Discover Union Pier

Union Pier offers a variety of reasons to stay: public beach access with panoramic views, a pedestrian trail, tasting opportunities, art and local history. If you’re looking for hotels in Union Pier, these themes can help you choose a destination that suits your plans. Would you like to spend time outdoors, plan a tasting, or focus on art and local history? Union Pier offers several ways to explore each of these interests.

Beach Access and Walking Trail

Union Pier is known for its public beach access at the ends of streets, where panoramic views await. The Union Pier-Berrien Street beach access has a specific restriction: it is accessible only to Chikaming Township residents with a permit. Keep this rule in mind if you plan to use this particular access point.

Another way to include walking in your stay is the Red Arrow Highway Linear Park. The completed trail extends 1.3 miles within Union Pier. It improves pedestrian safety while exploring shops, dining establishments and beach areas. The trail is therefore a destination in its own right for travelers who want to explore Union Pier on foot.

Tastings and Seasonal Music

The St. Julian tasting room in Union Pier offers wine flights, wine and cider by the glass, cocktails and slushies at the tasting bar or on the outdoor patio. The Union Pier location also has an extensive selection of wines for purchase. The different drinks and wine sales offer a variety of options; operating details may change, so check before visiting.

The Round Barn Tasting Room serves wines, craft beers, spirits, flatbreads and light snacks. It also hosts the weekly live music series “Live at the Pier”: rotating local musicians perform on Saturdays from May 23 through the end of September. Because the music program is seasonal and may change, check the specific event dates in advance.

Art, Classes and Local History

Local Color Gallery showcases work by more than 90 artists, many of them from the area. A visit to the gallery brings together a range of artistic perspectives with a local connection. If you’re interested in art, the gallery is a distinct activity alongside the beach and tastings; individual artists and exhibited works may change.

Piece by Piece offers mosaic classes that are also suitable for people with no prior experience. It’s a good fit for a stay where you’d like to get creative yourself, as well as view art. Class availability and dates may change; check before your visit.

Local history is also part of Union Pier: the Gordon Beach Inn was built in the 1920s and is recognized as a historic site on the State of Michigan Register. Its construction date and recognition give the inn a historical character distinct from today’s art and classes. If you’re looking for hotels for a stay in Union Pier, you can weigh whether your trip will focus more on time outdoors, tastings, art or local history.

Discover more destinations: Benton Harbor, Sawyer, Niles, Bridgman, Berrien Springs, Watervliet, New Buffalo, Chikaming Township

For the broader travel overview: Berrien.