South Haven is a city located in the U.S. state of Michigan. Most of the city is in Van Buren County, and a small part is also in Allegan County. According to the 2020 census, the population of South Haven was 3,964.

South Haven is situated on Lake Michigan, where the Black River flows into the lake. This location made it a port city, with major ship lines stopping there for passengers and cargo during the settlement period. In the early 1900s, South Haven became a popular resort town, often called "The Catskills of the Midwest." Today, it attracts many visitors because of its harbor, which is used for recreation, and its beaches. The city is the western end of the Kal-Haven Trail, which is enjoyed by bicyclists and snowmobilers. Nearby are Van Buren State Park and Van Buren Trail State Park.

Liberty Hyde Bailey, a well-known botanist, was born in South Haven. His childhood home was given to the city in the 1930s and is now a museum.

History

Before settlers arrived, the area was home to the Potawatomi and Iroquois Native American people at different times. In 1833, the U.S. government gave Jay R. Monroe a land patent for 65 acres of land along Lake Michigan’s shore. In the 1850s, the first permanent settlers arrived, and early in the decade, the first steam sawmills were built on the Black River. Around this time, the settlement gained its first merchant, doctor, lawyer, and minister, and the first schoolhouse was built. A bank was organized in 1867. South Haven became a village in 1869 and a city in 1902. The city was named because it is near Grand Haven.

In 1853, the first hotel in South Haven, called the Forest House, was built at the corner of Phoenix and Center Streets. The building was later moved a few doors south and still stands today, though it has been changed a lot and is no longer used as a hotel.

Timber from South Haven was sent to Chicago and Milwaukee by steamboats and schooners. After the forests were cleared, fruit farmers used the land to grow peaches, blueberries, and apples. The farming industry created many jobs, and the city grew quickly. Around the early 1900s, theaters, a casino, an opera house, an amusement park, and many resorts helped make the city more popular. However, because it was a resort city, the economy was seasonal. To help the economy, the city’s board of trade brought several industries to the area.

In 1925, the first foreign goods arrived, starting an era of foreign shipments that lasted until the mid-1960s. The last passenger steamboat left South Haven for Chicago on Labor Day, 1941, though recreational boating became more common. In the 1950s and 1960s, several new factories opened in the area. While some resort businesses struggled, the ones that remained became stronger.

In 1970, the city held “The Centennial Celebration and Blueberry Festival,” and its 64-slip marina was dedicated. The Blueberry Festival continues to attract many visitors today. Other events, such as the Ice Breaker Festival, Harborfest, art shows, and Fourth of July fireworks, remain popular. The beaches, boating opportunities, and relaxing atmosphere will continue to make South Haven a popular summer destination. The South Pier Lighthouse, built in 1903 to replace a light established in 1872, is still working and can be reached from a public beach.

South Haven has public schools, as well as Roman Catholic and Lutheran parochial grammar schools. Western Michigan University and Lake Michigan College, a junior college, also have branch campuses in the city. The city has added parts of South Haven Township, Van Buren County, and a small part of Casco Township, Allegan County.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers a total area of 3.50 square miles (9.06 km²), with 3.40 square miles (8.81 km²) being land and 0.10 square miles (0.26 km²) being water. The area surrounding the city is called South Haven Charter Township and is not officially formed as a separate city.

According to the Köppen climate classification system, South Haven has a mix of ocean and land-based climate patterns, with a small area having unique weather conditions. The western parts of the city are classified as oceanic (Cfb), while the central areas have a hot-summer continental climate (Dfa), influenced by Lake Michigan. Summers in the city are warm and humid, and winters are cool but often experience thawing due to temperature changes.

Architecture

The Scott Club on Phoenix Street was designed by South Haven architect John Cornelius Randall and built in 1891. The clubhouse has two large stained glass windows showing Sir Walter Scott and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The South Haven Center for the Arts is located in the 1906 neoclassical Carnegie Library, also on Phoenix Street.

The Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum is located in the birthplace home of Liberty Hyde Bailey Jr. This Greek Revival farmhouse is one of the oldest houses in South Haven.

