South Haven's Maritime Marvels
Ships have played a central role in South Haven since it was established as a village in the 1860s.
Taking a stroll along the waterfront in South Haven is like diving into the rich histories of the people and vessels who lived during South Haven's working waterfront era.
South Haven's bustling harbor is alive with boaters, fishermen and marine craft. Set among our stunning beaches and sunsets the heart of downtown includes slips for personal crafts of up to 150’ so owners, captains and passengers can mingle, shop and dine in one of Michigan's most scenic harbortowns.
The Michigan Maritime Museum
It calls South Haven its home - the premier museum for Michigan Great Lakes history, research, preservation, and education features exhibits, a boathouse, the U.S. Life Saving Service building, as well as the lightkeeper’s house and Marialyce Canonie Great Lakes Research Library.
Free your imagination and senses to play! Well beyond artifacts and information, the museum immerses you in South Haven culture, events, and excursions. Climb aboard one of our popular vessels, including the famous tall ship Friends Good Will. You can also board the 36-foot 1941 U.S. Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat 36460. The boat was the star of the 2016 Disney film The Finest Hours, which tells the story of the Coast Guard’s historic 1952 rescue of the crew of the SS Pendleton.
Friends Good Will
A centerpiece of the Michigan Maritime Museum's fleet, Friends Good Will is a meticulously crafted replica of a top sail merchant sloop from the early 19th century. This ship offers an authentic sailing experience, with crew members dressed in period attire and opportunities for passengers to participate in traditional sailing tasks. The vessel’s history is intertwined with pivotal moments, such as its capture by the British during the War of 1812 and subsequent service in the U.S. Navy.
South Pierhead Lighthouse
The original wooden lighthouse was lit in 1872, and the steel one was constructed and has been serving as our sentry since 1903. This 30-foot lighthouse at the end of our 1,200-foot pier attracts people by water and land with its beauty and stature. The same length as the pier, the catwalk linking the tower to the shore is one of only four originals remaining in Michigan.
A stroll down the pier surrounds you with the lapping, slapping surf as the city recedes behind you. Once you reach the lighthouse, only it stands between you and the miles of Lake Michigan that fill the horizon.
Owned and maintained by the Historical Association of South Haven, the Lighthouse also features a 360° camera that can be viewed anytime. Visit our Beach Cams to see the anglers & visitors walking the pier!
Dyckman Bascule Bridge
Yet another South Haven maritime highlight, the Dyckman Avenue drawbridge lifts for boat traffic through the Black River to Lake Michigan every half hour in summer.
Maritime District Harbor Walk
Take in South Haven’s maritime tradition and scenery while getting in good exercise! The Harbor Walk walking tour starts at the north pier lighthouse, follows the Black River to the drawbridge and continues back around the harbor toward the south pier lighthouse. Walking about 10,000 steps (approximately 3.2 miles/5 kilometers) if you go north to south and back again, you’ll pass 21 historic markers and learn about the city’s history as a commercial and recreational port. Visit our Maps page to download this and other helpful guides!
Treat the explorer in you to the legends and views of Great Lakes seafaring along our docks and shores and at our crown jewel, the Michigan Maritime Museum.
To discover more about the Michigan Maritime Museum or schedule a boating experience, visit michiganmaritimemuseum.org or call (800) 747-3810.
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