
Van Buren Trail State Park, also known as Trail State Park, is an unimproved rail trail running along a former railroad right-of-way between Hartford, Michigan to South Haven, Michigan in Van Buren County.

Ship
Friends Good Will
Friends Good Will is a working American reproduction of the historical Friends Good Will, a merchant square-rigged topsail sloop that was overtaken by the events of the War of 1812. The British captured her in a ruse of war shortly after they captured Fort Mackinac, and renamed her HMS Little Belt.
Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum
The Liberty Hyde Bailey Birthplace, now the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, is a farmhouse located at 903 Bailey Avenue in South Haven, Michigan, and is significant as the birthplace and childhood home of horticulturist Liberty Hyde Bailey.
42°23'43"N • 86°12'7"W
Michigan Flywheelers Museum
Specialty museum • Museum
State park • Park
Van Buren State Park
Van Buren State Park is a 400-acre state park on Lake Michigan four miles south of South Haven, Michigan, United States.

Day trips

South Haven – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of South Haven, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids), Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (Grand Rapids), Wings Event Center (Kalamazoo).

49 milesNE
Museum, Art museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids
Nestled in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) stands as a beacon of culture and creativity. This modern art museum, notable for its sleek, contemporary architecture, offers visitors an opportunity to explore a diverse...
49 milesNE
Interactive exhibits on president's life
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the presidential museum and burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife Betty Ford.
39 milesE
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Sport
Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo
Wings Event Center is a 5,113-seat multi-purpose arena located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The arena, opened in 1974, is home to the Kalamazoo Wings, an ice hockey team in the ECHL.
36 milesE
Park
Bronson Park, Kalamazoo
Bronson Park Historic District is a historic district in Kalamazoo, Michigan, consisting of Bronson Park and the surrounding government, religious, and civic buildings. It is roughly bounded by South Rose, South Park, West Lovell, and West Michigan Avenues. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
48 milesNE
Interactive zoo with an aquarium
John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids
John Ball Zoological Garden is an urban park located on the west side of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The John Ball Zoo is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the park.

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Best Time To Visit South Haven

Learn when is the best time to travel to South Haven weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in South Haven?

The top attractions to visit in South Haven are:

What is the best time to visit South Haven?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.