Lake Michigan weather can change fast. One minute it is a beach day, the next you are watching a storm roll across the water. A rainy day does not have to ruin the trip, though.
When the rain comes in, here is where I send guests. Most of them are in Holland, and a couple are in South Haven.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: Adventures for the Whole Crew
Where I Send Guests When It Rains
1) Holland Museum
The Holland Museum is a small, well curated museum on Holland's history and Dutch art. It is an easy hour downtown.
Pair it with lunch on 8th Street and the afternoon is covered.
It is a great choice for anyone curious about how Holland got its Dutch roots.
2) Sperry's Moviehouse
Sperry's Moviehouse in Holland has recliners and dinner served at your seat. It is my rainy night pick.
Dinner and a movie in one stop, without anyone leaving their seat.
Check showtimes before you go so you can plan the rest of the day around it.
3) Holland Playland
Holland Playland is a free indoor playground for little ones at Central Church. Use entrance D off lot 4.
This is a lifesaver for parents of toddlers on a wet morning.
Check the hours before you go, since it is inside a church.
4) Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park in Holland has trampolines, climbing walls and a ropes course for kids with energy to burn.
If the kids are bouncing off the walls at the house, let them bounce off these instead.
It is a great way to wear out the kids before a quiet night at the house.
READ: The Lakeshore With Kids
5) Michigan Maritime Museum
The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven has Great Lakes boats and shipwreck stories. A rainy day is a great excuse to learn about the lake you came to see.
Good for curious kids and adults alike.
It is right on the river, so if the rain stops, you can step outside and see the boats.
6) Michigan Theatre
The Michigan Theatre is a classic small town movie theater in downtown South Haven. Catch an afternoon show and wait out the rain.
Grab a treat downtown after if the sky clears.
It is the kind of old fashioned theater that makes a rainy afternoon feel like a treat.
Or stay in. A rainy afternoon with a board game and a pot of coffee is not a bad way to spend a vacation.
Rain or shine, we would love to have you. Come stay with us.