South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Resort Industry
The resort industry thrived in the latter half of the 1800s and the first half of the 1900s. Visitors arrived from Chicago aboard steamships that sailed into South Haven harbor daily. The Dewey Hotel, the Avery Beach Hotel, the Newcomes, the Avery Beach Casino, and many other resorts and cottages were quickly filled with summer visitors.
Monroe Park, on the North Beach, remains the dominant part of the north side resort business. Today, condominiums are the summer homes of people lured to this vacation city. A statement in a 1911 local newspaper expresses a sentiment that may still be prevalent today among people who have been to South Haven beaches: "We have traveled the world and have seen Nassau, Waikiki, the beaches of Bermuda, France and the South Seas. We came home to find the most beautiful beach in the world right in our own backyard."
Celebrating the Legacy of Our Rich Resort 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: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 42° 24.15′ N, 86° 16.966′ 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. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Lakeshore Drive, South Haven MI 49090, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Over a Century of Tourism (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 . . .
1. South Haven History. The resort business had its beginning in the mid-1800's at the home of Mrs. H. M. Avery. It was to experience phenomenal growth and became South Haven's most colorful era. By the turn of the century, thousands of visitors were arriving by steamer and train to enjoy a memorable vacation. Lodging was available in magnificent hotels, farm resorts, family homes, or picturesque little cottages along the river. Entertainment was unlimited. Choices included pavilions, several theaters, a casino, an opera house, an amusement park with a roller coaster, and much more. (Submitted on June 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. 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.)
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 338 times since then and 16 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.