Explore Van Buren County
Paw Paw, the county seat, anchors Van Buren County in southwest Michigan — where wine country meets the Lake Michigan shore. Discover the communities, local businesses, outdoor adventures, restaurants, events, and hidden gems that make Van Buren County unique.
Communities
Choose a community to begin exploring.
Paw Paw, the county seat, sits in the heart of southwest Michigan’s wine country. South Haven brings Lake Michigan beaches to the county’s northwest corner, while Hartford, Bangor, Decatur, Lawrence, Mattawan, and Gobles dot the county’s farm and orchard land.
Discover Van Buren County
🍽️ Restaurants
From South Haven’s lakefront dining to wine-country eateries around Paw Paw and hometown favorites in Hartford, Bangor, Decatur, Lawrence, Mattawan, and Gobles, find local dining favorites throughout the county.
🏨 Lodging
Beach resorts and inns in South Haven, winery-adjacent stays around Paw Paw, and cozy small-town lodging throughout the county.
🌲 Outdoor Recreation
Enjoy Lake Michigan beaches at South Haven and Van Buren State Park, tour the Paw Paw area’s wineries, and explore the county’s orchards and trails.
🛍️ Local Businesses
Shop local and support the shops and services of Paw Paw, South Haven, Hartford, Bangor, Decatur, Lawrence, Mattawan, and Gobles.
📅 Events
South Haven’s summer festivals, wine-country events around Paw Paw, and community celebrations throughout the county each year.
⭐ Hidden Gems
Discover places that locals love — from Van Buren State Park’s dunes to the back roads of wine country and South Haven’s lighthouse sunsets.
Featured Communities
From Paw Paw, the county seat in wine country, to South Haven’s Lake Michigan shoreline and the orchard towns of Hartford, Bangor, Decatur, Lawrence, Mattawan, and Gobles, Van Buren County’s communities each offer their own character.
Help Build Van Buren County
Know a great local business, event, attraction, or hidden gem? Help us build the most complete community guide by sharing what makes Van Buren County special.