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For Family, Four Seasons, For Fun!



EXPLORE RIVER COUNTRY

• Dine with the Amish
• Ski Swiss Valley
Enjoy shopping in Sturgis and Three Rivers 
Explore local spiritual centers
Canoe, kayak, rent boats and fish on our many lakes and rivers
Experience the Three Rivers
Ask about our exciting bus tours.

Click box again for larger screen. Enjoy the five minute video

River Country in Southwestern Michigan offers skiing,bicycling, canoeing, photography and a variety of sights and activities for all.  Southwestern Michigan's River Country features six distinct rivers for your adventurous spirit.  We're the place to go for a relaxing weekend of history, wine tasting, shopping and dining. St. Joseph County in Southwestern Michigan has beautiful parks, peaceful bed and breakfast inns and offers some of the best golf in the state with hotel packages.  Make your plans now to visit and experience the hidden treasures that can only be found in River Country of Southwestern Michigan!


THE 2010 RIVER COUNTRY VISITOR'S GUIDE

Watch for the 2010 Visitor's Guide, available soon at hundreds of locations throughout Michigan and Ohio. Locations include:

• AAA Michigan Offices
• 80/90 Toll Road
• Coldwater and all Michigan Welcome Centers
• Local River Country Libraries
• River Country City and Municipal Offices
• River Country Lodging Facilities

 For the full list, please click here.

This is your comprehensive guide to River Country, with all the up-to-date information on attractions, events, restaurants, campgrounds, canoeing shopping and more!

 

 

 

events calendar

Winter Fun: Swiss Valley

All  of February

Check out the many packages available at Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area.

Home School Specials  February 1,8,16 & 22

Special Rates for Home School Students & Families. Call for details: 269.244.5635

www.SkiSwissValley.com

DISCOVER WINTER NIGHT

February 6 & 13, 2010

From 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm enjoy lighted cross country skiing, lighted inner tube sledding, bonfire, refreshments every Saturday.  Horse drawn sleigh rides planned for Jan 2 with additional dates pending.

Entrance fee is $2.00 per person. Sleigh Ride Fee is $2.00 per person.

LOCATION: T.K. Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run, Vandalia  269-445-8611 Please call if snow conditions are questionable.

WINTER FUN DAYS

February 7 & 21 & 28, 2010

From 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm enjoy tubing on a three run hill, cross country skiing through tall pines or scale a 30 food tower of ice! All equipment is provided and kids under 5 are free.

Tubing and cross country skiing $3, both for $5 and ice climbing is $6.  Groups welcome, call ahead to assist us in planning a great experience for you.

LOCATION: Bair Lake Bible Camp, 12500 Prang Street, Jones 269-244-5193 or 888-899-7712 www.blbc.com

Friday Nite Scrapbooking Crops

February 5,12, 26

Magic Moments Scrapbooking, from 5-11:00 p.m. $5 per person

Location: 104 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis 269.651.4300

"WHITE LIARS AND BLACK COMEDY"

February 26-28 & March 5-7 2010

TWO PLAYS IN ONE!

White Liars revolves around Sophie Lemberg, an eccentric and disillusioned fortune teller (who imagines herself to be a baroness of the Holy Roman Empire) living in a decaying seaside resort, and the two younger men - Tom, the lead singer in a rock band, and Frank, his business manager - who consult her.  It soon becomes clear that their lives are much stranger than the fiction Sophie tries to create in her magic ball.

Black Comedy focuses on Brindsley Miller, an opportunistic young sculptor who is facing one of the most important evenings in his life, the night in which he is to meet both the tyrannical father of his debutante fiancée and a millionaire patron of the arts capable of making his career.  Just before his guests arrive, a fuse blows, plunging his South Kensington apartment into darkness.

Call for show times and tickets.

LOCATION: Three Rivers Community Players, Three Rivers 269-273-1121 www.trcp.homestead.com

 

Tangled Threads Quilt Club of Sturgis

April 16, 2010

International Quilts, Rosemont, Ill.

For details calls: 269.467.8114

OFFICIAL OPENING DAY!

May 1st, 2010

Cranberry Lake Campground will be open and ready for campers beginning May 1st.  Make your plans now for a fun-filled family camping experience!

LOCATION: Cranberry Lake Campground, Marcellus 269-646-3336 www.campcranberrylake.com

 

"DAMN YANKEES"

May 7-9 & 14-16, 2010

Real estate salesman Joe Boyd is a fanatical follower of the Boston Red Sox, much to the dismay of his wife Meg.  He hates those "Damn Yankees" for continually winning the pennant, and in an incautious moment swears he'd sell his soul to prevent them from winning again.  A dapper Mr. Applegate (the Devil) pounces on this offer, but in a moment of weakness, does allow Joe to have an escape clause.  Joe is transformed into "Joe Hardy" and is an immediate sensation as he helps the Red Sox turn their season around.  Throw in a seductive temptress, Lola, employed by Mr. Applegate, a nosy reporter, Gloria, and America's favorite past-time and you never know who is gonna save your soul!

Call for show times and tickets.

