|
Andrews Museum of Natural History |
Andrews University, Price Hall Berrien Springs, MI 49104 269.471.3243
|
|
In 1960 the Andrews University Biology Department established the Museum of Natural History around the nucleus of a few specimens used for teaching. It has since developed into a display used by students and visited by hundreds of people annually. The most complete skeleton of a woolly mammoth to be found in Michigan is displayed in the museum, which is located on the lower level of Price Hall. Several donations have contributed collections of over 30,000 marine shells, 1,600 birds and 1,400 mammals, as well as hundreds of butterflies and other insects. The museum also includes over 5,000 botanical specimens in the herbarium section and a collection of antique microscopes.
|
Directions: I-94 Exit 28, M139/Old U.S. 31, southeast 8 miles to Berrien Springs. Andrews will be on the left.
|
|
|
Andrews University Architecture Resource Center |
Andrews University, Achitecture Building Berrien Springs, MI 49104 269.471.2417
|
|
Maintained by the highly ranked Andrews University Division of Architecture, the Andrews Architectural Resource Center (ARC) houses several important and valuable collections of architectural research materials. The ARC includes the Environmental Design and Research Association Collection, the most comprehensive in the discipline of environmental behavior as it relates to architecture and design.
|
Directions: I-94 Exit 28, M139/Old U.S. 31, southeast 8 miles to Berrien Springs. Andrews will be on the left. |
|
1101 Broad Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 269.983.3688 Contact: Mike Murphy Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Sunday 1-4:00 p.m. GPS [42.1062° N, 86.4765° W]
|
|
|
The Box Factory for the Arts owned by the Berrien Artists' Guild, has three galleries, a gift shop, a stage and seating for concerts and plays, 37 resident artists, and HarborTown Express Cafe'. The studio artists include: Tom Conrad - air brush, Tom Fuller - painting, B.J. Goetz - painting, Dwayne Gooch - stained and fused glass, Bob Gottlieb - painting, Elaine Harju - painting, Susan Henshaw - painting, Rebecca Hungerford - pewter, Lorie Jesperson - painting, Tim MacDonald - painting, Margie Mitchell - painting, Karen Najacht - ceramics, Minza Zdzieblowski - ceramics, Midnite Remisoski - painting/drawing, Becky Rotter - ceramics, Meredith Schmidt - painting, Anna Russo-Sieber - ceramics, Susan Schirmer - painting, Jan Sonneman - painting, Sherrie A. Styx - ceramics, Tom Tackett - photography, Ralph Harju - photography, Kathie Kiesselbach - print making, Anne Vandermolen - creative writing/print making, Denise Tackett - creative writing, Barbara Simpson - creative writing, Barbara Willey - creative writing/painting, Bob Williams - painting, James O'Haver - fractal art, Mike Pallas - ceramics, Lynne Tan - photography and ceramics, Andrea Belski Wilson - fiber arts, Mallory Olson - painting, Soon Lee Hong - ceramics, John Owen - photography, Mike Koch - music, and K.V. Rathnam - framing.
For a schedule of events and photos see link to boxfactoryforthearts.org
|
Admission: No admission fee.
|
Directions: To find the Box Factory for the Arts: from Main Street in downtown St. Joseph take Broad Street east about five blocks. Look for a brick building on the left side.
To get to Main Street from the north, M-63 will cross Blossomland Bridge, Broad Street is two blocks from the bridge.
From the south, leave I-94 at the St. Joseph exit 23 to Red Arrow Highway, travel north on Red Arrow, which will lead to Main Street.
