Unique Summer Fun
Unique ways to explore the area
It’s time to experience this Lake Michigan beach town up close. Let’s start with the best ways to get around.
Free Trolley Rides in St. Joseph
Fun for every age! Leave your vehicle in a free, all-day lot. Hop on and off at stops that make it super easy to go to the beach, favorite attractions, downtown shops, places to eat and drink.
More Fun Ways to Get Around
Want to choose where you go, when and how? Stop at Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals in downtown St. Joseph. Pedal your way around town on a surrey bike (carrying from 5 to 11 riders), beach cruiser, tandem, fat tire or electric bike. Going to the beach? Rent chairs, wagons and umbrellas. Non-pedalers can rent a street-legal golf cart to zip to the beach, picnic at parks or browse through shops. Scooter Joe’s even rents pontoons and speedboats.
For paddlers, bring your kayak, paddleboard or canoe and launch from area beaches or St. Joseph’s Paddler Park at East Basin. Rentals are available from Third Coast Paddling with sites on Silver Beach, Jean Klock Park, the Paw Paw River, Warren Dunes State Park and more.
Cycleboat on the St. Joseph River
Here’s a one-of-a-kind way to explore St. Joseph’s scenic river and harbor. The Harbor Hopper is part workout, part party. Bring your own beverages and playlist, then pedal together with a stop midway at Pier 1000 Marina to grab snacks and stretch before hopping back on.
Hoist a Tall Ship’s Sails
Few experiences top this. Time travel back in time and sail Lake Michigan aboard the beautifully crafted Tall Ship MJ. Pack a cooler and come aboard.
As your adrenaline rushes, the crew invites you to raise the sails and the boat leaps across the open water. Choose from sunset sails, classic day cruises or themed Kids Neverland Adventure, Pink Salts all-girl sail, TeamShip corporate outing or a science expedition. Unforgettable.
Surf the Dunes
Seeing our towering dunes is a must and climbing them is a thrill, but surfing down them is something your family will talk about for years. Bring a sandboard or sand sled to carve down the slopes. It takes practice, but gravity is on your side.
Ride a Miniature Train into Long Ago
Southwest Michigan has so many colorful stories from its past and one of the richest places to discover them is Eden Springs Park. Ride a miniature steam- or gas-powered train through the former amusement park that once drew boatloads of visitors. Now, volunteers are slowly restoring it to its glory days. The clacking of the wheels on the tracks and the shrill whistle will take you back in time, even for a moment.
Can’t-miss experiences
Climb to the top of a lighthouse
Two of the most photographed historic landmarks in St. Joseph are its lighthouses. You can admire them from the bluff or along Silver, Lions, Tiscornia and Jean Klock beaches. But nothing compares to walking the North Pier to tour them. Ground-level tours are free in the summer; there’s a small fee to wind your way up the tower stairs. The 360-degree view at the top is spectacular.
See Chicago from across the Lake
Chicago is approximately 52 miles away from Southwest Michigan’s shore. Yet, on a clear day when atmospheric conditions are just right, Chicago’s skyline comes into view. This instantly turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
Savor outdoor dining
When you vacation in such a beautiful resort area, you want to be outside every available minute from sunrise to star-blanketed evening. You won’t be disappointed with the views or the delicious food and drinks served overlooking Lake Michigan, the rivers and wetlands, quaint downtown streets, vineyards and verdant fields. Choose your table at our favorite fresh-air venues.
Wander above the treetops or amid the butterflies
A wild, free feeling — that’s Sarett Nature Center’s pull. Follow the wheelchair-accessible canopy trail for bird’s-eye views or step into the Butterfly House, surrounded by hundreds of brilliant, fluttering wings. However you explore, you’ll leave happy.
See more stars than you can count
Light pollution blocks our view of most of the stars overhead. But not here. Southwest Michigan is home to one of Michigan’s three International Dark Sky Parks and is an official Michigan Dark Sky Preserve. You will be awestruck by the stars, planets and nebulae you can see.
Join special happenings
Throughout the summer you can find fairs, festivals, concerts and special events to entertain all of your traveling companions. But here are some that set us apart and most are free. See you there!
Plan Your Stay Today
Take full advantage of this beyond ordinary season by reserving your lodgings now. Use this list as your guide and discover why there are no boring summers in Southwest Michigan. Come back often to discover more.
Share with Us
Please send us photos and videos of your Southwest Michigan getaway. Use our hashtag #swmichigan or upload your photos to our content collector below. This is an opportunity for your photos to appear on our social media, website or marketing materials. Thanks for sharing your memories!
