The St. Joseph River flows into Lake Michigan at Silver Beach County Park. Historic Inner and Outer Lights and their associated catwalk stand on the North Pier; they are accessible via Tiscornia Beach. The lights and catwalk are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beaches and Pier Access

Tiscornia Beach offers trails, access to the North Pier and lighthouses, and a Lake Michigan beach with swimming access. Silver Beach County Park has a wide beach and public access to the South Pier. During the summer months, about 1,600 feet of shoreline is designated for public swimming. These coastal destinations can be distinguished by their specific features: Tiscornia Beach for trails, lighthouses, and the North Pier; Silver Beach County Park for the wide beach, South Pier, and designated summer swimming area.

Art, History, and Hands-On Discovery

The Silver Beach Carousel features 48 hand-carved figures and two chariots. The Curious Kids’ Museum and the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone are next to Silver Beach and offer creative, hands-on play and learning for children and adults. A look at the hand-carved figures and hands-on activities at the two venues offer different ways to discover.

The Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum presents the history of the former amusement park, which operated from 1891 to 1971, through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. In downtown St. Joseph, the Krasl Art Center exhibits contemporary sculptures for the public indoors and outdoors. The Heritage Museum in St. Joseph brings together regional history, artifacts, archival collections, and a research library. These cultural attractions have different focuses: contemporary art, regional collections, interactive learning, and the history of a former amusement park.

Parks and Local Events

Lake Bluff Park offers scenic overlooks, historic markers, and the John E.N. Howard Band Shell. It also hosts the St. Joseph Farmers Market, the Artisan Fair, Antiques on the Bluff, the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, and Light Up the Bluff. The St. Joe Farmers Market takes place weekly on Saturdays at Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake Michigan. Offerings include baked goods, locally grown fruit and vegetables, flowers, meat, cheese, and coffee; the selection may vary by date. Check the seasonal market dates before your trip.

Margaret B. Upton Arboretum features trails, riverfront views, and art sculptures. Whirlpool Centennial Park features the Splashpad, the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, shade structures, picnic tables, and restrooms. The Whirlpool Compass Fountain is open to the public on a set schedule in spring, summer, and fall; check the seasonal schedule before your visit.

During the 2026 seasonal operating period, the free Shop & Shore Trolley stops in downtown St. Joseph and at Silver Beach. Check the operating days before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Three Rivers, Sturgis, White Pigeon, Shiawassee County, Emmet, Ottawa, Ingham, Mecosta County.

For the full travel overview: Michigan.