Amish Meandering & Self-Guided Tours

River Country’s Self-Guided Tours

To help plan your trip to River Country, please visit the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce. These people have their thumb on the pulse of the area and can help you find those little known treasures of the area. Call 800-447-2821 or click here to request a ‘visitor packet’ prepared with information to make your trip to River Country a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Amish Tour

The Amish community located in the Centreville area, is the largest and oldest in Michigan. Settled back in 1910, the Amish have several church districts with both Swiss Amish and Pennsylvania German-ethnicity Amish groups. Discover history and heritage, intriguing attractions, countryside and friendly communities. Take a few days from the ‘grind’ to enjoy a quieter world. Watch for horse drawn buggies clip clopping along country roads-catch glimpses of Amish life – cars and electricity are not part of Amish life.
Drive through the Langley Covered Bridge, Michigan’s longest remaining covered bridge at a length of 282 feet, located just three miles north of M-86, Centreville. From there, travel south on Covered Bridge Road into Centreville. Head east on M-86 (Main St.) and stop in at Yoder’s Country Market to pick up some lunch, pastas, homemade salads, meats and cheeses. The pulled pork and ribs are fantastic! Hop back on M-86 and head east to Rambadt Rd. Turn left and travel north to Truckenmiller Rd and turn right (east). Miller’s Discount Store will be on the south side of the road. This gas lit Amish store has a large variety of herbs, pastas and grains, along with meats and cheese. Get back on Truckenmiller Road and travel east to Bucknell Rd. Turn left and head north to Wasepi Rd. Turn right and head east on Wasepi Rd to Bubbling Brook Farm where you can visit a CSA farm where, if he has extra produce, you can pick up some fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables (in season). Travel east on Wasepi Rd to Country Side Greenhouse and Produce. There you can find seasonal fruits, veggies, flowers, hanging baskets and more. Head east again on Wasepi Rd and turn right on Nottawa Rd and head south to Michiana Log Furniture & Rustic Works store. There are usually many Amish buggies parked in the parking lot, a great photo op. When you’ve finished shopping, head south on Nottawa Rd which takes you back to M-86. If you turn right and head west on M-86, you will return to Centreville. This is a great excursion for the whole family. Many Amish farms reside on these roads so don’t forget your camera. Please keep in mind that the Amish value privacy and would rather not have their picture taken although there are many buggies traveling the roads or parked at these businesses that make great photos while respecting the Amish way of life.

Art Tour

Our small towns are home to many writers and artists who are no longer plugged into the big cities. We boast of serious art and it is definitely worth a “hey look me over”. Visit the Carnegie Center for the Arts in Three Rivers which has exhibits throughout the year. Open Door Gallery in Sturgis has a variety of art by local artists and beyond.

Bed and Breakfast Sight-Seeing Tour

Begin your day at the T & R Inn Between the Lakes with a sunrise boating adventure on Corey Lake. Stop in at Corey Lake Orchards for U-Pick veggies and fruit. Check out their brandy tasting room. Visit the Langley Covered Bridge, north of Centreville and the Marantette House, south of Mendon.

Take a step back in time driving through Amish Country then finish up with a relaxing sunset dinner at Fisher Lake Inn, Three Rivers. Enjoy their steaks, prime rib, seafood or their wonderful soup and salad bar.

Birdwatching

River Country is an excellent place to bird watch. View various species that make their homes along our vast rivers and around our enchanting lakes. Take in the Hummingbird Festival at River Lake Inn Restaurant and Gardens every July.

Visit some of the Cass County Parks or St. Joseph County Parks for some great bird watching opportunities. For more information on local birds and what to look for, contact Nottawa Wild Bird Seed at 269-659-8777.

Garden Tour

Drive or cycle to our ‘beauty spots’. Whatever the season, Rawson’s King Mill Park offers a tranquil, beautiful setting for a quiet moment amongst nature. Capture some great photo opportunities of the working grist mill or the dam cascading into Nottawa Creek.

