Whispering Waves, South Haven, MI
When is the best time to visit South Haven with a family?
Pool season at Whispering Waves runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, blueberry picking around South Haven peaks in July and August, and the hot tub, the fenced backyard, and two living rooms full of games keep the house open all year.
Summer is the beach season. The heated pool is open, weather permitting, South Beach and North Beach are a 15 to 20 minute walk, the marina splash pad is close by, and the farmers market runs Saturdays at the Huron Street Pavilion from May through October. South Haven calls itself the Blueberry Capital of the World, and U pick season is July and August at farms like Bumbleberry Acres, which is open daily through early September. Summer dates fill first, and July 4th carries a 4 night minimum.
Fall brings the wineries and the pier at sunset without the summer beach traffic. Warner Vineyards, Cogdal Vineyards, and 12 Corners have tasting rooms downtown, and more wineries are within 30 minutes. The pool is winterized after October 1, so a fall trip leads with the hot tub and the two living rooms full of games for the kids.
Winter is the cozy version of South Haven. Cross country skiing and snowmobiling on the Kal Haven Trail, ice skating downtown, ski days at Timber Ridge or Bittersweet 20 to 25 minutes away, the Michigan Theatre, and then home to the hot tub, the 75 inch TVs, and foosball. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's carry a 4 night minimum.
Spring is the quiet stretch before the pool opens, with the lighthouse walk, the Michigan Maritime Museum, and the Kal Haven Trail all open.
Whatever the month, a rainy lake day does not cancel the trip. Two living rooms with an arcade machine, air hockey, foosball, and board games are all yours.