Located in Berrien County, Union Pier is nestled between the southern shore of Lake Michigan and the Gallen River, just a 5-mile drive from the northern Indiana border. The town originated as an industrial area, with its shipping piers being used as a transportation hub for Michigan timber to the Chicago area. This remained the primary industry in the area until the late 19th century, after which it turned into a vacation destination that attracted a wide range of cultures to its shores.
Union Pier became a summer retreat for Chicago bohemians in the early part of the 20th century. It primarily consisted of camp cottages located along the shores of Union Pier Beach. Notably, it was the preferred vacation spot of popular Chicago writers Sherwood Anderson and Ben Hecht.
A strong migration of Lithuanian immigrants came to the area at the close of World War II. Even though only a few Lithuanian families still reside there today, the many Lithuanian shops and amenities in the area serve as a reminder of its influential heritage. Spots like Milda's Corner Market and Gintaras Resort still stand and operate today.
Union Pier is also well-known as one of the only areas to have its own 1-watt radio station, which broadcasts on 87.9 FM and goes by the name "Radio Mykros." The station airs talk shows and music from many obscure local bands throughout the area. Today, this popular lakeside vacation spot is home to many galleries, unique antique shops, boutiques, and grand resorts that have been recently restored.
When is the best time to visit Union Pier, MI?
The location of Union Pier in the Midwest means that the area boasts a full four seasons, with summer being the hottest season and winter being cold and snowy. The area experiences a wide range of temperature fluctuation throughout the year, and for at least half of the year, there's a fair chance of precipitation daily.
Since the area's tourism revolves around water recreation, the most popular months of the year to travel to Union Pier are from July through August when the temperatures are at their hottest and the water has had time to warm up. Unfortunately, since the peak tourist season is so short, accommodations can be costly and hard to book.
If you are looking to save a little bit on accommodations for your trip, you can still enjoy warm weather in the area from the end of April until the beginning of July as long as the area had not seen a long winter. You can also choose to travel through the fall months if you want to enjoy the color change, but consider making your trip early in the fall to enjoy the warmest temperatures.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Union Pier, MI:
Union Pier by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Union Pier, MI. You can use these charts to calculate the most cost effective seasons to stay in Union Pier throughout the year.
Does Union Pier, MI have luxury hotels?
While you won't find any five-star hotels or resorts in the Union Pier area, some hotels provide you with higher levels of accommodations and amenities that can make your trip a little more upscale.
One hotel that is definitely worth consideration is The Goldberry Woods Bed and Breakfast at Microfarm Cottages. The hotel offers multiple room options, all individually decorated to create your unique accommodations. Each room is equipped with a fireplace, a flat-screen television with satellite programming and DVD player, jetted bathtubs, and complimentary internet access. Amenities at this B&B include a picnic area, a library, a terrace, and available breakfast. During your stay, you will be located close to popular attractions like Barker Mansion, Antique Avenue Mall, and Harbor Shores Golf Club.
Also located just a short distance away in the New Buffalo area is the local Fairfield Inn & Suites. This hotel is located close to both the Four Winds and Blue Chip Casino as well as the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds and the Great Lakes Museum of Military. Rooms at the hotel feature flat-screen televisions with cable programming, complimentary internet access, desks, and coffee and tea makers. Other amenities at the hotel include free breakfast, fitness facilities, and an on-site business center.
What low cost hotels are near Union Pier?
3 Star Average Prices: $132.03
If you are looking to enjoy a vacation to Union Pier on a budget, you'll find no shortage of area accommodations that have comfortable rooms and sought-after amenities.
One low-cost hotel option in the Union Pier area is the Baymont by Wyndham, located on Harbor County Drive in nearby New Buffalo. The area is located within 10 miles of many of the popular attractions in the area, such as The Old Lighthouse Museum, Blue Chip Casino and Resort, and the Washington Park Zoo.
During your stay, you can enjoy rooms that feature refrigerators, microwaves, cable television, and coffee and tea makers. Amenities that guests can take advantage of during their stay include an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a spa tub, a business center, and free shuttle service to the casino.
The Comfort Inn on LaPorte Road in New Buffalo provides their guests with amenities such as a picnic area, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a spa tub, a free casino shuttle service. During your stay, you will be less than a couple of miles from the Four Winds Casino and close to the Great Lakes Museum of Military and The South Bend Motor Speedway. The rooms are comfortable and are outfitted with refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen televisions with cable programming.