With its blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and small-town charm, New Buffalo provides an ideal setting for a relaxing and enjoyable beach vacation in Southwest Michigan. 

The best beaches in New Buffalo, Mi

  Just a 90-minute drive from Chicago, across the Indiana Border, you’ll find the delightful beach town of New Buffalo, Michigan. There are several public beaches in the New Buffalo area, including Cherry Beach, Weko Beach, Grand Beach, Gordon Beach, and Warren Dunes State Park.  Despite their close proximity to each other, the most popular beach is the New Buffalo Beach and Lakefront Park complex.

Get familiar with the beaches of New Buffalo, MI by accessing our Goggle Map here. We love maps, and find it helpful to reference what’s nearby when we’re traveling.  We added a few suggestions on the map to enhance your visit to the City of New Buffalo, including Journeyman Distillery, Stray Dog Restaurant, Lions Pavilion Park, two paddling rental shops by Third Coast Paddling and a city boat launch if you’re interested in putting your own kayak in the water. 

If you’re an adventurous kayak, check out our blog on Kayaking Sea Caves in Wisconsin!

New Buffalo Beach and Lakefront Park

New Buffalo Beach and Lakefront Park are part of the same 18 acre recreation area, located at the north end of Whittaker Street, just across the Galien River Bridge. The area includes an 800-foot sandy beach on Lake Michigan with several other amenities.  A  covered shelter can be rented and is a popular spot for weddings and family gatherings are all available to the public.

The main attractions here include:

1. Swimming area with lifeguards (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
2. Wooden boardwalk nature trail along the sand dunes 
3. Paddleboard rentals or kayak rental options
4. Play structures and benches
5. Fishing access to Galien River Nature Preserve
6. Eight boat launch ramps

There is no free parking during peak season. Parking fees are in effect from April 1st through October 31st, enforced between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. However, parking for sunsets and sunrises is free. The daily parking fee is $20, with a 3-hour option available for $7.50. 

There is no separate fee to enter the beach or park area beyond the parking fee.

A full day itinerary

We love to plan adventures for families!  Here is a one day itinerary that will help you fully enjoy all that is to offer at the New Buffalo Beach and Lakefront park. 

1. 8:00 AM: Stop at Black Currant Bakehouse for delicious pastries including gluten-free and vegan options
2. 9:00 AM: Arrive at New Buffalo Beach and Lakefront Park. Pay for parking at the kiosk.
3. 9:30 AM: Start the day with a walk along the boardwalk nature trail, enjoying the dune landscape.
4. 10:30 AM: Let the children play at the playground in Lions Lakefront Park.
5. 11:30 AM: Head to the beach for swimming and sandcastle building. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 AM.
6. 1:00 PM: Lunch break at the full-service snack bar on the beach, or head to the picnic area and use the tables and grills in Lions Lakefront Park.
7. 2:30 PM: Rent kayaks or paddleboards from Third Coast Paddling, located across from the beach parking lot.
8. 4:30 PM: Take a break from water activities and explore the Galien River Nature Preserve, accessible from the fishing area.
9. 6:00 PM: Head to dinner at Stray Dog Restaurant or stay for an evening picnic and watch the sunset.

Road Scholar Opportunity

We love to learn while on the road! We often include some “pearls of wisdom” for our Road Scholar readers. Here is a bit of history for those of you on a quest to learn more! 

New Buffalo, Michigan, got its name from Captain Wessel Whittaker, who hailed from Buffalo, New York (also our hometown!) In 1834, Whittaker’s schooner ran aground during a violent October storm near the present-day location of Grand Beach. While traveling to report the ship’s loss, he was struck by the beauty and natural harbor of the area where the Galien River meets Lake Michigan. Impressed by its potential, Whittaker purchased a large tract of land and named the settlement “New Buffalo” after his hometown, simply by adding “New” to it.

The beauty of the area is certainly standing the test of time.  The area became a popular vacation spot for those wanting respite from downtown Chicago during the summer months in the 19th century due to its easy train access. The creation of US Highway 12 and later Interstate 94 further enhanced its accessibility. Today, it’s a great place for a quiet beach picnic or an amazing vacation in the summer sun!

If you’re interested in accommodations, we recommend the Marina Grand Resort. Ask for a balcony room overlooking the public marina so you can sip your morning coffee and watch the boats come in. 

Want help booking a great weekend getaway? We can book your accommodations, dining reservations, kayak rentals and boat tours, and package it into one seamless app for you to take on the go. Message us! We’re happy to help you with all the details!