Benton Harbor is a city that may not seem that big, but it is certainly chock-full of sights and attractions you can find.

This city remains one of the best cities you should visit on a trip or tour. You’ll have a great time in this city with many attractions and places to chill, relax, and explore.

If you’re planning a trip to this location, you might find it difficult to decide where to visit, which is why this article is the perfect guide for exploring the city to the fullest.

Below are some fun things to do in Benton Harbor, MI

Things to Do in Benton Harbor, MI

1. Vineyard 2121

Lovers of wine will be intrigued by the wines of this location. It was set up by a husband and wife, Jeffrey and Deborah Pallas.

They combined their landscaping and public relations talents to create a tourist attraction at their vineyard. The tasting room was opened in 2015.

It offers wine tasting, wine flights, and light meals such as soups, salads, and sandwiches. The large outdoor patio overlooks the vineyard.

The grounds have been landscaped to create photogenic opportunities for weddings and other private and corporate functions.

Much work has gone into developing the estates’ roads, ponds, and buildings. The farm, winery, and wines have all received awards. Vineyard 2121 is open from March to October.

You should add this location to your list of things to do in Benton Harbor when you visit.

Location: 4110 Red Arrow Highway, Benton Harbor

2. Henry’s Hamburger

The tastiest pastries in Benton Harbor can be found at Henry’s Hamburger. Henry’s Hamburgers had a larger franchise than McDonald’s in the 1960s. The Benton Harbor shop first opened its doors in 1959.

The food and service that made it popular are still offered, even though it outlasted the franchisor and has changed hands and locations a few times.

Customers can use the drive-through or opt for takeout. The Brown Bag special, which makes up 50% of sales and consists of a double cheeseburger, fries, and a Pepsi, is a strong seller.

Customers are attracted to the quirky offers, including the 99 Munchies of the Month and the Nuggets “two for the price of one.”

When you visit Benton Harbor, it would be wise to check out this location.

Location: 1832 M 139, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

3. Mary City Of David Museum

If you enjoy history, visit Mary’s City of David, the third-oldest Christian settlement in the United States.

The stunning 140-acre complex, which includes 81 buildings, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. A museum was later established there at the request of numerous local historical organizations.

11 of the 81 buildings in this Israelite village are accessible to guests, including the museum in Mary’s Auditorium.

Visit the museum to view numerous fascinating historical relics and photographs, browse the gift store for books, or simply learn about the community’s extraordinary and profound religious heritage.

The museum is accessible to walk-in visitors Monday through Friday. Add this location to your list of things to do in Benton Harbor because your trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing it.

Location: 1158 East Britain Avenue, Benton Harbor

4. The Mendel Center

A visit to a city like Benton Harbor is not something you should take lightly. The Mendel Center is a spot to explore and create memories.

Performances, activities, and creating enduring experiences are the three main focuses of the Mendel Center.

This venue’s two outstanding concert stages and several roomy meeting and event areas can hold anywhere from 10 to 1,600 people.

The Mendel Center is renowned for staging and hosting extraordinary performances, including concerts of all genres, science discussions, breathtaking performances by groups like the Russian National Ballet, and more, in addition to being a well-liked event venue.

Additionally, the Center has hosted several National Geographic Live presentations, circus performances, and well-known theater productions like Stomp.

The Mendel Center will surely have something for you, whatever type of performance you love.

Location: 1100 Yore Avenue, Benton Harbor, Mich.

5. Piggott’s Farm Market And Bakery

On your tour to Benton Harbor, one of the best locations is Piggott’s Farm Market and Bakery.

At Piggott’s Farm Market and Bakery, say hello to the tastiest in-season produce in Southwest Michigan. Piggott’s Farm was established in 1949 as a family-run operation, and it still is.

The farm’s goal is to produce wholesome and delicious produce for the residents of Southwest Michigan and the neighboring areas while acting as good stewards of the land and its resources.

Visit Piggott’s Farm to purchase your preferred fruits and veggies, or go to the bakery to buy a selection of delicious pies, donuts, cookies, and other baked goods.

The market and bakery are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week from May through October. Don’t forget to add this location to your list of things to do in Benton Harbor.

Location: 3824 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor

6. ARS Gallery

Art lovers will adore this site in its entirety. The ARS Gallery, established in 2010 and located in the center of Benton Harbor’s expanding Arts District, is committed to educating visitors of all ages in the disciplines of culture and the visual arts.

Anna Russo Sieber, the gallery’s owner and curator ensures that each exhibition offers a chance to appreciate and enjoy modern art.

The ARS Gallery presents various educational events for art aficionados who want to understand multiple art genres and exhibits by both emerging and recognized artists.

As part of the gallery’s dedication to the visual arts, scholarships are given to students with a love for and potential for the skills.

Visit the gallery to view the current exhibits, which feature pieces by Greta Hurst, John Sauve, and Dave Wilkinson.

Location: 147 Fifth Street, Benton Harbor,

7. Eden Springs Park

Edens Spring Park, a well-liked leisure and camping area, had formerly been known as The House of David.

The park, established in 1908 and run by The House of David until 1973, is renowned for its lovely campground, fun train rides, and year-round historical tours.

Visitors can take walking and virtual tours to understand everything there is to know about the park and its history.

Weekends offer a variety of train rides, with steam engine trains operating on Sundays and the gas-powered trains offering trips on Saturdays.

A miniature train can also be seen at the park from 12 to 5 every weekend.

