Discover the Charm of Cassopolis: A Hidden Gem in Southwest Michigan
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Just a short distance from the Michigan-Indiana border, Cassapolis is a small village bursting with rural appeal and plenty to do for Michigan residents and visitors.
Named for US Senator Lewis Cass — of Cass County, Cass City, and Detroit Cass Tech fame — the village has been the home of former mayors, pro athletes, and even inventors.
Bordered by Stone Lake and Diamond Lake, Cassapolis offers opportunities for relaxation and adventure. From scenic golf courses and unique historic sites to an annual fun-filled county fair, Cassopolis is an under-the-radar Southwest Michigan gem waiting to be explored.
Outdoor Things to Do in Cassopolis
With lakes on its western and southeastern borders, Cassapolis beckons visitors of all ages to come and have fun by the water. With lakefront access, a dark sky park, and the county fairgrounds all within reach, the village and the surrounding area can be a paradise for those who love being outside.
Soak Up the Sun at Diamond Lake
Nestled southeast of Cassapolis, Diamond Lake has been described as a “beautiful lake with clean water” and is one of the largest lakes in the area. With more than 900 homes dotting its shoreline, Diamond Lake is a popular getaway for Michiganders and nearby out-of-towners looking for a slice of tranquility.
Sixty percent of the lake is less than 10 feet deep, making it an ideal spot for water sports and fishing — a public boat launch and marina are both onsite. Visitors can gaze upon Diamond Island in the center of the lake — an occupied space of land accessible to residents only by private ferry in the summer.
Taste Real Michigan Apples at Diamond Lake Orchard
One of the surest signs of a Michigan fall is the site of apples at local orchards. Visitors can visit this seasonal orchard on the shores of Diamond Lake beginning in August to enjoy nearly a dozen apple varieties as they ripen.
Customers can enjoy favorites like Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, and Mackintosh, and should definitely save room for the orchard’s homemade fruit-infused wine, tart apple cider, and honey.
Kick Back and Relax at Stone Lake Beach
Situated on the west end of Cassapolis, Stone Lake is a quieter alternative to Diamond Lake and offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, beach lounging, and more.
A favorite among visitors is Stone Lake Beach’s 200-foot pier with an open end for swimming, public boat slips, and fishing rod holders for anglers looking to spend a relaxing afternoon fishing. The pier is also wheelchair accessible with a ramp leading down to the beach.
The beach is a hub of activity during spring and summer with live performances at the park pavilion, a concession stand, and kayak, paddle boat, and paddle board rentals available.
Marvel at the Night Sky at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park
Tucked away in nearby Jones, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park is one of several Michigan Dark Sky Parks, where visitors can enjoy unencumbered night sky views. Lawless Park was designated a dark sky park in 2020 and offers several opportunities for daytime outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing, sports, and a kid’s play area.
While the park is a popular destination during the warmer months, there are trails for cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter, making the park a fun year-round playground.
Let Loose at the Cass County Fairgrounds
One of the best parts of summer in Michigan is attending a county fair and the Cass County Fair has been going strong in Cassapolis since 1851.
Typically, held during the first week in August, it takes place just outside downtown Cassapolis with fun for the whole family. The fair offers live entertainment, carnival games, kids’ activities, ag exhibits, fair food, and much more.
Apart from the fair, the fairgrounds are also the sight of Ghouls Night Out in October — a family camping weekend with events like a pancake breakfast, food trucks, a photo booth, and a haunted barn.
Test Your Skills On a Local Golf Course
Golf is the ultimate outdoor activity for escaping into nature and Cass County has several golf courses where golfers of all abilities can enjoy a round in picturesque settings.
- Diamond Lake Golf Club in Cassopolis is billed as the “friendliest golf course in Southwestern Michigan” and offers a challenging nine-hole course with four sets of tees. Players won’t want to miss a trip to the Diamond Lake Ice Cream Parlor in the clubhouse after a round.
- Elks Golf Course & Country Club in Dowagiac offers a nine-hole course, a pro shop, a full-service restaurant, and other amenities.
- Spruce Ridge Golf Club in Dowagiac is a public 18-hole course that offers great views and challenging play on a well-maintained course.
- Hampshire Country Club in Dowagiac offers 36 holes of golf. Hampshire Country Club is a majestic course that’s been the site of many Western Amateur qualifying rounds. Dogwood Trails is the club’s youngster sister and offers a scenic and challenging combo of rolling terrain and wooded areas.
- Four Lake Country Club in Edwardsburg is an 18-hole course that plays along Christiana Lake and Christiana Creek and offers excellent daily playing conditions.
Indoor Things to Do in Cassopolis
Cassopolis offers a wealth of outdoor activities, but the village also offers plenty to do for those who prefer exploring indoors.
Visit Local Breweries and Wineries
While Kalamazoo is 60 miles away and Grand Rapids is about 90 miles away, visitors don’t have to drive all the way to Beer City USA to find tasty brews.
The Cassopolis Beer Company (opening, TBD), Sister Lakes Brewing Company, and Strand Brewery & Kitchen (only 0.2 miles apart) offer visitors the chance to sample Michigan-made craft beers and pair them with perfect comfort foods like apps and burgers.
Learn About Cassopolis History
Cassapolis may be a tiny village of less than 2,000 people, but the area has a rich history, highlighted today by several local displays.
The James E. Bonine House in Vandalia is a longstanding Cass County landmark that is one of the area’s best examples of Victorian architecture along with a nearby Carriage House.
The Pioneer Log Cabin Museum in Cassapolis is a museum housed in a 1923 cabin that showcases artifacts associated with Cass County’s early history including a Civil War collection, a bird collection, and dollhouses.
Places to Eat in Cassopolis
After spending time on the beach, on the golf course, or at the Cass County Fair, hungry adventurers can visit several local eateries to nosh on delicious, homemade meals. Some of our favorites include:
- Broadway Cafe: 158 S Broadway St. Offers seasonal favorites, daily specials, sandwiches, and more.
- The Twirl: 220 S Broadway St. Towering burgers and sandwiches are the stars here, but customers can also get breakfast items, hot dogs, and family-sized buckets of chicken strips, shrimp, cod, and broasted chicken.
- Stone Lake Bar and Grill: 135 S Broadway St. Offers refreshing cocktails, salads, basket meals, burgers, and more.
- Fat Cam’s at Garver Lake: 25020 May St, Edwardsburg, MI. The menu at this cozy eatery is ever-evolving but features mouthwatering sandwiches, and burgers, and tasty seafood entrees.
- Wood Fire Trattoria: 134 S Front St, Dowagiac, MI. A cozy restaurant with a fusion menu of homemade global and Italian meals featuring wood-fired pizza, seafood, ravioli, and more.
Come and Explore the Calming Village of Cassopolis
With cozy eateries, miles of scenic waterfront, and craft breweries among its many sites, Cassopolis Michigan is the perfect spot for an exciting Michigan day trip for locals and visitors alike. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities, Cassopolis is nonetheless a hub of activity for those who seek a tranquil spot to explore in Michigan.