|
|
415 Lake Boulevard St Joseph, MI 49085 269.983.2543 Fax: 269.983.3317 Hours: Michigan Time: Summer Mon-Sat, 10-5 and Sun 12-5 Sept-June Wed-Sat 10-5 and Sunday 12-5 GPS [42.1091° N, 86.4835° W] |

|
|
Touch, see, hear, smell and taste the wonders of the world. The Curious Kids' Museum is a hands-on children's museum dedicated to stimulating the curiosity of children from 1-102 with educational exhibits and programs which challenge the senses and offer unique learning opportunities. More than just a series of exhibits- explore science and areas of special interest at workshops and family programs scheduled throughout the year. Reader's Choice Award- The Herald Palladium "Best Museum" and "Best Place to Take Kids" in Southwestern Michigan" 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999. Outreach Program: Our Outreach program goes "on the road" to schools and community events. Topics include Dinomania, Mysteries of Magnets, Mineral Kingdon, Totally Tropical Rainforest, Simple Machines-More Power, and the StarLab. The StarLab is our portable Planetarium sponsored by The Fredrick S. Upton Foundation. A great place for learning about Space, Weather, Mission to Mars, Math Around the World Programs, African Skies and many more. These are but a few of the Traveling Hands-On Discovery Exhibits and programs follow Michigan Benchmarks while touching on culture, history and art in an open-ended manner. Outreach reaches 10,000 children annually. For detailed information, visit the Curious Kids' Museum Web Page
|
Admission: $4.00 per person age one & up; Summer admission $6.00 per person
|
Directions: From Chicago, Exit 23 (I-94), follow Lakeshore Dr north to downtown St Joseph, turn left on Broad St, go 2 blocks and turn left on Lake Blvd. From Detroit or Kalamazoo, Exit 27 (I-94), follow Niles Rd north to downtown St Joseph, turn left on Broad St., go 2 blocks, and turn left on Lake Blvd. From Grand Rapids, Exit 7 (I-196), follow M-63 south to downtown St Joseph, turn right on Broad St, go 2 blocks then turn left on Lake Blvd. From South Bend, Follow US-31 north to M-63 to downtown St Joseph, turn left on Broad St., go 2 blocks, and turn left on Lake Blvd.
|
|
|
Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum |
Museum location: 903 Bailey Avenue South Haven, MI 49090 269.637.3251 Hours: Thurs-Mon 1-5pm; Winter hours: Jan-Feb, Sat-Sun, 1-5pm GPS [42.3913° N, 86.2641° W]
|
|
One of the earliest houses in the South Haven area, this National Historic Site is the birthplace of the Horticulturalist Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey. Throughout his life Dr. Bailey worked to make scientific knowledge available to the average gardener. His extensive research, collection and writings on horticulture specific to the small property owner are still a great resource to professional and hobbyist alike. In addition to common items used by the Bailey family, the museum contains a collection of items common to farmsteads in the late 19th and early 20th century, such as tools, furnishings, and children's toys.
|
| Sorry, we're not handicap accessible. |
Admission: No admission fee.
|
|
|
|
Edward Lowe Foundation Information Center |
58220 Decatur Road P. O. Box 8 Cassopolis, MI 49031 269.445.2648 800.232.5693 Contact: Heidi Connor Hours: 9am-4pm GPS [41.9540° N, 85.9731° W]
|
|
|
The Edward Lowe Foundation Information Center houses a historical exhibit of Ed Lowe's business ventures and initiatives to support entrepreneurship.
The exhibit features advertisements, packaging, and product displays that date back to the 1940s - many of which were cutting-edge for their time, intellectual property, real estate holdings, Lowe's efforts to support entrepreneurship including the formation of the Edward Lowe Foundation and environmental research and land-management practices conducted at Big Rock Valley, such as prescribed burning.
|
Directions: I-94, take the Decatur/Dowagiac exit. Go south on M-51. Continue on M-51 for approximately 8 miles to the town of Decatur. One-block past the traffic light, turn left onto Williams Street, which becomes Decatur Road just outside of town. Stay on Decatur Road for approximately 12 miles. The entrance to the Edward Lowe Foundation/Big Rock Valley is on the right (west) side of the road.
|
|
508 E Main St Niles, MI 49120 269.683.4702 Fax: 269.684.3930 Contact: Carol Bainbridge Hours: Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm Sat 10am-3pm GPS [41.8297° N, 86.2537° W]
|
|
The Fort Saint Joseph Museum has a wide variety of collections, including artifacts from Fort St Joseph, pictographs drawn by LaKota/Sioux Chief Sitting Bull and Victorian decorative arts. The museum's exhibits tell the story of early Niles and the contributions its businesses and citizens have made to the world. First floor handicap accessible. No admission fee.