Location: 793 M 139 Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

8. Sarett Nature Center

Mr. and Mrs. Vawter bought 130 acres of land in 1963 and donated them to the Michigan Audubon Society so that a wildlife sanctuary could be built there.

It was given the Professor Sarett name in honor of the longtime friend of Mr. Vawter and renowned local poet and naturalist. Ponds and walks have been incorporated into a river route.

The visit is more interesting, with a viewing tower, treetop pathways, and a natural play area. Schools, homeschoolers, and scouts can take half or full-day environmental classes.

There are natural history tours and weekend and evening classes for the general population. On Mondays, the center is closed.

Don’t forget to include this location on your list of things to do in Benton Harbor when you visit.

Location: 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

9. 12 Corners

On 115 acres, a group of friends founded 12 Corners. They cultivated various hybrids and cultivars on multiple slopes and soil types.

The grapes and wines derived from them now exhibit a variety of unique flavors as a result of this.

West Michigan’s climate is moderated by Lake Michigan, making the region perfect for growing fruit and, more recently, grapes.

There are daily tasting opportunities and weekly live music events. Members of a wine club have several advantages. A complete wedding service is offered at the location, which is for hire.

You should go here whether you’re traveling alone or with friends and family to have a good time.

Location: 1201 N Benton Center Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

10. Jean Klock Park.

The park bears the name of Mr. and Mrs. Klock’s infant daughter, who passed away.

They bought a half-mile section of Lake Michigan shoreline and gave it to Benton Harbor as a park “for the kids” that would exist forever.

In 1952, the further property was acquired for the park. Several ecologically delicate dunes, wetlands, and marshes can be found in the park.

Several private developers have urged the city to sell off park portions. Despite their best efforts, the Friends of Jean Klock Park could not prevent the construction of three golf course holes on the property. This area is still among the top attractions in Benton Harbor.

Location: Jean Klock Blvd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, United States

11. Northern Brewing Company

This location will undoubtedly be highly intriguing to beer enthusiasts. It also has a fascinating past.

In collaboration with Jay and Jordan Fettig, a husband and wife team in Benton Harbor, they create beer and sell it in their taproom and outdoor beer garden near Lake Michigan. They specialize in European lagers and ales, particularly those from Belgium.

The brewery is open seven days a week and has made an effort to develop a “third space,” a location where people can gather and unwind that is distinct from home and work.

They recently began bottling and currently have 12 different beers on tap. Sandwiches, salads, tacos, and snack baskets are available in the bar restaurant.

Location: 670 N. Shore Dr., Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

12. Water Street Glasswork

This amazing spot is a must on every vacation to Benton Harbor. A community arts initiative called The Glassworks is located in the Benton Harbor Art District.

The historic Hinkley Building, which was long vacant and abandoned, underwent substantial restoration before it was finally opened in 2004.

On-site facilities include a school, a studio, and a gallery devoted to glass and metal fire arts. Students begin a two-year curriculum where they work with beads, mosaics, jewelry, and enamel.

Regular displays of student, staff, and faculty work are held. You can schedule tours and exhibit demos. The location is open to groups; “bring your food.”

On your visit, you should add this location to your list of things to do in Benton Harbor.

Location: 140 Water Street, Benton Harbor, MI

13. Southwest Michigan Underwater

The Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve, a stunning underwater wonderland as rich in nautical history as it is in beauty, is located beneath the waters of Michigan’s western shore.

It was the ninth preserve in Michigan when it was formally established in 1999, and it is well known for the numerous shipwrecks that may have been discovered there.

The 106-foot Rockaway, the commercial ship known as the Verano, the 135-foot Havana, and the H.C. Akeley, a 230-foot steamer that sank while bringing cargo from Chicago to Buffalo, are just a few of the dreamy shipwreck dives at this preserve.

Along with the ships, the preserve lets experienced divers explore the Grand Mere Rock Outcropping’s distinctive rock bottom and the caves and trenches of the Clay Banks.

Your trip to Benton Harbor isn’t complete without a visit to this location.

14. Third Coast Padding

Do you enjoy kayaking? If so, you should go to Third Coast Paddling and rent a kayak there.

Don’t worry; there is a staff team to help you, even if you are new to paddling.

You may enjoy a paddling trip along the lovely river scenery by making a reservation with Third Coast Paddling.

The best method to reserve a paddle session with Third Coast Paddling and secure a time that works for you is to do so online.

Although drop-ins are also welcome, reservations reduce any wait times at the venue. Third Coast Paddling takes you for a relaxing river excursion whether or not you have experience kayaking.

Location: 601 Graham Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, United States

15. Higbees Farm

The best place to find fresh peaches is at Higbee’s Farm. You can take a picnic and take in the beauty at this farm.

Higbee’s Farm, a company that has been around for more than a century, offers wagon trips that let you explore a variety of trees and other vegetation.

The farm offers a variety of veggies in addition to peaches that you can buy. Mid-July to Mid-September is the ideal time to stop by this farm and collect your fair share of fresh peaches.

Visit their social media page for further details if you want any updates or events happening at the farm.

Location: 162 S Blue Creek Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, United States

Conclusion

Whatever you choose to do in the city, you can receive your fill of alcohol, agriculture, and the natural world.

Additionally, there are a ton of creative and outdoor things you can do.

You may discover a lot in Benton Harbor, from picking fruit to creating glass art.

Whether you’re visiting this city alone, with family, or with friends, we guarantee you’ll have a wonderful experience.