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Union Pier, Michigan: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Nobody expects you to be any good at paddleboarding on the very first afternoon out. There are local instructors out here who will teach you the basics before you get wet. Rent. The distillery and the winery tours will both take you through how the thing is actually made. And the beaches are free out here, so a bad day out costs you nothing at all.

Are you planning a trip to Union Pier, Michigan and looking for things to do? This town on the shores of Lake Michigan runs plenty, from time outdoors to art and antique shops and everything between. Family, friends, or on your own, Union Pier covers all three.

Walking the Red Arrow Highway is what to do first in Union Pier. This route runs you through small towns, vineyards and orchards, with Lake Michigan opening out alongside. Along the way there are plenty of places to stop and work, art galleries, farm markets and antique shops among them.

If you follow food, Union Pier will feed you. From farm-to-table restaurants to local breweries and wineries, there are plenty of options. And if you want to be outside, Union Pier has the beaches, the hiking trails and the water sports.

Key Takeaways

• Union Pier, Michigan offers a variety of activities for all types of travelers.
• Strolling down the Red Arrow Highway is a scenic and enjoyable way to explore the area.
• Union Pier is a foodie’s paradise with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, and wineries to choose from.

Strolling Down the Red Arrow Highway

Looking for a way to spend an afternoon? Take a walk down the Red Arrow Highway. This route runs 47 miles along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, from New Buffalo to St. Joseph.

As you go along the highway, the lake and the country open out on both sides. You will also pass shops, restaurants and plenty else. Antiques, souvenirs or something to eat, you will find it.

One of the strongest parts of the Red Arrow Highway is how many wineries sit along it. Stop in for a tasting and work the region’s wines. You can also pick up a bottle or two to carry home.

If you are hungry, there are plenty of strong restaurants. From cafes to bistros, something will land. And try the local specialty: crack fries. Order them once and you will understand.

And no trip down the Red Arrow Highway is finished without the beach. There are plenty of spots to sit in the sun and get in the water. And if you want to try something new, have a go at kayaking or paddleboarding.

So put your walking shoes on and get on the road. The Red Arrow Highway is waiting.

Art and Antique Shops in Union Pier

If you follow vintage finds and art you will not see twice, the art and antique shops in Union Pier will hold you. Here are the strongest places to check:

Art Galleries

1. Antique Mall of Union Pier: This antique mall is a treasure trove of vintage finds, from furniture and decor to clothing and jewelry. You could easily spend hours browsing all the booths and discovering hidden gems.

2. The Acorn Theater: While not technically an art gallery, The Acorn Theater is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates live performances. This intimate venue hosts a variety of shows, from music and comedy to theater and dance.

3. Galerie Marie: This art gallery features contemporary works from a variety of artists, with a focus on abstract and expressionist pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or just looking for something to brighten up your home, you’re sure to find something you love here.

4. David Rice Gallery: Located in nearby Three Oaks, this gallery showcases a mix of contemporary and traditional art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The owner, David Rice, is always happy to chat with visitors about the artwork on display.

If you are after a piece of art, or you simply want to work through vintage finds, the art and antique shops in Union Pier earn the stop. You never know what will turn up.

Savor the Flavors of Union Pier

Looking for the local flavour? Union Pier runs plenty. From wine and spirits to food worth stopping for, it will hold you.

Wine and Spirits Tasting

You do not have to get to Napa Valley for a wine tasting. Union Pier holds wineries and distilleries that will land. Stop by St. Julian Winery & Distillery for a tasting of their wines and spirits. The tasting room is easy to sit in, and the staff know the stock and will talk you through it. And take their Red Heron, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

If you want something stronger, head over to Journeyman Distillery. They run a range of handcrafted spirits, whiskey, gin and vodka among them. Take a tour of the facility, work the distilling process, and sample what comes off it.

Where to Eat

After a day of wine and spirits tasting, you will have built an appetite. Union Pier runs plenty of options. For a casual lunch or dinner, check out the Greenbush Brewing Company. They run a range of craft beers and pub food that will hold you, their pulled pork sandwich among it.

If you want something smarter, head over to Timothy’s Restaurant. Their menu runs dishes built on fresh, local ingredients. And take their signature dish, the Parmesan-crusted whitefish.

For something sweet, stop by the Union Pier Market and Bakery. They run a range of baked goods, their cherry pie among them. Take a slice out onto their patio.

Whatever you are after, Union Pier will feed you. So take a little more than you meant to. You are on vacation.

