Benton Harbor has seen its share of well-known faces. Al Capone and his lieutenant Frank Nitti used to vacation there. Basketball star Chet Walker grew up there. And in the outlying township, minutes from downtown, Eddie Vrdolyak owns a horse farm that once belonged to the chairman of the Whirlpool Corporation.
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The Sarett Nature Center, off Red Arrow Highway on Benton Center Road in Benton Harbor (616-927- 4832), is a wildlife sanctuary consisting of bottomland that borders the Paw Paw River. It memorializes Lew Sarett, a naturalist and speech professor at Northwestern University. Five miles of hiking trail, some on raised boardwalk, enable the visitor to see the frogs, turtles, sunflowers, and gentians without the hazard of wet feet. Friendly naturalists provide trail maps. Every Saturday and Sunday at 3 they give a program (sometimes featuring a boa constrictor) and a guided tour. Closed Mondays; open 9 to 5 Tuesday through Friday, 10 to 5 Saturday, 1 to 5 Sunday. It’s free. The hiking trails are open every day from dawn to dusk. (Remember that Michigan time is one hour ahead of ours.)
The countryside east of Benton Harbor is filled with U-pick fruit and vegetable farms. For information on what’s where–and what’s in season–consult the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, just east of I-94 (exit 29) on Pipestone Road (616-925- 6301). Through October Saint Joseph Today (a nonprofit promotional organization) runs a farmers’ market, with local produce, from 9 to 1 on Tuesday and Saturday mornings on the 100 block of State Street (more information at 616-982-6739).
At the Establishment (311 Market St. in Benton Harbor, 616- 925-1104) the preferred fare is artery clogging. The knowing go for the prime rib or the “harbor burger,” which consists of a hamburger topped with ham, two types of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and olives. Schu’s Grill & Bar just opened at 501 Pleasant St. in Saint Joseph (616-983-7248). It’s operated by the Schuler family, owners of several Win Schuler’s restaurants throughout southern Michigan. Schu’s is more casual than its older siblings, offering pizza and ribs. A sidewalk cafe affords a view of Lake Michigan; binoculars are available inside.
