Welcome to Dowagiac

Whether you live here, or visit for the day or a week or all summer, there is no denying the energy and charm found in this small southwest Michigan town called Dowagiac. We are actually the only “city” in rural Cass County, and we are built around our historic central business district.  We are rural, AND we are encompassed by lake communities.  You could say we have it all—without the traffic!

Dowagiac is passionate about the arts—music, performance and visual.  Summer’s Music in the Park series features a diverse lineup of music from a variety of bands from around the region.  Beckwith Theater features community theater at its best-including an improv night.  A state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center at Dowagiac Middle School hosts youth productions and more, fostering a love of theater in our students and community.   Visual enrichment is evident throughout Dowagiac, with outdoor, public sculptures by nationally renowned artists Rosetta, John Mishler, Richard Hunt, Fritz Olsen, Nina Akamu and others-- a grand SculpTour.

Join us for our seasonal festivals and events.  From Ice Time to BBQ, car shows to Christmas, farm market to family fun, we celebrate community and the good stuff of every season, regardless of what Mother Nature serves us.  Check out our Event Calendar in the following pages.

Our neighboring Sister Lakes provide all sorts of freshwater fun.  Summer homes and rental cottages set the stage for play.   From watersports to snowmobiles, bonfires and s’mores on the beach, or just hanging out at the local brewery, one can find a way to press pause.    

This small town also boasts a college, a hospital, and two museums, golf courses, numerous recreational areas for hiking, specialty shops and restaurants, and hundreds of businesses ready to welcome you. 

When the traffic of your big town gets to you—come visit Dowagiac!   Drive our country roads “in to town” or “out to the lake”.   Either direction, you will find fun and make memories to last a lifetime.