2025-2026 Makers Trail Passport Challenge
Take the 2025-2026 Makers Trail Passport Challenge, Sept. 12 to Apr. 30. The more of the 50+ craft beverage stops you visit, the more exclusive rewards you earn.
DON’T MISS THE FUN. TAKE THE 2025-2026 MAKERS TRAIL PASSPORT CHALLENGE.
Earn more rewards with every Southwest Michigan craft beverage stop.
Michigan craft beverage fans, here’s a challenge you won’t want to miss. Visit Southwest Michigan is rolling out the 2025-2026 Makers Trail Passport, running Sept. 12 to April 30. The challenge: Adults 21 and older visit at least 30 of Southwest Michigan’s 50-plus wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries and enjoy their makers’ crafts. The more stops you make, the more rewards you earn.
“This year, our popular Challenge has a new vibe with updated branding, cool prizes you’ll be excited to show off and even more places to check out on the Trail. Everything’s nearby, making it an extraordinary tasting experience,” said Marcy Simpson, executive director of Visit Southwest Michigan.
She pointed out that participants can easily earn the first reward by visiting for just two to three days. By continuing to come back, participants can reach all four prize levels by April and automatically be entered in the Grand Prize Drawing.
“Whether you’re a first-timer or a long-time Passport fan,” said Simpson, “you’ll be one of the first to score prizes designed with our new look. So head out early, taste your way along the Trail and collect our exclusive gear while it lasts.”
This year’s rewards are:
Level 1: $15 Makers Trail Gift Certificate. Check in at 10 different Makers Trail locations.
Level 2: Makers Trail Collector Tee. Check in at a total of 20 different Makers Trail stops.
Level 3: Makers Trail Exclusive Hoodie. Check in at a total of 30 different Makers Trail sites.
Stay overnight for a bonus reward: Spend at least one night in a participating hotel and complete any reward level between Sept. 12 and April 30. The prize? A Makers Trail YETI COLSTER Can Cooler that’s perfect for keeping brews, sodas and sparkling water chilled.
Grand Prize Drawing: Complete Reward Levels 1, 2 and 3 and spend a night in a participating hotel to automatically enter the drawing. One winner will get a relaxing, all-inclusive two-night getaway (double occupancy) in St. Joseph, Benton Harbor or Stevensville, plus gift certificates for restaurants, Makers Trail stops and more.
Simpson said starting the Makers Trail Passport Challenge is easy. Install the free Visit Southwest Michigan app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone or mobile device and get instant access to the Passport, rules and map. Visit https://makerstrail.org/passport for full details.
About Visit Southwest Michigan
This destination organization connects visitors and locals to activities in St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Stevensville and surrounding Southwest Michigan communities. View their curated events, fun challenges, blogs, itineraries, trail guides and more online. For information, call 269-925-6301 or visit swmichigan.org, facebook.com/MakersTrail and instagram.com/makerstrail — and share the good times with us.