LOCATION: Three Rivers Community Players, Three Rivers 269-273-1121 www.trcp.homestead.com

 

"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF JR."

June 24-27, 2010

Set in the little village of Anatevka, this epic piece of theater tells the story of Tevye, a poor dairyman, as he tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of their small, tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.  Its charm, humor, warmth, honesty and universal themes cut across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion and will bring the world of the theater to your very own backyard.

The Apple Crate Kids is the children's version of the Three Rivers Community Players, made up of actors from the elementary and middle-school grades.

Call for show times and tickets.

LOCATION: Three Rivers Community Players, Three Rivers 269-273-1121 www.trcp.homestead.com

 

 

 

For the complete River Country events calendar, please visit our calendar section.

 

Watch our site for weekly updates.

Call 1-800-447-2821 for more information.


"...the Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, kindred tribes, we believe, had still a footing in Michigan proper, and were to be found in considerable numbers in what was called the St. Joseph's country, or along the banks of the stream of that name; a region that almost merits the lofty appellation of the garden of America."

From The Works of James Fenimore Cooper


VISITOR TESTIMONIALS

Mike: Fri. 2010 2 January 2010 09:44:02-0700

This season has been amazing so far.  I have skied down Graduation at every visit since the beginning of the season with the exception of the first week.  I can remember seasons where that didn't happen once!

Even with the latest warm temperatures I am amazed at how great the skiing has been.

I'd like to thank JW, Jamie and the whole crew at Swiss Valley for making this such a great place to spend the time with my family and friends.

"Thank you for arranging the one tank trip that we won through The River 100.3 radio station in Grand Rapids. 

Although I believe we chose the three hottest days of the year to visit Southwestern Michigan, we enjoyed our time.  Larry and Carol Higgins were very kind hosts at Arrowhead Cove Bed and Breakfast.

We enjoyed our golf immensely at Angel's Crossing and Pineview.  Everyone was most accommodating with our gift certificates.  It was very interesting to visit all of the surrounding towns. 

Thank you once again."

Janet and Delmar Fast, Rockford MI

"It was a pleasure to talk to you while we were in Michigan.  Between you, Carol, Larry and the Visitor's Guide to River Country, we had an awesome time in Michigan!

We had a glorious time at Arrowhead Cove B&B with Carol and Larry.  Our room was warm and spacious.  From our Joy & Inspiration Room we had beautiful sunrise views over the spacious farm and glorious sunsets overlooking Portage Lake.  Breakfasts were fresh and yummy with many ingredients coming from Carol's garden.  Their outstanding hospitality made us feel a part of the family.

Where did we go and what did we eat?

We ate at Fisher Lake Inn where the food and service were very good.  Sit outside or by the window and enjoy seafood and Fisher Lake.  River Lake Inn Restaurant Gardens & Tours was our Favorite!  What a beautiful place to eat, excellent service, great food and a personalized tour of beautiful gardens and wildlife.  Marv takes great pride in his gardens and Anita makes outstanding rum cakes!  On our last morning, after we picked up all the kids from camp, we stopped by the Oasis Restaurant.  Our children loved the Belgian strawberry waffles with ice cream and were happy they weren't eating "camp food"!

Diamond D Ranch is a fun place to ride. Trails are through the woods, along a stream and open fields.: 269.651.4300

Shopping... Amish Country is great.  Chupp's Herbs, Spring Creek General Store, Michiana Log Furniture (outstanding craftsmanship).

I almost forgot the beautiful lakes... Portage, Corey, Fisher, Diamond and many more.  It's interesting how everyone gives directions via the lakes. 

Again, we had a glorious time staying at Arrowhead Cove B&B, traveling through River Country and Shipshewana, Indiana and we look forward to returning next year."

Ernest & Renee Patrick, Columbia MD


SPECIAL LODGING DEALS & PACKAGES

To make that getaway just a little bit more special, check out the local Hotels, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts.  Many offer special packages for simple romantic touches, discounted activities and special rates!  Many of our lodging facilities also offer golf and ski packages.  Be sure to call and ask for details. 

Check out our Lodging Ledger to learn more about the local haunts, upcoming events and specials offered at our lodging facilities.

HOTELS
America's Best Value Inn & Suites-Three Rivers, 269-273-8100  Pet friendly.  All of the rooms include fridge, microwave and dishwasher and some offer two TVs in a unit!  Also included in your stay is breakfast where you can make your own waffles! 

Hampton Inn-Sturgis, 269-651-4210  Enjoy an indoor pool and spa, hot breakfast, cable and fax.  Be sure to take advantage of our complimentary On The House hot breakfast.  If you are in a hurry or running late don't forget our complimentary Hampton's On the Run Breakfast Bag and a bottle of water.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites-Three Rivers 269-278-7766  Indoor pool and spa.  Complimentary continental breakfast with sausage included.

Regency Inn-Sturgis, 269-651-7881 Outdoor pool, wireless internet, banquet facilities, continental breakfast that includes donuts, muffins, two kinds of fruit, two kinds of cereal, coffee and juice.

