Destination Development

The Visitors Bureau partners with the Downtown Development Authority to bring holiday magic to downtown each year by jointly funding the annual holiday lights display in South Haven. As the managing organization for this initiative, the Visitors Bureau ensures the lights create a festive and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike, enhancing the downtown experience and supporting local businesses throughout the season.

A Michigan DNR trust fund grant, in collaboration with the South Haven Recreation Authority, facilitated the installation of the Phoenix Kayak Launch. The launch officially opened in fall of 2023 and enhances accessibility and safety for paddlers of all abilities.

The Visitors Bureau collaborated with the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority in 2024 to enhance the town’s charm with newly branded signage highlighting the many attractions and points of interest.

In 2019, South Haven was among the first four cities to receive designation as a Pure Michigan Trail Town by the Michigan DNR and Travel Michigan in recognition for it's natural attractions and investment in outdoor recreation.

The South Haven Visitors Bureau celebrated the honor with over 30 laser-engraved Trail Town signs throughout the area. Trail Town status presents unique advertising and marketing opportunities with the state-level agency, along with educating local students about good stewardship with Trails Education Days.

Installed adjacent to the Friends Good Will Splash Pad in summer 2022, the interactive "Caught in South Haven" sculpture was created by South Haven-based metal artist Lou Rodriguez, who's work has also been featured in the Grand Rapids Artprize contest. The behemoth catch is affectionately referred to as Robert, named after former South Haven Mayor Bob Burr, pictured here.

In 2001, 18 hand painted bike racks and 4 multi-rack sculptures created by local artists in collaboration with the South Haven Center for the Arts were installed in the Central Business District.

Make the South Haven Bike Rack project a Summer Scavenger Hunt!
Download our map here.

Eleven historical panels with artwork commissioned from South Haven artist Kayla Wyszinski in Stanley Johnston Park commemorate South Haven's 150th anniversary. Each panel illustrates a chapter of South Haven's history.

Download the Sesquicentennial Trail Map here.

In 2022, the South Haven Visitors Bureau gifted the south end of their office building to the City of South Haven. This donation assisted in the Downton Development Authority’s restroom renovation project near Dyckman Park and Huron Street Pavilion, greatly improving the experience for attendees of the South Haven Farm Market, Jazz Festival, and Ice Rink.

Michigan Maritime Museum expansion

South Haven Splash Pad

Downtown Holiday Lighting

Disc Golf Park

Exit 18 Signage

The South Haven Visitor has taken the lead to assist in the salvage of the Kal-Haven Trail Covered Bridge. Efforts are ongoing to to navigate its preservation.

The South Haven Visitors Bureau is investigating the feasibility of welcoming structures, landscaping and lighting at exit 20. Edgewater has been retained to work with the South Haven Visitors Bureau to develop concepts and engineering.

Phase one of an accessible interdunal trail at the Porter Property, adjacent to Pilgrim Haven, is underway. The trail will feature several lookout points on the dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. The South Haven Recreation Authority secured a grant for the project, with matching funds committed by the Visitors Bureau. This effort follows a feasibility study conducted by University of Michigan students in collaboration with the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, Michigan DNR, and National Park Service.

The South Haven Visitors Bureau is collaborating with the South Haven Area Recreation Authority and the Department of Natural Resources to acquire 49 acres along the Kal-Haven Trail. Once acquired, the property will belong to the South Haven Area Recreation Authority. The South Haven Visitors Bureau has funded the initial master planning, is working with the community on site development plans, and will continue to support the effort to develop the property.

The South Haven Visitors Bureau purchased a high traffic parcel of land in downtown South Haven. Plans for the development of this property is contingent upon the results of the 2024 economic impact study.