Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Stevensville, MI

  • Published 2023/04/11

Stevensville, located in Michigan’s southwest area, is a small town in Berrien County within the Lincoln Township.

The incorporated town sits along Lake Michigan’s coastline, five miles from St. Joseph.

During the 1840s, the prominent banker Thomas Stevens platted the land, with additions from A.D. Brown.

The town was incorporated in 1893.

You may think there’s nothing much to see and do in this quiet village, but wait until you set foot on this unique Michigan town.

Stevensville has several local restaurants, shops, local parks, and establishments that reflect much of its varied character.

Its proximity to Lake Michigan also offers easy access to relaxing views and nature spots.

Several wineries and cellars also surround the eastern part of the town.

Here are the best things to do in Stevensville, MI.

Enjoy the Shorelines at Grand Mere State Park

Scenic view of Grand Mere State Park

Suzanne Tucker / Shutterstock.com

Spanning almost 1,000 acres of woodlands and dunes, the Grand Mere State Park is a major attraction in Stevensville.

This natural location features two inland lakes and over two miles of Lake Michigan’s sandy shoreline that visitors can enjoy.

The state park is a nature preservation area designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968.

A boy skipping rocks at Grand Mere State Park

Suzanne Tucker / Shutterstock.com

Grand Mere State Park provides you with public recreation to enjoy, like swimming, boating, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

If you prefer something laid-back, your family can enjoy a wonderful picnic or stroll along the shore to catch the gorgeous sunset.

Spend Some Family Time at North Lake Park

At the edge of Grand Mere State Park up north, the North Lake Park is one great family-friendly outdoor location.

The town-operated park offers excellent amenities like a playground for the little ones, restrooms, and vast picnic areas.

The park also has an inland lake that’s perfect for fishing, though you can’t swim there.

You can ride a kayak and discover other parts of the lake area.

The abundant lush trees provide enough shade, and you can walk along the boardwalk to look around.

Try Cold Homemade Brews at Watermark Brewing Company

Drop by the Watermark Brewing Company if you’re in the mood for some home-brewed beer and fun.

Try the Mexican-style lager called Bodega or the Hefeweizen called Homage.

Then, you can order the Radial, a blend of watermelon hard seltzer.

You can wrap things up with the Nocturnus, a unique mix of Russian Imperial Stout with coconut, vanilla beans, and cocoa nibs.

Drink up their Imperial Stout combined with cacao, vanilla, and orange peel called Bunk Bed Confessions.

Otherwise, try the Power Grind, a coffee blonde ale on nitro.

Enjoy some entertainment on their Comedy Night or watch special events and live music performances.

You can also join the social bike ride called Pedals to Pints held on Thursday nights from May to October, promoted by the Pachyderm Pedalers.

Cold beverages are served at the Watermark Brewing Company afterward.

Catch a Game at Kohn Sports Complex

Watch live ball game action at the Kohn Sports Complex.

The business owners Bob and Betty Kohn donated the multi-million dollar sports complex, which hosts famous baseball tournaments in the Midwest.

It has become a venue for several local, travel, and All-Star baseball and softball games.

The complex includes ten well-groomed grass fields, two field stadiums, and a baseball hitting facility.

It features world-class indoor and outdoor amenities that Stevensville takes pride in.

You can enjoy heart-stopping ball games and also have a wide selection of food to eat at the concession.

Eat Out at Woodies Tavern

Whether it’s eating there, ordering takeaway, or curbside delivery, you’ll enjoy the delicious food at Woodies Tavern.

This place is an old dive bar in Stevensville’s downtown neighborhood, but it offers good food to satisfy your appetite.

Drop by on a Wednesday for a rib night and get your fill of half-rack rib dinner with hearty salad and side dishes.

Munch on juicy burgers every Thursday or join Friday Night Fish Fry with generous servings of cod and hake.

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal or choose other specials on the menu like the mac’n cheese bites, sirloin steak special, nachos, or order local beer on tap.

You’ll enjoy the small-town atmosphere of this restaurant with old music and a pool table for some fun.

Grab a Dessert at Red Coach Donuts

Red Coach Donuts is a must-visit in Stevensville because of its reputation among the locals.

Famous for its focused selection of fresh donuts, this is a great spot to try the local food culture in Stevensville.

Some of their bestsellers are their boston cream and chocolate donuts, all of which are made fresh daily.

Because of this, be sure to stop by early; they can run out of donuts during busy days.

Red Coach Donuts is also famous for their coffee, so try pairing it with your favorite donut flavor.

Located along St. Joseph Avenue, this is a can’t-miss for the sweet tooths out there.

Start Your Day at Full Circle Cafe and Espresso Bar

A fun breakfast place in Stevensville is at Full Circle Cafe and Espresso Bar.

They’re famous for their biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and other American classics that’ll surely energize you as you explore the area.

