River Country Southwestern Michigan

Fall in River Country Can't Be Beat!

2009-09-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Fall is a beautiful time in River Country, whether you take advantage of one of our organized events or simply get out there and enjoy it on your own… maybe hiking, bicycling, canoeing or just visiting one of our many parks. Fall is a world all its own and now is the time to enjoy it fully.

FARMER’S MARKETS:
-Constantine Farmer’s Market every Friday through October 30 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Shelby Park.
-Scidmore Farmer’s Market and Petting Zoo, every Saturday through October 17 in Scidmore Park.

FESTIVALS:
4th Annual Harvest Festival—October 3
Join us at the Dr. T. K. Lawless Park, Monkey Run St., Vandalia, located nine miles east of Cassopolis, off M-60 & Lewis Lake Rd from 4pm-7pm. Admission $3.00/person, 2 years and under free. There will be refreshments available and free pumpkins for children ages 2-11, while supplies last. Rain date October 19, 2009.
-Park Scavenger Hunt (ages 2-11)
-Arden's Choo-Choo Rides
-Horse Drawn Hayrides
-Owl Prowl
-Pumpkin Painting
-Face Painting
-Balloon Lady (and many other kid friendly events)
-Bike Rodeo (must bring bike, helmet and tennis shoes - RSVP@ 269-925-1137 ext 17)
-K-9's in Costume Contest - Bring your dog in costume! A ribbon will be awarded to "TOP DOG". (Pets must be on leash with proof of rabies vaccination and licensing). To enter please bring one of the following: dry dog, puppy or cat food; cat litter; treats; toys; grooming supplies' dish soap; bleach; or a monetary donation is always appreciated. All proceeds go to Cass County Animal Shelter.

Scarecrow Fest—October 18
Annual fall celebration. Enjoy the scarecrow contest, family activities, entertainment and other seasonal attractions at Meyer Broadway Park in Three Rivers

Three Rivers Fall Color Tour—October 18
Beautiful driving tour to see the fall colors in the Three Rivers area. The self-guided tour includes Hidden Marsh Sanctuary and agricultural tours.

PARKS TO ENJOY:

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS
Cade Lake County Park
The newest County Park in St. Joseph County. After extensive improvements, the park opened in the spring of 2004. Located on the shore of Cade Lake. Open for day use and overnight camping. U.S. 12 two miles East of Sturgis, then South 1/10 mile on Plumb School Road.

Conservation Park
Canoe and Kayak launch and picnic table. Located one block south of Downtown Three Rivers on S. Main.

Covered Bridge Park
Along St. Joseph River, nature ponds, hiking and walking trails, boat launch, fishing, picnic shelter and tables, barbeque grills, playground and restrooms. Three miles North of Centreville, west of Langley Covered Bridge on Schwitzer Road.

Hidden Marsh Sanctuary
The 38-acre preserve includes a nature/walking trail with 12 stations described in a trail guide. Each numbered station will guide the observer to view specific flora, fauna or other areas of interest. The walking trail is approximately 1/2 mile long. Feel free to visit the preserve and walk the nature trial. For more information, call 269-324-1600.

Hoshel Canoe Park
9 acres - Best picnic spot in St. Joseph County, on Prairie River. Arrive by canoe or car, you will be overwhelmed by this island's peacefulness. Canoe launch, fishing, picnic tables and BBQ grill. Three miles SW on Hoshel Rd, Centreville. 616-467-5519

Memory Isle Park
Site of an historic battle between two Native American tribes. Beautiful mural depicting the history of the area. Tennis courts and picnic area adjacent to the island. West Michigan behind the Historic downtown district.

Meyer Broadway Park
Offers natural areas with hiking and walking trails, rolling hills, woodlands, exceptional bird watching, wildlife, and scenic views. Enjoy the peaceful serenity of nature with all this park has to offer. West of U.S. 131 on Broadway near Three Rivers

Nottawa Park
Offers public access to a public beach. Fee of $1.00/car/day. Come for a swim, to fish, for your family picnic, or spend a few nights camping on the shores of Sand Lake. Call (269) 467-5519 for camping information. Take M-86 four miles East of Centreville and one block South on Railroad Street in Nottawa. Ice skating/roller hockey rink, amphitheater, playground, covered picnic shelters. Located at the corner of South Street and South Nottawa.