River Country Super 8-Three Rivers 269-279-8888  Heated indoor pool, cable TV, phone modems and continental breakfast included.  Enjoy dinner with your family on the patio.

MOTELS
America's Best Value Inn-Sturgis, 269-651-2361

Little Country Inn-White Pigeon, 269-483-7770

Plaza Motel-White Pigeon, 269-483-7785

Spartan Motel-Three Rivers 269-278-1615

Sturgis Express-Sturgis 269-651-8505 "Every Night, Just Right" Outdoor pool.

The Wood Motel-Sturgis 269-651-2391 Kids stay free! Cable TV w/HBO, ESPN and CNN

BED & BREAKFASTS
Arrowhead Cove-Mendon, 866-882-2683  A spirit-filled, lakeside retreat.  new timber frame home on Portage Lake.  Wheelchair accessible.

T & R Inn Between the Lakes-Three Rivers, 269-244-5620  Surrounded by woods and lakes for a quiet getaway. 

T & R SPECIAL: If you are a Senior (AARP age & up), Military (Active, Reserve, Guard or retired) or a Public Servant (Police, Firefighter, Federal, State and City Employee) take advantage of our special just for you! 

Voyager's Inn-Three Rivers, 269-279-9260  Step through our door and back to a time of elegance.


FISHER LAKE INN

Fisher Lake Inn offers the best of all worlds.  Dinner on the patio overlooking the lake, inside with an equally beautiful view of the lake (I recommend table 31), or cozy tables near the fire to take the chill off.  Reservations are recommended for that special seating table or for large groups.

Decorations set the mood and you can count on every corner of Fisher Lake Inn to be decked out for those special holidays.

Open for lunch and dinner, Fisher Lake Inn offers a full soup and salad bar that is a meal on it's own and in addition, a delectable selection of steak, seafood, prime rib and much more. 

 

Fisher Lake Inn offers dinner specials Wednesday - Sunday.  Every Sunday offers Bloody Marys and Reuben sandwiches, Tuesday special is always Bluegill and Beef while Friday regularly serves Clam Chowder. 

 

With your dinner, enjoy adult drinks from a classic Top Shelf Margarita to their own Fisher Lake Inn Coffee with Baileys Irish Cream, topped with whipped cream and finished with a splash of Kahlua. 


SUNDAY BUFFET

Sturges Young Auditorium offers a Sunday Buffet every Sunday.  Breakfast Buffet runs from 9:30 to 1:30 and a Lunch Buffet is added from 11:30 to 1:30.  You can have one or the other or both.  Breakfast is $8.50, Lunch is $10.50 and Brunch is $13.00.  201 N Nottawa, Sturgis 269-651-8541 www.sturgesyoung.com


RIVER COUNTRY GOLF SPECIALS

To hear all of the golfing opportunities available to you in River Country, click here This audio spot was recorded at WLKM studios.

Island Hills Golf Club-Centreville, 269-467-7261   Exclusive rates for all River Country Lodgers: $39.00 per person weekdays and $45.00 per person on weekends.  Cart included.  Just mention that you are a River Country lodger.

Pine View Golf Club-Three Rivers, 269-279-5131 Exclusive rates for all River Country Lodgers: $25.00 per round riding, any day of the week.  Just mention that you are a River Country lodger.

Sauganash Golf Club-Three Rivers, 269-278-7825 Exclusive rates for all River Country Lodgers: $20.00 per person - 18 holes riding weekdays and $25.00 per person - 18 holes riding weekends.  Just mention that you are a River Country lodger.

St. Joe Valley Golf Club-Sturgis, 269-467-6275  Monday - Friday Special: Mention "River Country" and receive 18 holes with cart for just $22.00! Offer good Mon-Fri from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm.


SELF-GUIDED DRIVING TOURS

Use one of our suggested self-guided tours below to help plan your visit to River Country.  Each tour is designed to pique your interest and help you discover your favorite parts of this beautiful area!  For more details on the self-guided tours below click here

 Amish Tour  Historic Water Trails
 Art Tour  Historical Tour
 Birdwatching  Little Bit of Everything Tour
 Garden Tour  Peddle Tours of the B&B's
 Girlfriend's Getaway  Shopaholics Tour
 Golf Weekend  Wine Tours
   

 


EXPLORE OUR HIDDEN GEMS

Plan Your All-Season Vacation with us!

  • Ski at Swiss Valley and enjoy a New Year’s Eve Party on the slopes

  • Take in concerts and exhibits at the Carnegie Center for the Arts

  • Scout Amish buggies in Athens or Leonidas

  • Enjoy the River Walk in Mendon

  • Visit quaint shops in Sturgis and Three Rivers

  • Drive through our red covered bridge, the longest in the State

  • Enjoy a spiritual retreat

  • at one of our six retreat centers
  • Handpick your Christmas Tree at Timberly Tree Farm in Sturgis

  • Stock up on one-of-a-kind items at our Amish shops

 

 

Updated 02012010  
 
© 2004 by River Country Tourism, All Rights Reserved.

 
 

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