Silver Beach County Park
Silver Beach
A fine-sand lakeside beach below the bluffs of downtown St. Joseph, popular for summer swimming, beach volleyball, and sunsets. It is one of the favorite lake beaches in southwest Michigan.
Silver Beach lies south of the St. Joseph River mouth, below the lake bluffs. It was the site of the Silver Beach amusement park, which operated from 1891 to 1971. Today it is a public beach managed by Berrien County, with fine sand and shallow water. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, and there are changing rooms, snack stands, and volleyball courts. The beach is right beside the North Pier Lights. Nearby are the Silver Beach Carousel, the Whirlpool Compass Fountain (where children splash in summer), and a children's museum, so you could spend a whole day here. Trails and steps lead down from the downtown area atop the bluff. Peak-season parking is charged by the hour and fills up quickly, so arrive early or walk. Rip currents may occur off Lake Michigan, so pay attention to flag warnings.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–22:00 (summer)
Nearby sights
- Silver Beach Carousel
- Curious Kids' Museum
- Krasl Art Center
- Downtown St. Joseph & Lake Bluff Park
- St. Joseph North Pier Lights
- Benton Harbor Arts District
- Sarett Nature Center
- Grand Mere State Park