Southwest Michigan Date Nights Ideas

Tired of the same date night of dinner and a movie, on repeat. We all get stuck in a rut, especially in winter, and need to heat things up a little! Here are some fun date night ideas in Southwest Michigan to help you and your loved one connect, laugh, and create some lasting memories together! We’ll help you plan your next date night so you can skip the annoying aspect of planning and decision making. Explore the best date night spots in Battle Creek, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Lansing, Portage and Wyoming.

Rock Climb and Dine in Downtown Kalamazoo

Climb to new heights while rock climbing. Build trust with your partner as you climb and rappel at Climb Kalamazoo on 25-30 foot rock walls. Afterwards enjoy a romantic dining experience by visiting Principle in the downtown Kalamazoo Mall area. Try the Confit Duck Wings. They’re Awwmazing! If you’re searching for an escape from the cold in Michigan, you can pretend within the casual Miami vibe at Jungle Birds. The restaurant has a lively interior and a menu featuring tropical inspired dishes. We highly recommend the croquettes de jamon and Caribbean sticky wings. Delicious!

Axe Throwing and Dessert at Four Roses.

Watching a whirling ax fly through the air and sink into a target is so satisfying. Try your hand at flinging an ax blade at Choppin Company! Helpful instructors will teach you the basic techniques of ax throwing during your visit. Options are available for 30min-1 hour time slots.

choppin company date night idea southwest michigan — Axe Throwing at Choppin Company

Due to the fact that the Choppin House is attached to a gun range there is no alcohol served on site. So make reservations prior and head to Four Roses for dinner, drinks and most importantly, dessert. Voted best desserts in Michigan by MLive, and rightly so, with over 24 dessert choices, this might be the hardest decision you’ll have to make all night! Chopping Company is a great spot for double dates too, so round up your friends for a memorable time.

Kalamazoo Glass Blowing

Enjoy a FREE tour of the gallery and art studios at Glass Art Kalamazoo. An artist will narrate the process, while viewing the technic of glass blowing during the demonstration. Learn the history and science of this unique art form, as well as, the mission behind Glass Art Kalamazoo. At the end, enjoy the chance to browse and purchase items from the gallery/gift shop. They have special glass blowing events throughout the year and it’s an ideal activity for couples and groups. Want to stay overnight, the Kalamazoo House Bed and Breakfast provides a perfect location to relax, check availability here.

Casino Night with Live Entertainment and Buffet

The Gun Lake Casino, in Wayland, offers tons of entertainment and dining options. Within the casino, 131 Sports Bar and Lounge has comedians and live music throughout the year. The Harvest Buffet is both filling and delicious with numerous choices from Mexican dishes, American classics, Asian stir-fries, and Italian options.

If a buffet isn’t your style, there are other dining choices including Shkode Chophouse for steak and seafood. If you desire a more casual feel try the Craft Bar Kitchen, which has a self serve Brewpub with over 100 different selections. Head over for Game Night, 131 Sports Bar to watch your favorite sports team; the casino has a spacious open area with multiple full screen TVs to watch. For $27.99 get there before 4:00pm for the lunch buffet.

Don’t let the night stop, plan ahead and stay at the gorgeous Bay Pointe Inn. This award winning hotel boasting beautiful views of Gun Lake with balconies to take in the wintery scene.

Utilize Bookings.com to find the best deals. We chose a suite room, which included a romantic cozy fireplace and a hot tub to enjoy, plus a delicious continental breakfast in the morning with views of the frozen lake. You’ll return to your children relaxed and refreshed after a night away.

Best Deals

Pinspiration

Let your creativity shine. Choose from a number of different Pinterest worthy DIY projects from string art, acrylic pours, sign making and even try out the splatter room. They have options for classes and even offer drinks and food. Check out Pinspiration for you next creative date night experience.

Kick Up Your Heels at Cowboy Up

Shake your boots and scoot your way to the middle of the country. In Mendon, MI you can find one of the best country dance bars in the state. Cowboy Up is known for its expansive oak dance floor and lively atmosphere. Groups travel quite a distance to experience it.

Live Music and Line Dancing at Cowboy Up

If you want to learn the line dances, on Friday and Saturday nights make sure to get there early because from 7-9 pm, instructors will teach you some beginner and intermediate line dances. Attached to the full bar is a restaurant that has amazing wings and drinks, which is currently open Wed-Sat evenings.