|
Directions: Take I-94 to Business 31 south. Business 31 south goes into Niles. Or take I-80-90 (Tollroad) to 31/33 north (a South Bend, IN exit). 31/33 north goes directly into Niles. The museum is at the corner of 5th and Main behind City Hall.
|
|
|
|
Horn Archaeological Museum |
Andrews University, Institute of Archaeology Berrien Springs, MI 49104 269.471.3273
|
|
|
Founded more than 60 years ago, the world-renowned Horn Archaeological Museum includes the significant findings of the Andrews University archaeological teams from over 30 years of archaeological digs in the Holy Land, as well as a large collection of acquired pieces - nearly 9,000 artifacts in total.
|
Directions: I-94 Exit 28, M139/Old U.S. 31, southeast 8 miles to Berrien Springs. Andrews will be on the left.
|
|
|
Howard Performing Arts Center |
Andrews University 1050 Seminary Drive Berrien Springs, MI 49104 269.471.3560 888.467.6442 Fax: 269.471.3565
|
|
|
The Howard Performing Arts Center is an elite acoustical facility designed for the performance of classical music, and southwest Michigan's home for an exceptional concert experience. Celebrating its 5th season in 2008-2009, the Howard has hosted several world-class performers from the international classical circuit since its opening, such as Sophie Milman, Bobby McFerrin and the Vienna Choir Boys, as well as an annual Christian Artist Series bringing artists from Sandi Patti and Point of Grace to Fernando Ortega, Avalon and Rachel Lampa.
The Howard Center was made possible by a dream John and Dede Howard, originally of St. Joseph, Michigan, had for southwest Michigan. The acoustics in the Howard Center are superior to most centers with acousticians being the same group that worked with Carnegie Hall. You might be surprised to hear that even from the back row of the balcony, you can hear a pin drop in the middle of the stage. WAUS classical radio station has also made its home here in the Howard Center.
Most importantly, the performing arts center provides an invaluable resource for students and the community. The spacious, well-lit foyer is available for wedding receptions, award ceremonies and other special occasions. Don't miss you chance to experience the ambiance of a Howard Center event.
|
Directions: I-94 Exit 28, M139/Old U.S. 31, southeast 8 miles to Berrien Springs. Andrews will be on the left.
|
|
707 Lake Boulevard St Joseph, MI 49085 269.983.0271 Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-4pm; Thu 10am-9pm; Sun 1-4pm GPS [42.1066° N, 86.4854° W] |

|
|
The Krasl Art Center, in downtown St. Joseph, is a visual arts center that is accredited by the American Association of Museums in Washington, D.C. For a donated fee, see artwork of national and international renown in three galleries. Exhibitions change approximately every two months. Lectures, art classes, tours and workshops are offered to the public of all ages; many at no cost. Free brochures for self-guided tours of nearby sculptures are available. Browse the Krasl Gift Shop for unique gift ideas, jewelry and more.
The Krasl Art Center hosts the nationally recognized Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, which is held the weekend after the 4th of July along St. Joseph's beautiful Lake Bluff Park on Lake Boulevard, in downtown St. Joseph. Artwork in a wide variety of art media is sold by over 200 artists who come from all over the country. Other fun events hosted by the Center include the HollyMarket held during the fall and Winter-time fun-raiser held in February.
|
Directions: From Chicago I-94: Take I-94 East to exit 27 turn left. Go North into St.Joseph and through 7 stop lights. One street beyond the 7th stop light is Pearl St., turn left onto Pearl St., go 2 blocks. Krasl will be on the left. From Kalamazoo I-94: Take I-94 West to exit 33 (Business 94/Benton Harbor.) The street becomes Main Street. Go through town, over the bridge and around a right curve, this now becomes Port Street. Go 2 blocks beyond the stop light and around a left curve, this now becomes Lake Boulevard. Go to the flashing yellow light, Krasl will be on the left.
|
|
|
Mary's City of David Museum & Tours |
Britain Avenue@Eastman Avenue PO Box 187 Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269.925.1601 Fax: 269.925.2707 Hours: Open June through the end of September.
