The Most Remote Small Town In Michigan Is The Perfect Place To Get Away From It All
By Jack Springgate|Published October 24, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
People have the best of both worlds in the Mitten State. You’ll not only find one of the most underrated cities in America in Detroit but there are also some amazing rural communities that make for great destinations when you want to get away from it all. One of those places is New Buffalo in the Southwest corner of the state. From lakeshore views to nearby wineries to standout restaurants, New Buffalo is the perfect escape from the everyday grind.
They don’t call Michigan the Great Lakes State for nothing. I personally rank New Buffalo Beach as one of my favorite spots on the Lake Michigan coastline because it’s one of the only places in Michigan where you can see the Chicago skyline across the horizon without binoculars.
That’s on top of being a very well-maintained beach that doesn’t get as crowded as some of the ones further north.
If you’ve heard of New Buffalo before, it’s likely because someone was talking about the iconic burger restaurant Redamak’s. I have vivid memories of stopping here with my father on the road from Chicago.
Whether it’s a quick refuel on the road or the start of an evening in Southwest Michigan, Redamak’s lives up to its slogan when you, “bite into a legend”.
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New Buffalo is surrounded by two incredible nature areas with Indiana Dunes National Park to the southwest and Warren Dunes to the north. You’re never too far from beautiful trails and stunning views from the top of the dunes. With miles of trails to explore, you can even pack your tent and stay over for a night.
Michigan’s west coast is dotted with wineries from the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula all the way south to New Buffalo. One of the most well-known wineries in the area has a tasting room just outside of town. Make sure to stop by Round Barn Wineries Tasting Room for a real Southwest Michigan experience.
I’ve highlighted this restaurant all on its own so there’s no reason not to add it to the list of things to do in New Buffalo. The Stray Dog offers fantastic lakeside dining views and a consistently solid menu.
You can also order delicious cocktails or local craft brews to accompany your meal. Stop by the Gear Shop and become a part of the Stray Dog family.
For those who are looking to elevate their excitement, Four Winds Casino New Buffalo is close by. Not only can you place a healthy wager, but you can also treat yourself to a nice meal or catch an act on their main stage.
Why limit your adventure to dry land? There are several charter fishing boats that will take you out into the middle of the lake to catch fish you might not even know are in Lake Michigan. In addition to lake perch and northern pike, seafarers also come away with salmon and trout on a regular basis.
There truly is something to do for every taste and every season in New Buffalo. Located less than 70 miles from Chicago, this makes a great destination for getaway seekers across Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. If you don’t plan on camping out at one of the nearby state parks, there are plenty of quaint rental options both inland and close to shore.
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