New Buffalo, Michigan is a charming lakeside town located just an hour’s drive from Chicago. It’s a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time relaxing by the beach. New Buffalo, Michigan is a great destination for families with children. Here are some things you can do with your kids in New Buffalo.
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Visit the New Buffalo Beach
200 Marquette Dr, New Buffalo, MI 49117
New Buffalo Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, located just an hour’s drive from Chicago in the charming lakeside town of New Buffalo, Michigan. The beach is well-maintained and has plenty of space for sunbathing, beach games, and building sandcastles.
One of the things that makes New Buffalo Beach so special is its crystal clear waters. Lake Michigan is known for its clean, clear water, and New Buffalo Beach is no exception. The water is perfect for swimming, and it’s also a great spot for boating and fishing.
In addition to the beach itself, there are several amenities available to make your visit more enjoyable. There are restrooms and showers available, as well as a concessions stand where you can grab a snack or a cold drink. There are also plenty of shady spots to relax in if you need a break from the sun.
If you’re looking for something to do besides lounging on the beach, there are plenty of options nearby. The downtown area of New Buffalo is just a short walk from the beach and has a variety of shops and restaurants. There are also several nature preserves and state parks in the area, which offer hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
The Chikaming Open Land Nature Preserve
12291 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125
The Chikaming Open Lands nature preserve is a hidden gem located in New Buffalo, Michigan. The preserve covers over 1,200 acres of wooded trails, meadows, and wetlands, and it’s home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
One of the highlights of the preserve is the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From the top of the tower, you can see for miles in every direction, and it’s a great spot for birdwatching. There are also several miles of hiking trails that wind through the preserve, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
In addition to the hiking trails, the preserve also has a number of other amenities that make it a great destination for a day trip or a longer visit. There are picnic areas and restrooms available, as well as a visitor center where you can learn more about the history and ecology of the preserve.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or just looking for a peaceful spot to relax, the Chikaming Open Lands nature preserve is a great place to visit. It’s a short drive from the downtown area of New Buffalo, and it’s an excellent spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time surrounded by nature.
Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125
Warren Dunes State Park is a beautiful natural oasis in New Buffalo that is home to a large sand dune and a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan, and it’s a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
One of the highlights of Warren Dunes State Park is the sand dune, which stands at over 250 feet tall. The dune is a popular spot for climbing, and there are several trails that lead to the top, where you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The dune is also a great spot for sandboarding, and there are rentals available if you don’t have your own equipment.
In addition to the sand dune, the park also has a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games. There are also several miles of hiking trails that wind through the park, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
If you’re planning a longer visit, the park has a campground with sites for tents and RVs, as well as a group campsite for larger gatherings. There are also restrooms and showers available, as well as a concessions stand where you can grab a snack or a cold drink.
New Buffalo Farmer’s Market
2 E Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
The popular New Buffalo Farmer’s Market, takes place on Saturdays during the summer months and features fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music.
One of the things that makes the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market so special is the wide variety of products available. You’ll find everything from locally grown fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and artisanal food products. There’s something for everyone at the market, and it’s a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
In addition to the market itself, there are also several food vendors on hand, offering a variety of tasty treats. You can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee and a pastry as you wander through the market. There’s also live music on offer, which adds to the festive atmosphere of the market.
Whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, or just looking for something to do on a Saturday morning, the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market is a great place to visit. It’s a short walk from the downtown area of New Buffalo and is an excellent way to spend a summer morning.
Four Winds Casino Resort
11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, MI 49117
The Four Winds Casino Resort has a variety of family-friendly entertainment options, including a pool, arcade, and movie theater. The resort has a casino, multiple restaurants, and a variety of entertainment options, making it a great place to spend a day or a longer vacation.
One of the highlights of the Four Winds Casino Resort is the casino itself, which has a wide variety of games to choose from. You’ll find everything from slot machines and table games to poker and bingo. There’s something for every level of player, and the casino is open 24 hours a day.
