RIVER COUNTRY SELF-GUIDED TOURS
To help with your planning, be sure to check out the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce. These are the people with their thumb on the pulse of the area and who can help you find those little known treasures of the area. This is also the best way to find out about the most up-to-date events and local driving maps to help you plan a successful visit. Click here to see a map showing where all River Country sponsors are located. Sponsors are noted in bold. Those with a website are linked in blue bold.
AMISH TOUR
Discover history and heritage, intriguing attractions, countryside and friendly communities. Watch for horse drawn buggies clip clopping along country roads – catch glimpses of Amish life – cars and electricity are not part of Amish life. Visit Amish stores. Amish heritage is so special that it is worth the experience. See pages 6-7 of the 2010 River Country Visitor's Guide for all local Amish businesses with descriptions and refer to the map on page 23 showing their locations (call 800-447-2821 to get a copy of the guide.) The map will detail the Amish Meander. See Amish buggies on M-60 and Nottawa Road in Mendon and in Leonidas. Drive through the Langley Covered Bridge, Michigan's longest remaining covered bridge, located just three miles north of M-86, Centreville. From there it is a short jog to Bubbling Brook Farm where you can visit a CSA Farm where, if he has extra produce, you can pick up some fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables. Miller's Discount Store in Centreville is a variety store offering groceries, bulk spices, grains, specialty flours and a huge selection of candy, cheeses, glassware and many unique items. Be sure to plan your lunch at Yoder's Country Market in Centreville for homemade barbeque and submarine sandwiches! Crafters won't want to miss Dutch Kuntry Corner for a unique stock of supplies and so much more.
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ART TOUR
Our small towns are home to many writers and artists who are no longer plugged into the big cities. We boast of serious art and it is definitely worth a “hey look me over”. Scrapbookers will not want to miss Magic Moments Scrapbooking in Sturgis. For some beautiful thread art, drop by Fishsticks Creations. Open Door Gallery is well worth the trip for very special art by local artists and beyond.
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BIRDWATCHING River Country is an excellent place to birdwatch. Watch for various species on our rivers and small towns. Commonly sighted birds around River Country include: Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Sandhill Crane, Double-crested Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Wood Duck, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Barred Owl, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Brown Creeper, Gray Catbird, Carolina Wren, Wood Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Prothonotary Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Red-wing Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch, Song Sparrow and Cardinal. Visit some of the Cass County Parks for some great bird watching opportunities. For more information on local birds and what to look for, contact Nottawa Wild Bird Seed at 269-659-8777.
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GARDEN TOUR
Drive or cycle to our “beauty spots”. Whatever the season Rawson's Mill offers a tranquil and beautiful setting for a quiet moment amongst nature. See one of the last working grist mills in the country and enjoy the beauty of the millpond and weir. From there you can make your way across to Simpson Road (across Nottawa Rd Bridge) and take a drive past the garden of Sarah Stewart, author of The Gardener, The Library and many other well know children’s books. From there drive onto the Langley Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Michigan. Remember to come back in December to get your Christmas tree at Timberly Tree Farm in Sturgis!
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PEDDLE TOURS OF THE B&B'S
For the cycling enthusiast you can choose to cycle our Amish area instead as this is a very flat cycling area. You can bring your own bike or arrange for the hire of a bike through the Innkeeper. Fall colors or Spring Dogwoods offer scenic beauty next to none. Cycling Tours are offered to you where you can enjoy a unique “Bike Inn to Inn” tour taking in some of the most picturesque parts of Michigan. This is for experienced cyclists who enjoy a challenge as well as the novice who wants to expand on their biking capabilities. Start at an Inn of your choice and bike leisurely to the next Inn. Participating Innkeepers will shuttle your luggage and car to the next Inn whilst you enjoy your tour. Bike maps are available from the Inns or you can choose your own tour. Pricing is based on Lodging at each Inn, length of stay, any equipment needed, meals etc. Be sure to stop in to Kickstand Schwinn Cyclery in Sturgis for any equipment needs or repairs.
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SHOPAHOLICS TOUR
Calling all Shopaholics!! Have we got a weekend for you! There is so much great stuff to do you will want to be sure to plan for at least two days!! Start your weekend in Three Rivers and check out such unique shops as Love Your Mother for natural and holistic items, Centsible Treasures for those antiques. Enjoy lunch at Fisher Lake Inn. Enjoy an evening drink and maybe a show at the beautiful Riviera Theater. Give your second day a magical start at Abbott's Magic Company in Colon then do some down home shopping at Yoder’s Country Market in Centreville. Maybe enjoy one of their special homemade barbeque or submarine sandwiches. While in Centreville also check out Tree of Life, a unique store featuring all organic goods from coffees and teas to personal grooming and pet care products. Finish your day with the wonderful shops in Sturgis, including Magic Moments Scrapbooking to record your wonderful weekend and enjoy a great dinner at either Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant or DaVinci’s Italian Restaurant. Don't forget to check the calendar and see if your visit coincides with some of the great events going on in River Country like regular shows at the Sturges-Young Auditorium and Civic Center.
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SPORTS TOUR Get your heart rate going and build a day around the sporting opportunities offered in the area. Begin your day with a light breakfast at Oasis Restaurant then get started with some skateboarding in a local skate park in Three Rivers. Cool off with a swim at Sand Lake or check out Pat’s Pontoon Services. Water enthusiasts be sure to visit the Colon Bait and Tackle Shop on your way to Corey On-The-Lake Marina in Three Rivers to rent a boat and enjoy a day on the water. Enjoy lunch at Fisher Lake Inn then continue on to Cade Lake County Park for some volleyball and hiking. Try your hand at Frisbee Golf at Meyer Broadway Park. Finish your day with fabulous burgers and drinks at Thunder Hog Saloon.
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WINE TOURS
You can explore the southwest Michigan wine country starting at Petersen & Sons Winery just 15 minutes from the Inn, proceeding onto Paw Paw where you can visit St. Julian's as well as Warner Estates. From there take the time to go onto Coloma to Contessa Winery where you can also stop off and purchase delicious chocolate truffles to compliment your wine. For more information visit: Southwest Michigan Wine Trail, Pioneer Wine Trail or http://www.miwinetrail.com/
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This and more information can be found on http://www.rivercountry.com/
FOR MORE INFO ON ST JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN VISIT: http://www.stjosephcountymi.org/history/
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