New Buffalo is one of the eight SW Michigan communities that make up Harbor Country, located on the shores of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Galien River. The harbor was officially recognized in 1836 as a safe harbor for ships traveling the Great Lakes.

Logging and timber were Harbor Country’s major industries in the 1870’s, requiring piers along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. One of those piers, Union Pier, gave its name to today’s quaint lakeshore community.

At the turn of the century, Lakeside was home to some of the most famous Lake Michigan lakeshore resorts, Lakesides history, like its Harbor Country sister towns, began with logging that fed nearby Chicago’s insatiable need for lumber.

Scandinavian families created a thriving resort community after the turn of the century in pretty little Harbert. Poet Carl Sandburg enjoyed many Harbor Country summers there and it is said much of Sandburg’s Pulitzer Prize winning account of Abraham Lincoln was written at his Harbert home.

The Northernmost community of Harbor Country Sawyer is graced with numerous country vineyards. An occasional curio shop, fruit stand and local grille define this towns “hustle and bustle”.

A beautiful area known for its rolling dune grasses, forested dunes and pristine beaches. Bridgman is truly a summer destination with old America charm evidenced in every roadside produce stand, vineyard and craft boutique in the nearby rolling countryside.

The Grand Mere area is a unique and secluded setting, popular with many outdoor and sporting enthusiasts. Its visitors and residents alike enjoy the Grand Mere State Park, Michigan’s largest State Park on Lake Michigan.

Nestled on the northern tip of what has been termed “The Riviera of the Midwest. This deepwater harbor town is a growing resort community-part of a “small town” chain stretching from the Michigan state line in a spectacular arc along Lake Michigan. Unique architecture is what St. Joseph is all about.

Miles and Miles of forested wooded Lake Michigan Dunes often referred to as the “Magnificent Mile”. The lakefront owners of this area revel in owning their own beaches with just a few public access areas over an extensive coastline.

The fabulous Fire Lanes once part of the State of Michigan held forested dunes along Lake Michigan. Since the 1920s 18 Lanes have become the destination for generations of Chicago’s most elite families, seeking very private and heavily wooded Lake Michigan home sites for family beach houses.

South Haven has been called one of the best kept secrets in Michigan, and is also the blueberry capital of the world. Thousands visit this quaint coastal town every year. Recently recognized by Midwest Living as one of the best small towns in the Midwest.

If a low density “get away from it all” setting is what you are after, these small villages dotted along Lake Michigan will draw you in. Rolling vistas with a very pastoral feeling, the area offers Historic Family held Orchards, picturesque farms, and popular wineries and Vineyards.

The Art Coast of Michigan, two historical harbor villages offering towering dunes, pristine beaches and a rich history. Saugatuck offers some of the best dockside shopping and attractions on the Lake Michigan coast.