In addition to the casino, the resort also has a variety of dining options to choose from. There are several restaurants on site, offering everything from fine dining to casual fare. There are also several bars and lounges where you can grab a drink and relax.
If you’re looking for something to do besides gambling and dining, the resort also has a number of entertainment options. There’s a pool, an arcade, and a movie theater on site, as well as a variety of live entertainment options. There’s always something going on at the Four Winds Casino Resort, and it’s a great spot for a day trip or a longer vacation.
Rent a boat or go fishing on Lake Michigan
Renting a boat or going fishing on Lake Michigan is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, and there are several marinas in the New Buffalo, Michigan area where you can rent boats or fishing gear.
One of the great things about Lake Michigan is the variety of fish that can be found in its waters. You’ll find everything from salmon and bass to perch and pike, and there are a number of charters available that can take you out on the lake to try your luck. If you prefer to fish from the shore, there are several spots along the lake where you can cast a line.
If you’d rather spend your time on the water in a boat, there are several marinas in the area where you can rent a variety of watercraft, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and powerboats. Many of the marinas also offer guided tours and lessons, so you can learn the ropes if you’re new to boating.
Overall, whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking to spend a day on the water, there are plenty of options for renting a boat or going fishing on Lake Michigan. It’s a great way to spend a day in the great outdoors and enjoy all that the lake has to offer.
New Buffalo Railroad Museum
530 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
The New Buffalo Railroad Museum has a collection of vintage trains and railcars, as well as exhibits on the history of rail travel in the region. One of the highlights of the New Buffalo Railroad Museum is the collection of vintage trains and railcars on display. You’ll see everything from steam engines to diesel locomotives, and you can get a close-up look at the intricate machinery that powers these impressive machines. There are also a number of exhibits on the history of rail travel in the region, including displays on the development of the railroads and the role they played in the growth of the area.
In addition to the trains and exhibits, the museum also has a number of interactive displays that are sure to be a hit with kids. There are hands-on exhibits where you can learn about how trains work, and there are also a number of interactive games and activities to keep kids entertained.
Overall, the New Buffalo Railroad Museum is a great destination for families and history buffs alike. It’s a short drive from the downtown area of New Buffalo and is an excellent way to spend a few hours learning about the history of rail travel in the region.
Day Trip to St. Joseph
St. Joseph, Michigan is a charming town located just a short drive from New Buffalo. It’s a popular destination for those looking for a day trip, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the town.
One of the highlights of a day trip to St. Joseph is a visit to the Silver Beach County Park, which has a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan and a number of amenities, including a carousel, a playground, and a splash pad. The park is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games, and it’s an excellent place to spend a summer day.
In addition to the beach, St. Joseph also has a number of shopping and dining options to choose from. The downtown area is full of charming boutiques and restaurants, and there are a number of farmers markets and other events that take place throughout the year.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, St. Joseph also has a number of recreational options, including golf courses, parks, and hiking trails. The town is also home to the Krasl Art Center, which has a number of exhibits and events throughout the year.
Day Trip to Sawyer
Sawyer, Michigan is another charming town located just a short drive from New Buffalo. It’s a popular destination for those looking for a day trip, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the town.
One of the highlights of a day trip to Sawyer is a visit to the Warren Dunes State Park, which has a large sand dune and a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan. The park is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, and it’s an excellent place to spend a summer day.
In addition to the state park, Sawyer also has a number of shopping and dining options to choose from. The downtown area is full of charming boutiques and restaurants, and there are a number of farmers markets and other events that take place throughout the year.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, Sawyer also has a number of recreational options, including golf courses, parks, and hiking trails. The town is also home to the Round Barn Farm Distillery, which offers tours and tastings of their artisanal spirits.
That’s A Wrap!
For your next family vacation look no further than New Buffalo, Michigan. Beauty surrounds you in this lakeside city offering everything a family could want for a relaxing getaway.
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