Michigan’s New Buffalo is a lively place with amiable locals and incredible natural beauty. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it has mesmerizing beaches, snow-covered trails, and lush orchards. So, there is a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy with family and friends in and around New Buffalo. Today I am going to tell you the top things to do near New Buffalo MI so you’re covered for your next trip!
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Things to do near New Buffalo MI on the weekends
New Buffalo and its surrounding regions offer a tranquil escape from the crowd of the city. From wine tasting to shopping to hiking – you can indulge in many wonderful experiences in New Buffalo.
The place is also known for its scenic beach gateways where you can soak in some Vitamin Sea. So, stay tuned to know about the best things to do New Buffalo and its surrounding.
Spend relaxing time at the beach
New Buffalo has plenty of beaches for the water babies where you can unwind on a holiday. Here are some of the top beaches you can visit:
West Beach
West Beach, a perfect natural retreat, offers dreamy views of the Chicago shoreline. Its clear waters make it a great place to swim, take seaside strolls, and bathe in the ocean.
The white sands and the lush greenery add to the place’s ethereal allure. There are good hiking trails for adventure enthusiasts.
Porter Beach
Searching for someplace new to chill out with your buddies? Porter Beach is a vibrant place for young and fun-loving travelers.
Here you can click the coolest New Buffalo beach photos. Not an ideal place to swim, the beach is a part of Michigan’s Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. It also gives access to Cowles Bog, a wild area with varied wildlife and exotic plants.
Kemil Beach
Want to go somewhere far from the hustle and bustle? Kemil Beach is meant for couples who seek some quiet time in the lap of nature.
The peaceful ambience of the beach provides an ideal setting to watch glorious sunsets. You can take a stroll with your bae and celebrate your love for each other.
Washington Park Beach
Craving some sun and sand? Then head to Washington Park Beach, a breathtakingly beautiful place you’ll fall in love with.
It covers a huge area of 99 acres along Lake Michigan’s shores and is. It is an amazing picnic spot featuring sand dunes and historic gardens. This beach also serves as a popular venue for destination weddings.
The opening hours of this lovey beach are from 5 am to 10 pm.
Taste Harbor Country’s distinctive flavors
If you are a party animal, your trips are incomplete without some liquor. But dancing and drinking in a pub or nightclub is something you have done multiple times.
So, when you are in New Buffalo, why not explore the breweries, wineries, and distilleries? It is among the most exhilarating things to do near New Buffalo MI for booze lovers.
Imagine sipping a cocktail at a local distillery or toasting the good days with a bottle of Michigan craft beer! You can also book a wine tour with your partner to learn the fascinating process of making wine.
Awaken your shopaholic self
When in a new city, visiting its famous shopping destinations is mandatory. So, if you carve some retail therapy, New Buffalo won’t disappoint you. The area has an abundance of antique stores where you can pick aesthetic home décor items.
The Outlet Mall is a paradise for shoppers, but you must have good bargaining skills. There are charming boutiques where you can purchase souvenirs for your near and dear ones. Overall, you will have a fulfilling experience.
Taste local delights
If you are a foodie, there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in New Buffalo. Travelers visiting the gorgeous Lake Michigan always return home with their tummies full. The eateries in New Buffalo offer many choices for lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
Sushi, wood-fired pizza, crab legs, and pork delicacies are some must-try dishes. You will also find beachside shacks serving a variety of grilled and seafood items.
The rooftop restaurants, on the other hand, are known for their sophisticated décor and warm ambience.
Climb stunning dunes with your pet
Are there things to do near New Buffalo MI for pet owners? Warren Dunes State Park gives people the opportunity to participate in adventure activities with their furry companions.
The park’s most iconic landmark is a 260-feet tall sand dune. Trekking to the top will offer the most mind-blowing views of Lake Michigan and its expansive shoreline.
Climbing with your four-legged friend will make the experience more special for you. And how can you return home without splashing in the blue water after the arduous climb?
Attend the New Buffalo Harvest and Wine Festival
The New Buffalo Harvest and Wine Festival takes place every year in the month of October. If possible, fly to New Buffalo in October as the locals celebrate this festival grandly.
Open to tourists, the 3-days celebration features kids’ activities, food trucks, art, scrumptious food, and live music. You can also taste a plethora of beer, wine, and cider.
Ship and Shore Festival is another pompous festival held in August. Its major attraction is the Lighting Boat Parade. You’ll also find live music, a beer tent, and yummy food to keep you satiated.
Go hiking
Hiking is a rewarding outdoor activity that you can do alone or with your partner/pals. New Buffalo has numerous hiking trails for fitness lovers like you.
All you have to do is wear your hiking shoes and pack your backpack with hiking essentials. You can select one of the following trails based on your preferred difficulty level:
- Dunes Succession Trail
- Galien River County Park
- Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail
- Warren Dunes State Park
- Mount Baldy Trai
All of these routes are different in terms of the surrounding scenery and the topography.
Try your luck at the casinos
Gaming enthusiasts won’t get bored in New Buffalo as the place has several world-class casinos.
Four Winds Casino and Blue Chip Casino are the favorites of tourists and locals.