From there you can make your way across to Simpson Road (across Nottawa Road Bridge) and take a drive past the garden of Sarah Stewart, author of The Gardener, The Library and many other well known children’s books. Enjoy dinner at River Lake Inn Restaurant and Gardens. During the summer months, hummingbird feeders surround the restaurant while deer graze in the yard during the winter months. Take a leisurely stroll after dinner through the vast gardens and trails. Take time to smell the flowers!

Girlfriends Getaway

This is the place for scrapbooking, art classes, bar hopping and shopping. Make your lodging reservations to stay and enjoy a trip to the 2^nd Sunday Antique and Collectibles Market and shopping at the Tree Of Life or R & J’s Gifts in Centreville. Three Rivers boasts of hand crafted jewelry at UniQ, crafts at The Craft Fair or unique gifts at World Fare. Sturgis offers scrapbooking supplies at Magic Moments Scrapbooking or the Dutch Kuntry Corner. Take a horseback ride at the Diamond D Ranch.

See Rawson’s King Mill Park and look for the stone marker, identifying the landing site of aliens-one mile west of Leonidas on King Road. Take in some entertainment at Three Rivers Community Players, Sturges-Young Auditorium or the Riviera Theatre and don’t forget to enjoy some Italian cuisine at DaVinci’s Restaurant in Sturgis.

Golf Weekend

Set aside a weekend to stay and enjoy a golf marathon! Explore the variety of golf courses that challenge all skill levels including Freedom Hills, Island Hills Golf Club, Pine View Golf Club, Sauganash Golf Club, Spruce Ridge Golf Club and St. Joe Valley Golf Club.

Historic Water Trails

For your canoeing and kayaking adventure, be sure to check out Doe-Wah Jack’s Canoe Rental, Liquid Therapy or the Trading Post Canoe Rental. All have several trips of varying times and challenges to suit any group or individual.

Much has been said over the years about River Country’s unique ecology. With more navigable rivers than any other county in Michigan, this area has an abundance of flora, fauna, fish and fowl. It’s importance to local history, commerce, trade and development makes River Country a must see.

Click here or call 800-447-2821, to request a free copy of the Canoeing & Kayaking Guide. This offers a glimpse of the importance of the river systems to the early settlers and Indians that made their homes along the rivers. Historical landmarks, beautiful scenery and wildlife will heighten your senses while paddling the waterways of River Country.

Historical Tour

Travel through time as you learn about how Notre Dame originally planned on St. Joseph County as its location of choice and then moved. How the “Trail of Tears” affected Michigan’s Native Americans and what made the Amish settle here.

For historical information, events or planning a visit to one of our historical places, contact the St. Joseph County Historical Society. Governor John S. Barry House, Marantette House, Memory Isle Park, Morse-Scoville House, Nottawa Stone School House, and the Silliman House are just a sampling of the history here in River Country.

Historical Bridges in River Country

Buckner Road Bridge/Buckner Rd./ St. Joseph River-1900
(single span truss bridge)
Cowling Road Bridge/Cowling Rd./Rocky River-date unknown
(concrete deck arch bridge, scenic abandoned bridge)
Haybridge Bridge/Haybridge Rd/Fawn River-1912
(half-hip Pratt pony truss bridge with pinned connections)
(closed to vehicle traffic in2009)
Langley Covered Bridge/Covered Bridge Rd./ St. Joseph River-1887
(timber truss bridge, open to vehicle traffic)
Mottville Camelback Bridge/US-12 / St. Joseph River-1922
(concrete 90 ft. plan curved chord through girder bridge)
(pedestrian use only)
M-86 Bridge/Three Rivers/ St. Joseph River-1920
(concrete arch structure bridge, open to vehicle traffic)
M-86 Bridge/Prairie River-originally built in 1923, rebuilt in 1938
(Parker Pony truss bridge, open to vehicle traffic)
Marrantette or Railroad Street Bridge/St. Joseph River-1900
(Pratt through truss bridge with pinned connections)
(scenic abandoned bridge)

Bicycling Through River Country

For the cycling enthusiast you can choose to cycle our Amish area. Bring your own bike or arrange for the hire of a bike through the Innkeeper. Fall colors and spring Dogwoods offer scenic beauty next to none. Cycling tours are offered from Inn to Inn for a very picturesque tour of Southwest Michigan. Check with T & R Inn Between the Lakes B&B for more information.

