Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Day Trips Near Benton Harbor, MI

Waking up early, grabbing some snacks, and hitting the road in your brand new GMC Acadia SLE is one of the best plans you can think of for a memorable weekend. Thankfully, the city of Benton Harbor, MI, is close to several beautiful destinations where you can enjoy your favorite recreational activities with your loved ones. Here are three of the best day trips you can take from the city.

1. Grand Mere State Park

A beautiful lakeside nature reserve featuring sand dunes, undeveloped lands, and three inland lakes, Grand Mere State Park is one of the best-known day trip destinations among Benton Harbor locals. Open every day of the year between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm, this state park is located at 7337 Thornton Drive near the town of Stevensville and about 15 miles southwest of downtown Benton Harbor.

With large swathes of woodlands and ancient lakes, Grand Mere State Park was established in the early 1970s by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to protect the region’s flora and fauna and to provide recreational opportunities to locals and visitors. This place was designated as a U.S. National Natural Landmark in 1968 and offers great opportunities for swimming, boating, cross-country skiing, and picnicking.

2. Van Buren State Park

Also featuring an extensive network of sand dunes, Van Buren State Park is a fantastic spot to participate in your favorite water sports and outdoor activities. Established in 1966, this place encompasses an area of about 400 acres and is located at 23960 Ruggles Road near the town of South Haven. Driving here from the Benton Harbor city center takes about 25 minutes via route M-63 and Blue Star Highway.

Some of the facilities visitors can find at Van Buren State Park include designated swimming areas on the shores of Lake Michigan, a playground, fully equipped picnic spots, and a 220-site campground for those wanting to stay overnight. This place is also a popular fishing destination, offering great opportunities to catch large specimens of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill.

3. Kalamazoo

Home to plenty of cultural centers, great restaurants, and beautiful parks, the city of Kalamazoo is another great day trip destination. Located just 50 miles northeast of Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo can be reached in less than one hour by car via route I-94. Some of the places you should check out in the city include the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Bronson Park, and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

Are you thinking of buying a new or used vehicle in the Benton Harbor area? You’ve come to the right spot! Hit the road and visit us today at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC! With decades of experience and a knowledgeable team of experts, we sell only the best models in town.

Tags: Beautiful State Parks Near Benton Harbor, Benton Harbor Activities, Benton Harbor Auto Repair, Benton Harbor Auto Service, Benton Harbor Camping, Benton Harbor Places to Visit, Chevrolet Community, LeValley Chevrolet, LeValley Chevrolet Service
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