Olney Bridge Park
1 acre. Canoe launch, fishing, and picnic tables. ½ mile North of M-60 on Olney Road, Nottawa.

Pahl Point Park
Along St. Joseph River, hiking trails, fishing pier, picnic tables, barbeque grills and restrooms. Three miles North of Centreville on Covered Bridge Road.

Rawson’s King Mill Park
Donated as a park by the Rawson Family, who restored the mill and created this favorite park on Nottawa Creek. Enjoy a peaceful adventure with wonderful views of the mill, dam, and creek on one of the two islands. One mile West of Leonidas on King Road. Boardwalk overlooks St. Joseph River. Large entertainment gazebo.

Scidmore Park Petting Zoo
Free educational programs every Saturday at 1:00 pm from the second week of June through Labor Day. Visit our website for program details and hours. Petting zoo, playground and picnic area with pavilion reservations available. Enjoy the River Walk Pathway meandering through Scidmore Park and the adjacent memory Isle park. West Michigan and Spring Street in the heart of Three Rivers. Call (269) 273-1845 for more information. www.threeriversmi.org/scidmorepark.htm

Wahbememe Park
3 acres. Historical monument. US 131 and US 12, White Pigeon.

CASS COUNTY PARKS
Arthur Dodd Memorial Park
This 51-acre county park offers a historic view of the newly completed MEANDRS project, three picnic shelters with electricity, horseshoe pits, playground, picnic area, volleyball court, fishing (a designated trout stream), canoe landing and a river trail. this park has long been a destination for the water enthusiast. Located on Creek Rd near Sumnerville. 269-445-8611

Dr. TK Lawless Park
This is the ultimate weekend warrior trail. When you think of mountain biking in Michigan this is as good as it gets. Very tight and technical with lots of fun stuff to keep your attention. Don’t miss the Teeter Totter, it’s an added bonus. This trail is very compact and fun to ride. If you are advanced you can hit the trial at speed and it will challenge the hardest core of riders. Constant elevation change and some great drop ins and whoops. This trail is tucked away and is never busy. Loads of fun for the whole family—as long as they are good bikers!
There is a park with Frisbee golf and playground with equipment for the little ones and a nice picnic area to boot. Good restroom facilities are available and there is a fee to park of $2.00. . US-131 south through Three Rivers and split off on M-60 west. Follow M-60 through Jones until you see the sign that says Dr. TK Lawless Park. Turn left and follow the signs to the trail head and parking area.

Eva Stevens Memorial Park
Two-acre swimming park located on the crystal blue waters of Little Fish Lake, off Stevens Forrest lake street. Visitors enjoy picnic facilities, potable water bathrooms, play equipment, open games field and fishing.

Fred Russ Forest and Newton's Woods
This historic 13-acre county park is a nature lover's paradise. Park offers two picnic shelters with electricity, equestrian and hiking trails, fishing (a designated trout stream), horseshoe pits, cross-country skiing and the largest Tulip Poplar tree east of the Mississippi River. Located on Marcellus Hwy, 1/2 mile east of Decatur Rd near Volinia. 269-445-8611

Henry Sears Park
1/2 acre. Boat launch on Birch Lake. Birch Rd north of Sears Street.

Veterans Memorial Park
Two acres. Historical Monument. M-62 north of Cassopolis.

West Harmon Park
1/2 acre. Boat launch on Shavehead Lake. West Peninsula Dr east of Union Rd

St Joseph County Grange Fair

2009-09-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Experience the family fun, agricultural wonders and great entertainment that can only be found at the St Joseph County Grange Fair! This fair is rated as one of the top five fairs in the state of Michigan and is not to be missed.

There will be rides, midway games, petting zoo, 4-h barns and horse shows all week for the whoe family. Be sure to check out the educational booths and learn more about agriculture in Michigan and being more earth friendly. Displays will show you why it is important to buy Michigan made and grown products, for your health and for our economy!

