St. Joseph, Michigan

A lakeside resort town on the southeast shore of Lake Michigan, with Silver Beach, breakwater lighthouses and the Warren Dunes nearby, plus wine trails and orchards along the lakeshore.

St. Joseph (locally often called “St. Joe”) is located at the southwest corner of Michigan, on the southeast shore of Lake Michigan. It sits on bluffs south of where the St. Joseph River empties into the lake. Across the river is Benton Harbor, and together the two towns form a “twin city.” Whirlpool Corporation is also headquartered here.

The town is known for its lakeside resort life. Below the bluffs, Silver Beach is one of the most popular beaches in southwest Michigan. Next to it are the hand-carved Silver Beach Carousel and a children’s museum. The North Pier, which extends into the lake, has a pair of century-old lighthouses linked by a footbridge. Watching the sunset there in summer and the ice-covered lighthouses in winter are both well-known experiences. Downtown on the bluffs has cafés, boutiques and the Krasl Art Center. Across the river, the Benton Harbor Arts District is known for its galleries and murals.

Twenty to thirty minutes’ drive south are three state parks: Warren Dunes, Grand Mere and Warren Woods. You can climb the dunes or walk through the old-growth forest. Inland, around Baroda and Buchanan, is the Lake Michigan Shore wine region, with more than a dozen wineries and U-pick orchards. To the southeast, Niles is home to Fernwood Botanical Garden.

The best seasons are June–August, the peak beach season, and September–October, when harvest and fall colors arrive. Winters are cold and snowy, with frequent lake-effect snow, but the ice-covered lighthouses have their own charm.

Getting there: St. Joseph is about 150 km from Chicago, a 1.5–2 hour drive. You can also take Amtrak’s Blue Water train to St. Joseph station, right next to Silver Beach. Once there, a car is the main way to get around. Plan to stay 2–3 days, and book lodging well ahead for summer weekends.

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Where to eat