Sister Lakes
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Since 1911, Sister Lakes Michigan Has Been a Favorite Vacation Destination

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Sister Lakes Michigan is a small, picturesque resort area in Southwest Michigan that’s surrounded by a series of fresh, clean lakes and provides a variety of watersports and community activities.

Throughout the year, the neighboring towns are filled with exciting family-friendly activities like food festivals, antique markets, and fruit-picking fairs. This charming Michigan water wonderland has something for everyone, no matter what time of year you plan to visit.

Sister Lakes - Michigan
Sister Lakes | photo via @kankui

About Sister Lakes Michigan

Sister Lakes Michigan is a quiet community northwest of Dowagiac Michigan on M-152 and is made up of 10 inland lakes within a 5 to 6-mile radius, including:

  • Round Lake
  • Big Crooked Lake
  • Little Crooked Lake
  • Cable Lake
  • Magician Lake
  • Dewey Lake
  • Pipestone Lake
  • Keeler Lake
  • Indian Lake
  • Priest Lake

Its popularity as a summer getaway destination for Chicagoans drastically increased in 1911 when the railroad made it easy to access nearby Dowagiac. Sister Lakes resort owners began to compete for business from these big city dwellers looking for a vacation spot.

Today, it’s a charming community with a small-town feel that invites visitors to relax and enjoy nature, offering multiple resort options, as well as vacation rentals during every season.

Sister Lakes - Michigan
Sister Lakes | photo via @jessremus

Things to Do in Sister Lakes Michigan

This water wonderland destination in Southwest Michigan offers year-round things to do.

Spring & Summer in Sister Lakes

The weather in Sister Lakes is similar to that of most of Western and Southwestern Michigan, with four distinct seasons. Summers in Sister Lakes are hot and sunny. They last from June to early September. Naturally, all the summer heat makes for perfect lake weather.

In the summer months, the beautiful lakes offer a variety of watersports activities, including boating and fishing. If you want to cool off, go for a swim at Sandy Beach on Round Lake, a 205-acre lake with a small beach, picnic table, and boat launch.

Magician Lake is a popular fishing lake and includes a variety of fish including trout, crappie, catfish, salmon, walleye, perch, and steelhead.

There are many nearby festivals and fairs to enjoy during the late spring and summer months, including Summer in the City Festival in Dowagiac, Berrien County Youth Fair, Cass County Fair, and Lemon Creek Winery’s Art and Wine Festival.

Plus, Sister Lakes Michigan hosts an annual fireworks show over Labor Day weekend to close out the summer with a bang!

Sister Lakes - Michigan
Sister Lakes | photo via @mary.t.ogrady

Winter in Sister Lakes

The winter months — from November to March — bring freezing temperatures, frequent snow, and blowing winds from Lake Michigan. Ice fishermen will find plenty of opportunities for peaceful ice fishing in Sister Lakes during winter in Southwest Michigan.

More to Do in Sister Lakes & Nearby

Ranging from small ponds to midsized lakes, the bodies of water in the Sister Lakes Michigan region — like Round Lakes and Magician Lake — feature narrow beaches and tree-shaded shorelines.

But, if you’re looking for a larger lake experience, Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches are just a 30-minute drive to the west.

5 Mile Drive In

Just 4.5 miles away in Dowagiac, 5 Mile Drive In is a single-screen drive-in theater that has been in operation since 1961. Open April through October, it’s the perfect place to catch a movie and experience some nostalgic Michigan summer fun.

5 Mile Drive In - Dowagiac, Michigan - Sister Lakes
5 Mile Drive In | photo via @europopboi

Ramona Roller Rink

Open year-round, this indoor rollerskating rink is the perfect place to spend a rainy day or host a party when the weather is less than favorable for being on the lake. This community staple was opened in 1928 as a dance hall and quickly became a hot spot in the area.

The Sandbar (on Round Lake)

If you’re looking for the place to be on Round Lake, you’ll want to float out to the sandbar. It’s the party strip for pontoons — perfect for hanging with friends and family.

Sisters Lake Michigan Rentals & Lodging Options

There are lots of Sister Lakes vacation rentals available, including chalets and cottages, based near the sparkling lakeshores.

VRBO Sister Lakes Michigan Offerings

Magician Lake Escape

This clean and cozy cottage is in a beautiful neighborhood near Magician Lake in Sister Lakes. The cottage overlooks the lake, and a wonderful family-friendly lake park is approximately a two-minute walk away where you can relax in a chair, swim, fish, eat, or launch a boat.

Cable Lake Cottage

This 4-bedroom cottage rental has a kitchen with a walk-out to a large deck overlooking Cable Lake. The lower-level walk-out provides complete access to the lake.