Museum address: 1158 E Britain Ave Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269.925.1601 Fax: 269.925.2707 Contact: Ron Taylor Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm GPS [42.1086° N, 86.4298° W] |
|
|
|
Mary's City of David was nominated by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office in 2008 and received the official Listing upon the National Register of Historic Places in American from the Department of the Interior in Washington on April 15, 2009. The Listing is for 140 acres and 81 structures as an "Historic District" and is the result of 19 years of restorations to the historic properties.
The museum, tours and events at Mary's City of David is located on the Historic Properties of the reorganization of the Israelite House of David 1930, and is today America's third oldest Christian communal society. The museum holds the most complete record of the 208 year history (picture/document/artifact). The guided walking tours take you through sites on the 300 acres that tell this unique story which include the famous Eastman Springs developed in the 1880's. The gift shop next door to the museum has a wide variety of gifts and collectibles only to be found at the colony.
A vegetarian lunch may be catered by reservation for clubs or group tours.
We are America's third oldest practicing Christian community.
|
Admission: Museum $1.00, guided tours $4.00
|
Directions: Take exit 28 off I-94. Proceed North on M-139 about 2 miles. Turn right onto Britain Ave (blinker light). Go east 3-1/2 blocks to Eastman Ave. Turn right onto Eastman. Museum parking is one block on the left.
|
|
|
Michigan Flywheelers Museum |
Mailing address: 64958 M-43 Bangor, MI 49013 269.639.2010 Fax: 269.427.2478 Contact: Pat Ingalls
Museum Address: 06885 68th Street South Haven, MI 49090 269.639.2010 Contact: Pat Ingalls Hours: Wednesdays & weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day. GPS [42.3322° N, 86.1767° W] |
|
|
Dedicated to the preservation of antique gas and steam machinery, the museum hosts one of the largest antique engine and tractor shows in the state every September. Working exhibits like threshing, blacksmithing and a sawmill are just part of this 4-day show. Also featured are auctions, outdoor flea market, parades, tractor pulls and many other family-oriented events.
|
Directions: Museum is located 2.3 miles east of South Haven on 68th street. Take Phoenix Rd (CR 388) - exit 20 (I-196) east to 68th street. Turn south (right) at Fidleland Funpark on to 68th. Driveway is located on east side (left) about 1/2 mile.
|
|
260 Dyckman Avenue South Haven, MI 49090 269.637.8078 800.747.3810 Fax: 269.637.1594 Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day: Sun-Sat 10am-8pm Labor Day-Memorial Day: Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-5pm GPS [42.4065° N, 86.2725° W] |
|
Welcome to the Michigan Maritime Museum, home port to the tall ship replica Friends Good Will. Daily summer cruises are available weather permitting. Visit our calendar of events and website for more information.
Visit the new museum store specializing in maritime books and unique souvenirs. Take a dockside tour or sail on our Friends Good Will replica 1810 vessel where you can step aboard and experience the life of an early 19th century sailor. Enter the U.S. Coast Guard exhibit - the only complete collection of the last three wooden rescue craft used by the United States Coast Guard in the United States of America. The Davis Gallery tells the sotry of inland fishing in Michigan; and the Akers Gallery features small boats native to Michigan waters from a 17th century dugout canoe to 20th century pleasure craft. Then visit the Evelyn S., a restored 1939 commercial fishing tug that tells the story of the Great Lakes commercial fishing industry.
Two other things to enjoy are Harbor Walk, a self-guided walking tour along the beautiful and historic South Haven harbor; and the Classic Boat and Small Craft Festival, an annual celebration of classic boats on the museum campus in June.
