Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Coldwater, MI

  • Published 2021/12/30

Nestled in south-central Michigan is the charming city of Coldwater, which boasts a lot of adventures waiting to be explored!

Be charmed with the historic facade of the downtown area, unwind in the scenic nature respites, and try unique experiences on your trip to the city.

This city has got you covered whether you’re looking to cool off in the cold water lakes of Coldwater, go fishing, explore the city’s history, and more!

Are you planning a trip to this charming city in Michigan soon?

Read on for the 15 best things to do on your trip to Coldwater, Michigan!

Ride an Authentic Steam Engine Train at the Little River Railroad

Authentic Steam Engine Train at the Little River Railroad

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you enjoy the eclectic combination of history, train rides, and scenic trips, then the Little River Railroad in Coldwater is a must-visit!

The Little River Railroad offers a unique train ride experience on a 100-year-old steam engine train that will take you through a scenic journey in the nearby towns from Coldwater.

Themed train rides and special events are also organized to amp up the regular railroad experience.

Authentic Steam Engine Train at the Little River Railroad

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aside from the train ride, you can also explore the train depot to see a collection of detailed model trains and purchase railroad merchandise to commemorate your unique experience.

Don’t forget to book your train ride with Little River Railroad so you won’t miss out on a scenic train exploration!

Spend a Fun-filled Day at Memorial Park

If you’re looking to spend a day trip outdoors or you want to camp out, then Memorial Park is the place for you!

This lakefront park in Coldwater offers beach access, a fishing spot, picnic areas, a docking area, and camping grounds for an outdoor excursion brimming with activities.

You can wade the beach’s waters to cool off, cast your lines to reel in the fresh catch from the lake, or pitch your tent in the campgrounds to spend the night.

If you’re visiting Memorial Park for a short day tour, don’t forget to pack some snacks and set up a picnic date for the whole family to enjoy.

Memorial Park is the ideal place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to stray too far away from the town’s community center.

Catch Live Performances at the Tibbits Opera House

Front View of Tibbits Opera House

Charles W. Chapman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Appreciate the artistic community of Coldwater by catching a show in this historic performance venue in the city.

The Tibbits Opera House was built in 1882, which stands as the second-oldest theatre in Michigan that continues to showcase artistic performances in the region.

You can watch various live performances here, ranging from music concerts to classic plays in this historic opera house.

Aside from shows, you’ll be fascinated with the ornate features of the historic theatre.

You’ll be welcomed by the exquisite facade and lead you to the intimate 500-seat theatre that boasts great acoustics for a fascinating theatre experience.

After the show, you can browse the art gallery that showcases unique artistic works from the region or shop for souvenirs in their gift shop.

Be sure to check out show schedules and reserve a seat for a fascinating time appreciating the arts and culture in Coldwater.

Play Games with the Family at Adventure Zone

If you’re looking for a place that will delight both the young and the young at heart, head out and spend a day of games at Adventure Zone in Coldwater.

This family-friendly amusement venue features a mini-golf course, a go-kart track, laser tag, and arcade games.

You can tee off in miniature golf, ride the go-karts, play laser tag with friends and family, and test your skills in the arcade games.

There’s also a dessert shop in the amusement venue where you can get your sweet grubs and energize for another round of games.

Adventure Zone in Coldwater makes for a fun-filled day spent with the entire family without any dull moments, so don’t forget to stop by and get lost in fun.

Enjoy a Classic Movie Night at Capri Drive-In Theater

Nothing compares to a drive-in theater’s relaxing, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for a fun movie night with the whole family or a romantic date night with your loved ones.

The Capri Drive-In has been a go-to entertainment place since the 1960s, where you can enjoy cult classic films with nostalgia in the air.

The drive-in theater also offers classic movie snacks in their snack bar to complete your movie viewing experience.

Whether you’re a movie buff or simply want to experience the classic drive-in theatre, a movie night at the Capri Drive-In Theatre should definitely go to your itinerary list.

Go Horseback Riding with Coldwater Lake Stable

Venture on an equestrian adventure with the horses from Coldwater Lake Stable and experience unique exploration on a horseback ride in town.

The Coldwater Lake Stable offers guided trail rides that will take you through the scenic spots in Coldwater.

You won’t have to worry if you’re a beginner since they also offer horseback riding lessons for all ages where you can learn the basic skills in horseback riding.

The cozy location of Coldwater Lake Stable is perfect for ensuring a relaxed day with majestic horses.

Be sure to book your appointment with Coldwater Lake Stable for an exciting equestrian adventure on your trip to the city.

Wade the Waters at the Aqua Pit

The Aqua Pit is an outdoor water park on the lake that offers exciting water recreational activities to cool off on a hot, sunny day.

Hang out, bask under the sun, or play beach volley at Aqua Pit’s beach as you enjoy the relaxing scenery of the glistening waters from the lake.

The Aqua Pit features an inflatable play park where you can bounce, roll, slide, and dive into the water from the bouncy inflatable course.

You can also paddle around the lake in a kayak or a paddleboard and relax with the lake’s calm waters.

Licensed scuba divers can venture into the lake’s depths at the Aqua Pit or try other thrilling water activities to amp up your experience.

