Transform Your Town into a Tourist Destination

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Three Oaks, Michigan, stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and a well-defined vision. Once on the brink of financial collapse, this charming village has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a thriving tourist destination. The story begins in 2008, when lifelong resident Dave Grosse discovered that the town he loved was facing a dire financial crisis. Determined to help save Three Oaks, Dave joined forces with concerned citizens and ran for public office. Together, they tackled the root causes of the crisis, starting with an outdated and underfunded water system that had long been neglected.

Under new leadership, the village gathered residents and business owners and developed a plan to raise water fees through open communication and collaboration with residents. By fostering transparency and community involvement, the town was able to gather the necessary funds, which, along with grants from the State of Michigan and Berrien County, allowed them to rebuild the failing water infrastructure and repair deteriorating streets. This critical financial turnaround provided a solid foundation for the village’s revival.

During this period of recovery, the town made a bold decision: rather than succumb to the allure of big-box stores that could have eroded Three Oaks' unique character, local leaders opted to focus on cultivating a vibrant, locally-driven downtown. This decision became the cornerstone of the town’s revitalization.

One of the most pivotal moments in Three Oaks’ resurgence came in 2011 with the opening of the Journeyman Distillery. Housed in the historic Featherbone factory, the distillery  and world-class wedding venue has become an anchor business that draws tourists from far and wide. Its success inspired further development, as new restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries began to fill previously vacant storefronts, breathing new life into the downtown core.

To support these improvements, the village established a Downtown Development District, similar to a TIF district. This mechanism allowed the town to capture and reinvest tax revenue directly into the district, fueling the revitalization efforts and ensuring the continued growth and maintenance of downtown infrastructure.

Today, Three Oaks is a flourishing tourist destination, known for its vibrant art galleries, one-of-a-kind shops, such as the historic Drier's Meat Market (now operated by the sixth generation of owners), and acclaimed restaurants like Froehlich's Kitchen and Pantry.  Visitors are drawn to the town’s charming atmosphere, and the community’s dedication to maintaining its unique character has paid off—home values and property prices have soared as more people seek to be part of this once-struggling village's success story.

Three Oaks' revival is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collective effort, sound financial decisions, and a commitment to preserving a community’s identity. The village’s remarkable turnaround offers inspiration to any town facing its own challenges, showing that with vision and perseverance, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.