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South Haven, Michigan

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of
the Black River, South Haven Michigan has plenty of sparkling water and sandy beaches to go around. The town offers a wide variety of activities year around, but summer time is when it really shines (literally). Beach fun, fishing, golfing, or shopping South Haven Michigan has it all, including a deep-water harbor.

Welcome to South Haven - It's a feeling! One that's hard to put into words, but once you visit you'll feel it too. It's an experience you'll never forget. It's what keeps you coming back for more. From the moment you arrive until the time you have to leave, you will know you are some place special. This one-of-a-kind Michigan Beachtown cannot be fully appreciated by reading about it in a brochure, cannot be touched even through the most technologically advanced website, and all the beautiful sunset photos in the world cannot do it justice. But don't take our word for it; come here and see for yourself!
 

A harbor that has a rich maritime history.  But we aren't a "single-faceted town," South Haven Michigan has agricultural roots too. So, whether you want to see tall ships or pick your own blueberries, our town is a must see on any vacation "to do list." Visitors quickly see why South Haven Michigan has been called "a gem among small American towns." Getting here is easy; the South Haven area is convenient to Chicago and Detroit off major freeways.

Experience the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes by visiting Michigan's most distinguished institution of maritime research, preservation and education.

Five separate buildings offer a variety of engaging opportunities for the Museum visitor including permanent and changing exhibits on Michigan maritime history, a center for the teaching of boat building and related maritime skills, and a regionally renowned research library. Waterfront festivals and events are complemented by the hustle and bustle of a modern harbor and vast sandy beaches in one of west Michigan's most picturesque shoreline communities.

The sloop Friends Good Will promotes tourism in West Michigan by providing the public with a wide variety of cultural and educational experiences.  The historic replica is the only Tall Ship to sail the Great Lakes with a state-of-the-art, interactive, floating classroom.  Friends Good Will, fully U.S. Coast Guard approved for passengers, is available for day sails as well as private charters.  Friends Good Will also makes several voyages to other ports during the sailing season.

Ellen Avery Park is located at the end of North Shore Drive. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch the boats go by. Benches. Free parking.

Constructed with in the early 1870s with $6,000 in congressional appropriations, the South Pier Lighthouse was built as an open 30' wood tower topped by an octagonal cast iron lantern. The lower deck of the tower was a storage room that contained supplies to maintain the light and was also used as a place of shelter when the light keepers worked on the light. The upper level housed the Fifth Order Fresnel lens for the lantern, made by Parisian glassmakers Barbier and Fenestre.

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