Demographics

In 2020, the census showed 3,964 people, 1,935 households, and 1,302 families living in the city. There were 3,560 housing units, with 54.4% occupied and 45.6% vacant. The racial composition of the city was 76.7% White, 12.5% Black or African American, 0.9% American Indian & Alaska Native, 0.7% Asian, 2.4% from other races, and 6.8% from two or more races. Out of 1,935 households, 28% had children under 18, 44.5% were married couples, 11.1% had a female householder without a husband, and 37.9% were non-families. 37.9% of households had only one person, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.26, and the average family size was 2.89. The population was spread as follows: 17.9% under 20, 3.9% aged 20–24, 16.7% aged 25–44, 28.7% aged 45–64, and 32.74% aged 65 or older. The median age was 56.2 years. The median household income was $58,043 in 2022, and the per capita income was $45,398.

In 2010, the census showed 4,403 people, 1,959 households, and 1,126 families. The population density was 1,295.0 people per square mile (500.0/km²). There were 3,346 housing units, with an average density of 984.1 per square mile (380.0/km²). The racial composition was 81.7% White, 13.3% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. 3.8% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino. Out of 1,959 households, 24.5% had children under 18, 39.6% were married couples, 15.0% had a female householder without a husband, 3.0% had a male householder without a wife, and 42.5% were non-families. 36.9% of households had only one person, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.17, and the average family size was 2.80. The median age was 47.7 years. 20.2% of residents were under 18, 7.9% were aged 18–24, 19.1% were aged 25–44, 30.2% were aged 45–64, and 22.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup was 44.9% male and 55.1% female.

In 2000, the census showed 5,021 people, 2,095 households, and 1,330 families. The population density was 1,452.3 people per square mile (560.7/km²). There were 2,979 housing units, with an average density of 861.6 per square mile (332.7/km²). The racial composition was 82.75% White, 12.83% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 1.04% from other races, and 1.99% from two or more races. 2.33% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino. Out of 2,095 households, 27.8% had children under 18, 47.4% were married couples, 12.7% had a female householder without a husband, and 36.5% were non-families. 31.7% of households had only one person, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30, and the average family size was 2.90. The population was spread as follows: 23.6% under 18, 6.3% aged 18–24, 24.2% aged 25–44, 25.6% aged 45–64, and 20.3% aged 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.3 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 80.4 males. The median household income was $35,885, and the median family income was $46,307. Males had a median income of $37,089, while females had $25,486. The per capita income was $19,396. About 7.8% of families and 9.8% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under 18 and 13.9% of those aged 65 or older.

Cultural attractions

South Haven has a variety of cultural attractions. The Michigan Maritime Museum, home to the tall ship Friends Good Will, is one of the city's most well-known places. The museum also has an electric river launch called the Lindy Lou. River launch boats were used from the 1890s to the 1930s to carry passengers up the Black River to resorts and parks. Visitors can buy tickets to ride either ship—the Lindy Lou stays on the river, while the Friends Good Will travels down the river and onto Lake Michigan.

The Historical Association of South Haven, which now operates from the old Hartman School, is restoring the building. The association works to record and share the city's history.

The Michigan Flywheelers Museum shows visitors what life was like for early farmers. The museum has displays of old flywheel engines and tractors, an area that looks like an old town with a jail and farm machinery shop, and a building called "The Farm History Building."

In the winter, the city's ice rink is open. There is a cost to enter and rent skates each day, and season passes are also available.

Notable people

• Liberty Hyde Bailey, helped start the American Society for Horticultural Science and is known as an important figure in modern horticulture
• Nate Barnes, country music singer
• Pamela Carter, Indiana Attorney General from 1993 to 1997
• Dave Gumpert, professional baseball player
• Wendy Anderson Halperin, illustrator and author of children's books
• Cindy Hill, winner of the 1974 U.S. Women's Amateur and two-time winner on the LPGA Tour
• Becky Johnston, screenwriter who was nominated for an Academy Award for The Prince of Tides
• Drakkar Klose, Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter
• Mark Lenard, actor from Star Trek who played Spock's father
• Daniel K. Ludwig, business leader in shipping and ranked #1 on the first Forbes list of 400 Richest Americans in 1982
• James McCloughan, Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient
• Kennedy McIntosh, professional basketball player
• Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler's Wife
• Joseph P. Overton, political scientist who created the Overton window concept
• Jeffrey R. Riemer, retired major general in the United States Air Force
• Art Walker, professional football player
• Kaliesha West, professional boxer
• D'arcy Wretzky, former bass player of The Smashing Pumpkins
• J.C. Hartsfield, co-founder of Heartsfield