South Haven Municipal Marina #1

Absolutely love this gem! We have stayed here as a transient every summer for the past eight years, aboard our Hunter 34. Our home port is Washington Park Marina in Michigan City, IN. The staff at South Haven Marina #1 (South) is very helpful and friendly, whether you need assistance docking, an electric cord extension, or have a preference of port or starboard - they aim to please. They have a nice air-conditioned lobby/lounge where you can relax and enjoy a board game or do some reading. The coffee pot is always on too. If you would like to borrow a bike and ride into town (a very short trip) or trek out to Meijer (a longer trip) just hop aboard one – free of charge. The marina bathrooms are a very short walk down the pier. Walk into the bathroom: on your right are separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, which each contain plenty of sinks and toilet stalls. On your left is a row of co-ed shower stalls (more like large “closets”), which each contains a full-length lockable door with a dressing area and a shower stall. There is a handicapped stall as well, with a pull-down bench and a hand-held shower. Their location is prime. It’s just a very short walk into town, where you can find a good selection of restaurants – from quick service to sit-down dining. There are novelty shops, a liquor store, a movie theater, and even a bakery. A short walk across the Black River is the Michigan Maritime Museum, which houses fascinating displays. The museum is also the home of the Friends Good Will which is a 101-foot replica of an 1810 top sail sloop. She sails from her mooring out to Lake Michigan several times a day. You can sail aboard her (for a fee) or simply watch the huge ship sail down the Black River. There are family friendly bar/restaurant establishments along the Black River that are accessible by dinghy or by land as well. Our favorite hole-in-the-wall bar is Captain Lou’s, followed by Admiral Jack’s. Both are fun to visit and have food and drinks. Looking for a sit-down riverboat restaurant? Check out the Idler, a side-wheeler paddle steamer. Every Thursday, on the lawn just outside of the marina, you can enjoy the Riverfront Concert – which hosts a variety of musical performances, including jazz, classical, folk and contemporary. These concerts are free to the public. As I said, this marina is a gem! Happy boating!

One of our Favs when we cross Lake Michigan. Fun town too.

Really nice place. The dock where they put my 45CC is in need of repair, but the staff are helpful and the marina is clean as well as close to everything. Each year we have been there during the blueberry festival and the entertainment has always been good.