Barry County Area Chamber of Commerce

Barry County Tourism

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Dear Visitor:

     Welcome to Barry County, where vacation opportunities abound! Centrally located in southwest Michigan, just a short drive from most major Michigan cities takes you into the heart of the country.
     Here you can enjoy our over 300 lakes and 20,000 acres of public land, where recreation awaits year-round. No matter what your outdoor pleasure, from golf to watersports to horseback riding, you can find it here in Barry County's beautiful natural surroundings.
     Sightseers can visit one of our many historic attractions to experience living history, arts, crafts and trades, amazing museum collections and beautiful historic structures.

If it's a glimpse of small town America you're looking for, Barry County has plenty to offer. There are festivals and celebrations throughout the year, along with the basics of small town life - friendly businesses, helpful people, and a break from the hectic life.
For further information on activities and events, please visit the calendar of events section of this web site, or contact the Barry County Chamber of Commerce. We will be happy to assist you.

Enjoy your stay!

A visit to the Barry County area is a return to the way life used to be. Driving toward Barry County, you'll leave the bustle of the city behind as freeways and concrete melt away into picturesque farms, woods and rolling hills of the countryside. Quaint villages await discovery in every direction. Historic attractions and old-time festivals provide entertainment throughout the year. From every vista, open space beckons, offering recreational opportunities to lovers of the outdoors

LOCAL FLAVOR

The small communities throughout Barry County offer a variety of gift, specialty and antique shops. You can adventure down tree-lined streets past historic homes and structures, and picnic at waterfront parks. Fine dining is available in any direction you travel, and our local restaurants are famous for their home cooking and hearty portions.

HISTORY

Step back in time with visits to Barry County's several historic attractions. Bowens Mills, a fully operational mill, invites guests to experience the workings of the technology of the 1880's. At different points in its history, the mill produced buckwheat and graham flour, was a sawmill, and now produces apple cider.

Wander through homes, businesses and community buildings straight out of Barry County's past with a tour of Charlton Park Village Museum and Recreation Area. Take in museum exhibits and special events, or enjoy Thornapple Lake from the park's recreation area.

A trip to the Gilmore Car Museum is a must for auto buffs. With over 140 classic and collector cars, the Gilmore offers visitors a unique experience in automotive history.

If your are in the Delton area, be sure to see the over 25,000 artifacts in the Bernard Museum's seven-building historic village, or make a trip to the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame.

OLD-TIME FESTIVALS

If you are looking for old-fashioned family fun, plan a visit around Prairieville's Old-Fashioned Farm Days, Summerfest, Hastings Harvest Festival, and the Barry County Fair. Charlton Park's Old-Fashioned Fourth of July, Antique Gas and Steam Show, "Of Christmas Past", or one of the many other events planned each year at the park. To get more information call the Chamber of Commerce office at 269-945-2454.

OUTDOOR FUN

Recreational opportunities span the four seasons in Barry County. With over 300 lakes and beautiful rivers, you don't have to travel far to enjoy watersports, boating and year-around fishing. Canoe and kayak liveries along the Thornapple River can help you plan a day of sun and fun. Explore the 15,000 acre Yankee Springs Recreation Area on foot, or bring along bikes, skis, or horses to traverse its many trails and unique landscapes, or enjoy swimming, boating and camping at the Gun Lake State Park. The Paul Henry Thornapple Trail provides another great way to see the outdoors.

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Golfers have their choice of 10 area courses, and hunters can find trophies at the Barry State Game Area or on selected private land.
Equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy guided horseback riding at SPIRIT Farms Riding Center at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin.

Avid bird-watchers should be sure to visit the walking trails at the Michigan Audubon Society's Otis Sanctuary for a chance to spot the Cerulean Warbler.

LODGING

Plan your trip to include a stay at one of Barry County's many campgrounds, where you can choose activities and recreation to suit your vacation dreams. Select a cabin at a lakefront resort for a short or long term visit, or include a stay at one of our area motels. Experience the elegance of the Adrounie House Bed and Breakfast, a fully restored 1894 Victorian home in downtown Hastings, the Parkview Motel or the Brookside Motor Inn. Whichever you choose, you'll find pleasant hosts who will make your stay in Barry County memorable.

Just a short trip from the four major metropolitan areas in Southwest Michigan, Barry County can bring you home again!