South Haven Trip next week. Things to see and do

[jabres]

Leaving next Friday, 7/20 for 9 day trip to South Haven. Staying at Yogi Bear Resort in South Haven. In the past we stayed in Ludington, and would go north, but this time around with all the kids, wanted to stay closer, so chose the South side. Any things/activities that are must see or must do? Or even restaurants that are a must? We will have children with us ranging from 4 months, to 7 years old.
Lastly, is there any INLAND lakes near South Haven that are a must see? I have heard these are all over in Michigan, and are beyond gorgeous.
Thanks in advance!

[jabres]

Thanks guys for all the info!!! I have it all written down.
How about any really good "different" restaurants to eat at while up South Haven or surrounding cities?

[Matt_Colie]

If you were in Holland for the day (lots to do and not just the Dutch Garden), you could end the day by going north to Grand Haven to see the musical fountain that runs after dark. Then load the kids up and they will be asleep for the 1 hour+ back to camp.

Matt

[Mfan]

Our great lakes surround the state. Gorgeous ones are small and in-state. Gun lake is the one you are looking for. Be careful, very shallow, but great fishing and swimming

[jim_isham]

Gun Lake (2680) acres, West of Hastings, in Barry County, has
pontoon boat rentals. Yankee Springs Recreational Area is also on Gun Lake.

[jabres]

I ask about the inland lake, because we were hoping to rent a pontoon for a day, to get my boating fix in for the week.

[GordonThree]

A few hours drive maybe. Higgins Lake is a neat one, in the past the water was CRYSTAL clear, not so much anymore but still pretty.

Another of my favs is Lake Charlevoix

Best I've seen in a while, as far as inland goes is Lake Gogebic

Not that "big" is important for an inland lake, lots of smaller lakes / ponds are also nice. The Alcona pond on the Au Sauble is very nice. Duck Lake in Interlochen, Indian Lake in Manistique.

I don't know much about southern Michigan, it's not my scene. The further North the better, JMHO.

[jabres]

Valhalla360-yea I figured the big really neat lakes are further north.. Are they within a few hours drive north to get to? Like all within a days times?

[jabres]

Thanks for all the ideas so far! We def planned on making day trips to various places... hour or so drive to various attractions not in South Haven wouldn't be a problem. We just made South Haven our middle point.

[doxiemom11]

There is a Shipshewana (Amish) Flea market and Auction in Paw Paw on Tues and Wed - Van Buren St I think.

[jim_isham]

The kids might enjoy a day in St. Joseph riding the Silver Beach Carousel, exploring the Curious Kids Museum, and splashing around in the Whirlpool Compass Fountain if it's a hot day.

[valhalla360]

Yes, they have inland lakes but the really great ones are further north.

Given the age of the kids:
- A day trip to Holland would be fun (dutch village).
- Walks along the inlet for the kids to watch the boats and get an ice cream.
- They are a little young but might enjoy the Kzoo air zoo.
- Its about an hour drive away but Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek is nice.

Not a lot of big name attractions. Mostly hanging out on the beach/sand dunes and relaxing kind of area.

[Dick_B]

That's a long time for South Haven but I would suggest doing a Google search for `South Haven tourism' and read what the specialists recommend.
We always have at least one lunch at Crane's Orchard where Apple Juice is fresh and free flowing.

[GordonThree]

I've heard Kalamazoo has a great selection of local beer brews. Warren Dunes is neat and near by.

Yankee Springs rec area on Gun Lake has nice trails for hiking. Afterwards visit the casino buffet.