Benton Harbor

Benton Harbor
Located in Southwest Michigan, along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, Benton Harbor is noted for growth, prosperity and diversity. Benton Harbors beautiful shoreline offers a variety of activities for everyones enjoyment.

In the region, you are provided with ample opportunities to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, or just strolling along its soft, sandy beaches. Benton Harbor is a county seat of Berrien County that has a diversified economic base with is manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and service industries.

The City offers distinct advantages to the residents and business owners; hence, both are aware of the positive change within the community for economic growth and development.

As of the US Census 2000 estimates, Benton Harbor had a population of 11,182 inhabitants. In order to encourage business activity, Benton Harbor was designated as an Enterprise Zone in 1986. The port city extends miles of Lake Michigans soft, sandy shoreline for visitors enjoyment.

Offering the convenience of being located just off I-94 between Chicago and Detroit, Benton Harbor has also exquisitely developed the St. Joseph River waterfront as well as other areas to encourage the growth of the area.

The St. Joseph River offers miles of scenic shoreline for fishing, boating, or just relaxing. Benton Harbor is the administrative home of Whirlpool Corporation, which acquired the Maytag Corporation in 2006, turning it into the worlds largest producer of home appliances.

The port city of Benton Harbor is serviced by major highways, airports, rail and commercial ports, contributing to the maintenance of the strong diversification of the economic base. The region is a great place to live, work, and visit.

Sites of interest in Benton Harbor are Shiloh House, served as the administration building and mens dormitory for the House of David colony; Morton House, now houses a museum; nearby Sarett Nature Center, a 300-acre wildlife sanctuary which offers trails, an interpretative building, and classes; Jean Klock Park on Lake Michigan and the list goes on. Benton Harbor has a lot to show you how to have fun!

Enjoy yourself in Benton Harbor whether you go roller-skating, pet tame animals, play miniature golf or prefer going to the show or go-carts. Captain Mikes Fun Park, Booming Acres Emu Farm, Cook Energy Center etc are some of the best places to enjoy shows about energy and technology in Benton Harbor.

Benton Harbor wants you to enjoy yourself while youre here, so it provides you ample choices. You have a nerve for blues, rock, or the symphony, heres a treat for you. The Howard Performing Arts Center is an elite acoustical facility designed for the performance of classical music.

If you like big name entertainers or summer stock theatre talent, you can find several venues featuring top acts and artists here. Benton Harbor is home to the southwest Michigans Symphony Orchestra which has been making beautiful music for over 50 years.

The proud sponsor of the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra, the Southwest Michigans Symphony Orchestra is now expanding music education in the schools. After strolling along the beach and spending night on the town, plan your next day around learning.

Explore Benton Harbors past from Native American history to early settlers, to maritime history and to the religious colony with a baseball team.

Learn about the history of the famous horticulturist, runaway slaves, lighthouse keepers and local artists in Michigan or get some hands-on experience at a kids museum. The city has a lot in store for you!