Berrien County Vacation

[utlchris]

Hi all, I have an upcoming trip to the Stevensville area and will bring along my 396XT. I have no problem finding the talk groups from RR but was looking for some help with the sites. Was wondering if someone could help me out with the best sites for this county. I checked the page and could not find a map that has the towers listed for the state. Not being familiar with all the towns I really didn't want to click on each site and then the map for each site to try to figure this out. So if someone has some ideas that would be great.

** Edit just noticed you guys have the County name following the sites. Very nice wish we had that here in Colorado. I'm Flying in O'Hare and driving around from there so any suggestions on the drive around would be nice as well, but think I got it figured out from here.

Thanks in advance!

[N9JCQ]

Chris, don't forget to check out the IL and IN sections as well. You'll want to load the STARCOM Northern Cook county and southern Cook county sites as well as IN State Patrol freqs as you travel around. Also, You might want to load the Marine RadioChannels in as well.
I love to vacation there in Berrien County. Try and hit Tabor Hill winery for tasting and the restaurant is awesome. There are a number of Wineries and Microbrews in the area. The beaches there are awesome. One of the locals can give you the correct name, but there is a bar in New Buffalo (dog in the name? Stray Dog?) that you can sit up on the top deck and watch the sun set across Lake Michigan... Really nice..
Also Check out Saugatuck, Douglas and South Haven as well. Not very far drives. Grand Haven too and Holland...
Have a great time!
Joe, N9JCQ

[k8tmk]

Not exactly sure what you are looking for, but the state police towers that cover Berrien County are listed as Sumnerville, Coloma, and Sawyer. I live in Stevensville. Many agencies use the state police trunked system.

The lake bluff in St. Joseph provides a great view of Lake Michigan.There are a couple of mini-parks at the south end of the city that are provided for just this purpose (and they are free). The beaches in St. Joseph, Lincoln Township, Bridgman, and Warren Dunes are good places to swim, tan, and get sand between your toes.

Many people enjoy dining at Clementies in downtown St. Joseph, near the St. Joseph river. Or for more extravagant dining, try Tosi's in Stevensville.

The local ham club will be participating in Field Day this weekend at 8530 North Branch Road (south of Watervliet off M-140). If you are in the area this weekend, feel free to stop by.

Randy, K8TMK

[jimsokol]

For the drive in from O'Hare, I suggest the following:
IL:
Starcom21 towers for Cook county. Counties listed for towers.
IN:
Safe-T towers for Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties. Counties listed for towers.

The above should cover I-94 until you get to Michigan.

While in MI:
You already figured out that quite a bit is on MPSCS, the state's digital system. In Berrien County, the following can still be found on analog (note that some of the below do both depending on the circumstances), and what is in the database for them should be correct:
- County fire
- Saint Joseph (city), Benton Harbor, and Benton Township. These are fairly close to Stevensville.
- EMS
- AEP (electric) is on an 800 Mhz analog EDACS system

Also to keep in mind is that during the summer months it is quite common for conditions to be quite good for receiving signals for the Chicago area, so be prepared for that. Sometimes it's nice, and other times you give thanks for PL/CTCSS/DPL tones.

I don't know when you're coming, and maybe you want to keep the specifics to yourself, but try the following site for much information on the area (festivals, things to do, etc.)
Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council


P.S. The place mentioned in New Buffalo is the Stray Dog. I haven't been there, but can recommend Casey's in New Buffalo. Send me a PM if interested in more good places to eat. I can tell you what places my wife and I like.

[utlchris]

Thanks for all the great replies and help with these systems. Very nice to see some that can help out visitors. I'll be in this Tuesday and will be staying though the 10th to visit the wife's side family and friends. Looking forward to see the fireworks at Silver Beach. We are also planning a trip to Warren Dunes with friends for the day as well. Thanks again for the information and hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th.

[jimsokol]

When at Silver Beach, try 461.1125 (simplex, low power) for park activity.

Besides MPSCS, there is some minimal 44 MHz usage at Warren Dunes.

You have a safe, fun 4th too.

[utlchris]

Thanks Jim

Originally Posted by jimsokol

When at Silver Beach, try 461.1125 (simplex, low power) for park activity.

Besides MPSCS, there is some minimal 44 MHz usage at Warren Dunes.

You have a safe, fun 4th too.

[vortex360]

Originally Posted by jimsokol

When at Silver Beach, try 461.1125 (simplex, low power) for park activity.

Besides MPSCS, there is some minimal 44 MHz usage at Warren Dunes.

You have a safe, fun 4th too.

Warren Dunes can now be heard on the MPSCS system.