Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in New Buffalo, MI

  • Published 2023/01/09

New Buffalo is a picturesque beach getaway 70 miles from Chicago’s downtown area.

Here, you will find some of the largest beaches, which make your recreational beach excursions exciting and adventurous.

The large and broad beaches are open to the public and are a main attraction for tourists and visitors.

Additionally, the city has lots of beautiful parks, restaurants, and waterfront hotels.

Interested to know more about this stunning place?

Here are the 20 best things to do in New Buffalo, Michigan:

Have Fun at New Buffalo Beach

Scenic view of New Buffalo Beach

Jen. ishayoga / Shutterstock.com

New Buffalo Beach is the place to visit if you enjoy beach excursions.

This location is close to downtown New Buffalo and the Galien River outlet.

The beach is so large you will enjoy its vastness and open spaces.

You may also enjoy different types of water activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

A lighthouse at New Buffalo Beach

Page Light Studios / Shutterstock.com

Fill Your Bag with Healthy Products from Promeny Olive & Wine

Promeny Olive & Wine supplies its customers with premium olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, olives, and spices worldwide.

They feature aged balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, and more than 30 types of first cold-pressed EVOO or extra-virgin olive oil from Spain and Tunisia.

Progeny Olive & Wine is in the business of selling a variety of olives, including blue cheese, garlic, jalapenos, and others.

Remember to shop for good wine, accessories, a wine barrel table, and many other things!

If you want to stock up on unusual spices from across the world, this is the perfect place to stop by.

Wander around the New Buffalo Railroad Museum

Visit New Buffalo Railroad Museum to see the history of the railroad.

Founded in 1989, this place has many items to showcase the railroad industry and infrastructure that developed over time in and around this city.

Photographs and documents related to the railroad developments are displayed here.

A miniature railroad model shows most parts of a railroad setup.

This museum is the perfect place to be for people who love trains.

It also has collections and exhibits that showcase the heritage of New Buffalo.

The collections displayed here have historical value, and you will enjoy being here.

Shop and Dine at the Stray Dog Bar & Grill

Exterior of Stray Dog Bar & Grill

hakkun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For more than 20 years, The Stray Dog Bar & Grill has offered a pleasant, family-friendly dining environment and vibrant nightlife.

Tacos, salads, sandwiches, half-pound burgers, and other dishes incorporating only the finest ingredients are available on the menu.

Delight in complete-service dining is available all year long at The Stray Dog Bar & Grill.

Along with the Bar & Grill, it also features The Gear Store.

The newest Stray Dog clothing, comprising t-shirts, sweatshirts, loungewear, caps, and other accessories, is available there.

Visit Oselka Marina

Oselka Marina, a family-run fully-equipped marina and ship’s shop, was founded in 1957.

There is no doubt that your boat will be safe and well-covered since Oselka is tucked away between sand dunes.

Relish the easy access to Lake Michigan in a few short minutes without crossing any bridges or rivers.

Oselka Marina has nearly 1,000 slips at the southernmost point of Lake Michigan.

Spend a day on the sea without owning a boat by renting one at Oselka Marina in addition to the various amenities offered.

Expect a Fun-Filled Day at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo

Iconic dome ceiling of Four Winds Casino New Buffalo

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

All 415 of the hotel’s spacious guest rooms at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo feature stylish furnishings and luxurious amenities.

Enjoy comforts, including 14-inch pillow-top beds, HD TVs, granite countertops, soft robes, and more, while you pamper yourself.

Take part in any 48-table games for the most thrilling experience possible.

Excitement is seated at every table as you play at Four Winds New Buffalo.

Take a breather from the action on the casino site and savor the comforts in their elegantly furnished Players Lounge with modern design and a free buffet.

With more than 17,000 square feet of floor space, no event is too big for Four Winds New Buffalo.

Reserve your upcoming special event or meeting today.

Go Sightseeing at Fishing Charters

A fishing charter is an excellent option if you want to get involved in the activities rather than go sightseeing.

This option gives you an excellent opportunity to go on a sportfishing adventure.

In the Southern Lake basin, you will come across various fish species, like a freshwater drum, coho salmon, jumbo perch, and steelhead.

Combine your fishing adventure with some fun activities in the water.

The fishing activities are suitable for both new and experienced anglers.

The guide will provide you with information about the local fish species.

Try Sailing

If you do not want to limit your water excursion to simple fishing, sailing is the best thing you can do here.

Several companies provide this service.

It is an entertaining option to experience the roughness of the sea without getting in harm’s way.

The activities are organized in safe boats, and you will always be under the watchful eyes of the guide and operators.

They will make your sailing experience fun and entertaining.

A personalized sailboat can be arranged if you prefer a personal ride.

Go Hiking at Galien River County Park

Aerial view of Galien River County Park

Brittx / Shutterstock.com

Established in 2001 across 86 acres, Galien River County Park has a mix of wetland and upland habitats along the riverfront.

The wetland area is a part of the marshland that forms along the river mouth.

Special fishing and river viewing platforms have been built.

These features can be accessed by hard-surfaced trails.

Spend your day on some casual hiking and enjoy nature at its best.

The waters of Galien River County Park

Chez1981M / Shutterstock.com

Visit this place in the early evening or morning to see the local wildlife.

The park is open daily from morning to evening but is closed during winter due to snow and ice safety issues.

This place is perfect for casual hiking, wildlife viewing, and other nature trips.

You will find both paved and rugged hiking trails here.

Explore the Walking Trail at Turtle Pond Trail

Turtle Pond Trail is another adventure if you love hiking.

The half-mile-long trail moves along the rail tracks.

This trail allows you to view the local flora and fauna.

There are several places where you will enjoy your picnic.

