South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Over a Century of Tourism
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017
1. Over a Century of Tourism Marker
For over a century, South Haven's beaches, fishing, and boating have attracted tourists. By 1880, steamship lines and railroads brought thousands of visitors from Chicago, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Resort hotels, guesthouses, cottages, and fruit farms provided tourist accommodations. In the 1930s and 1940s, the automobile changed South Haven's tourist trade. The resort hotel and guesthouse were replaced by the motel and later by the condominium. Tourism continues to be vital to South Haven's economy.
Recognizing the important role tourism has played in shaping our history
Erected by South Haven, Van Buren Co. Convention & Visitors Bureau and Michigan Maritime Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 42° 24.151′ N, 86° 16.967′ W. Marker is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. Marker is on Lakeshore Drive, 0.1 miles west of North Shore Drive, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the Harbor Walk, on the north side of Black River, near the North Beach parking area, overlooking
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Resort Industry (here, next to this marker); History of the Channel Piers (within shouting distance of this marker); Birth of City Utilities (within shouting distance of this marker); Lifesaving Station (within shouting distance of this marker); South Haven Lighthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lightkeeper's Dwelling (about 400 feet away); Lumber Industry (about 600 feet away); Entertainment Around the Harbor (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Haven.
More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted horizontally on waist-high posts. Marker is part of South Haven's Harbor Walk series.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. South Haven Harbor Walk
Also see . . . South Haven Harbor Walk. This South Haven Harbor Walk map shows the location of this and other historical markers in South Haven. (Submitted on June 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Marker detail: Beachgoers, c. 1910
Families flocked to South Haven beaches in the early 1900s and established a recreational tradition that continues today.
3. Marker detail: Excursion Rides
Tourists had the opportunity to take excursions on the Black River. Some popular destinations along the river included resorts and parks.
4. Marker detail: Mendelson’s Atlantic Resort
Mendelson's Atlantic Resort on North Shore Drive and Avery Street was one of several Jewish resorts in South Haven during the 1920s through the 1960s. The resort hotel offered guests dining and entertainment.
5. Marker detail: Fishing on the Pier, c.1940
Fishing on the south pier has been a recreational pastime since the original lighthouse was constructed in 1872.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017
6. Over a Century of Tourism Marker (wide view; overlooking the Black River channel)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 331 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
