The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council is once again presenting the Southwest Michigan Makers Trail Passport Challenge for 2024/2025. The trail consists of more than 40 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries those in the area can check out. Visitors can download a free app at makerstrail.org and scan access codes when they visit participating locations to qualify to earn prizes between now and April 30 next year.
Meeting planners can incorporate the Southwest Michigan Makers Trail challenge into itineraries that include off-site outings. However, it can take visiting for two or three days to reach at least one prize level, says Marcy Simpson, Southwest Michigan Tourist Council executive director.
“Many Makers Trail locations are willing to accommodate groups, especially when they know in advance,” Simpson says. “There are transportation companies in the area that can serve as tour guides, safely getting folks to and from the craft beverage sites.” She adds, “Some makers love sharing behind-the-scenes tours and insider knowledge of their craft and get creative with tours and workshops.”
Simpson says the Southwest Michigan Makers Trail was launched in 2016 with a passport program added in 2017, an idea that came from a local winemaker and former tourist council executive director. “It evolved from what was just a wine trail into a broader plan to encompass all craft beverage-makers in Southwest Michigan,” she explains. “The rewards program has been a huge incentive to folks already visiting the many wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries in the area.”
To begin the Makers Trail Passport Challenge, download the free Visit Southwest Michigan app from the App Store or Google Play. The app contains rules, the list of prizes, the listing of makers, and details about using the access code.
While the passport is digital-only, a printed Makers Trail map is available from the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council Information Center in Benton Harbor, participating makers’ locations, and hotels. It can also be downloaded at makerstrail.org.