Special Feature Days:
-Saturday, September 19 - FREE Parking and Admission! Midway opens at noon.
-Tuesday, September 22 - $1 gate admission, rides and select food items!
-Wednesday, September 23 - $3 admission for all Seniors!
-Thursday, September 24 - $3 admission for all Ladies!
-Friday, September 25 - $3 admission for all Veterans!

The Grandstand Events schedule:
-Sunday, September 20 - Free Community Christian Concert @ 5:00 pm
-Monday, September 21 - SJO Super Motocross @ 7:00 pm
-Tuesday, September 22 - Off Road Derby @ 7:00 pm
-Wednesday, September 23 - Darius Rucker @ 7:00 pm
-Thursday, September 24 - Demolition Derby @ 7:00 pm
-Friday, September 25 - Modified/SS Tractor and Truck Pulls @ 7:00 pm
-Saturday, September 26 - Farm Truck Pulls @ 4:00 pm

Check the St Joseph Country Grange Fair website at www.centrevillefair.com for all specials, events and ticket information.

Fall is the Perfect Time to Enjoy River Country

2009-08-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Fall is a beautiful time to visit River Country. Enjoy the gorgeous colors all around you as you experience all that River Country has to offer.

September 5
Mid-Niter Flea Market - From 5:00 pm to Mid-nite. $4.00 per person with free parking. Held rain or shine. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/

September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10 & 17
Farmer's Market and Petting Zoo - Scidmore Park in Three Rivers 269-273-1845

September 6
Harmony Fest - The 16th Annual Festival is a free event beginning at 1:00 pm. Food vendors, KidFest (free games and snacks for the younger kids), and 3rd Annual Guitar Contest for teens with chance to win a free guitar! Downtown Three Rivers 269-244-8779 http://www.trharmonyfest.com/

September 12
Harvest Festival - Family activities, food, children's games, boat rides and more. Constantine 269-435-2085

September 18-20
Fall Scrapbooking Retreat - Bring your supplies, ideas and favorite snacks and the fun will be guaranteed to follow! Check website for registration details. Amigo Centre, Sturgis 269-651-2811 http://www.amigocentre.org/

September 19-26
St. Joseph County Grange Fair - One of the top five fairs in the State. Featuring country star Darius Rucker. Harness racing, truck pulls, off-road derby, animal exhibits, petting zoo, rides and more. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/
2009 FAIR SPECIALS:
-Saturday, September 19 offers free admission with midway opening at noon
-Tuesday September 22 enjoy gate admission, rides and select foods for just a $1

October 3
Experience Sturgis - Downtown Sturgis 269-659-8894

October 9-11
Bulldog Show - St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/

October 11
Second Sunday Antique and Collectibles Market - Free parking, great food, indoor and outdoor exhibitors. $4.00 per person, rain or shine. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/

October 16
Art Bounce - Regional artists display their art in downtown businesses. Free to attend. Enjoy food and good company. Downtown Sturgis

October 18
Scarecrow Fest - Annual fall celebration. Enjoy the scarecrow contest, family activities, entertainment and other seasonal attractions. Meyer Broadway Park, Three Rivers 269-467-5519

October 18
Three Rivers Fall Color Tour - Beautiful driving tour to see the fall colors in the Three Rivers area. The self-guided tour includes Hidden Marsh Sanctuary and agricultural tours. Three Rivers 269-273-8193 http://www.trchamber.com/

October 31
Halloween - Every local city offers trick or treating at specific times along with other special events. Check with the city for more details.

Experience the Amish of River Country

2009-07-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Begin your journey into River Country’s Amish experience at the Miller’s Discount Store in Centreville. Here you will find a collection of bulk foods and bakery goods for sale. Travel down back roads and stop at Amish homes along the way. You can even enjoy an authentic Amish home-cooked meal (for details call 800-447-2821). This trip will allow you the opportunity to purchase items including oak and rustic pine furniture, handmade quilts, saddles, harnesses, leather goods, local honey, an Amish pharmacy with natural remedies and of course, fresh baked breads and cookies. Shops open at selected times.