Many plants seen here are native to this area.

You will come across seasonal wetlands and a beach-maple forest.

The Turtle Creek Stream runs at the northern side of the property.

It joins Lighthouse Creek, which is a Lake Michigan tributary.

Enjoy the natural sights and sounds. Get immersed in its vastness.

Several spots along this trail have been developed for visitors to sit, relax and enjoy nature.

You will come across different types of birds, turtles, frogs, and other wildlife creatures.

This natural preserve has 70 acres of the area accessible to the public.

You will enjoy the natural settings and scenery.

Let Your Kids Play at Township Memorial Park

This is the best place to visit if you have come along with your kids.

Here, you will find lots of entertainment options for young children.

They will love the playground while you watch and supervise them from the side.

The park has many more things and is not limited to the playground.

Other features include the basketball court, hiking trail, and bocce ball court.

Visit the pavilion, which is equipped with picnic tables.

Go to the small amphitheater for some entertainment.

The best part is that you do not have to charge to access these amenities.

This is a place for nature preservation and outdoor recreation.

The public space is open to the public and maintained by the city parks department.

Experience the Different Golf Clubs

A golf club is an excellent place to hone your golfing skills.

You can go to the Dunes Club and Whittaker Woods golf clubs.

The first one is a 9-hole club that opened in 1991.

Different sets of tees are available for golfers with varying levels of skill.

The Whittaker golf club in Southwest Michigan is just 90 minutes from downtown Chicago and close to the Indiana state line.

This place offers a challenging environment even for the best golf players.

The diverse landscape consists of wetlands, ponds, and woodlands.

This public golf course has 18 holes.

Reservations can be made through the online system.

Develop your golf skills or just play a game of golf with your friends.

Try the Winery Tour

Would you like to enjoy some alcohol in a beautiful scenic location?

The winery tour can be arranged so you can visit the farms where the winemaking process takes place.

You get to see a few wineries depending on the arrangement made with the winery tour organizer.

You will get to taste some delicate wines during this tour.

The wines are produced at the estates, and bottling is done in small batches.

The climate here is similar to some European wine-producing regions.

The wines here are easy to drink and can be paired with regular foods.

Visit Captain Mike’s Fun Park

Captain Mike’s Fun Park is a great place to have fun with your family.

Your kids will love this place.

It has various features, including fun water rides, go-karts, bumper cars, arcade games, jump shot, mini golf, batting cages, and others.

Pick up the activity you like most or want to try.

You will have hours of enjoyment with your family members.

Come to this place well-prepared if you plan to enter the water for the rides or other activities.

Go Paddling

People in Canoe watching sunset

Lucy Rudyka / Shutterstock.com

You can rent a paddleboard and kayak if you want to go paddleboarding or kayaking.

This location is perfect for these activities because of the water bodies in this area.

Go up and down the river and get to see nature closely.

You will come across both forest and water wildlife creatures during this trip.

The nature in this area has lots to offer, and you will never be disappointed.

Explore all these locations while enjoying a fun activity.

Follow all safety instructions carefully when going on a river trip.

Have Fun with Boat Tours

Boats in New Buffalo

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

This is another exciting adventure for the whole family.

Hop onto the cruise ship to enjoy your water adventure.

Guided boat tours can also be arranged if you feel uncomfortable going alone.

This arranged tour lets you see the water from the sailor’s point of view.

Guided tours have been provided to city residents and tourists for several years.

It is a well-developed setup, and you will feel safe on the boat.

Bring Your Family to Hesston Steam Museum

Visit Hesston Steam Museum to look at the steam locomotive.

You will have a wonderful time visiting this museum.

Young children get to see the old locomotive system from close range.

The setup is operated by volunteers who impress visitors with their expertise.

It must be a part of your tour if you are looking for some family fun.

Witness an Event at Silver Creek Event Center

Silver Creek Event Center is the best place for live entertainment.

Events are organized here regularly, such as dancing, stand-up comedy, entertainment, and many more!

Experience different types of music, ranging from rock to country.

Check the calendar of events. You can book your seat online.

Relax at Evolve Spa

It is time to pamper yourself after all these trips.

Here you will receive different beauty and skincare services, such as manicures, pedicure, facials, anti-aging treatments, bronzing, polishing, nail polish, skin exfoliation, hydrotherapy, and others.

Get rid of your everyday stress by relaxing in a noise and pollution-free environment.

Rejuvenate your body with some excellent physical treatments.

The spa offers a relaxing and peaceful environment where you will experience modern spa facilities.

It is a clean place with a calming atmosphere.

The trained staff will provide you with professional care and treatment services.

Stop by New Buffalo Township Library

In 1938, the New Buffalo Senior Woman’s Club recognized that their neighborhood not only deserved but needed a library.

New Buffalo Township Library was established in the old school structure, which subsequently served as the Village Hall and is now the location of the City Hall, featuring 400 books and volunteer library staff fulfilling the role’s responsibilities.

The Pokagon Room of the Library is made accessible to non-profit organizations, local clubs, and civic groups to utilize during open hours in an effort to strengthen and help the community.

New Buffalo Township Library provides free internet, access to archives, knowledge on historical events, photocopying, printing, and faxing, among other things.

It also runs activities and programs for kids, youths, and adults.

Final Thoughts

Despite being quite a modest community with few inhabitants, New Buffalo has a wide variety of businesses, accommodation options, dining establishments, and entertainment venues.

The area’s stunning Lake Michigan beaches are its major appeal.

While traveling to New Buffalo Beach or some fantastic restaurants, stop into the adorable stores you see along the road.

Come on in and make plans for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime adventure since there are numerous activities to enjoy and always something exciting to do in New Buffalo.

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