About us
Welcome to Explore the Coast - Southwest Michigan Sports, Outdoors, & Social Group! This community is designed for individuals and couples who want to meet new people, build great friendships, and connect over shared interests.
Most of our events take place right here in Berrien and Van Buren counties. We keep things active, fun, and varied by focusing on three main areas:
- Sports: From playing casual volleyball and hitting golf outings to running local 5Ks and gathering to watch football games.
- Outdoors: Getting out on the trail for hikes, going camping, cycling, and paddling down local rivers in canoes and kayaks.
- Socials: Enjoying everything our region has to offer with group dining, local festivals, picnics, comedy clubs, live concerts, game nights, and wine tastings.
There are absolutely no membership dues to join us. So why not sign up, see what Southwest Michigan has to offer, and make some great memories? We are always open to new ideas, so if you have a suggestion for an event, just send us an email.
Come join the fun, and don't forget to tell a friend!
Upcoming events
14
Fall Paddle - Kalamazoo River -Pipeline to New Richmond Bridge -9.1 miles
Pipeline Landing DNR Launch Site, 42.61121209279653, -86.00168931397225, Fennville, MI, USAre you ready to paddle? Get ready to soak in the stunning autumn colors from the water! We are taking on a beautiful 9.1-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo river, perfect for a crisp fall afternoon. This section features a gentle, slow current, making it a highly relaxing experience.
We will be paddling the Kalamazoo River from Pipeline River Access to New Richmond Bridge (Fennville). Most of the paddle will be through the Allegan State Game Area. It is a 9.1 mile paddle, which is about 4 hours paddle.
We will meet at Pipeline River Access.
(GPS: 42.61121209279653, -86.00168931397225)
Directions to put-in: Take M-89 to 46th Street. Go north to the curve in the rode. After the curve in the rode, take the 1st dirt rode on the right. At the Y, take another right. This will take you to the river and the put-in.We will unload the boats and transfer as many cars a possible back to the takeout.
The goal is to be on the river by 12:00.
If you need to rent a kayak, state so in the RSVP.
Hey AI, what do you have to say?
The Pipeline Landing to New Richmond Bridge section of the Kalamazoo River appears to be an excellent choice for experiencing fall colors while paddling.
Here's why and some important considerations:- Scenic Beauty: This section is considered "very nice" and is designated as a state Natural River. The natural setting will showcase the vibrant fall foliage beautifully.
- Distance: The trip is approximately 9.1 miles long, offering a substantial paddle through the fall colors.
- Trip Time: A slow paddle, without stopping, could take around 3 1/2 hours. Plan accordingly and allow for enjoying the scenery and breaks.
- New Richmond Bridge Park: The endpoint at New Richmond Bridge Park offers a boat launch, picnic areas, and boardwalk trails, making it a great spot to relax after your paddle.
However, there are a couple of important notes:
- Pipeline Landing: The Pipeline Landing is a more remote launch site with parking for only 6-8 cars.
- Timing: The peak fall foliage in Southwest Michigan is typically from mid-October to the first week of November.
By planning ahead, checking for river conditions, and arranging logistics, you can enjoy a memorable fall colors paddle on the Kalamazoo River from Pipeline Landing to New Richmond Bridge.
Thanks, AI.
This will be a fun paddle, I hope you can make it.
Kevin
5 attendees
Let's Take a Hike: Love's Creek Nature Center
Love Creek Nature Center, 9292 Huckleberry Rd #9736, Berrien Center, MI, USLet's Take a Hike: Love's Creek Nature Center
We will do a 4+ miles hike at Love's Creek. The trails are easy. Love Creek winds its way through this rolling 200-acre natural area outside of Berrien Springs, Michigan. Six miles of hiking trails provide access to a variety of habitats, including a mature Beech-Maple forest with spectacular spring wildflowers.
The daily entry fee is $3.00 per vehicle for Berrien County residents. $5.00 per vehicle or non-residents. You may also opt for the $35 annual pass (regardless of residency). The annual pass is good at Love Creek Park, Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Madeline Bertrand County Park.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Dog waste must be packed out.
http://www.berriencounty.org/1299/Love-Creek-County-ParkPlease print off a trail map before you come. http://www.berriencounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/11853/2019-LC_HikingTrail-Guide-Summer-SM
We will meet in the parking lot by the sidewalk going into the Nature Center.
Afterwards, we will head to Town Hall Pizza for a drink or a bite.
https://www.townhallpizza.com/I hope you can make it.
Kevin
14 attendees
Let's Take a Hike: Saugatuck - Oxbow/Oval Beach Hike - 4+ miles
Oval Beach, 690 Perryman St, Saugatuck, MI, USLet's Take a Hike: Saugatuck - Oxbow/Oval Beach Hike - 4+ miles
Dogs are not allowed!
We will meet at Oval Beach. They don't charge a parking fee this time of year.
We will start the hike on the Fishtown trail (0.8 miles) to Tallmadge Wood's - Crow's Nest Trail. Tallmadge Wood's - Crow's Nest Trail is a 1.7 mile loop. Then we will walk 1/2 mile down the street to Mount Baldhead steps. Climbing these steps are optional. You may climb up and down the 303 steps. This if for bragging rights, just to say that you did it. Then, we will take the John Woolam Trail back to Oval Beach (0.8 miles).
Optional Hike: We the walk north down the beach 1/4 to 1/2 mile or so. (The pier is about 1 mile awat) This is out and back.
It will be around a 4.1 mile hike plus the any beach hiking.
Note: Except for the optional beach hike, the most of the rest of the trails will be in woods (shade).
Here is the link to this site on Alltrail: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-march-21-2026-eed09c6?u=i&sh=bbqg0i
We will head to the Mitten Brewing Company after the hike. (They also have Vegan options.)
Mitten Brewing Company Website: https://www.mittenbrewing.com/saugatuckThis is a great hike,
Kevin
13 attendees
Past events
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