Between Grand Rapids And Chicago Is Michigan's Under-The-Radar Day Trip Lake Destination With Pristine Beaches

Walking the beaches of Lake Michigan is a lot like visiting the ocean, with almost all of the benefits and none of the drawbacks. You can't see the other side of the lake from the shore, so it really looks like a boundless sea — especially on days where high winds striate the water with waves. In sunny weather, you can swim, boat, surf, or simply catch some rays in the sand. This is the hallmark of Berrien County, which sits in the southwest corner of Michigan. Composed of numerous cities, townships, and villages, Berrien County is home to about 150,000 people. It assumes a roughly triangular shape on the map, with the lakeshore forming its sloped edge and the Indiana border forming its bottom edge.

Unlike the ocean, Lake Michigan has fresh water, so you never have to worry about getting mouthfuls of salt when you take a dip there. Hurricanes also don't occur in this part of the U.S., and there are no oil derricks or wind turbines here to obstruct your beach views. Another great advantage of Berrien County's 20 public beaches is their proximity to major cities. This under-the-radar community is located within reasonable driving distance of both Grand Rapids, Michigan (two hours) and Chicago, Illinois (90 minutes), making it a pleasant day trip from either locale.

You could easily breeze through Berrien County without a second thought, but adventurous day trippers could spend multiple days hopping from one beach community to another. The county is most popular for its aquatic and shore-based attractions, which are spread out along 60 miles of the I-94 and countless secondary roads. You could easily plug this county into a list of Michigan's best road trips that promise unmatched adventure and beauty.

Berrien County's main attractions are its numerous pristine beaches that punctuate 50 miles of shoreline. You'll find the dramatic topography at Warren Dunes, an underrated state park on Lake Michigan's shores and a great way to skip the crowds at the (nearby) Indiana Dunes. Other beaches are better suited for relaxation. Silver Beach County Park, which boasts 1,600 feet of beachfront, is immensely popular for sun seekers. Its cool waters, playground, and traditional carousel ride are all ideal for families, but brace yourself for a $15-per-vehicle parking fee at this site. Silver Beach is located in St. Joseph, which is also known for its multiple lighthouses (pictured below). You can even arrange a private tour of the interiors of these handsome structures.

Berrien County doesn't have the same cachet as other parts of the Great Lakes do, and many travelers dismiss rural Michigan as flat and therefore boring — so places like Berrien County often fly under the radar. But the county is well equipped with diversions like the Grand Beach Golf Course, which hosts 9-hole games on its public course right by the water. There's also the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, a palatial gaming complex containing 1,900 slot machines, a high limit area, and large-scale concerts at its in-house Silver Creek Event Center.

For a perfect mix of land and water, consider venturing to Galien River County Park. Raised canopy walkways weave through the wetlands here to provide an intimate view of their lush ecosystems, and a 60-foot overlook tower affords visitors a spectacular view of rural Michigan.

Berrien County is a destination best suited for drivers. Buses and trains do connect Grand Rapids and Chicago, such as the Pere Marquette Amtrak line, but without stopping in Berrien County. The only way to fully explore the area is by car along the I-94; you can take this highway from Chicago to Grand Rapids in only 3 hours, with plenty of convenient exits in between. For a more scenic drive, you could take the US-12, which is closer to the water and other points of interest. In fact, the road is so attractive that the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is petitioning to make it an official Scenic Byway.

If you decide to stay the night at a local hotel, you have dozens of options. The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach, a cottage-like building with 14 uniquely styled rooms, is both a local standout and a worthwhile splurge, given its easy access to the water and ample amenities (including yoga mats, communal fire pits, and more). For a homier stay, you can find several local rentals via Juniper Holiday & Home, which manages luxury properties along Lake Michigan. There are also campgrounds available for travelers with tents or RVs at both Warren Dunes State Park and Weko Beach, which you'll find in the under-the-radar Midwest City of Bridgman.