Be sure to visit:
Chupp’s Herbs & Fabrics – The area’s larges supplier of natural vitamins and herbs. Also a full line of footwear and fabrics new for ’09! Come in and watch our bees make honey in our indoor glass beehive and then take home fresh local honey from those same bees. 27539 Londick Rd, Burr Oak 269-659-3950

Crow’s Nest Archery & Harness – Custom harness and leather work. Indoor range and outdoor 3-D range. 30158 Marsh Rd, Colon 269-432-4366

Dutch Kuntry Corner – Offering a wide variety of scrapbooking, stamping and craft supplies. Stop in to see handmade crafts and cards along with the many other gift items we have available. 26971 Banker Street Rd, Sturgis 269-651-3777 ext 2

Miller’s Discount Store – A variety store offering groceries, bulk spices, grains, specialty flours and a huge selection of candy. Cheeses, glassware, wonderful baked goods and unique items are also available. 20429 Truckenmiller Rd, Centreville 269-467-4935

Yoder’s Country Market – Visit Yoder’s while touring the Amish countryside. You will find great meats, homemade salads and great baked goods. In addition you can purchase bulk foods and other items. Visit for a shopping experience that is simply out of the ordinary. 375 Eleanor Dr, Centreville 269-467-4856

Discover the Unique Shopping Experience River Country Has to Offer!

2009-07-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

St. Joseph County’s River Country offers a wide variety of unique shopping experiences. Just about anything you are looking for, and many things you are not looking for, can be found in our shops. Spend an afternoon or two exploring and see what you can find!

Abbott’s Magic Company—World’s largest producer of magic paraphernalia. Colon 269-432-3235 http://www.abbottmagic.com/

Centsible Treasures—Selection of affordable antiques, collectibles, new and gently worn clothing, home décor and more. Three Rivers 269-279-1649

Chupp’s Herbs & Fabrics—Area’s largest supplier of natural vitamins and herbs and so much more. Colon 269-659-3950

Colon Bait & Tackle Sporting Goods—Complete line of bait & tackle and sporting goods. Colon 269-432-3633

Crow’s Nest Archery & Harness—Custom harness and leather work along with an indoor range and outdoor 3-D range. Colon 269-432-4366

Dutch Kuntry Corner—Wide variety of scrapbooking, stamping and craft supplies with handmade crafts, cards and many other gift items. Sturgis 269-651-3777 ext 2

Fishstick Creations—Commercial, gift and personal items to purchase for embroidery. The perfect place to get your reunion T-shirts made at the right price! Sturgis 269-651-2455

Golden Finch—Posters, photos, vintage prints and maps, ‘Giclee limited editions and custom framing. Three Rivers 269-273-9034

Ice Forest—Art Gallery and Studio offering a variety of art styles including Comtemporary, Western & Frontier, Scrimshaw & Native American Beadwork and Lampwork Beadwork. Constantine 269-435-6610 http://www.theiceforest.com/

Kickstand Schwinn Cyclery—Cycling supplies, repair shop, rentals and Nautilus/Schwinn fitness equipment. Sturgis 866-651-5088

Love Your Mother—Natural, organic and recycled products. Three Rivers 269-278-1236 http://www.loveyourmotherstore.com/

Magic Moments Scrapbooking—Largest scrapbooking store in River Country. Sturgis 269-651-4300 http://www.magicmomentscrapbook.com/

Miller’s Discount Store—A variety store offering groceries, bulk spices, grains, specialty flours, huge selection of candy, cheeses, glassware baked goods and unique gift items. Centreville 269-467-4935

Nottawa Wild Bird Seed—Portable propane tanks, bird seed at wholesale prices and birdhouses. Nottawa 269-659-8777

Open Door Gallery—Original artwork and unique gifts from regional artists and offering art classes for all ages, student shows, guest artists and exhibits. Sturgis 269-659-9977 http://www.opendoorgallerysturgis.org/

