Let’s discover Type 2 Fun in Southwest Michigan because sometimes the best stories come from the harder moments!
If you’re looking for more than cookie-cutter fun — something a bit wild, maybe a little uncomfortable, but leaves you high-fiving yourself afterward — you’ve come to the right place. In the beautiful region of Southwest Michigan (lake-shore, dunes, trails and small towns), there’s a wealth of “type 2 fun” to be had: the kind of activities that may push you a bit, but reward you with epic views, stories and a deeper sense of “we did that.”
Below are some standout adventures you should consider — strap in, breathe deep, and enjoy the good kind of tired later.
Of course, The Neighborhood Hotel is the ultimate place to begin and end your days of FUN.
Climb the Dunes & Sled or Tube Down
One of the quintessential “type 2 fun” experiences in the region: choosing an uphill battle, literally, and then getting rewarded with a wild ride down.
At Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer, MI) you can scale steep sand dunes, wind your way up through beach grass and loose sand, catch views of Lake Michigan, then either slide, sled, or simply walk back down with some satisfaction. According to local guides, climbing the dunes is a workout, but the ride is totally worth it.
Tips: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting sandy. Bring layers (wind off the lake can surprise you). If sledding or tubing in winter: gloves and warm socks are key.
Bike or Hike Scenic Trails Through Wood & Water
For those who like their fun with a side of exertion, the trail network in Southwest Michigan offers perfect options. One of the classic routes is the Kal‑Haven Trail (33 miles between South Haven and Kalamazoo) — a converted rail-trail that combines woods, streams and farmland.
The Mt. Randall Loop at Warren Dunes State Park is one of the region’s most spectacular and challenging hikes. It’s a 4-mile roundtrip trek through dunes and forest that ends at a pristine Lake Michigan beach.
Meanwhile, the Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails in Benton Harbor offer paved pathways along rivers, wetlands and dunes.
Why this is type 2-fun: you’ll get your heart pumping, maybe regret leaving the car for that “just a little farther” segment, but at the end you’ll have views and that “I did it” glow.
Pick Fruit, Navigate Corn Mazes & Embrace the Seasonal Challenge
Seasonal fun in Southwest Michigan ramps into type 2 territory when you trade comfort for fresh air, work and maybe a little challenge.
Think: picking blueberries at dawn, navigating a winding corn maze after harvest, or climbing up into an orchard to get that perfect apple. The region is rich with orchards and U-pick farms. These change seasonally so best to do a search and plan your day in real time.
Engage with the Lake & Water — Paddle, Sail or Brave the Surf
There’s a special kind of type 2-fun when you’re on the water: the effort to paddle, the chill of the lake breeze, the reward of a unique perspective. In Southwest Michigan you’ll find waterways and lakeshore access that invite adventure. For example: kayaking or canoeing along the Galien River, or even catching the surf on Lake Michigan when conditions are right.
The challenge: weather, wave conditions, managing gear. But the payoff: memorable views, maybe a sunset over the water, the kind of “we went out” feeling that stays.
Embrace the Chill — Winter Trails, Fat-Tire Bikes & Snow Adventures
The region doesn’t shut down when winter comes; in fact, that’s when type 2-fun really shows up: fat-tire biking through snow, snowshoeing under quiet trees, hiking winter dunes, sledding hills for big laughs (and bruised butts). According to local guides, one must-do: snow-oriented fun at dunes, and fat tire biking in areas like Chikaming Township Park & Preserve or Love Creek County Park & Nature Center.
The challenge: cold, gear, dealing with unpredictable footing. But the reward: fresh snow underfoot, quiet woods, a sense of adventure when others are staying inside.
Clay Shooting at Deer Creek Hunt Club
Deer Creek is a world class sporting clay and hunting facility, nestled on 500 acres of beautiful ravine woodlands, streams, rolling hills, and contoured cover fields. Begin your day with a private shooting lesson followed by testing those new skills on a fully automated sporting clay courses or in the hunting fields.
Deer Creek was established in the 80’s and was an exclusive membership only club. Today, Deer Creek is open to the public and sells memberships that are reasonably priced for any sportsman.
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by travel enthusiasts who enjoy spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2026 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about TNBHD in: Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
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