Posted on August 10, 2025
The twin cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor are recognized as a travel spot for those looking for meaningful moments, opportunities to pause and appreciate the simpler pleasures in life. Discover what these two lakeside towns have in store for you on your next trip to the shores of Lake Michigan. Start planning your weekend getaway to St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan today!
Lake Michigan is famous for its numerous shorelines featuring stunning dunes, cool waves, and ample room to enjoy! For St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, the same can be said for their collection of waterfront parks. Starting off, Jean Klock Park presents itself as a quieter and more scenic alternative to many of the other parks. Its collection of harbor trails and volleyball courts offer fun and relaxation for more active visitors. The more secluded Rocky Gap Park presides on the northern edge of Benton Harbor hosts panoramic views with enough room to enjoy to fresh air. Separated by the mouth of the St. Joseph River, Silver Beach County Park & Tiscornia Park are a pair of idyllic parks at the heart of their communities. For more family-oriented fun, Silver Beach County Park has a greater availability for typical beach amenities like utilities, playgrounds, concessions, and rental services. The more reserved Tiscornia Park is not lacking either with access to the beautiful North Pier Lighthouse, expansive pavilions, and even a popular fishing spot. With a selection of open spaces, these cities are not without options.
Jean Klock Park
Jean Klock Blvd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 927-8419 | Website
Rocky Gap Park
1100 Rocky Gap Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 983-7111 | Website
Tiscomia Park
80 Ridgeway St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 | (269) 983-5541 | Website
Silver Beach County Park
101 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 | (269) 982-0533 | Website
601 Graham Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 468-9399 | Website
Some often say that being close to nature is the only way to experience nature. With the importance of nature tourism in Michigan, there are endless opportunities to explore the waters around Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. If you want a taste of the outdoors, what better way is there than with a paddle and some sunshine? Whether in Lake Michigan or elsewhere on the water, Third Coast Paddling offers a unique way to enjoy the community and nature with rental sites at Jean Klock Beach, Paw Paw River, and Silver Beach.
If you're looking for a day of entertainment suitable for all ages, the Silver Beach Center is the place to go. As the historic hub of amusement in St. Joseph, its attractions have been a beloved part of the community for longer than most people can remember. From its original location in Coney to its revival as a replica, the Silver Beach Carousel stands as a symbol of community togetherness and enjoyment throughout its many years of operation. For independent fun for children, the Curious Kids' Discovery Zone provides hours of discovery and creativity with its art and play exhibits. There is nothing better than everyone being able to have fun any time of the year.
Silver Beach Carousel
333 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 | (269) 932-1141 | Website
Silver Beach Center
333 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 | (269) 982-8500 | Website
Curious Kids' Discovery Zone
333 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 (Discovery Zone) | (269) 983-2543 | Website
Looking for a basket of fresh fruit, quality artisan goods, or an afternoon of fun attractions? Look no further than the many U-Pick Farms around St. Joseph and Benton Harbor! The expansive seasonal selection of pickable fruits and year-round market of Fruits Acres. Nothing can beat the experience and variety offered throughout the year. If festivities are what you enjoy, Jollay Orchards provides seasonal attractions with the summer jamboree and fall festival, family-friendly attractions, and picking opportunities befitting the time of year! The intimate, blueberry-oriented option of Bredeweg Acres is something to consider for anyone seeking fresh blueberries and, more seasonally, evergreen trees. For the blueberry-on-top, the winter market and activities are provided during the off-season. Be sure to check for information about the growing seasons and enjoy the U-Pick experience.
Fruit Acres
2789 Friday Rd., Coloma, MI 49038 | (269) 468-3668 | Website
Jollay Orchards
1850 Friday Rd., Coloma, MI 49038 | (269) 468-3075 | Website
Scherer's U-Pick Strawberries
5118 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085 | (269) 429-5757 | Website
Bredeweg Acres
2268 W Rockey Weed Rd., Stevensville, MI 49127 | (269) 252-4418 | Website
One of the fine features of West Michigan is the traverse coast, a golden place for vineyards to grow and wineries to produce. For the wineries around St. Joseph and Benton Harbor all of the wineries listed offer public and private wine tasting with imported and local options, but each one has something different to offer. Starting off, Vineyard 2121 has been known for its hospitality since its opening in the summer of 2015. With weekly community events, good variety, and food options, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more locally selective tastes, Lazy Ballerina Winery's options include small batch wines, wine flights, and plenty of typical spirits for their group tastings. Additionally, they host weekly events with other businesses and groups in the community. Lastly, for award-winning tastes, 12 Corners Vineyards is the place to be. This final entry on our list of wineries has a broad selection of housemade wines and several annual events sure to make a good time for everyone.
Vineyard 2121
4110 Red Arrow Hwy., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 849-0109 | Website
Lazy Ballerina Winery
321 State St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 | (269) 363-6218 | Website
12 Corners Vineyards
1201 N. Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 927-1512 | Website