Remax—Number 1 office in St. Joe County eight years in a row! Sturgis 269-651-2776 http://www.davidpersons.net/

Stray Dog Bookstore—Over 100,000 new and used hardcover and paperback books for sale in every imaginable category. Three Rivers 269-273-8926 http://www.straydogbooks.com/

Timberly Tree Farm—Ride to the field in a wagon where you can cut your own tree or choose a ready-cut tree. Sturgis 269-651-3784

Tree of Life—Merchandise from gifts, personal grooming and pet care all geared toward Earth-conscious living. Centreville 269-467-4000 www.centrevilletreeoflife.com

Yoder’s Country Market—Great meats, home-made salads and great baked goods. In addition you can purchase bulk foods and other items. Centreville 269-467-4856

Summer Fairs and Festivals in River Country!

2009-06-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Plan your weekend getaway around the River Country summer event that fits your family best!

June 18-20
53rd Annual Three Rivers Water Festival - Midway, arts and crafts, car show, ox roast, live entertainment, fireworks, parade, pancake breakfast, food vendors and a free kid's zone.
Historic Downtown Three Rivers 269-278-8193 www.trchamber.com/waterfest.asp

June 26-27
Covered Bridge Days - Friday events include: Craft show, noon to 6:00 pm, Talent Show 7:00 pm, Rewind Band 8:00 pm, Fireworks 10:00 pm. Saturday events include: Car Show 8:00 am-3:30 pm, Spike and the Bulldogs concert, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm, Parade 4:30 pm.
Downtown Centreville 269-467-7468

July 10-11
White Pigeon Days - Craft fair, entertainment and an evening parade Friday night. Saturday dancing and fireworks.
White Pigeon 269-483-7727

July 25
Hummingbird Festival - Banding and Adopt-A-Hummer Events, children's activities, guided nature walks, self-guided nature walks and golf cart tours and magician Rick Fisher to perform. Boxed lunches available.
Colon 269-432-2626 www.riverlakeinnrestaurant.com/festival_2009.pdf

August 5-8
Abbott's 72nd Annual Get-together - Stage shows and lectures during the Colon Magic Festival.
Abbott's Magic Company, Colon 269-432-3235 http://www.abbotmagic.com/

August 13-15
Mendon Riverfest - On the banks of the St. Joseph River in downtown Mendon. Thursday lip-sync contest, Riverfest Idol performances Thursday, Friday with finale on Saturday. Saturday will also include canoe races, parade at noon and big fireworks to end it all with a bang! Arts & Crafts and children's activities throughout the event.
Reed Riverside Park, Mendon 269-496-8056

September 6
Harmony Fest - Featured bands include Los Banditos of Michiana, Blue Moon and J.R. Clark.
Downtown Three Rivers 269-244-8779

September 12
Harvest Festival - Family activities, food, children's games, boat rides and more.
Constantine 269-435-2085

September 20-26
St. Joseph County Grange Fair - Ranked as one of the top five fairs in Michigan. Top country star concerts including Darius Rucker, harness racing, truck pulls, off-road derby, animal exhibits, petting zoo, rides and more.
Centreville 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/

October 18
Scarecrow Fest - Annual fall celebration. Enjoy the scarecrow contest, family activities, entertainment and other seasonal attractions. Also stop in at the Chamber office for information on a self-guide Fall Color tour.
Meyer Broadway Park, Three Rivers 269-467-5519

Golfing In River Country

2009-05-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Click here to hear all of the golfing opportunities available to you in River country.

River Country in St. Joe County offers some of the best golf in Michigan! Steve Morris, golf spokesperson for the River Country Tourism Council and PGA Pro at Island Hills, Centreville, invites you to find out what is so special about golf in River Country.

Did you know that Southwest Michigan offers you Golf Digest Award Winners such as Island Hills and Angels Crossing? These courses are picturesque and will challenge every level of golfer. There's also Pine View, Sauganash and St. Joe Valley golf courses.

That's over 100 holes of great golf and at great prices! Choose your golf package with River Country lodging facilities. They will help you create an affordable package for you or your group. Most also offer facilities for receptions, banquets, reunions, seminars and meetings.

