As spring approaches Andrews University and the world begins to thaw, it can be easy to miss all the things that southwest Michigan has to offer, especially in the great outdoors. I’ve compiled a list of fun activities and places to visit that can be experienced with friends as the weather turns. Whether it’s hiking, biking, sunbathing, or hanging out with friends that strikes your fancy, the end of the school year is fast approaching, and I encourage you to enjoy whatever sunshine peeks out from behind the clouds this month. Wishing you happy adventures!
Activities
Biking/Hiking on the Andrews Trails
Did you know that Andrews has a whole system of mountain biking trails in the woods behind the school? If you head down to the farm or past the University Towers and take some of the trails out into the woods, you can spend the day hiking or biking and exploring. You might even stumble upon the Andrews observatory in the process!
Local Fruit Stands
As fruit season approaches, keep your eye out for the many fruit stands and orchards in this area. It’s a great way to support local businesses, and some present the fun opportunity to pick your produce. A quick drive down the road from Andrews will take you past a few places–if you’d like somewhere to start, you can check out Stover's Farm Market or Hillside Orchards.
Wonderland Cinema
Located in Niles, MI, Wonderland Cinema is a great place to go if you want to watch a movie with friends. Although the theater tends to show only a small collection of recently-released films, tickets are approximately five dollars apiece, depending on when you visit. More information about their showings and prices can be found on their website.
Parks & Nature Reserves
Wolf's Prairie Park
A great place to hang out with friends and/or jump in the water, Wolf's Prairie Park is a five minute drive down the road from Andrews. It sits right on the bank of Lake Chapin and includes a set of picnic tables, a playground, and some swing-benches. I highly recommend grabbing some Baguette and heading down there for a picnic whenever a sunny day comes around.
Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve
This nature reserve includes an impressive collection of gardens, trails, arboretums and sculpture exhibits. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Students can visit for $7 if an Andrews ID is brought along. Once springtime comes around, it will be full of beautiful plants, trees and wildlife.
Sarett Nature Reserve
The Sarett Nature Center features eight miles of hiking trails and a butterfly house that will open in May. Admission to the center and trails is $3 per person. The center hosts many community events throughout the year, including walks, runs, and volunteer days. Their website gives new monthly updates and links to their hours and amenities.
Love Creek County Park
Love Creek Park includes 200 acres of hiking trails and forest, featuring spectacular wildflowers in the spring. Mountain bikers are also welcome to use a 3.5 mile beginner/intermediate trail. Berrien County residents can enter for $3 per vehicle, non-residents for $5 per car. Their trail map outlines the reserve’s available routes and roads.
Beaches & Dunes
Silver Beach
If you haven’t already visited the town of St. Joseph, MI, and the adjoined Silver Beach, it’s well worth the trip. The town has plenty of places to eat, shop, and grab dessert (I personally recommend the ice cream at Kilwins and Forever Books, a small community bookstore). The beach itself is a lot of fun too, and can be a nice place to enjoy a Saturday afternoon.
Warren Dunes State Park
This dune formation rests on Lake Michigan–and, if you’re committed to an uphill climb, it rewards you with a spectacular view of the water. A recreation passport or entry fee is required for the day (and, if you’re ever interested, a camping trip), and provides you with access to the beach as well as the trails, which are open year-round.
Grand Mere State Park
Although not as well known as Warren Dunes, this set of woods, beaches and sand dunes is a gem. The entrance can be a bit difficult to find, so having a friend in charge of directions can be a benefit. Individuals can hunt, fish, and visit geologically ancient lakes, or take to the beach for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.