There is so much to see, do and experience in River Country. Before heading for the rolling hills, check-in and drop off your bags. There are great accommodations for you to enjoy at any of these St. Joseph County’s hotels. Each hotel adds small town charm and attention to your stay.
Which hotel is just right for you? Choose from swimming pools, continental breakfasts, fitness rooms, business centers and more. If you’re bringing your pets, stay at:
- America’s Best Value Inn & Suites 1211 W Broadway, Three Rivers 269-273-8100
- River Country Super 8 689 Super 8 Way, Three Rivers 269-279-8888
- Regency Inn, 1301 S Centreville Rd, Sturgis 269-651-7881
Enjoy some of our hometown hobbies from canoeing, fishing, bike rides, fun sports and more.
Head to Doe-Wah-Jack’s Canoe Rental. A full service livery renting canoes, single and double kayaks on the Dowagiac River. Two, four and six-hour trips are available. A popular, moderately paced and family friendly river. Perfect for the beginner or intermediate canoeist or kayaker. It is the largest cold-water stream in lower southwestern Michigan. 52963 M-51 N, Dowagiac 269-782-7410 or 888-782-7410 www.paddlecri.com
Liquid Therapy Canoe Rental provides shuttles to canoe launches and group rates are available. Several trips to choose from. 221 S Main St, Three Rivers. 269-273-9000 www.liquidthereapypaddling.com
Hunting and fishing are a highlight for the sports enthusiast in River Country! Boasting 58 lakes - 18 of which have public boat launches - and 16 rivers and streams for great fishing you can enjoy the peaceful waters and a favorite pastime.
Colon Bait & Tackle knows all the great fishing holes and can has complete with a line of sporting goods and can supply the necessary license for anglers in Michigan (17 years of age and older) 233 S. Blackstone Ave., Colon 269-432-3633.
If you’re more interested in biking, hiking or even camping, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park is the place for you! An 820-acre nature park offering mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, fishing, primitive camping, cross country skiing and inner-tube sledding. Picnic shelters with electricity and fireplaces are available with reservation. Located on Monkey Run t, three miles east of Vandalia.
Want a more relaxing setting? Historic Rawson’s King Mill Park is a peaceful adventure with wonderful views of the mill, dam or creek on one of the two islands. See the rock Lydia Rawson left behind as a marker for where the “aliens” landed. Nottawa Creek or the picnic shelter is a great wedding site. Also, enjoy the walking trails and use the canoe launches to start your journey. Located one mile west on King Road in Leonidas.
Hitting any of St. Joseph County’s great golf greens are a fine way to spend the day.
Island Hills Golf 61809 Stonegate Dr, Centreville, MI 269-467-7261
Pine View Golf Club 52065 Pulver Rd, Three Rivers, MI 269-279-5131
Sauganash Golf Club 61270 Lutz Rd, Three Rivers, MI 269-278-7825
Spruce Ridge Golf Club 26831 Dutch Settlement St. Dowagiac, MI 269-782-5827
St. Joe Valley Golf Club 24953 M-86 Centreville, MI 269-467-6275
Have the ultimate outdoor fun at Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding Area. Bring a whole group and enjoy daily discounts and a FREE lesson for beginners. Experience their all-night skiing and all-terrain slopes. Relax in the Game Room, the Chalet for dinner, the Day Lodge’s Café or the Fireplace Lounge in-between sets.
Create your own adventure while you stay in St. Joseph County. Take up Geocaching, a technologically charged treasure hunt. Enjoy the great outdoors, the indoors and every nook and cranny when you begin look for the hidden treasure. The small county boasts more than 5,000 geocaches and you can try to find them all. Download a geocaching application to your smart phone and start searching. The fun and free sport can keep you, your kids or the whole family occupied for hours and you can find more than a few treasures. You can discover the history behind River Country and so many of its great sites while you search. Visit http://www.geocaching.com and download your geocaching app to get started!
Not into outdoorsy activities? No problem! Go shopping at the unique shops in Southwest Michigan.
· Abbott’s Magic Company One of the nations largest and best known magic shops. They host the Colon Magic Festival annually bringing magic-lovers from all over. All summer magic shows featuring local magicians are held at 1 p.m. 124 St. Joseph, Colon, MI 269-432-3235
· Fishstick Creations The perfect souvenir shop. For all your embroidery needs, also a offers commercial gift and personal items to purchase for embroidery. 1006 Independence St. Sturgis, MI 269-651-2455
· Love Your Mother Local, natural, organic and recycled goods. Home, garden, cards, pet and personal care. Good for mother earth and good for you. 39 N. Main St. Three Rivers 269-278-1236
· Tree of Life A truly unique gift shop, featuring gifts, greeting cards, jewelry all things lake oriented. We also provide custom embroidery and garment printing. May of their products are made locally or qualify as “fair trade.” 240 W. Main St. Centreville 269-467-4000
· McGrady Jewelers Whether you want a new set of jewelry of you need your old items fixed, stop into McGrady Jewelers. 705 S US-131 Three Rivers 269-273-4175
· The What-Not Shop This is a quaint wonderful find for an upscalse resale store! Items you might find are new and lightly used cothing, jewelry, antique furniture, household items, unique gifts and more! 160 E. Water St. Constantine. 269-845-8833
· Byler’s Farm Market Enjoy home grown fruits and veggies as well as homemade donuts, pies, cookies, and pure maple syrup.
Dine at any of St. Joe’s tasty watering holes.
· Start each warm day the right way with Country Loft Ice Cream. Southwest Michigan’s own homemade ice cream shop aboard a real Sternwheeler. Open from May through Labor Day weekend. The boat sails Corey Lake and docks across from Happu Landing Restaurant. 59460 Sounty Line Rd, Three Rivers 312-617-0455
· Specializing in steaks, seafood and prime rib, Fisher Lake Inn foods are a delight to your palate. The soup and salad bar are filled with fresh foods and the new of the lake is always fantastic!
· Eat at The Grille Tavern located on the Island Hills Golf Course on beautiful lake Templene. Enjoy seafood, steaks and pasta all year round. 61809 Stonegate Dr. Centreville 269-467-7900
· Let your hair down at the self-proclaimed “Best Biker Bar” in town. The Thunder Hog Saloon is more than a bar but a destination. With its eclectic menu and the best beer and burgers you’ll ever want to eat, this is the place to unwind. 31011 M-60 Leonidas 269-496-8954
· Take the whole family to the Oasis Restaurant. The family-style restaurant serves breakfast all day long and you can be sure to expect clean, friendly and fast service and daily home-cooked specials. 656 US-131, Three Rivers 269-273-4000
There is so much to do in River Country we can’t constrict it to a few pages. To find out more visit. www.RiverCountry.com
