420 Road Trip to New Buffalo — Plan Your April 20 Cannabis Run
New Buffalo, Michigan is the ultimate 420 destination for anyone in the Midwest. 29 dispensaries, all running their biggest sales of the year, packed into a beach town right at the Indiana border. Whether you're coming from Gary (30 min), Chicago (90 min), South Bend (90 min), or even Milwaukee (2.5 hrs) — here's how to plan the perfect 420 day trip.
Driving Times to New Buffalo
The Master Route: I-94 East to Exit 1
No matter where you're coming from in the Midwest, your route converges on I-94 East. Take it across Indiana into Michigan. Exit 1 — New Buffalo is literally the first exit in Michigan. Turn right off the exit, and you're on US-12 surrounded by dispensaries.
The Optimal 420 Dispensary Route
With 29 shops, you can't hit them all. Here's the optimized route for maximum deals in minimum time:
Stop 1: Border Buds (9am — early bird special)
Right at Exit 1. Open at 8am. Arrive early for the early bird special (free pre-roll before 11am). If it's your first visit: 40% off + free 3.5g over $100. Hit the concentrate bar — 420 prices on live resin and rosin.
Stop 2: Kush-E-Mart (10am — 50% off first purchase)
The single strongest deal in New Buffalo. 50% off your entire first purchase — no limit. Stock up on everything at half price. This is the must-hit for every first-timer.
Stop 3: Bloomery (11am — bulk flower deals)
$20/oz shake, $35 Red Tier ounces, $89 Redbud Roots ounces. Buy in bulk here. 11,655 reviews at 5.0 stars — the crowd favorite for a reason.
Lunch Break: Redamak's or Casey's (12pm)
Redamak's has been a New Buffalo institution since 1946 — famous burgers and an old-school vibe. Casey's is great for quick eats. You earned a break.
Stop 4: King of Budz (1pm — deli bar + lounge)
Browse the deli bar with 100+ strains, then enjoy your purchases in the consumption lounge. This is the experience stop — not just shopping but actually enjoying what you bought, legally, on-site.
Stop 5: Vibe or Supergood (3pm — afternoon deals)
Vibe runs 50% off non-infused deli flower and Jeeter specials. Supergood has BOGO deals. Afternoon crowds thin out — shorter waits, same great deals.
Beyond Dispensaries: What to Do in New Buffalo
- Lake Michigan Beach — New Buffalo Public Beach or Warren Dunes State Park (15 min north). April weather can be hit or miss, but on a warm day it's beautiful.
- Four Winds Casino — Full casino, restaurants, and entertainment 5 minutes away.
- Downtown New Buffalo — Boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Wine tasting — Southwest Michigan wine country is nearby with several tasting rooms.
What to Bring
- Valid ID — government-issued, proving you're 21+. Out-of-state IDs work.
- Cash + debit card — credit cards don't work at dispensaries. ATMs charge $2-4 fees.
- Phone with BudDash.ai — compare deals in real-time between shops
- Cooler bag — for edibles and drinks if it's warm
- Empty stomach — for Redamak's burgers and any edibles you sample
- A friend — more IDs = higher purchase limits. Split gas costs.
Budget Planning
Here's what your 420 trip might cost:
- Gas from Chicago: ~$15-25 round trip
- Cannabis budget (budget): $50-100 — gets you an ounce + edibles + pre-rolls
- Cannabis budget (mid): $150-300 — premium flower + concentrates + variety
- Cannabis budget (baller): $500+ — stock up for months at 420 prices
- Food: $15-30 per person
- Total for a solid 420 trip: $80-350 per person
With 420 deals, your dollar goes 20-50% further than any other day. This is the time to stock up.
Important Legal Notes
- Consuming in the car is illegal — same as open container laws for alcohol
- Crossing state lines with cannabis is a federal offense — consume in Michigan only
- Michigan limit: 2.5 oz flower or 15g concentrate per person per day
- Don't drive impaired — use the consumption lounge at King of Budz, then sober up before driving