The best part about these casinos is that they are located in the heart of the city. While Blue Chip Casino is in the center of Michigan City, Four Winds is the pride of New Buffalo.
What can you do at the casinos other than gambling?
Both casinos have multicuisine restaurants to tantalize your tastebuds. They also host frequent events to entertain their visitors. Blue Chip Casino even has a spa to give you a rejuvenating massage.
Watch a moving performance
New Buffalo is known for its rich culture. You will fall in love with the place if you are a connoisseur of art. There are many art galleries where you’ll find the artwork of budding and seasoned artists. Theater, opera, and live music are some other attractions.
From renovated factories to open-air pavilions – venues are as refreshing as the performances. Acon Theater is one iconic place to catch live entertainment. There are several museums to keep history buffs occupied.
Check out artifacts at Hesston Steam Museum
Museums offer meaningful insights into the lives of people hundreds of years ago. An outdoor museum monitored by the Laporte County Historical Steam Society – Hesston Steam Museum is a must-visit. It occupies 155 acres and has four gauge railroads.
You can ride their trains pulled by steam engines and the path goes through a forest. While you can enter the museum for free, you must pay a fee to ride their steam locomotives.
Take your kids to Washington Park Zoo
Watching animals at Washington Park Zoo is among the top things to do near New Buffalo MI for families.
Spread over an area of 15 acres, at least 200 animals inhabit the zoo. The zoo’s tree-covered pathways and hillside terrain make it a wonderful place to observe different kinds of animals.
You must not leave the place without climbing the observation tower. It offers the most remarkable views of Lake Michigan.
The Washington Park Zoo is within walking distance from the gorgeous Washington Beach. So, if your feet are tired after treading the zoo, you can rest and gaze at the waves.
Spend an afternoon at the Curious Kid’s Museum
Are there fun things to do near New Buffalo MI for children? Curious Kid’s Museum is another incredible place to stimulate the young mind of your kid.
Designed specifically for inquisitive kids, the museum has various attractions. There are many exciting activities like climbing a miniature volcano or crawling inside a huge bubble.
Kids can spend hours solving puzzles and learning new things. So, visiting this place with your child will be rewarding.
Plan a day trip to the Chellburg Farm
Chellburg Farm is a historic farmhouse that has sugar shacks, an old cemetery, and gardens. Swedish immigrants Johanna and Anders established it.
Three generations of the Chellburgs have lived there since the 1930s. Going to this place will be worthwhile as you’ll get a taste of slow-paced and simple village life.
The farm has restrooms, easy parking, and old barns and houses to check out. Your kids will have a great time feeding the farm animals.
Learning the history of the place will be another enlightening experience. If you visit in March, you can watch the interesting process of making maple syrup, and purchase delicious syrup.
The Farm is an extension of the renowned Indiana Dunes National Park. So, when you are there, you must take a tour of the National Park as well.
The park’s uniqueness lies in its biologically diverse landscapes. It has wetlands, cultural sites, river systems, prairies, savannahs, and wetlands. If nature fascinates you, this place must be on your bucket list.
Get united with nature at the Friendship Botanic Garden
The Friendship Botanic Garden’s eye-soothing greenery will leave you mesmerized. It conserves hundreds of rare trees and plants. So, if you want to spend some undisturbed time in the lap of nature, this is the place for you.
Whether you seek a reposeful escape or some family fun – the garden is for people of all age groups. It has a separate exploration area for children and a health and wellness garden.
When is the best time to visit the Friendship Botanic Garden? The scenic garden bursts with color in the spring season. The Spring Flower Exhibit also takes place at this time.
Say yes to a sailing excursion
Culminating your New Buffalo trip without going on a sailing excursion will be preposterous. It is a unique way to admire the beauty of the placid Lake Michigan.
New Buffalo Sailing Excursions offers personalized sailboat packages. So, you can select a package that you find thrilling.
Final Thoughts
So, the alluring beach town of New Buffalo has something unique to offer every traveler.
Whether you have shifted to this stunning place or planned a pleasure trip – you’ll never run out of fun things to do near New Buffalo MI. So, book your flights and count the days to have an amazing trip.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Is New Buffalo Michigan worth visiting?
New Buffalo is a well-known travel destination with a big-city elegance and a small-town allure. It is filled with thrilling things to do and pretty places to visit. The New Buffalo Michigan beach destinations are among the must-visit places.
2. Does New Buffalo Michigan have a downtown?
New Buffalo is a fascinating beach getaway, easily accessible from Chicago and Indiana. Its large and broad public beach is its primary attraction. However, downtown New Buffalo is worth exploring as it has a myriad of dining and shopping options.
3. What is New Buffalo known for?
New Buffalo is a laidback beachside town famous for its wide coastline, touristy places, and pleasant weather.
4. Is New Buffalo Michigan walkable?
Tourists can explore New Buffalo on foot. Both luxurious and affordable hotels are situated close to the tourist spots, the city Beach, and famous restaurants.
5. What are the things to do near New Buffalo MI?
Beach visit, shopping, hiking, casino fun, visiting Washington Park Zoo, and Hesston Steam Museum are some of the exciting things to do New Buffalo MI.
