|
Art & Museums
After a sunning at the beach and night on the town, plan your next day around learning. You can explore our past, from Native American history, early settlers, and maritime history to the religious colony with a baseball team, a famous horticulturist, runaway slaves, lighthouse keepers and local artists. Learn about the history of the bicycle, old shipwrecks, see the most complete mastodon skeleton in Michigan or get some hands-on experience at a kids' museum.
Hard copy information online order form
Andrews Museum of Natural History
Andrews University, Price Hall
Berrien Springs, MI 49104
269.471.3243
In 1960 the Andrews University Biology Department established the Museum of Natural History around the nucleus of a few specimens used for teaching. It has since developed into a display used by students and visited by hundreds of people annually. The most complete skeleton of a woolly mammoth to be found in Michigan is displayed in the museum, which is located on the lower level of Price Hall. Several donations have contributed collections of over 30,000 marine shells, 1,600 birds and 1,400 mammals, as well as hundreds of butterflies and other insects. The museum also includes over 5,000 botanical specimens in the herbarium section and a collection of antique microscopes.
Directions:
I-94 Exit 28, M139/Old U.S. 31, southeast 8 miles to Berrien Springs. Andrews will be on the left.
Andrews University Architecture Resource Center
Andrews University, Achitecture Building
Berrien Springs, MI 49104
269.471.2417
Maintained by the highly ranked Andrews University Division of Architecture, the Andrews Architectural Resource Center (ARC) houses several important and valuable collections of architectural research materials. The ARC includes the Environmental Design and Research Association Collection, the most comprehensive in the discipline of environmental behavior as it relates to architecture and design.
Directions:
I-94 Exit 28, M139/Old U.S. 31, southeast 8 miles to Berrien Springs. Andrews will be on the left.
Box Factory for the Arts
1101 Broad Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269.983.3688
Contact: Mike Murphy
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Sunday 1-4:00 p.m.
GPS [42.1062° N, 86.4765° W]
The Box Factory for the Arts owned by the Berrien Artists' Guild, has three galleries, a gift shop, a stage and seating for concerts and plays, and 34 resident artists. The artists include: Yvonne Blasy - painting, Tom Conrad - air brush, Marilyn Fryer - painting, Tom Fuller - painting, B.J. Goetz - painting, Wendy Harding - painting, Elaine Harju - painting, Jen Heer & family - fused glass, Susan Henshaw - painting, Rebecca Hungerford - pewter, Sherry Hyink - painting, Lorie Jerperson - painting, Mark Kalenevitch - glass, Jan Kimball - Ceramics, David Knight - photography, Cheri Lesauskis - jewelry, Tim MacDonald - painting, Margie Mitchell - painting, Karen Murphy - painting/digital art, K.V. Rathnam - framing/photography, Midnite Remisoski - painting/drawing, Randy Robinson - music, Becky Rotter - ceramics, Anna Russo-Sieber - ceramics, Ruth Ryberg - mural painting, Susan Schirmer - painting, Marie Slonkosky - painting, Jan Sonneman - painting, Denise Tackett - writing, Tom Tackett - photography, Anne Vandermolen - writing/printmaking, Susan Weldert - ceramics, Bob Williams - painting and Christina Worthington - ceramics.
For a schedule of events and photos see link to boxfactoryforthearts.org
Handicap accessible
Admission:
No admission fee.
Directions:
To find the Box Factory for the Arts: from Main Street in downtown St. Joseph take Broad Street east about five blocks. Look for a brick building on the left side.
To get to Main Street from the north, M-63 will cross Blossomland Bridge, Broad Street is two blocks from the bridge.
From the south, leave I-94 at the St. Joseph exit 23 to Red Arrow Highway, travel north on Red Arrow, which will lead to Main Street.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
Curious Kids' Museum
415 Lake Boulevard
St Joseph, MI 49085
269.983.2543 Fax: 269.983.3317
Hours: Michigan Time: Summer Mon-Sat, 10-5 and Sun 12-5
Sept-June Wed-Sat 10-5 and Sunday 12-5
GPS [42.1091° N, 86.4835° W]
Touch, see, hear, smell and taste the wonders of the world. The Curious Kids' Museum is a hands-on children's museum dedicated to stimulating the curiosity of children from 1-102 with educational exhibits and programs which challenge the senses and offer unique learning opportunities. More than just a series of exhibits- explore science and areas of special interest at workshops and family programs scheduled throughout the year.
Reader's Choice Award- The Herald Palladium "Best Museum" and "Best Place to Take Kids" in Southwestern Michigan" 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999.