Outdoor Fun in Union Pier

Union Pier works for anybody who wants to be outside. A slow day on the beach or a run at something harder, both are covered. Here are the strongest things to do outdoors in Union Pier:

Stand Up Paddleboarding

If you want a way to stay active on the water, stand up paddleboarding is the answer. It works your core and legs, and it is genuinely good fun. You can rent a paddleboard from a local shop and work the water around Union Pier.

Once you have the hang of it, you can try harder things, paddleboard yoga or even surfing. Just wear a life jacket and stay inside what you can actually do.

If you have never paddleboarded, take a lesson or two before you start. There are plenty of local instructors who will teach you the basics and build you up from there.

Stand up paddleboarding is how to take the water around Union Pier. So grab a board and get out there.

Shopping in Union Pier

If you shop, Union Pier is the place. This small town runs shopping you will not get elsewhere, at every budget. From antique shops to retail, it is all here.

One of the shopping stops to make in Union Pier is the Antique Mall of Union Pier. This mall runs clean, well-displayed booths with staff who will help. Dealers stop and shop here too. You will find antiques in every category, furniture, jewelry and vintage clothing among them.

The other strong shopping spot is Burnison Galleries. This art gallery runs artwork across the board, paintings, sculptures and pottery among it. You will find work by local and international artists, which makes it where to find a piece for the house.

If you want everything in one place, head over to Union Pier’s shopping malls. You will find stores across the board, clothing stores, gift shops and more. One of the strongest is the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets. With over 120 stores, something in there will land.

Whatever you are after, Union Pier has it. So grab your wallet and get on with it.

You are on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, out on the Red Arrow Highway. It runs a full 47 miles through the vineyards, orchards and small towns. The wineries sit along it, and the antique shops, and the farm markets. Gordon Beach and Townline Beach are both down at the water. And Warren Dunes State Park is the big one further along that road.

Union Pier in September

September in Union Pier, Michigan. The children are back at school, the beaches empty out, and the weather still holds for everything this town runs outdoors. Here is what to do in Union Pier through September:

Visit the Wineries and Distilleries

What better way to take the fall than with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail? Union Pier holds some of the strongest wineries and distilleries in the area, St. Julian Winery & Distillery and Round Barn Tasting Room among them. Take a tour, work the samples, and carry a bottle home.

Explore the Beaches

Union Pier is known for its beaches, and September is when to take them without the crowds. Pack a picnic, bring a book, and give the day to the sun and the water. Gordon Beach and Townline Beach are the strongest of them.

Go Hiking

If you want exercise and air, Union Pier runs plenty of hiking trails. Check out the Galien River County Park or the Warren Dunes State Park for the country and the harder ground. And bring your camera.

Attend a Festival

September works for festivals in Union Pier. Check out the annual Harvest & Wine Festival, where you can work local wines with live music and food vendors around you. Or, if you want it competitive, sign up for the Apple Cider Century bike race, which runs you through the Michigan countryside with cider along the way.

Relax and Unwind

And if you want a slower week, Union Pier runs that too. Book a massage at the Garden Grove Inn Bed & Breakfast, or spend the day working the local shops and boutiques. Whatever you came for, Union Pier covers it in September.

The Cherry Delights of Union Pier

When you are in Union Pier, do not drive past the cherry. From cherry cider to cherry brandy, the cherry-themed drinks and tastings in this town earn the stop. Here are two to take:

Cherry Cider Tasting

You might think you’ve tried every type of cider out there, but have you tried cherry cider? At St. Julian Winery & Distillery, you can taste their famous cherry cider. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with just a hint of cherry flavor. Plus, it’s made with Michigan-grown cherries, so you know it’s the real deal.

Cherry Brandy Experience

If you’re looking for something a little stronger, head over to Journeyman Distillery for their cherry brandy experience. You’ll learn about the distilling process and the history of cherry brandy, and of course, you’ll get to taste some of their delicious cherry brandy. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly Michigan day.

Cherry follower or simply somebody wanting to try something new, the cherry side of Union Pier will land. So take the cherry cider or the brandy. You will not regret it.

Union Pier Traveller Experiences

Are you planning a trip to Union Pier, Michigan and wondering what it is actually like? We have gathered traveller experiences from Tripadvisor members to help you plan.

According to travellers, Union Pier is a small town that runs plenty. From kayaking and canoeing at Galien River County Park to working the Warren Dunes State Park, everybody is covered.

One Tripadvisor member recommended the St. Julian Winery-Union Pier for a wine tasting. They said the staff knew the stock and would talk to you, and the wine held up. Another member pointed at the Journeyman Distillery for spirits you will not find elsewhere.

