4 Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Near Benton Harbor, MI

October 29, 2021 · 3 min read

Child standing on a surfboard floating on a river paddling the water.

There are tons of exciting outdoor activities around Benton Harbor, MI. Here you can fish and paddle on the Paw Paw and Galien Rivers and Lake Michigan and discover the beauty of the magnificent dunes in the Grand Mere State Park.

1. Hike, Run, and Snowshoe in Grand Mere State Park

Explore the park's magnificent dunes, inland lakes, and half a mile shoreline on two scenic trails. The 0.70 mile Grand Mere Paved Trail starts at the parking lot and runs along the west side of the large dune through sassafras, ferns, and oaks down to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The sandy 0.50 mile Grande Mere Dune Trail crosses over the north side of the large dune through an open dune area and winds down to the beach. The two inland lakes are behind the dunes in the untouched natural area of the park.

2. Paddle on the Paw Paw River and Lake Michigan

Third Coast Paddling rents kayaks and paddleboards for unforgettable excursions for beginners and experienced paddlers on the Paw Paw River, Galien River, and Lake Michigan. The Paw Paw River is the perfect river for beginners. It's slow-moving, which makes paddling upstream is easy. You can even stop for lunch at the North Shore Inn along the way.

Launch your kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Silver Beach Country Park and paddle on Lake Michigan or along the Galien River to the New Buffalo Marsh. You are welcome to bring your four-legged friend along on the river trips. Dogs are not permitted in Silver Beach Country Park.

3. Catch That Big One With Captain Hook

No one knows Lake Michigan and where to find a good catch better than Captain Hook. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Hook Charters is one of Michigan's largest charter companies with a fleet of boats for any occasion. You can spend a day on a public or private charter to hook salmon or perch.

You can also board the custom-built Tri-Toon for river fishing and reel in steelhead in the fall and spring and walleye and smallmouth bass in the summer. The pride of the fleet is the 60' Par-Te-Tyme, the largest private fishing vessel on the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan for a deluxe fishing adventure of a lifetime.

4. Challenge Yourself at The Woods Fitness Park

The Woods Fitness Park is a 20-acre outdoor fitness facility where everyone, young and old, can exercise and challenge themselves in a natural setting. There are over three miles of trails that run through the woods with workout stations and over 50 obstacles. The obstacles include water hazards, ring swings, rope walls, and monkey bars along the way.

The park offers fitness classes on how to use the obstacle course and hosts special dog days when you can bring your pooch to exercise with you. The park is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

Get out in the fresh air and experience exciting activities all year round. Visit Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC today, and our qualified and experienced technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition. Image by Pixabay

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Dec 17, 2021 in Benton Harbor Community

6 Favorite Fishing Spots Near Benton Harbor, MI

Fishing enthusiasts love Michigan because the entire state offers so many opportunities to cast. With the Great Lakes, a plethora of rivers and streams, and craters of glacial water, there is a massive range of fish just begging to be caught. Benton Harbor, MI has plenty of angling opportunities, so read on to learn more about our favorite fishing spots in the area. Saint Joseph River This large tributary is located right near Benton Harbor. Popular species that can be found are smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, and channel catfish. Near the Berrien Springs Dam, catfish weighing more than 30 pounds have been pulled out in previous fishing seasons. Angling enthusiasts love that the piers and docks are family-friendly and there's always available parking. The Sixspan bridge has concrete ramps and a loading dock that is popular with local fishermen looking for walleye. more Morrison Channel Located a little over half a mile from Saint Joseph in Berrien County, this channel sees a large variety of bass, catfish, and lake trout. Whether you're spinning, fly fishing, or casting with bait, you'll definitely get some bites. Locals say the best fishing times are at sunrise and in the late afternoons. Look for clearer waters for an exciting fishing experience. Hickory Creek If you're a walleye enthusiast, be sure to visit Hickory Creek in Fair Plain. You can also find bluegill and rock catfish in these waters. Because Hickory Creek flows into the St. Joseph river before it empties into Lake Michigan, the cooler waters can attract seasonal steelhead trout from June to September. This place is where you want to be during the midsummer fishing season. Paw Paw River The Paw Paw River flows 61.8 miles until it joins the St. Joseph river right above the mouth of Lake Michigan, which gives you plenty of shorelines to explore. With 39 species of fish, you can catch northern pike, steelhead trout, walleye, and bass in these cool, clear waters. The connected Ox Creek area is also a popular favorite for local anglers looking to spend an afternoon casting. Grand Mere Lakes Located in Grand Mere State Park in Stevensville, you can fish from the three geologically ancient lakes. In 2018, a monster hybrid sunfish was caught weighing 1.8 pounds, setting a new state record. There are many water features where fish tend to congregate, and angling enthusiasts can access them all by boat or shore. Black River A short drive north in South Haven, you'll find a quiet fishing experience on the piers of the Black River. Charters are available if you want to take in an exciting adventure on Lake Michigan as well. Regulars love that there is a fishing cleaning station just off the parking lot. SHOUT Park also has a handicap-accessible fishing dock that draws many anglers. With such a wide range of bodies of water near Benton Harbor, you're never going to run out of opportunities to go angling. If you're looking for a new ride to haul all of your fishing gear and trophy catches home, be sure to visit us at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC for all your automotive needs. Image by Pixabay

May 23, 2025 in Benton Harbor Chevrolet Dealer

Explore the Best Day Trips Near Benton Harbor, MI with the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon

