New Buffalo, Michigan

EXPLORE

A New Buffalo Vacation

Try a New Buffalo vacation…Known for its pristine Lake Michigan beaches, the region’s largest recreational harbor and a wide range of outdoor activities; PLUS fine restaurants and art galleries, vintage and antique stores, and both distinguished wineries and local craft beer pubs, New Buffalo, Michigan was recently listed by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of America’s “50 Best Places to Travel.” Less than 90 minutes from most of Chicago & the launch point for Southwest Michigan wine country, this is a destination worth visiting multiple times.

Our New Buffalo Collection
SPOTLIGHT

The Appeal of New Buffalo

"The Hamptons of the Midwest"

Beautiful Beaches
Art Galleries
Delicious Food
Four Winds Casino
Wine Country Tours
TRAVEL

To New Buffalo

Only 70 miles and a short 90 minutes from most of Chicago, New Buffalo is an easy and popular destination to visit along Lake Michigan. Whether you are flying in to one of the 3 nearby airports or driving, I-94 and Route 12 make access simple. As for the weather in New Buffalo, “seasonal” is the word. The moderate, enjoyable climate found here in Spring and Fall pair with the warm season of Summer (starting around the first week of June and typically lasting through September) and the icy cold, snowy and windy Winter the Midwest is known for. Each season is amazing in it’s own right!

NEW BUFFALO WEATHER

FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a reason so many guests come back to New Buffalo and Southwest Michigan each year, but for anyone who is new to this fabulous destination, you may have some questions… and Juniper has some answers.

“Seasonal” is the right word here. The moderate, quite enjoyable climate found in Spring and Fall pair with the warm season of Summer (starting around the first week of June and typically lasting through September) and the icy cold, snowy and windy Winter the Midwest is known for. Smart vacation travelers will know to book their visits to New Buffalo with an eye to the weather, and pack clothing suitable to the season. The annual BestPlaces Comfort Index for New Buffalo is 6.7 (10 = best), which they say “means it is more comfortable than most places in Michigan.” (June through September are the most pleasant months with an average high around 82 degrees.)

Yes, the Four Winds Casino offers excellent casino and sports gaming, as well as top-billed live music concerts and nationally recognized comedy acts, plus superb dining, drinking and hotel lodging options. https://fourwindscasino.com/newbuffalo/

There are a number of ways to get around New Buffalo using public transportation. The Berrien County Public Transportation (BCPT) Berrien Bus is a non-urban system that provides transportation to all areas not served by dial-a-ride service areas. Schedule and stop locations can be found by phoning tel. # 269-471-1100. Another aspect of public transportation is served by the Amtrack train system, which runs right into downtown New Buffalo. The Amtrak Train station (with a covered platform) is located at 226 North Whittaker Street. Details about the station and directions to it can be found online at: New Buffalo, MI (NBU) | Amtrak For reservations & customer service, call: 800-872-7245

Yep! There are several to chose from, including Jeff’s Taxi (Jeff's Taxi | Taxi in New Buffalo, MI (ueniweb.com)), which can be reached by calling: 219-336-5045. For larger groups, there’s Freestyle Taxi Shuttle & Party Bus (Freestyle taxi Shuttle & party bus - Transportation Service in New Buffalo (business.site)). Their phone # is: 219-336-5236.

You’re in luck, because “Carts on 12” -- located at 19429 U.S. Hwy. 12 in New Buffalo -- works with individuals, event planners and even corporations “to bring together top-quality golf cart and utility cart rentals, service and support.” And when they say “for any size event,” they don’t just mean weddings and personal gatherings. “Carts on 12” has provided golf cart rentals for the Super Bowl, Indy 500, a NATO conference and many state fairs! https://www.cartson12.com/ Their ph. # is 269-469-1530.

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About New Buffalo

Whether planning a vacation, family visit or just searching around to try something new, New Buffalo is one of Southwest Michigan’s true treasures, a fabulous destination rich with top-quality fun, flavor and culture!

Nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline just 70 miles from Chicago, this historic resort town has long been an “R-and-R” haven for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, the glories of “Mother Nature” can be found literally everywhere you turn. Besides its teeming with magnificent lake views, miles of sandy dunes, and the region’s largest recreational harbor—with boating and jet-ski rentals available, and fishing and beach activities galore—New Buffalo is also strewn with plenty of woodland parks, rivers, and hiking and biking trails for outdoor enjoyment.

Plus, the surrounding farms, orchards and wineries not only contribute to the bucolic, peaceful atmosphere associated with the best of the Midwest spirit, but also provide fresh, local products for consumption at regular farmers markets or in the many superb eateries in town.

In fact, the delicious meals served at plenty of New Buffalo’s superb restaurants, bistros and cafes are sourced from farms just minutes away, blending rural and urban influences on dishes ranging from “country” to “metropolitan” and everything in between. Unique dining options abound here… in fact, these are the details on some of our very favorite New Buffalo restaurants & dining:

Dining – New Buffalo

Providing both a family-friendly dining atmosphere and lively nightlife, the Stray Dog Bar & grill is a mainstay of New Buffalo. Fresh ingredients, unique appetizers, scrumptious entrees, and starting in mid-May, rooftop dining and bar (21 and older).

