Tiscornia Beach | photo by Molly Shuler Pate
St. Joseph, Michigan
St. Joseph, Michigan, is the perfect destination for beach lovers. It has exquisite beaches, each with convenient amenities. Within St. Joseph’s Michigan beaches lie thousands of acres of state park land. Camping in that area is great because it includes both modern and rustic campsites, bathhouses, trails, dunes, playgrounds, and more.
St. Joseph Beaches
The jewel of St. Joseph has to be Silver Beach County Park. Located right downtown at Broad and Lake streets, it boasts over 1,500 feet of public swimming area. Visitors can access the South Pier, where you can view the St. Joseph lighthouse. Other features include playgrounds, restrooms, accessible walkways, concession stand and volleyball courts.
Pets (leashed) are welcome on the sidewalks, but not on the beach or in the water. There is parking at the beach for a fee, and both cards and cash are accepted. The park is open all year from dawn to dusk.
On your way into the park, don’t miss the Whirlpool Compass Fountain and the one-of-a-kind Silver Beach Carousel. This colorful attraction was brought to Silver Beach in 1910, and the 44 hand carved horses were some of the most beautiful ever created. Unfortunately, in 1973, the carousel was sold and left St. Joseph. Residents missed this iconic structure and went about raising money to create another carousel. They enlisted the carvers of The Carousel Works in Ohio to build the million dollar carousel. Using hand-carving practices from the early 1900s, the new carousel arrived in St. Joseph and opened to the public in January of 2010. It takes only one $4 token to ride the Carousel, and can be purchased at the Brass Ring Gift Shop.
Tiscornia Beach Park comprises 16 acres and is located across the St. Joseph River from Silver Beach Park. Catch a sunset–or a fish on the walkway that leads to the North Pier Lighthouse. A bit quieter than Silver Beach, Tiscornia is perfect for families–offering restrooms and a picnic pavilion.
Just south of Silver Beach is Lions Park Beach. Amenities include restrooms, playground, volleyball courts and three shelters for rent. You can even hold your wedding on the beach with prior arrangements.
Downtown St. Joseph
You can spend all day shopping, eating and drinking in St. Joseph! The downtown area between Ship and Market streets is truly charming any time of year. There are so many unique shops with items you won’t find anywhere else. The variety of restaurants will not disappoint, and there are many! From pubs to ice cream—cafes to wineries–you’ll find it all in St. Joseph.
If you have children, you have to stop into the Curious Kids Museum. There are wonderful hands-on activities that will delight your child and keep them occupied for hours. Adults will enjoy the Krasl Art Center and The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.
For travel questions about St. Joseph, Michigan, or to request a Visitor Guide, contact:
Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
2300 Pipestone Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 925-6301
A Note From the Publisher
This Lake Michigan Destinations website is created and managed entirely by a small team at a locally owned and operated company in West Michigan. Yes, we are small, but our passion for promoting the beauty and adventure of Lake Michigan is BIG!
Our research, discoveries, and experiences are being organized into nine travel regions to help you plan your Lake Michigan Circle Tour, one section at a time.
If you have comments or suggestions, we would love to hear from you.
Discover Lake Michigan in Southwest Michigan
South Haven, Michigan
South Haven has always been a port city due to its location on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Black River.
Douglas, Michigan
Known as the “Village of Friendliness since 1870”, Douglas offers a diversified variety of art galleries and fine dining.
St. Joseph, Michigan
With 3 top beaches including thousands of acres of State Park land, St. Joseph, Michigan, is the perfect destination for beach lovers.
Berrien County, Michigan
Berrien county is located in the southwest corner of Michigan and just north of the Indiana border. It’s home to the St. Joseph River.
Benton Harbor, Michigan
Benton Harbor and St. Joseph are twin cities sharing the St. Joseph River shore. Both communities are along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck, Michigan has been regarded as the “Art Coast of Michigan” and has approximately two dozen galleries to visit.