Outreach Program:
Our Outreach program goes "on the road" to schools and community events. Topics include Dinomania, Mysteries of Magnets, Mineral Kingdon, Totally Tropical Rainforest, Simple Machines-More Power, and the StarLab. The StarLab is our portable Planetarium sponsored by The Fredrick S. Upton Foundation. A great place for learning about Space, Weather, Mission to Mars, Math Around the World Programs, African Skies and many more. These are but a few of the Traveling Hands-On Discovery Exhibits and programs follow Michigan Benchmarks while touching on culture, history and art in an open-ended manner. Outreach reaches 10,000 children annually.
For detailed information, visit the Curious Kids' Museum Web Page
Handicap accessible
Admission:
$4.00 per person age one & up
Directions:
From Chicago, Exit 23 (I-94), follow Lakeshore Dr north to downtown St Joseph, turn left on Broad St, go 2 blocks and turn left on Lake Blvd.
From Detroit or Kalamazoo, Exit 27 (I-94), follow Niles Rd north to downtown St Joseph, turn left on Broad St., go 2 blocks, and turn left on Lake Blvd.
From Grand Rapids, Exit 7 (I-196), follow M-63 south to downtown St Joseph, turn right on Broad St, go 2 blocks then turn left on Lake Blvd.
From South Bend, Follow US-31 north to M-63 to downtown St Joseph, turn left on Broad St., go 2 blocks, and turn left on Lake Blvd.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum
Museum location:
903 Bailey Avenue
South Haven, MI 49090
Hours: Open Tuesday and Friday 2-4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
GPS [42.3913° N, 86.2641° W]
One of the earliest houses in the South Haven area, this National Historic Site is the birthplace of the Horticulturalist Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey. Throughout his life Dr. Bailey worked to make scientific knowledge available to the average gardener. His extensive research, collection and writings on horticulture specific to the small property owner are still a great resource to professional and hobbyist alike. In addition to common items used by the Bailey family, the museum contains a collection of items common to farmsteads in the late 19th and early 20th century, such as tools, furnishings, and children's toys.
Sorry, we're not handicap accessible.
MapLink
Fort St Joseph Museum
508 E Main St
Niles, MI 49120
269.683.4702 Fax: 269.684.3930
Contact: Carol Bainbridge
Hours: Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm
GPS [41.8297° N, 86.2537° W]
The Fort Saint Joseph Museum has a wide variety of collections, including artifacts from Fort St Joseph, pictographs drawn by Lacota/Sioux Chief Sitting Bull and Victorian decorative arts. The museum's exhibits tell the story of early Niles and the contributions its businesses and citizens have made to the world.
First floor handicap accessible.
Directions:
Take I-94 to Business 31 south. Business 31 south goes into Niles. Or take I-80-90 (Tollroad) to 31/33 north (a South Bend, IN exit). 31/33 north goes directly into Niles. The museum is at the corner of 5th and Main behind City Hall.
MapLink WebLink
Horn Archaeological Museum
Andrews University, Institute of Archaeology
Berrien Springs, MI 49104
269.471.3273
Founded more than 60 years ago, the world-renowned Horn Archaeological Museum includes the significant findings of the Andrews University archaeological teams from over 30 years of archaeological digs in the Holy Land, as well as a large collection of acquired pieces - nearly 9,000 artifacts in total.
Directions:
I-94 Exit 28, M139/Old U.S. 31, southeast 8 miles to Berrien Springs. Andrews will be on the left.
EmailLink WebLink
Krasl Art Center
707 Lake Boulevard
St Joseph, MI 49085
269.983.0271
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday, and Saturday 10-4; Friday 10-1, and Sunday 1-4. Friday summer hours 10-4.
GPS [42.1066° N, 86.4854° W]
The Krasl Art Center, in downtown St. Joseph, is a visual arts center that is accredited by the American Association of Museums in Washington, D.C. For a donated fee, see artwork of national and international renown in three galleries. Exhibitions change approximately every two months. Lectures, art classes, tours and workshops are offered to the public of all ages; many at no cost. Free brochures for self-guided tours of nearby sculptures are available. Browse the Krasl Gift Shop for unique gift ideas, jewelry and more.
The Krasl Art Center hosts the nationally recognized Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, which is held the weekend after the 4th of July along St. Joseph's beautiful Lake Bluff Park on Lake Boulevard. Artwork in a wide variety of art media is sold by over 200 artists who come from all over the country. Other fun events hosted by the Center include the HollyMarket held during the fall and Tablescapes held in February.
Directions:
From Chicago I-94:
Take I-94 East to exit 27 turn left. Go North into St.Joseph and through 7 stop lights. One street beyond the 7th stop light is Pearl St., turn left onto Pearl St., go 2 blocks. Krasl will be on the left.
