dune ride in Michigan + questions about southwest Michigan
 

Is there anywhere to go for a dune ride within a 45 min. drive of St. Joseph, MI? I will probably stay in St. Joseph and drive to South Haven on one of the days.

A dune ride somewhere between Chicago and South Haven would also be good. Any recommendations? I don't want to drive all the way to Silver Lake, MI.

I am travelling with a 3 and 5 year old. Is there anything interesting to do in South Haven? Restaurant recommendations for St. Joseph or South Haven would also be good.

I was also wondering which beaches are better for small children. The one at the beach at St. Joseph or the beach at South Haven?

We loved the Silver Beach County Park when we went there last year. My impression is that South Haven has a better downtown. I might go to the beach at St. Joseph and then go to South Haven in the evening.

There's a dune ride in Saugatuck (15 min north of SH)

What about Warren Dunes? Exit 16 (Bridgeman I think) It is about 5 min. south of St.Joseph off of I94. St. Joseph Beach has a cool pier to walk down, Silver Beach has a playground on the beach, and Warren Dunes has a huge sand dune to climb.

Although I have not been there in many years, I remember Tosi's Restaurant as being really good. It is the only restaurant where I have seen fried zuchini flowers on the menu. We bought them by the platter!

http://www.tosis.com/

Also Tabor Hill Winery has a restaurant.

http://www.taborhill.com

I know these are not exactly in St Joe. But they are very nice.

There is a Maritime Museum in Soouth Haven. Or you can go on a sailboat cruise with Cat's Meow Cruises.

that Tabor Hill winery restaurant is quite nice, with a calm pleasing view