This is for experienced cyclists who enjoy a challenge as well as the novice who wants to expand on their biking capabilities. Start at an Inn of your choice and bike leisurely to the next Inn. Participating Innkeepers will shuttle your luggage and car to the next Inn whilst you enjoy your bike tour. Bike maps are available from the Inns or you can click here to request a free bike map, or call 800-447-2821. Pricing is based on lodging at each Inn, length of stay, any equipment needed, meals, etc. Be sure to stop in at Kickstand Schwinn Cyclery for your bicycling needs or repairs.

Shopaholics Tour

Calling all shopaholics! Have we got a weekend for you. There is so much great stuff to do you will want to be sure to plan for at least two days! Start your weekend in Three Rivers and check out such unique shops as Love Your Mother for natural and Earth friendly products, Centsible Treasures for antiques and gentle used goods. If you enjoy books, check out Lowry’s Books or the Stray Dog Bookstore. Head over to Constantine and find that unique gift at The What-Not Shop. Take in a movie or concert in Three Rivers at the Riviera Theatre after enjoying a great meal at Brewster’s Junction.

Give your second day a magical start at Abbott’s Magic Company or Fab Magic to see some of the world’s greatest magic props. Enjoy an Amish shopping experience at Miller’s Discount Store or Yoder’s Country Market for some great meats, cheeses, homemade salads and dried goods. While in Centreville, check out the Tree of Life featuring specialty gifts, cards, jewelry, and lake art. Finish your day in Sturgis at the Open Door Gallery for those unique gifts. Enjoy a great meal at Fiesta Mexicana or DaVinci’s Italian Restaurant and check with Sturges-Young Auditorium for evening entertainment.

Don’t forget to check the River Country website for local events to make your stay truly memorable.

Sports Tour

Get your heart rate going and build a day around the sporting opportunities offered in the area. Begin your day with a light breakfast at the Oasis Restaurant then get started with some skateboarding at the local skate park in Three Rivers. Cool off with a swim at Nottawa Park on Sand Lake or rent a pontoon boat through Pat’s Pontoon Services. Water enthusiasts visit Colon Bait and Tackle on your way to your favorite fishing spot. Check out the lakes in St. Joseph or Cass County. Corey-On-The-Lake Marina offers boat rentals on beautiful Corey Lake. Enjoy lunch at Fiesta Mexicana then continue on to Cade Lake Campground for some swimming or fishing. Boat and fishing tackle rental available at Cade Lake Campground. Dr. T K Lawless Park in Cass County has mountain bike trails to challenge any skill level. Disc golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of disc golf at Dr. T K Lawless Park or Meyer Broadway Park.

Winter Wonderland

St. Joseph County has more to offer than just summer activities; there are plenty of winter sites to keep you moving all winter long. Bundle up the family and have a blast this winter with a Winter Wonderland tour!

Head out to Corey Lake in Three Rivers and enjoy some great old-fashioned ice fishing. After you catch enough fish, make your way to Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones for some downhill skiing or enjoy the snowboard terrain park.

Meyer Broadway Park in St. Joseph County and Dr. T K Lawless Park in Cass County, offers cross country skiing and lighted tubing for the whole family.

If you are looking for that special family Christmas tree, a must stop is the Timberly Tree Farm. Fresh cut or U-Cut trees are available with a warm barn to take the chill off. Pick up some Christmas wreaths and other items for your family Christmas. Enjoy a night at the eloquent Voyager’s Inn B & B in Three Rivers or try the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and the Super 8 in Three Rivers offering a heated indoor pool.

