A guide to the best things to do in New Buffalo, Michigan, a charming little town along Lake Michigan, just a 1-hour 15-minute train ride from Chicago.
To celebrate my birthday, I headed to New Buffalo to enjoy a quiet, relaxing spa weekend. I indulged with spa treatments, had Ben & Jerry’s delivered to my room, read by the fire, sipped wine while the sun set, and enjoyed a long bike ride.
I loved this trip. It gave me the time to relax that I so desperately needed. New Buffalo is small – the downtown area is just a few blocks in size. There is just enough to see and do in a weekend, making it an ideal getaway for Chicagoans.
How to Get to New Buffalo
The easiest way to get to New Buffalo is to take the Amtrak from Union Station Chicago to New Buffalo. Multiple Amtrak trains are offering this route each day, and the travel time is just 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The train stops in the center of New Buffalo’s small downtown. I didn’t need to rent a car; it was easy to walk everywhere I wanted to go.
Things to Know About New Buffalo
The most important thing to know about New Buffalo, Michigan, is that it is in the Eastern Time zone. New Buffalo observes Daylight Savings Time. So when I said that the train is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Chicago, that is without the time change. When you account for the time change, it takes two hours and 15 minutes to arrive. On the flip side, getting home takes 15 minutes since you gain an hour on the journey to Chicago.
Where to Stay in New Buffalo:
The Harbor Grand Hotel
Located just about 500 feet from the New Buffalo train stop, the Harbor Grand Hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms, a gorgeous spa, an indoor pool, a sundeck and terrace, and breakfast delivered right to your room each morning.
I loved the amenities at this hotel. The breakfast basket is a lovely way to begin your day. Each evening, you simply place your order on your door, as you do at other hotels, except here, the breakfast delivery is included in your room rate!
Beach cruisers are available for guests to take around town or for longer rides. Another fun offering is the Ben & Jerry’s hotline. A selection of ice cream flavors is available by the pint and can be delivered right to your room.
I stayed in a Village View King Suite with a large living room. The hotel offers many room types, including harbor and lake view rooms and suites, as well as family suites that can accommodate up to four people.
The Marina Grand Resort
The sister property to the Harbor Grand Hotel, the Marina Grand Resort, has larger waterfront suites that can accommodate from 2 up to 8 guests. This would be an ideal place for a family with young children to stay.
Similar to the Harbor Grand Hotel, amenities include beach cruisers, beach hotels, beach chairs, and a Ben & Jerry’s hotline. There is even a game room for kids!
Things to Do in New Buffalo
The Beach
The centerpiece of New Buffalo is the sandy beach. The Harbor Grand does offer guests the use of beach towels and chairs. I visited the first weekend of November, so it wasn’t quite beach-going weather, but I enjoyed walking along the water.
New Buffalo Dune Walk
A wooden boardwalk lets visitors walk up to the top of the dunes to enjoy the view of Lake Michigan.
Biking
It’s free for hotel guests to borrow the Harbor Grand’s beach cruisers. I biked up to the beach and along Marquette Drive, where I could admire the large lakefront homes.
After riding about 4.5 miles to Union Pier, I stopped for coffee at Whistle Stop, a little general store/sandwich and coffee shop. Whistle Stop is on the Red Arrow Highway, which is more of a country road than a highway, and it was a brand new and wide bike path.
Boating
A variety of boat rentals and charters, plus jet ski rentals, are available seasonally from the marina.
Wineries
New Buffalo is located at the bottom end of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, a collection of 16 wineries in Southwest Michigan that use locally-grown grapes. Wine enthusiasts can opt to visit a winery or two on their own, or they can join a wine tour. Fruitful Vine Tours offers tours that depart from New Buffalo.
Foundation Spa
The main reason why I chose to stay at the Harbor Grand Hotel was their spa. I picked the Coast treatment, which involved dry brushing the skin, moisturizing body oils, and an aromatherapy massage. The most unique part of the massage was that the heated massage table was moved into a recliner-like position so the masseur could work on my shoulders.
When the treatment ended, I walked into the lounge to find a cup of tea had been prepared for me. It was a very kind gesture and a perfect way to continue relaxing after the massage.
Where to Shop in New Buffalo
A handful of locally owned shops can be found downtown along North Whittaker Street. This area is just about a block away from the Amtrak station.
The Stray Dog Gear Store
The Stray Dog has its own store located just across the street from the restaurant. They sell tees and sweatshirts featuring their logo for men, women, and children.
Lakeside Goods
An eclectic shop offering art prints, housewares, books, and beach accessories.
The Kid’s Shop
A shop with children’s toys and some clothing. I bought a game for my daughter here. The board game selection was great.
Eastern Standard Time
This shop sells apparel for men, women, and children, like cozy sweats and tees. I bought some super comfortable sweatpants that I have been wearing nonstop.
Lake Feste
An upscale women’s boutique that had beautiful but pricy women’s sweaters.
Where to Eat in New Buffalo
For a very small town with a population of just 1,700 people, New Buffalo has plenty of restaurant options. I will say that it seems like lots of people visit on Saturday, so you might want to make restaurant reservations for Saturday nights. The town was noticeably quieter on Sunday.
PostBoy
PostBoy opened the day that I arrived, making it the newest addition to the New Buffalo restaurant scene. The creative, globally inspired menu has options like loaded potato gnocchi, chilaquile mussels, and minchi dumplings, plus a classic burger.
The space has a massive patio and a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
The Stray Dog
Every visit to New Buffalo should involve visiting The Stray Dog, a large bar/restaurant just about a 2-minute walk from the train station. My trip both started and ended here. First, I stopped in for a snack. I opted for a Midwest classic: cheese curds. They were wonderful, as was the ranch for dipping.
I returned for lunch just before taking the 1:20 pm train back to Chicago. I had a buffalo chicken wrap and fries. The large menu also features several salads, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, plus sharable appetizers. The restaurant is family-friendly and has a kid’s menu.
Terrace Room
The Harbor Grand Hotel’s restaurant offers Italian cuisine in a beautiful space with a fireplace. I enjoyed a seasonal pasta dish with a butternut squash sauce. Patio seating is available in warmer months.
Brewster’s
Even though my hotel offered breakfast in bed, I wanted a bigger meal, knowing that I was planning to go on a longer bike ride. This restaurant is right downtown and offers a large brunch menu. I had a breakfast BLT on fresh focaccia.
Beer Church Brewing Co.
This Civil War-era church-turned-brewery and pizzeria has a large two-level outdoor heated beer garden. Lots of large high-top tables can accommodate larger groups. Breakfast is served daily in addition to lunch and dinner. There is even a kid’s menu.
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