Enjoy swimming from the dock, experience superb fishing off the pier, and explore the lake on the three kayaks, paddle boat, or row boat that are provided. Or simply relax at the picnic table or Adirondack chairs near the firepit.

Cable Lake Cottage - Sister Lakes, Michigan - Sister Lakes
Cable Lake Cottage | photo via Vrbo

Lumos House

This lakefront house sleeps up to 10 people and has all of the amenities you could want. Enjoy a stay that will leave you relaxed and with a feeling of “magic!” Play in Magician Lake all day, and relax on the porch while the sun sets over the water.

Lakefront House on Sister Lakes Rental

If you enjoy relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning while watching fish jump out of the water or the stillness of the waves, or if you simply want to experience the thrill of tubing, water skiing, fishing, fruit picking, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or simply watching your child’s excitement at discovering aquatic life, this year-round Sister Lakes rental is the place for you.

Huckleberry House on Dewey Lake

Huckleberry House is the place to go if you want to enjoy the lake life. Located in the Sister Lakes region of Southwest Michigan on renowned Dewey Lake, the lake house was built with you and your family in mind.

The 145-foot beachfront property is on Dewey Lake’s channel where you can swim or fish straight off the pier while enjoying the serenity of huge trees and few neighbors. A short stroll down the street will take you to the private beach.

Huckleberry House on Dewey Lake - Sister Lakes, Michigan - Sister Lakes
Huckleberry House on Dewey Lake | photo via Vrbo

Campgrounds, Chalets, & Lake Cottages Near Sister Lakes

Wonder Woods

Wonder Woods is a boutique lakeside campground that’s located just across the road from the public beach on Round Lake and conveniently located within walking distance from many of the Sister Lakes restaurants and attractions.

Its Airstream, Avion, and restored vintage campers offer you a camping experience without having to pull your own trailer.

Round Lake Chalets

Offering four chalets on the lakefront of Round Lake, this lodging option is perfect for a family vacation, fishing trip, or a quiet retreat from nearby South Bend Indiana.

Round Lake Chalets - Dowagiac, Michigan - Sister Lakes
Round Lake Chalets | photo via Round Lake Chalets

Shady Shores Resort

This lakeside resort on Garret Rd near Sister Lakes offers no-frill cabins on a private beach along the southwest shoreline of Dewey Lake.

Sister Lakes Restaurants

The Strand Brewery & Kitchen

Offering shareable starters, brewpub handhelds, salads, entrees, a kid’s menu, and delicious side dishes, The Strand Brewery & Kitchen has something for everyone on its menu. Those looking for a refreshing drink will appreciate its craft beer, cocktails, and wine offerings.

The Strand Brewery & Kitchen - Dowagiac, Michigan - Sister Lakes
The Strand Brewery & Kitchen | photo via @dadbodbeers

Sister Lakes Brewing Company

With a tagline of “Fostering Community One Pint at a Time,” Sister Lakes Brewing Company is a family-owned craft microbrewery and restaurant in Sister Lakes. Its beer menu features a variety of its own handcrafted ales, as well as other specialty brews.

Its food menu includes unique appetizers, specialty sandwiches, soups, and salads. When possible, the restaurant uses local Michigan foods.

Driftwood Summer Shop

Since 1948, Driftwood Summer Shop has been serving scoops of ice cream, satisfying the sweet tooth of its customers.

The old-fashioned ice cream parlor expanded in 2017 to include a full-service coffee menu, as well as a beach supply shop, game arcade, and the best place to get Sister Lakes souvenirs.

Driftwood Summer Shop - Dowagiac, Michigan - Sister Lakes
Driftwood Summer Shop | photo via @itzymitz

Dockside Dan’s Bar & Grill

Don’t miss dining at Dockside Dan’s on Round Lake — perfect for enjoying a delicious meal while watching the sunset over the water. This waterfront restaurant offers boat parking and indoor or outdoor dining.

Known for having the “Best Burger” in town and featuring signature drinks, local beers on tap, and great people, Dockside Dan’s is a sure win for dinner in Sister Lakes!

FAQs & Things to Know Before Visiting Sister Lakes Michigan

What town is Sister Lakes MI?

Sister Lakes MI is near Dowagiac Michigan.

How to Get to Sister Lakes Michigan?

The closest airport to Sister Lakes Michigan is South Bend International Airport (SBN), located approximately 25 miles away in neighboring Indiana. Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) is 42 miles away to the east, along I-94.

The Amtrack Train Station in Dowagiac is still in service with trains headed east and west daily from Chicago and Detroit.

Plan Your Sister Lakes Michigan Vacation Today

Whether you’re looking for a quiet winter retreat or can’t wait for some fun in the summer sun, Sister Lakes is a great place to rent a cottage, explore nature, and relax in Southwest Michigan!

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