Bus tours are welcome.
|
| Portions are handicap accessible, please call for details |
Directions: I-196 to Exit 20, Phoenix Road. Turn west on Phoenix Road and proceed to Broadway Street. Turn north on Broadway, road will veer northwest and cross a bridge. The museum is located on your left immediately after crossing the bridge.
|
|
501 Territorial Road Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269.429.5731 Fax: 269.925.7011 Contact: Denise Tackett, Director Hours: Sunday 1-5pm; Mon-Wed 10am-4pm. GPS [42.1189° N, 86.4463° W]
|
|
|
This beautiful Greek Revival house, with touches of Queen Anne influences was built in 1849 and four generations of the Eleazar Morton family lived here. Henry Morton was one of the three co-founders of Benton Harbor. This is the longest standing home in Benton Harbor and is on the Michigan Historic Homes Registry.
|
| |
Docent led guided tours
|
Gift Shop
|
| |
Special exhibits
|
Christmas Holiday House
|
| |
Pioneer Day
|
|
| Sorry, we're not handicap accessible. |
Directions: From I-94 take Business I-94 through downtown St. Joseph. Make a right on Ship Street (Post Office on corner) and follow around the bend going north into Benton Harbor. Follow Main Street. At the intersection of Paw Paw Avenue and Main Street, go through the light and immediately get in the left turn lane. Turn left on N. Hull Avenue (Morton House sign on corner) and go one-block. The house sits on the northeast corner of Hull and Territorial.
|
|
|
North Berrien Historical Society Museum |
Museum: 300 Coloma Ave Coloma, MI 49038 269.468.3330 Contact: Alexander Gates, Director Hours: May 1-Oct 31, Wed-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm Nov 1-Apr 30, Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GPS [42.1806° N, 86.3125° W]
Mailing address: P.O. Box 207 Coloma, MI 49038 |
 |
|
The museum Features the rich history of Bainbridge, Coloma, Hagar and Watervliet townships. Also showcased are artifacts and memorabilia from the cities of Coloma and Watervliet. The Paw Paw Lake exhibits are expecially interesting because the lake created swinging resorts in the 30s and 40s. Many famous musicians like Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey included the resorts on their tour circuits.
Topographical, geological, local Indian history and area school histories are ongoing exhibits. Some of the changing exhibits include the Watervliet Paper Mill and military uniforms of the 20th century.
The Print Shop building will display antique printing equipment from the Tri-City Record.
Coming soon is the opening of the Carter House Museum on the North Berrien Historical Society grounds.
The museum, Agricultural building and Print Shop are open for guided or self-guided tours through the summer months. School groups are welcome to visit by appointment during the school year. Please call for an appointment to tour or to book a a traveling trunk show. We have two trunk shows available to schools. They are an Indian exhibit and an Early Settler's exhibit.
We have outdoor picnic accommodations. Our Gift Shop carries books by local authors telling the history of the area, including Paw Paw Lake. We also stock antique linens, souvenirs and other gift items.
|
Admission: No cost to tour museum buildings, but donations are welcome.
|
Directions: From I-94 Exit 39, go north on Friday Rd approx 1/2 mile. Turn left on Red Arrow Hwy/ W St Joseph St and go west .4 miles. Museum is located on NW corner of Coloma Ave and Red Arrow Hwy.
|
|
|
St Joseph Historic Walking Tours |
St Joseph Today 120 State Street St Joseph, MI 49085 269.985.1111 GPS [42.1095° N, 86.4820° W]
|
|
|
This self-guided tour leads visitors along the bluff overlooking historic St. Joseph, incorporated in 1834. Beginning at the corner of State and Port Streets, the tour takes you past several monuments, pointing out interesting historical facts, from the landing of Robert de LaSalle in 1679 to the well-known poems of local-born poet Ben King. The tour includes a bandshell with free Sunday concerts in the summer, the beautiful century-old "Maids of the Mist" fountain, and an eight-ton Revolutionary War cannon and cannon balls. Park benches, swings, brick roads, "Coney Island" lights and flowers planted along wide walkways add to the charm of this tour overlooking Lake Michigan. Contact us for a free copy of the tour script.
|
| Portions are handicap accessible, please call for details |
|
|
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center |
601 Main Street St Joseph, MI 49085 269-983-1191 Fax: 269-983-1274 Contact: Kenneth Pott Hours: Year-round Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm; June-September, we are also open Sundays Noon-4pm GPS [42.1065° N, 86.4825° W]
|
|
|
|
Rental for events, call 269-983-7227
The Priscilla U. Byrns Heritage Center provides a beautiful setting for a variety of functions, including weddings, seminars, and concerts. Fort Miami Heritage Society owns and is located within the Center, which provides an ideal setting for interpreting the history of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area. In addition to exhibits, the Society also presents various programs and lectures, as well as preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Fort Miami region and the twin cities area through their library, archival and artifact collections.