Being that it’s a breakfast place, this is also an excellent stopover for coffee lovers; they serve some of the best lattes here.

Full Circle Cafe and Espresso Bar also has a chic ambiance that’s a great place for reading or for some quality alone time.

A great all-rounder in Stevensville, find it along St. Joseph Avenue as well.

Trek the Jung Memorial Nature Area and Trail

Jung Memorial Nature Area and Trail is a beautiful spot in Stevensville, especially during the winters.

Covered in snow late into the year, this is an excellent spot to experience the nearby woods of the village.

Even if you’re not traveling during winter, Jung Memorial Nature Area and Trail is just as pretty during other seasons.

You can bring your dog here which is a great bonus, especially since they’ll have lots of sniffing to do with the abundance of flora.

You can access Jung Memorial Nature Area and Trail along West John Beers Road.

Play Sports at Lincoln Township Park

Lincoln Township Park is a great place to spend some free time during your trip, located along South Roosevelt Road.

It’s famous for having all sorts of sports amenities, ranging from pickleball to tennis courts.

It’s also one of the larger recreational spaces in Stevensville, so utilize it during your trip as it’s a great way to burn off some calories.

Kids will also have tons of fun here, as the splash pad here is spacious and loads of fun.

WIth so many things to do in Lincoln Township Park, it’s hard not to see what’s brewing up during your visit.

Grab a Quick Lunch at Mr. Gyros

Mr. Gyros is one of the most versatile culinary attractions you can add to your itinerary.

Specializing in handheld lunches like gyros, burgers, hotdog sandwiches and more, this is a go-to place for busy tourists.

But if you have a lot of time to dine in, you may want to experience Mr. Gyros slowly as well, especially given its mouthwatering selection of meats.

The staff and ownership are highly rated by the locals, so feel free to ask for recommendations.

Just take note though, everything here is good!

Mr. Gyros is located along Cleveland Avenue.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Sip Fine Wines at Chill Hill Winery

Drive for eight minutes from Stevensville to reach the village of Baroda, Michigan.

When you see a mural in downtown Baroda with two ladies dressed in red and white enjoying a drink, then you’ve just reached Chill Hill Winery.

The Nitz family owns the dream business, birthed with the love of cultivating wine running for generations.

They maintain one of the biggest grape vineyards in the area over the years.

It produces juice and wine grapes, eventually expanding into a winery business.

You’ll sample the ten ciders on tap or their selection of 14 different wines.

Take a sip of their white wine selections like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Dry Riesling.

Likewise, try their Red Wine like the Meritage, Dockside Dans or Countryside Red.

You can also try some of their hard cider flavors like pineapple, grapefruit, peach, blackberry, and tropical rose.

Enjoy their daily discounts and promos, and catch featured shows, bands, and live music.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Weko Beach and Campgrounds

People at Weko Beach

Jszyarto / Shutterstock.com

The Weko Beach and the Weko Campgrounds host a fabulous outdoor escape near Stevensville.

Find it in Bridgman, Michigan, 11 minutes from Stevensville.

The Campgrounds lie in a 42-acre scenic wooded dune area with 68 available campsites and seven country-style cabins open from May to October.

You can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the dunes on the wooden steps, which also lead you to the creeks and cabins.

The wooded dunes are not just beautiful during the summer, but they also feature a lovely setting with red and golden hues during autumn.

Weko Beach offers fun water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating.

You can rent kayaks, boats, and paddleboards and grab a daily or seasonal entry pass.

Immerse yourself in the panoramic view of the lake and surrounding wooded dunes on the boardwalk and observation decks.

If you’re here from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can catch the Taps at Weko Beach, an old sunset tradition held yearly.

You can also catch free concerts during summer.

Other amenities include a modern beach house, a boat launch area, concessions, and restrooms.

Smell the Fragrant Lavender at Hickory Creek Lavender Farm

Drop by the Hickory Creek Lavender Farm in Stevensville if you have a knack for lavender scents.

This family-owned and operated 20-acre farm started in 2016 with over 3,000 plants and eleven lavender varieties.

The farm specializes in organically grown and hand-harvested lavender used in fresh or dry bouquets and lavender products.

See and smell lavender varieties like the French Perfume, Grosso, the Phenomenal, Munstead, Essence Purple, and Sweet Romance.

They also have a range of Hidcote, Lavance Deep Purple, Sensational, Hidcote Blue, and Super Blue assortments.

Aside from fresh lavender, you can purchase natural lavender products like essential oils, lotions, soaps, scrubs, spray cleaners, and more.

Grab a Few Drinks at Peat’s Cider Social

Peat’s Cider Social is a collaboration between Dan and Leah Peat and Josh and Tiffany Cosner.

The goal was to create a space where people could socialize and enjoy locally made Michigan hard cider.

The location is set in a 1960s bowling alley, the former Lakeshore Lanes, which now serves as Peat’s Cider Social vintage-inspired space.