Amish Meandering

In a plain, unadorned country kitchen, two long wooden tables covered with white tablecloths and an assortment of mismatched china are piled high with bowls and platters filled with meats, salads and vegetables.

The food has been made on several stoves, one fueled by wood, the others by kerosene. The sweet ketchup used to top the meatloaf and the applesauce were taken from the cellar below where they sat on long shelves among other jars filled with foods put up for the winter.

Young girls, dressed in pale pastel dresses and white bonnets, move swiftly, slicing freshly made bread, cutting chocolate cream and apple cream pies, heaping more pork tenderloin, taken from pigs raised here, on plates. The lard used to make the flaky pie crusts came from the same pigs, rendered by the women of the house.

Kerosene lanterns mounted on the wall or small candles light the rooms, which include two kitchens, one for summer use to fight against the heat. The flickering light is not for effect.

We are in an Amish home, one that sometimes is open to outsiders for meals by appointment only. Electricity is eschewed here, hard work is not. The people who own this home raise most of their own food, putting it up for the winter. Even the soap is hand-made.

The food served is typical Amish fare. After all, to maintain their level of labor, most Amish men must consume an average 8,000 calories a day; Amish women, 4,000. Despite these high caloric numbers, the need to diet appears not to exist here.

Outside of the Amish homestead, past white barns, grazing animals and a long green lawn, flows Nottawa Creek. Gather your friends and plan an authentic Amish meal by calling our toll-free number 800-447-2821.

Drive Carefully in Amish Country

Relax, slow down and enjoy the view. The Amish communities’ major mode of transportation is by horse and buggy. While the horses are accustomed to being on the road, please be careful and keep a respectable distance. Discover Amish craftsmanship at the various wood shops in St. Joseph County. Explore this unique world and discover another of the hidden treasures of River Country.

Begin your journey into Michigan’s Amish Country by stopping in Centreville at Miller’s Discount Store and Yoder’s Country Market for some great Amish food, meats and cheeses. Enjoy beautiful craftsmanship at Michiana Log Furniture & Rustic Works, northeast of Centreville. Take the roads less traveled to view working Amish farms, the plowing of fields with their work horses and the beautiful farms and gardens.

Enjoy these Amish businesses; store hours vary and are closed on Sundays.

Burr Oak:

Covenant Church*
32969 Custer Rd.
Phone: 269-432-3744
website

Maple Lane Buggy Shop
27324 Londick Rd.
Phone: 269-659-2099

Schwanda Doors
62306 Needham Rd.
Phone: 269-489-5194

Whispering Wood Creation
27410 Londick Rd.
Phone: 269-659-2099

Centreville:

Bubbling Brook Farm*
An organic CSA. Stop in and enjoy a tour of
the farm and, when available, enjoy the bounty
of fresh fruits and vegetables.
25374 Wasepi Rd.
Phone: 269-467-4661

Country Side Greenhouse & Produce
25920 Wasepi Rd.
Phone: 269-467-4967

Green Valley Harness & Welding Shop
23471 Corner Rd.
Phone: 269-467-4935

Hochstetler Greenhouse & Nursery
Truckenmiller Rd.

Hochstetler’s Saw Mill
24700 Walter Rd.

J & D Woodworking
59090 M-66

J & K Paint Shop
60176 M-66
Phone: 269-659-3042

M & E Cedar Works
59222 M-66

Michiana Log Furniture & Rustic Works
59287 Nottawa Rd.

Miller Garden Repair
27693 Marvin Rd.

Miller’s Discount Store*
A variety store offering groceries, bulk spices,
grains, specialty flours and a huge selection
of candy. Cheese, glassware, wonderful baked
goods and unique items. Enjoy this gas-lit
shopping experience.
24029 Truckenmiller Rd.
Phone: 269-467-4935

Yoder Welding
59354 M-66

Yoder’s Country Market*
Quality meats, homemade salads and baked
goods. Bulk foods, pastas, a large variety of
cheeses and Amish crafted lawn furniture.
375 Eleanor Dr.
Phone: 269-467-4856
website