The current main exhibition is "Working Waterfronts: Planning and Preserving the Maritime Traditions of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor." Both the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan have shaped the Twin Cities. The exhibit celebrates the local working waterfront through seven topics: Harbor Development, Ship and Boatbuilding, Commercial Shipping, Fishing, Recreation, the U.S. Lifesaving Service and Coast Guard, and of course, St. Joseph's historic Lighthouses.
Though much of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor's working waterfront is now gone, visitors may view images of past features, such as ship building enterprises, commercial family fishers and the Silver Beach Amusement Park. Not only does the exhibit feature historic photographs and related artifacts, but through feedback stations, visitors have an opportunity to express their opinions on the future of the working waterfront.
A companion exhibit, "Shipwrecks: A Deep Look, The Rise of the Self-Unloading Freighter," is also currently available. The "Shipwrecks" exhibit tells the story of the Hennepin, a Great Lakes Freighter wrecked off the coast of South Haven. This ship has the amazing maritime legacy of being converted in 1902, to the world's first "self-unloading" freighter. The Hennepin regularly delivered stone to St. Joseph's harbor, some of which was used to pave Colfax and Britain Avenues and Higman Park Road in Benton Harbor. The exhibit also explores the Rockaway, a sailing schooner which was wrecked in 1891. The Rockaway represents an earlier chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, before the advent of the self-unloader. Several of the Rockaway's remarkably well-preserved artifacts are on display, including the ship's wheel and a crew member's leather boot.
Additional rotating on local history topics are also on display; please call for a current schedule.
|
Directions: From I-94 take Exit 30. Go west on Napier, towards the lake (not towards the college). Napier comes to a "T" at Niles Avenue-turn right. After the light where Main Street and Niles merge, proceed 5 more blocks to Market- the center is on the corner of Market and Main- parking is in the rear.
|
|
|
The History Center at Courthouse Square |
Mailing Address: PO Box 261 Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Museum located at: 313 N Cass St Berrien Springs, MI 49103 269.471.1202 Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-4pm and Sat-Sun 1-5pm. Closed Monday and major holidays. GPS [41.9486° N, 86.3409° W] |
|
|
The Berrien County Historical Associations 1839 Courthouse Complex interpets Berrien County history, through it's facility that consists of the restored 1839 courthouse, 1870 sheriff's residence and Jail Plaza, 1830 Murdock Log House and Blacksmith Shop. Visit the permanment exhibits on Berrien County history and the restored courtroom in the 1839 courthouse. Changing exhibits in the sheriffs residence and experience life via the log house and blacksmith shop.
|
Admission: Admission is free, donations accepted.
|
Directions: From I-94 exit 28 south, continue 7 miles to Berrien Springs. The 1839 courthouse complex is on your right. From Indiana, take U.S. 31 north to exit 14. Go south on old US-31 2 miles. The courthouse is on your right.
|
|
140/142 Water Street Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269.925.5555 Fax 269-925-5555 Hours: Sept-May M/F 2-6pm, T/W/Th 10am-2pm, Summer hours: call first |
|
|
|
Water Street Glassworks is a public access nonprofit school of glass and metal. We offer classes in glassblowing, glass casting, flameworking, fusing, stained glass, mosaics, welding and blacksmithing for teens and adults. If you have a group, we can offer studio tours or a special class just for you. We are also available to lead team-building events and our space is available for rental for your special function.
We also offer tours, and shopping in our gift shop with glass artwork made by kids in Fired Up!, our after school program.
|
Directions: I-94 Exit 29, Pipestone Road. Go northwest approximately 3 miles to Main Street. Cross Main, where Pipestone turns into Water Street. We are at the end of the block on the left. Classroom entrance is around back at the Studio door. |
|
|