Whether it's a golf fund raiser or just a FUN-raiser, call River Country at 800-447-2821 or go to rivercountry.com for more information. You can also pick up our 2009 Visitor's Guide at River Country lodging facilities, area chamber offices and local attraction sites.

Let's tee it and have some fun in River Country!

River Country Lodging Facilities Offers Hot Hearty Breakfasts and Area Discounts With Overnight Stay

2009-05-13T06:54:00.001-07:00

Select River Country lodging facilities offer hot hearty breakfasts to guests as part of the cost of an overnight stay. As well, a special promotion for discounts at select River Country stores, restaurants and outdoor activities are available from each of the lodging facilities provided the traveler shows their room key to local establishments. The promotions are not available on the web site but will be given to guests upon check-in.

Both the breakfasts and discounts are simply another way that travelers can enjoy the area at a savings.

Breakfasts are from 6:00 am - 10:00 am

America's Best Value Inn and Suites, Three Rivers http://www.americasbestvalueinn.com/bestv.cfm?idp=550

Enjoy hot off the griddle waffles, juice, rolls, juice, cold cereals, oatmeal, milk, pastries, toast along with coffee, tea and hot cocoa. (This is a pet friendly hotel)

Hampton Inn, Sturgis http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=LKXYVJPOBSD2QCSGBJBNUKQ?ctyhocn=IRSMIHX

On the Run Breakfast Bag -- Bottle of water, apple, cereal bar, mints

On the House Breakfast—Daily menu changes—Sausage and gravy, scrambled eggs, french toast, ham and eggs, apples and bananas available, three coffees, hot cocoa, danish rolls, muffins, wheat bread, peanut butter, cinnamon and plain bagels, cream cheese, butters, jellies, three different kinds of juices and fresh cut fruit

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Three Rivers http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/thivr

Omelets, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruits, cold cereal, yogurts, hard boiled eggs, toast and bagels.

River Country Super 8, Three Rivers http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=12193&brandInfo=SE

Waffles, bagels, English Muffins, Donuts and Cereals, Bagels, Muffins, jellies, coffee, tea, juices, milk (This is a pet friendly hotel)

Arrowhead Cove, Mendon http://arrowheadcove.com/

Hot breakfast of the guests choice. Sausage Quiche, Homemade bread with homemade churned butter (from their dairy cow), fresh fruit, juice, coffee and tea.

Mendon Country Inn, Mendon http://mendoncountryinn.net/

English-style breakfast buffet featuring eggs, sausage and bacon, grilled vegetables , Amish breads and rolls, pastries, coffee, tea and juice

T&R Inn Between the Lakes, Three Rivers http://www.innbetweenthelakes.com/

Ric and Toy Norton offer unusual foods as Toy is Thai. Hot cereal, eggs made to travelers liking, juice, fresh fruit, rolls, and handmade surprises.

Voyager's Inn B&B, Three Rivers http://www.voyagers-inn.com/ourmenus.html

Remember: River Country is located just two and a half hours from Detroit, Chicago and close to other Midwestern cities, come and experience the hidden gem of southern Michigan – fine dining, outdoor pursuits, explore our cities and enjoy our one-of-a-kind lodging facilities.

2009-01-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Special deal for you from Swiss Valley and the Jones Marathon

Fill up your tank after a day of skiing at Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboard Area and save 5 cents/gallon just by showing that day's lift ticket!

Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area

2009-01-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Discover The Hidden Treasurers of Southwest Michigan River Country

2009-01-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Come experience the gem that is River Country in Southwest Michigan. Fine dining, outdoor pursuits, exploration of our delightful cities and one-of-a-kind lodging facilities await you. Our rich history features Mound Builders, Native American War Memorials, an Underground Railroad Stop, Arts and a look into the Amish Lifestyle.

We are located in St. Joseph County just 2.5 hours from either Chicago or Detroit, between I-94 to the north and I-80/90 to the south. Explore our hidden wonders and enrich your life by experiencing our astounding River Country.