The Aqua Pit is a must-visit on your trip to Coldwater, where the young and the young heart can have a great time wading the waters.

Let the Youngsters Learn and Play at the Children’s Museum of Branch County

If you’re visiting Coldwater with the entire family, including the youngsters, then the Children’s Museum of Branch County is a must-visit on your weekend getaway to the city!

The museum features interactive exhibits where the kids can explore, paint, and learn from engaging play.

The combination of vibrant colors, fun activities, and friendly people will surely delight the youngsters.

The Children’s Museum of Branch County is the absolute location for educational discoveries and imaginative play experiences.

Shop and Dine at Downtown Coldwater

View of Downtown Coldwater

F. D. Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A trip to Coldwater wouldn’t be complete without a day spent strolling through the shops and trying out foods at Coldwater’s downtown.

Coldwater’s community center has the charm of a Victorian-era city with the combination of modern urban amenities.

You’ll be welcomed by the downtown’s historic storefronts and unique architecture, and scour through this abode for shoppers who enjoy browsing through shops for unique finds.

View of Downtown Coldwater

F. D. Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After your shopping spree, you can stop by for a meal from the selection of restaurants in the area or hang out at a cozy coffee shop.

You can also stop by to participate in community events organized in Downtown Coldwater to meet new people and get acquainted with the friendly community of the city.

Downtown Coldwater is the perfect place to go shopping for eclectic items and enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere.

View of Downtown Coldwater

F. D. Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cast Your Lines and Reel in the Fresh Catch at Randall Lake

If your definition of a well-spent day is to be in the lake with a fishing rod at hand, be sure to head out for a relaxed fishing trip at Randall Lake.

Randall Lake is home to a variety of fish species; expect to reel in Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch.

The dock in the lake makes it easier to launch your boat to explore the lake’s calm waters.

Aside from fishing, you can also enjoy a variety of water sports in the lake to amp up your outdoor experiences like paddling your kayaks or canoe, rafting, and sailing.

Don’t forget to pack your fishing essentials and head out for an exciting water adventure at Randall Lake.

Pitch Your Tent at the Waffle Farm Campgrounds

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city on a camping trip at the Waffle Farm Campgrounds, where you can pitch your tent and huddle around the bonfire with the family.

Nothing beats the charm of lakefront camping under the starry night skies and appreciating the quiet atmosphere of nature.

Aside from the campgrounds, there’s also a play area for the youngsters to hang out and you can also go fishing in the nearby lake.

A camping trip at the Waffle Farm Campground is a must if you enjoy being out in nature.

Book Your Tee Time at the Bella Vista Golf Course

The Bella Vista Golf Course in Coldwater is the ideal spot for golf enthusiasts who can’t go on a weekend getaway without teeing off in the fairways.

Test your golfing abilities in the 18-hole championship golf course meandering through over 300-acres of secluded space for a serene golf experience.

This golf course is for you if you’re in for some challenge where you’d have to overcome elevation changes, sand bunkers, and creative holes.

Bella Vista Golf Course features a bent-grass range, a practice green, and a short game area for all your warm-up needs.

After your tiring tee time, you can stop by the restaurant for some grubs and a cold beverage for an energy boost.

Get Lost in Nature at the Coldwater Lake State Park

Explore the outdoors and try plenty of outdoor recreational activities to revamp the daring adventure-seeker within you!

The Coldwater Lake State Park features a terrain of woodlands, wetlands, farm fields, and open land, making for a great hunting opportunity for beginner hunters.

If you prefer to be in the waters, you also cast your line to score on a fresh catch or enjoy the wetlands through recreational boating in the lake.

This undeveloped state park in Coldwater makes for an exciting outdoor adventure that’ll bring out the thrill-seeker within you!

Celebrate the Annual Strawberry Fest in Coldwater

If you happen to be visiting Coldwater during the third Saturday of June, you shouldn’t miss out on the lively Strawberry Fest.

You’ll get to score on the freshest strawberries offered by the vendors, shop for unique strawberry crafts and goodies, and try the best-tasting strawberry shortcake in town.

In addition to the strawberry-filled experience, you’ll certainly enjoy people watching and getting acquainted with the friendly atmosphere of the small city.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars and join the Strawberry Fest if you enjoy strawberries’ sweet, fruity taste.

Set Up a Picnic Date with the Family at Parkhurst Park

Nothing beats a classic picnic day out with the entire family in Parkhurst Park on a warm, sunny day.

This park in Coldwater is perfect for a short day out with the family, where you can go picnicking under the shade of huge willow trees for an old-timey bonding time.

The park also features a play area built almost entirely of wood with plenty of play opportunities for the kids to let their imagination run wild.

A trip to Parkhurst Park is a must, especially for families visiting Coldwater with the youngsters, so don’t forget to pack your picnic essentials and head out for a fun day at the park.

Final Thoughts

The charming town of Coldwater makes for a fun-filled weekend getaway with the family where you can enjoy the outdoors and have a blast in the plethora of parks.

If you’re planning a trip to Coldwater soon, be sure to reference this list so you wouldn’t miss out on memorable experiences.

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