Southwest Michigan
While many people associate Michigan with the smooth sounds reverberating from Motown and the celebrated Mackinac Island, there's so much more to be found in Southwest Michigan. Lansing isn’t just the capital of The Wolverine State; it’s home to one of the Big 10 Conference universities. And did you know Grand Rapids was nicknamed Furniture City?
Fun Facts:
Fun facts: The Van Andel Museum Center in Grand Rapids is one of America's oldest history museums.
Known For: Lansing, MI., Michigan State University, Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Highlights: The Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo Township is SW Michigan's first casino.
An impressive 200-ft. dome, more than a century old, ushers you into the first stop on our Top 10 Midwest Casino Resorts tour. While French Lick Resort may be more palace than Indiana resort and casino, we don’t think you’ll mind the distinction – or the perks that come with it – on your Midwest casino vacation! ... See More
Stay Here
Whether you’re plotting out the perfect Michigan destination in your travel atlas or just traipsing through the Midwest on your way to the coast, you can count on a pretty place to lay your head in the southwest corner of this state. Let the Double JJ Resort’s ranch rope you in and keep your cowpokes entertained with its waterpark, or relax in the quaint hotel suites of Yarrow Golf and Conference Center.
Southwest Michigan Lodging
Play Here
From flawless fairways fit for golfing greats to antique-stuffed institutions – like the Gerald R. Ford Museum – that give history buffs shivers up the spines, Southwest Michigan is much more than flyover country. Here, you can explore the wide open terrain and the lush riverside, rife with Hopewell tribe burial mounds and more than 400 animals at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo.
Southwest Michigan Attractions
Dine Here
You haven’t had a steak until you’ve tried one of the sizzlin’ sensations at Sundance Saloon and Steakhouse, overlooking Carpenter Lake. Hearty Mid-Michigan meals like that will keep you coming back, and there’s plenty more where that came from. The Butler Burger – Saugatuck’s 50-year tradition – is a must. And foodies will surely fancy Lansing’s AI Fusion Sushi and Grill.
Southwest Michigan Restaurants
How to Get Here
U.S. Highways 94, 96 and 69 run through Southwest Michigan and will get you to most bigger city stops.
Getting Around
With Michigan’s capital city more than an hour from other Midwest visitor-worthy spots like Grand Rapids and Saugatuck, you’ll definitely want to rent a car or drive your own when you visit. Car rental companies are located at most major cities and some local auto dealers offer rental services. Amtrak also runs through Lansing.
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