Enjoy your cider drinks with bowling games to enjoy the fun with your family and friends.

Fill your glass with crafted cider flavors like the semi-dry Huntsman, the dry rosé with hibiscus and strawberry mix called Apothecary, or order the Knave: Kappa.

You can also try the Matchmaker or the Outfielder.

A kid-friendly area also includes a train table and a retro arcade room.

Watch the Sunset at Glenlord Beach

Glenlord Beach is a rather secluded spot you can visit and relax with the whole family.

The beach park is open to the public and is just a few minutes from St. Joseph and Benton Harbor cities.

You can visit this place throughout the week.

Enjoy the sunset on Michigan Lake at the observation decks or have an enjoyable lunch picnic.

Kids can also have fun running around the outdoor play area.

However, swimming is not allowed in the area, and you need to have your pets on a leash when you bring them.

Taste Savory Seafood at Grande Mere Inn

If you’re craving a good seafood dinner, Grande Mere Inn is a Stevensville favorite you should visit.

The family-owned restaurant started in 1980, under the Racine family.

It offers traditionally great food, a pleasurable dining experience, and hospitable service.

Sitting atop the Covert Ridge, you can have a relaxing dinner in the cottage-style dining space with a spectacular view of the sunset on Lake Michigan.

You can also grab some beer, cocktails, and wine with friends at the cozy Cranberry Bog Bar.

Have a great gastronomic experience with selections of choice steaks, walleye, ribs, lake perch, chicken, duck, and of course, delectable seafood.

They also serve burgers for casual fare, and servings of soups, bread, desserts, sauces, and dressings are available daily.

All ingredients and food supplies at the restaurant come from Michigan farmers, wineries, and producers.

They prepare fresh food every day.

You can dine there from Wednesday to Saturday.

Find Collectibles at Dawn’s This & That Resale Shop

Dawn’s This & That Resale Shop is your local Stevensville stop for antique items and collectibles.

The shop is open from Monday to Saturday and features over 30 vendors, so you’ll catch new merchandise every time.

Likewise, the store looks nothing like a resale shop, so you can have a great time spotting items here.

Feast your eyes on vintage items from home decor to jewelry, dolls to watches, and unique collectibles to furniture pieces.

Grab great deals and discounts on tagged items.

Enjoy a Staycation at Candlewood Suites

For a relaxing, convenient, inexpensive stay in downtown Stevensville, you can check in at Candlewood Suites.

They have spacious studios and single-bedroom suites for solo travelers.

Enjoy amenities like a full kitchen, self-laundry facilities, high-speed WiFi access, a private patio, and use of a sauna, whirlpool, and hot tub.

You can experience excellent room service and accommodating staff to assist you.

Candlewood Suites is also pet-friendly; enjoy your stay with your fur buddy.

If you want to sweat it out, the Candlewood Gym is open for guests with several aerobic and cardio equipment for your exercise routines.

See the Lovely Florals at Barbott Farms and Greenhouse

Visit the 300-acre Barbott Farms & Greenhouse to see unique vibrant blooms.

This lovely attraction opens in the last week of April, growing over a hundred varieties of hanging plants and perennials.

The farm and greenhouse are much like a natural escape in spring, with colorful hummingbirds and butterflies fluttering around.

From September to October, you can catch over 6,000 mums and fall florals available.

You can also grab pumpkins, squash, and gourds in different shapes and sizes, ornamental cabbage, kales, and asters for your fall decorations.

Choose from various acorn, butternut, buttercup, spaghetti, sweet potato, turbin, and hubbards, or purchase straws in large or half bundles.

This attraction also features the Ultimate Corn Maze from September to the first week of November.

Try Wine Samples at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

Exterior of Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

Hendrickson Photography / Shutterstock.com

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant is among Southwest Michigan’s premium wineries in the area.

You can find it in Buchanan, Michigan, 13 minutes from Stevensville.

This award-winning winery produces over 30 wines, from sweet white classics to dry red specials.

Book for a wine tasting session and savor a glass or a bottle of the best wines in the house.

Building sign of Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

Hendrickson Photography / Shutterstock.com

You’ll also enjoy the panoramic view of the extensive vineyard on the rolling hills.

Indulge yourself in a delicious lunch or dinner at the restaurant with the sunset background.

Dine al fresco on the outside patio for a memorable experience.

Order their famous Raspberry Chicken and other specialties from their curated menu, all prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Interior of Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

Hendrickson Photography / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

The village of Stevensville may be quaint and small, but it has many local places of interest like parks, restaurants, and shops.

The nearby Michigan Lake also offers some scenic and outdoor spots to make you relax and loosen up.

There are a lot of wineries, cellars, public parks, and other attractions nearby.

However, the town itself has much to offer visitors who want to discover the uniqueness of Stevensville.

Pack your bags to see for yourself!

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