Stray Dog Bar & Grill
245 N. Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 269-469-2727
https://thestraydog.com/

With a wide-ranging menu encompassing the best of Italian cuisine (including tasty hand-tossed pizza), Brewster’s also mixes in “curveballs” like fish-and-grits and tikka masala chicken. A separate Wine Room seats 34 and is available for group events.

Brewster’s
11 W. Merchant Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 269-469-3005
https://brewstersnewbuffalo.com/

Billing themselves as a “Boutique, Small-Batch Brewery and Pizzeria Napoletana, this eating & drinking establishment—housed in a downtown Civil War-era church—offers authentic wood-fired pizza and one of the Midwest’s premier Beer Gardens, featuring Michigan’s largest outdoor bar. 

Beer Church Brewing Company
24 S. Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 269-586-3864
https://www.beerchurchbrewing.com/

“From meticulously crafted indulgences to small production staples…” starts Brentwood's description of their luscious and enticing offerings. This top-quality dining & drinking spot features great food from a "scratch” kitchen, ensuring superb dinner and weekend breakfast delights.

Bentwood Tavern
600 West Water Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 866-238-2208
https://www.bentwoodtavern.com/ 

And speaking of “delicious,” a number of New Buffalo’s wineries are located in Michigan’s “fruit belt region” and part of the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, home to the majority of Michigan’s vineyards (dating back to 1867). Offering the opportunity to sample a wide range of award-winning, estate-grown wines, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail—inclusive of numerous New Buffalo region wineries—can be experienced by way of casual, self-guided exploration or through curated, expert-led wine tasting field trips.

Looking for community events? New Buffalo regularly holds concerts by nationally recognized artists, has both seasonal and annual art fairs and artisan markets, parades, brew fests, a “Music in the Park” series, and many other local town-sponsored activities. 

Did Someone say Shopping?

New Buffalo’s shops and boutiques provide options galore for those seeking out stylish clothes and accessories, home accents or a “special gift.”

Shopping – New Buffalo

This charming, near-the-beach shop has handmade home décor, art, books, apothecary, kids’ stuff and a collection of seasonal beach accessories, all gathered from artisan partners spanning the globe. Lakeside Goods is also a great source for gifts!

Lakeside Goods
100 N. Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 269-586-3613
Lakeside Goods

This new retail shop features a wonderful selection of chic and stylish men’s and women’s apparel, fashion accessories and jewelry. Partnering with artisans from all around the world, Shore offers truly unique and sophisticated pieces, as well as cool collections.

Shore
10 W. Merchant Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 269-586-3681
SHORE (shore-mi.com)

This downtown boutique treasure trove is “a graphics-driven apparel and lifestyle brand with a passion for design.” Featuring a unique collection of apparel, jewelry, accessories and more, you’re sure to find something to please you at Eastern Standard Time!

Eastern Standard Time
110 N. Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 269-231-5363
Eastern Standard Time (est-mi.com)

Located in the heart of downtown New Buffalo, The Hidden Gem is packed with unique gifts, handmade crafts and artwork, beach apparel and accessories, plus an abundance of accent pieces for the home. 

The Hidden Gem

122 N. Whittaker Street
New Buffalo, MI
Ph.: 269-469-8060
The Hidden Gem New Buffalo | New Buffalo MI | Facebook

Besides having miles of pristine Lake Michigan beaches to enjoy and the region's largest recreational harbor—with boating, jet-ski and fishing charter rentals available—New Buffalo is also a veritable Gateway to Nature, strewn with woodland parks, rivers, and hiking and biking trails for outdoor enjoyment.

1. New Buffalo Beach & Lakefront Park – Come enjoy a beautiful beach frontage (with lifeguards) and 18-acre recreational park, plus a dune-line boardwalk nature trail, playground & more! New Buffalo Michigan Beach & Lakefront Park - New Buffalo Michigan | New Buffalo Travel Guide

2. Oselka Marina – Recipient of a 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, this full-service marina offers boat & jet-ski rentals, yacht cruises, a 1000-slip harbor, even Valet Boating!  Oselka Marina

3. Galien River County Park – Combining lush upland marsh & wetland habitats, this 86-acre park includes hiking trails and great wildlife viewing, plus a Canopy Walkway, Marsh Boardwalk and Marsh Overlook Tower. Galien River County Park

4. Woodlands Course at Whittaker – One of Southwest Michigan’s finest golf courses, the impressive design immerses you in nature (woods, water and sloping fairways) on your 18-hole “journey.” And the Whittaker Grill serves signature fare & drinks in a restored farmhouse with great golf course views. The Woodlands Course at Whittaker | New Buffalo, MI (whittakergolf.com)

5. Harbor Country Adventures – From boat tours and private yacht cruises to kayak, jet-ski & boat rentals (plus luxury coach rentals), this outfit has you covered! They also put on “Live at the Lakefront” concerts and events in nearby Michigan City, Indiana. HOME2 - Harbor Country Adventures

6. Fruitful Vine Winery Tours – Provides a fun, safe and informative way to visit some of the magnificent wineries in southwest Michigan. Travel in their luxury 14-passenger coach for a 3-stop tour with lunch or opt for a private party. Vino Coach Tour Options – Fruitful Vine Tours

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