At LeValley Chevrolet GMC, we know that exploring the stunning landscapes around Benton Harbor, MI is even better when you travel in comfort, style, and capability. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a day trip with family and friends, our lineup of vehicles—especially the 2025 Chevy Suburban and 2025 GMC Yukon—makes every journey memorable. As your trusted Chevy Suburban dealer and GMC Yukon dealer, we invite you to discover top destinations nearby and see why these SUVs are perfect for your adventures. Why Choose the 2025 Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon for Your Day Trips? Our 2025 Chevy Suburban for sale offers unparalleled space, advanced technology, and a smooth ride designed for longer drives and outdoor excursions. With seating for up to nine and a massive cargo capacity, it's ideal for families or groups loaded with gear. The Suburban features a powerful engine lineup and cutting-edge safety features, ensuring peace of mind no matter where the road takes you. Similarly, our 2025 GMC Yukon for sale blends luxury and performance, boasting premium materials and intelligent connectivity options. Its versatile seating and cargo configurations adapt to your needs, while available four-wheel drive handles the diverse terrain you might encounter on your explorations. As a leading Chevy suburban dealer and GMC Yukon dealer, we offer competitive Chevy deals and GMC deals to help you get behind the wheel of these exceptional SUVs. Be sure to check our regularly updated specials for the latest offers. more Top Day Trips from Benton Harbor, MI When you drive a vehicle like the Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon, the possibilities for day trips expand dramatically. Here are some standout nearby destinations perfect for your next outing: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Less than an hour away, this breathtaking park offers towering sand dunes, scenic overlooks, and miles of hiking trails. The spacious interior of the Suburban or Yukon ensures you can bring along all the essentials—picnic supplies, hiking gear, and more. South Haven A charming lakeside town known for its beaches, marina, and quaint downtown. Park your SUV and explore the local shops and restaurants, then enjoy lakeside activities with ease. St. Joseph Just a short drive, St. Joseph is famous for its lighthouse and vibrant waterfront. The comfort and advanced tech features in your GMC Yukon or Chevy Suburban make navigation and entertainment seamless during your trip. Kal-Haven Trail Perfect for cycling or hiking enthusiasts, this trail spans 33 miles between South Haven and Kalamazoo. Load your bikes effortlessly in the Suburban’s generous cargo area or the Yukon’s configurable space. Silver Beach County Park Ideal for families, Silver Beach offers playgrounds, picnic spots, and pristine shoreline. The Suburban and Yukon provide ample room for beach gear, coolers, and water sports equipment. Features That Elevate Your Benton Harbor Day Trips Traveling in a 2025 Chevy Suburban or 2025 GMC Yukon adds significant value to your outings: Advanced Infotainment: Both SUVs feature large touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports to keep everyone entertained. Driver Assistance Technologies: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and rear camera mirror systems boost safety on busy highways and rural roads alike. Powerful Performance: Engine options include V8s and available diesel, delivering the power needed for towing boats or trailers for your weekend excursions. Comfort and Space: Heated and ventilated seats, tri-zone climate control, and quiet cabin designs keep all passengers comfortable, no matter the weather. Visit LeValley Chevrolet GMC Today Ready to elevate your day trips around Benton Harbor with a vehicle designed to handle every adventure? Our expert team at LeValley Chevrolet GMC is here to help you explore the latest chevy deals and GMC deals on the 2025 Chevy Suburban and 2025 GMC Yukon. We regularly update our specials, so be sure to check back often. Experience the difference a premium SUV makes on the road— schedule your test drive today and start planning your next unforgettable journey.

Oct 18, 2024 in Benton Harbor Chevrolet Dealer

Discover the 2024 Chevrolet Trax: A Compact SUV Revolution

At LeValley Chevrolet GMC, we're thrilled to introduce you to the game-changing 2024 Chevrolet Trax. This compact SUV is redefining expectations in its class, offering a perfect blend of style, functionality, and advanced technology. Let's dive into what makes the new Trax a standout choice for drivers in Benton Harbor and beyond. Sleek Design Meets Practical Functionality The 2024 Trax boasts a completely reimagined exterior that turns heads on every street corner. We're impressed by its: Bold front grille with Chevrolet's signature styling Sculpted body lines for improved aerodynamics Available two-tone roof for a customized look LED lighting for enhanced visibility and modern aesthetics Inside, the Trax offers surprising spaciousness for a compact SUV. The thoughtfully designed interior includes: Ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers Versatile cargo space with 60/40 split-folding rear seats High-quality materials throughout the cabin Intuitive layout for easy access to controls and features more Cutting-Edge Technology at Your Fingertips Chevrolet has packed the 2024 Trax with an impressive array of tech features that enhance both convenience and safety: 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot Chevrolet Safety Assist suite, including: Automatic Emergency Braking Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Forward Collision Alert Front Pedestrian Braking These advanced features ensure that you stay connected and protected on every journey. Efficient Performance for Urban Adventures The 2024 Trax is designed to excel in city driving while providing the capability for weekend getaways: Turbocharged engine for responsive acceleration Impressive fuel efficiency for reduced stops at the pump Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in various conditions Compact size for easy maneuverability in tight spaces We've found that this combination of performance attributes makes the Trax an ideal choice for both daily commutes and spontaneous road trips. Customization Options to Suit Your Style Chevrolet understands that personal expression matters. The 2024 Trax offers: Multiple trim levels to choose from A range of vibrant exterior color options Various interior color schemes and materials Accessory packages for added functionality and style This level of customization ensures that your Trax reflects your unique personality and needs. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax represents a significant leap forward in the compact SUV segment. Its blend of stylish design, advanced technology, efficient performance, and customization options make it a compelling choice for a wide range of drivers. We invite you to visit LeValley Chevrolet GMC to experience the new Trax firsthand and discover how it can elevate your driving experience.