New Buffalo in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

New Buffalo Welcome Center

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

1. New Buffalo Welcome Center Marker

Inscription. The nation’s first Highway Travel Information center opened on May 4, 1935, on US-12 at New Buffalo, not far from here. Other states followed Michigan’s lead, and by 1985 there were 251 travel information centers across the nation. The New Buffalo center was built by the Michigan State Highway Department, now the Michigan Department of Transportation, to welcome motorists entering the state via US-12. It was relocated at this site with its more modern building, on April 6, 1972, after the I-94 Freeway was completed. Michigan’s state-wide travel information program, which began in 1935, includes staffed welcome centers and interpretive, promotional and informational displays at rest areas and roadside parks across the state.

Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1256.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1972.

Location. 41° 45.9′ N, 86° 44.436′ W. Marker is in New Buffalo, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker is on Interstate 94. The Welcome Center is just past the state line (leaving Indiana,

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entering Michigan). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Buffalo MI 49117, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Iron Brigade / The Twenty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Eisenhower Interstate System (within shouting distance of this marker); Avoiding Removal - The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (approx. 2.2 miles away); West Michigan Pike (approx. 2.4 miles away); 9:03 a.m. September 11th 2001 (approx. 3 miles away); 8:46 a.m. September 11th 2001 (approx. 3 miles away); The 9-11 attacks resulted in the death of 2,996 people (approx. 3 miles away); Gordon Beach Inn (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Buffalo.

More about this marker. It is a very nice Welcome Center. It has several markers and plaques, a large lighthouse in honor of Michigan’s many lighthouses and a large playground for travel-weary children (and their parents!).

The New Buffalo Welcome Center Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

2. The New Buffalo Welcome Center Marker

The Welcome Center is in the background.

The Welcome Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

3. The Welcome Center

“Honor the Dead by Helping the Living” image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

4. “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living”

This marker next to the Welcome Center reads: “Dedicated to the Michigan Men and Women Who Gave Their Lives for Their Country. 1776–1976. Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxilliaries, Department of Michigan. May 1, 1976.”

The Lighthouse across from the Welcome Center. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

5. The Lighthouse across from the Welcome Center.

“In Michigan, we’ll leave a lighthouse on for you.” image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

6. “In Michigan, we’ll leave a lighthouse on for you.”

“Over 100 historic lighthouses grace our shorelines—more than any state in the nation. Just as these magnificent beacons helped ships navigate through our lakes, look for this lighthouse to guide you and your family on your travels throughout our Great Lake State.”

Entrance to the large playground image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

7. Entrance to the large playground

“State of Michigan • Recreation Opportunities Abound • For People of All Abilities.”

The playground at the Welcome Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 9, 2007

8. The playground at the Welcome Center

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,000 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 9, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.