From Kalamazoo I-94:
Take I-94 West to exit 33 (Business 94/Benton Harbor.) The street becomes Main Street. Go through town, over the bridge and around a right curve, this now becomes Port Street. Go 2 blocks beyond the stop light and around a left curve, this now becomes Lake Boulevard. Go to the flashing yellow light, Krasl will be on the left.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
Mary's City of David Museum & Tours
Mailing address:
PO Box 187
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Museum address:
1158 E Britain Ave
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269.925.1601 Fax: 269.925.2154
Contact: Ron Taylor
Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm
GPS [42.1086° N, 86.4298° W]
The museum and tours at Mary's City of David is located on the Historic Properties of the reorganization of the Israelite House of David 1930, and is today America's third oldest christian communal society. The museum holds the most complete record of the 208 year history (picture/document/artifact). The guided walking tours take you through sites on the 300 acres that tell this unique story which include the famous eastman springs developed in the 1880's.
The gift shop next door to the museum has a wide variety of gifts and collectibles only to be found at the colony.
A vegetarian lunch may be catered by reservation for clubs or group tours.
Handicap accessible
Admission:
Museum $1.00, guided tours $4.00
Directions:
Take exit 28 off I-94. Proceed North on M-139 about 2 miles. Turn right onto Britain Ave (blinker light). Go east 3-1/2 blocks to Eastman Ave. Turn right onto Eastman. Museum parking is one block on the left.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
Michigan Flywheelers Museum
Mailing address:
64958 M-43
Bangor, MI 49013
269.639.2010 Fax: 269.427.2478
Contact: Pat Ingalls
Museum Address:
68th St
South Haven, MI 49090
269.639.2010 Fax: 269.764.3111
Contact: Pat Ingalls
GPS [42.3322° N, 86.1767° W]
Dedicated to the preservation of antique gas and steam machinery, the museum hosts one of the largest antique engine and tractor shows in the state every September. Working exhibits like threshing, blacksmithing and a sawmill are just part of this 4-day show. Also featured are auctions, outdoor flea market, parades, tractor pulls and many other family-oriented events.
Directions:
Museum is located 2.3 miles east of South Haven on 68th street.
Take Phoenix Rd (CR 388) - exit 20 (I-196) east to 68th street. Turn south (right) at Fidleland Funpark on to 68th. Driveway is located on east side (left) about 1/2 mile.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
Michigan Maritime Museum
260 Dyckman Avenue
South Haven, MI 49090
269.637.8078 800.747.3810 Fax: 269.637.1595
Hours: Open year-round: Memorial Day-Labor Day 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, Noon-5pm Sunday. Labor Day-Memorial Day: Regular hours, but closed Tuesdays
Museum Address:
Dyckman Avenue at the bridge
South Haven, MI 49090
269.637.8078
GPS [42.4065° N, 86.2725° W]
Exhibits at the Michigan Maritime Museum explain the history of the people who built and used boats on Michigan's Great Lakes and waterways. The Museum features a historic replica tall ship, a self-guided HarborWalk, a research library and a variety of exhibits. Waterfront events, a park with picnic tables, and a 600-foot boardwalk on the turning basin of the Black River make the Maritime Museum a popular picnic stop.
Admission:
Nominal admission charge
Directions:
I-94 to exit 34 (I-196), follow to exit 20 (Phoenix Road), west to second light, turn right on Broadway, follow across bridge. We are located at the river bridge.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
North Berrien Historical Society Museum
Museum:
300 Coloma Ave
Coloma, MI 49038
269.468.3330
Contact: Ethel Wise
Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wed, Sat, Sun or by appointment. Closed November-April.
GPS [42.1806° N, 86.3125° W]
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 207
Coloma, MI 49038
The museum Features the rich history of Bainbridge, Coloma, Hagar and Watervliet townships. Also showcased are artifacts and memorabilia from the cities of Coloma and Watervliet. The Paw Paw Lake exhibits are expecially interesting because the lake created swinging resorts in the 30s and 40s. Many famous musicians like Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey included the resorts on their tour circuits.
Topographical, geological, local Indian history and area school histories are ongoing exhibits. Some of the changing exhibits include the Watervliet Paper Mill and military uniforms of the 20th century.
The Print Shop building will display antique printing equipment from the Tri-City Record.
Coming soon is the opening of the Carter House Museum on the North Berrien Historical Society grounds.
The museum, Agricultural building and Print Shop are open for guided or self-guided tours through the summer months. School groups are welcome to visit by appointment during the school year. Please call for an appointment to tour or to book a a traveling trunk show. We have two trunk shows available to schools. They are an Indian exhibit and an Early Settler's exhibit.