Curling & Drinks by the Bonfire

“River Rocks Curling" is at River Saint Joes, which offers a unique outdoor curling recreation activity. Unfamiliar with curling, just picture shuffle board on ice. The ice lanes are located outside, positioned with a view of the brewery's hop yard and cozy fires to warm up by. Equipped with a broom and a "rock", you push the curling stones down the lane towards a set target on the ice. Have a blast together learning this new sport. Reserve ahead of time to secure your spot.

Lace Up Your Skates in South Haven

South Haven Ice Rink is located downtown, in close proximity to restaurants and unique shops. The Ice Rink is covered by a large pavilion and is equipped with a cooling system that allows the ice to remain frozen at a constant temperature. This creates an ideal environment for skating and weather rarely poses a problem. Options for skate rental or bring your own. Embrace winter fun while skating under the glowing lights. The Ice Rink has open skating hours almost everyday throughout the winter season.

Take your darling partner to dine at Clementine’s, this historic building has great atmosphere and delicious food. Tons of options for fresh fish or steak, try the zucchini fries or onion rings as an appetizer! Afterwards walk down the canal to the beach for a gorgeous view of the lighthouse in winter for a magical experience. February 2 – 4, 2024 is the Ice Breaker Fest in South Haven with professional ice carving, chili cook offs, and even cardboard sled races.

Extend your stay overnight at a bed and breakfast like the romantic Carriage House or the Yelton Manor Bed and Breakfast. Another wonderful option is the beautifully restored, Historic Hotel Nichols, which is in a great location near the river and is easily walkable to downtown restaurants, art galleries and shopping.

Check Availibility

Winter Lantern Lit Hikes and Snowshoeing

Several Michigan state parks and recreation areas are hosting lantern lit hikes and snowshoeing events throughout the winter. Explore the lit trails and warm up together at the community bonfires afterwards.

Come experience a romantic night amongst trees laden with snow at Ionia State Recreation area, the Outdoor Discovering Center, Ludington State Park and even a Valentines Day hike at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Here is a full list of Winter Lantern Lit Hikes occurring in Michigan.

Another option is to rent Cross Country Skis or Snowshoes at Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor and Love Creek Country Park in Berrien Center.

Sip & Relax in an Igloo

Grab a glass of wine or craft beer as you relax in a cozy heated igloo at Round Barn Winery in Baroda. This is the ultimate romantic winter setting with a beautiful backdrop. Get all the benefits of being outdoors, but without the cold temps. Great for groups or a romantic couples night out embracing the best of winter in Michigan. Nearby you could stop to hike at Warren Dunes State Park and stay overnight at the Harbor Grand in New Buffalo or check out nearby VRBO options.

Laugh Out Loud at the Comedy Club

BOB also know as Big Old Building has it all. Visit this popular four story building which features a wide range of entertainment options for couples. Home of a brewery, comedy club, restaurant and dance floor their is a plethora of activities to enjoy.

Stay the night in a romantic suite at the nearby Amway Grand Hotel. Catch a comedy show, during March at Dr. Grins, which brings in acclaimed comedians all month long. Winter is a wonderful time to visit Grand Rapids, especially during World of Winter, January 12 to March 10, 2024. This Michigan winter festival features light displays, art installations and ice sculptures.

Hit the Ski Slopes

Get active while night skiing at Swiss Valley Ski Resort in Jones. Make the most of the night because the resort has lighted ski slopes! Then grab a hot chocolate and cozy up by the fireplace with one another at the chalet.

Other ski resorts in Southwest Michigan to explore include Timber Ridge and Bittersweet Ski Resort. A nearby romantic bed and breakfast that won’t disappoint is the Castle in the Country in Allegan. After skiing, relax in a luxury suite with a whirlpool tub and cozy fireplace to create a memorable getaway.

Try Out Fowling at the Warehouse

Combine football, bowling, drinks and fun and you’ll end up loving Fowling. Unlimited play for just $14 per person at Fowling Warehouse in Grand Rapids. It’s bound to be a memorable night. Order food from your favorite restaurant and bring it with you. It’s the perfect social spot to round up a group of friends and rent a lane by the hour.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you opt to head outside and embrace Michigan winter days or find a fun activity indoors, spending time together with your love one is the best ways to bond together. Our hope is that you can find ways to embrace the beauty of winter in Michigan this season! For more winter adventures and events at state parks, check the The MRN winter activities page. Follow along with Discovering Anew’s Facebook Page for more hiking, travel and camping adventures in Michigan and beyond.