If you want to be outside, a few members recommended renting bikes from Third Coast Paddling and working the area that way. You can also head to Weko Beach Park for the sun and the sand.

On eating, travellers recommend The Stray Dog Bar & Grill for the food and the drinks. The outdoor seating works for taking the Michigan weather with something cold in your hand.

Travellers have come away from Union Pier well, and they recommend it. So pack your bags and go.

The Price of Fun in Union Pier

You are ready for Union Pier, but you are also watching the money. There is plenty here that will not empty you.

First, the beaches. Union Pier runs several beaches that cost you nothing. Spend a day in the sun, swim in Lake Michigan, or play beach volleyball. Just bring your own gear and snacks and you will save.

If you want to be outside, head to Galien River County Park. This park runs hiking trails, fishing and kayaking for a small fee. You can also rent a bike and work the park on two wheels.

For the local culture, visit the Round Barn Tasting Room. This winery runs tastings of their wines and spirits at a price that will not hurt. You can also take a tour of the winery and work the winemaking process.

If you want to shop, check out the Harbert Antique Mall. This antique store runs vintage in every category at prices that will not hurt. You never know what will turn up.

Now the expensive end. Union Pier runs plenty that is affordable, but there are a few things that may not be worth what they cost. The Warren Dunes State Park charges a steep entrance fee. The park holds up, but you can find similar beaches and hiking trails for nothing at other parks nearby.

Some of the restaurants in Union Pier also run expensive. If you are watching the money, pack a picnic lunch or cook at your rental.

Union Pier runs plenty that is affordable and worth doing, at any age. With a little planning, you can take the whole of this town without emptying your account.

Customer Service in Union Pier

You are in Union Pier and you need help. Maybe you want to know where to rent a bike, or you need to return something you bought at a local shop. Whatever it is, the people here will sort you out.

First, returns. If you need to return something, most shops in Union Pier will help you out. They know that sometimes it does not work, and they want you happy with what you bought. Just bring your receipt and the item and you will be fine.

Now pickups. If you are collecting something you ordered online, most businesses in Union Pier will work with you. Just check with them first that the order is ready and you will be fine.

And the rest of it? The people in Union Pier are among the friendliest you will meet. They are happy to help and they will go further than they need to. Renting a bike, shopping for souvenirs, or simply asking what to do in town, somebody will sort you out.

So if you want to be looked after, Union Pier is the place. With locals who will talk to you, easy returns and pickups that work, the stay will hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to convince my friends to come to Union Pier with me?

If your friends are anything like us, say the words “beaches,” “wineries” and “outdoor activities” and they will be packing before you can get out “Union Pier, Michigan.” Trust us, they will not regret it.

Are there any secret spots in Union Pier that only the locals know about?

We cannot give all of it away, but working the back roads and the quieter trails is always worth doing. You never know what you will come across.

Can you recommend any unique shopping experiences in Union Pier?

Yes. Check out the local antique shops for one-of-a-kind finds, or head to the farmer’s market for fresh produce and handmade goods. And stop by the artisanal cheese shop on the way past.

What’s the craziest thing to do in Union Pier?

We do not want to encourage anything too far, but renting a jet ski or going parasailing on Lake Michigan will get your pulse up.

Are there any haunted places in Union Pier that I should visit?

We cannot say for certain, but there are stories about the abandoned lighthouse on the edge of town. If you are feeling brave, go and look.

Is it true that Union Pier is the best place to go wine tasting in Michigan?

We may be biased, but yes. With this many wineries and vineyards in the area, something here will become your one. Just drink responsibly and bring a designated driver.

Frequently asked questions about Union Pier, Michigan

How do you actually start paddleboarding at the Union Pier beach, then, really now, these days?

You rent yourself a board from a local shop and take it right out on the water. The local instructors out there will run you through all the basics if you have never done it. Once you have got the hang of it, there is the paddleboard yoga and even the surfing. Life jacket.

What exactly is at the Galien River County park near Union Pier, then, really now?

Hiking trails, the fishing and all the kayaking, and all of it for a small fee. You can also rent yourself a bike and work the whole of the park out on that. The canoeing runs out there too, and Warren Dunes State Park is further along again. Cheap.

Which distillery near Union Pier runs all the tours, then, really now, these days?

Journeyman Distillery, which runs the whiskey, the gin and vodka all made by hand. You tour the whole of the facility and they take you through the distilling process itself. The winery does the same thing for the wine, with a tasting at the end of it. Samples.

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