We have outdoor picnic accommodations. Our Gift Shop carries books by local authors telling the history of the area, including Paw Paw Lake. We also stock antique linens, souvenirs and other gift items.
Handicap accessible
Admission:
No cost to tour museum buildings, but donations are welcome.
Directions:
From I-94 Exit 39, go north on Friday Rd approx 1/2 mile. Turn left on Red Arrow Hwy/ W St Joseph St and go west .4 miles. Museum is located on NW corner of Coloma Ave and Red Arrow Hwy.
MapLink
St Joseph Historic Walking Tours
St Joseph Today Visitors Center
120 State Street
St Joseph, MI 49085
269.985.1111
GPS [42.1095° N, 86.4820° W]
This self-guided tour leads visitors along the bluff overlooking historic St. Joseph, incorporated in 1834. Beginning at the corner of State and Port Streets, the tour takes you past several monuments, pointing out interesting historical facts, from the landing of Robert de LaSalle in 1679 to the well-known poems of local-born poet Ben King. The tour includes a bandshell with free Sunday concerts in the summer, the beautiful century-old "Maids of the Mist" fountain, and an eight-ton Revolutionary War cannon and cannon balls. Park benches, swings, brick roads, "Coney Island" lights and flowers planted along wide walkways add to the charm of this tour overlooking Lake Michigan.
Contact us for a free copy of the tour script.
Portions are handicap accessible, please call for details
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center
708 Market Street
St Joseph, MI 49085
269.983.1191 Fax: 269.983.1274
Contact: Kenneth Pott
Hours: Tues-Fri 9-4; Exhibit Tues-Dat 10-4
GPS [42.1065° N, 86.4825° W]
Rental for events, call 269.983.7227
The Priscilla U. Byrns Heritage Center provides a beautiful setting for a variety of functions, including weddings, seminars, and concerts. Fort Miami Heritage Society owns and is located within the Center, which provides an ideal setting for interpreting the history of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area. In addition to exhibits, the Society also presents various programs and lectures, as well as preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Fort Miami region and the twin cities area through their library, archival and artifact collections.
Next two-year exhibition is "The Benton Harbor Fruit Market and Southwest Michigan's Fruit Belt" opens November 15, 2005 at 10am to the general public. The exhibit tells the compelling story of the fruit industry, (past, present and future) in southwest Michigan and how it has affected the cultural, social and economic history of the region.
Executive Director Kenneth R. Pott comments, "It is important to undertake this project because of the particular role fruit growing had in shaping the history of southwest Michigan and Benton Harbor, as well as the significance of agriculture in Michigan today. Michigan State University scientists tell us that the stretch of Berrien County that we live in embodies 'the most productive fruit growing climate in the world.' Although Michigan has been ranked among the nation's foremost growers of fruit since the mid-nineteenth century, no comprehensive publication, museum exhibition or educational programming has ever been produced on the subject."
In celebration of this rich legacy, the exhibit will explore a range of topics including fruit growing conditions, the Benton Harbor Fruit Market, shipping and processing, allied industries, growers, labor and culture and commemoration. The exhibit highlights collections of historical artifacts, photographs and documents, most of which were loaned by local farming families and related businesses.
Complementary exhibits are available in other halls of the Heritage Center.
Handicap accessible
Directions:
From I-94 take Exit 30. Go west on Napier, towards the lake (not towards the college). Napier comes to a "T" at Niles Avenue-turn right. After the light where Main Street and Niles merge, proceed 5 more blocks to Market- the center is on the corner of Market and Main- parking is in the rear.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
The History Center at Courthouse Square
Mailing Address:
PO Box 261
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Museum located at:
313 N Cass St
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
269.471.1202
Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-4pm and Sat-Sun 1-5pm.
Closed Monday and major holidays.
GPS [41.9486° N, 86.3409° W]
The Berrien County Historical Associations 1839 Courthouse Complex interpets Berrien County history, through it's facility that consists of the restored 1839 courthouse, 1870 sheriff's residence and Jail Plaza, 1830 Murdock Log House and Blacksmith Shop. Visit the permanment exhibits on Berrien County history and the restored courtroom in the 1839 courthouse. Changing exhibits in the sheriffs residence and experience life via the log house and blacksmith shop.
Handicap accessible
Admission:
$2.50 for adults and $1.00 for children
Directions:
From I-94 exit 28 south, continue 7 miles to Berrien Springs. The 1839 courthouse complex is on your right.
From Indiana, take U.S. 31 north to exit 14. Go south on old US-31 2 miles. The courthouse is on your right.
MapLink EmailLink WebLink
Back to the top Back Home
http://www.swmichigan.org/
|