What makes Bridgman sights so special is the unique mix of ancient railway history and the quiet noise of Lake Michigan, which you hardly hear when you just walk past Main Street. The city was founded in 1855 by the Scottish entrepreneur John Bridgman, and at that time it served as an important hub for the ship and railway lines that held the Southwest Michigan together. I have the feeling that every stone here breathes a bit of this ambitious pioneering spirit – at least if you are not just distracted by the modern residential blocks that water the image a little.
If you come from Chicago by car, just follow I‐94 to exit 2 and let the wide fields of Berrien County calm down before you turn into the small but proud city. For those who prefer to travel by train, the Amtrak stop in St. Joseph stops a few miles away, and a short taxi ride takes you directly to the center. I must admit that I cannot fully understand the whole hype about the “art at the port” – the true flair lies for me in the small cafés where Barista has more to tell about the local history than any guide. And yes, if you ask where you get a cool drink in the evening, just look behind the corner of the old post, there is a pub that has more character than some tourist magnet. In short, Bridgman is a place where history and present are handy without feeling to read in a brochure.
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To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Bridgman, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop of my little Odyssey leads me to the Warren Dunes State Park, where the dunes are almost as high as my expectations for local gastronomy – not especially high, but nevertheless impressive. I spent half a day digging in the sand because I thought it was a local custom, and at the end only a few shells and a light sunburn feeling took home. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field becomes a real battlefield from SUVs and campers.
A short detour to the south brings me to Lake Michigan Beach of Lakeside. The sand is finer than that in most big cities, and the water has this almost undamaged clarity that gives you the feeling that you are on holiday and not in a small place that has more cows than people. I tried a fish bun from a kiosk that was so good that I almost forgot that I was just on my way to the next destination. The beach promenade is well signposted, but the toilets are only occupied on weekends – a small hint for those who do not like to “reside” outdoors.
Go on St. Joseph River, who sneaks comfortably through the city as if he had no hurry to leave the country. I rented a kayak there and spent a couple of hours paddling while I thought about why I decided to have such a calm water instead of looking for the usual Great Lakes. The water is clear enough to see the reason, and the docks are well maintained – at least if you don't put there on Friday night, then the whole thing is a bit too full for my calm soul.
A short jump across the border to Indiana leads me to the Indiana Dunes National Park. Yeah, that's a bit further, but the dunes there have a certain charm you can't forgive. I spent a few hours exploring the hiking trails and found that the signs here really make sense – a rare case of luck. Parking is free as long as you don't want to camp there all weekend, then you have to pay a small fine.
Back in Michigan, but still not in Bridgman, it attracts me Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven. The museum is a bit like an oversized classroom for adults that deals with shipwrecks, lighthouses and the history of the Great Lakes. I tried an old navigation equipment there and felt almost like a captain until I realized I couldn't even control a small boat. The museum has a small parking lot that is usually free except when a local festival takes place – then the whole becomes a parking jungle.
Another secret tip is the Van Buren Trail State Park, a 14-mile long cycle path leading through picturesque fields and small villages. I spent a few hours there with my old mountain bike, which makes more noise than an old diesel tractor, enjoying the tranquility that you are looking for in vain in most tourist hotspots. The trailhead parking is well signposted, but on sunny Saturdays it can be as full as on the beach of Lakeside.
At the end of my small tour, of course, St. Joseph Lighthouse not missing. The lighthouse stands proudly on the shore and offers a fantastic view over the lake – a perfect place to shoot some Instagram photos, which are later called “typical Michigan” by friends. Parking is free, but the visitor centre has limited opening hours, so you should keep this in mind if you want to admire the lighthouse from the outside.
So if you think about what you can experience in the area of Bridgman, these places are definitely worth a detour. From the imposing dunes to calm river sections to historic lighthouses – there is more to discover than one would suspect at first glance. And yes, all that belongs to the Bridgman Attractions, which I personally recommend for every traveler who wants to walk a little off the beaten paths.
This guide invites you to make a small trip to Bridgman with me, where I want to share my favorite places – and a few of my slightly cynical comments – with you.
Top of my list Bridgman Harbor. I saw an old fishing boat there for the first time in summer 2019, which had more rust than paint, and I thought: “Here it smells like real sea air, not after artificial tourist fragrance.” The port is located directly on the Lake-Michigan coast, so if you arrive by car, just park at the end of the Harbor-Street – this is usually a Klack, except on the rare Saturday afternoons when the locals pick up their boats from the water. A short walk along the Holzpier-Planken gives you a view of the fishing boats, a few sails and the unsightly panorama of the lake.
A short detour leads you to St. Joseph Riverthat sounds majestic through the city. I once rented a kayak because I thought it was romantic – and then I was followed by a swarm duck who apparently had the same goal. The river is wide enough to cross in most places, and the bridges (especially the old iron bridge on the Main Street) offer great photo motifs. If you have some time, stroll along the Riverwalk; he is well maintained and leads you past a few small cafés that serve surprisingly good coffee.
For history freaks there is Bridgeport Museum. I have to admit, I was skeptical because small city museums often have more dust than fabric. But here you will find a well sorted collection of artifacts from the time Bridgman was an important railway node. Especially the old locomotive standing in the backyard has impressed me – and the sign also explains why the city got its name after the first railway contractor. Parking is practically right in front of the museum, but be warned: the sign “Only for visitors” is more of a suggestion.
Another highlight is the historical centre. The main road is lined with old shop fronts, which today serve as antique shops, art galleries and a few hip bakeries. I once found a handmade wooden toy that reminded me of my childhood – no joke, the part was a real treasure. The atmosphere is relaxed, and if you're lucky, you'll catch a local street musician playing old blues melodies. Parking is a bit trickier here, because the narrow alleys barely offer space for more than one car; a short walk from the main parking area is usually the better option.
If you are looking for something unique, you should St. Joseph River Bridge (also known as the ‘Old Bridge’). I once made a picnic while a fisherman threw out his net – that was the most authentic experience I ever had in a small town. The bridge is a popular spot for sunsets because from there you can see the sky above the lake in all colors. A little hint: the railing is a bit shaky, so take care of your children.
And because I must not forget the Bridgman Attractions of course also include the annual city festival in August, which takes place at the Town Hall Square. I heard the local band “Lakefront Jammers” there for the first time – loud, but with a certain charm that only small cities can have. The festival attracts visitors from the surrounding area, and then parking becomes a small adventure: a few meters from the main road there is a temporary field parking space where you can park your car between tractors and hayballs.
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