The area of southwest Michigan has something for everyone, whether you are seeking incredible beaches, rolling hills planted with grapes and dotted with breweries, or charming downtowns to shop in and explore. The city of St. Joseph, and the surrounding area, offers beautiful scenery year-round, and interesting things to experience every day.
We’ve put together a plan for how to spend a pretty spectacular day in the southwest corner of Michigan, from breakfast to dinner, with plenty of activities in between.
We’d like to thank our sponsor for this Michigan’s Best Day, the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council.
Here’s how to spend a Michigan’s Best Day in St. Joseph.
The beaches are a highlight in Southwest Michigan, with powdery sand and clear blue waters.
It’s not all about the beach in southwest Michigan, but it is a pretty big deal. There are miles and miles of lovely, powdery sand rimming clear blue water in this area.
We started off our Michigan’s Best Day enjoying coffee on the beach, setting up our perfect location before it got too busy. Located just steps from downtown St. Joe is Silver Beach County Park, a bustling spot, full of people soaking up the sun, swimming, playing on the playground, or walking the South Pier. It’s a great beach if you want lots of things to do, and want to have easy access to downtown.
Silver Beach County Park
101 Broad St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Silver Beach is just one of dozens of area beaches to choose from, including state parks and campgrounds. You can get a complete listing of area beaches here.
Coffee and pastries from Caffe Tosi is a great kick off to your day in St. Joseph.
Pastries are top-notch at Caffe Tosi, since they come from Bit-of-Swiss Bakery.
Stopping by Caffe Tosi for a cup of freshly brewed coffee, some fabulous pastries, or maybe something heartier like a breakfast sandwich is a good idea. You can grab and go, or sit at one of the tables they have inside. Either way, it’s a great start to your day in the area.
The cafe is located right downtown St. Joseph, with street parking out front. In the morning, enjoy steaming cups of coffee or espresso. The pastry case is filled with delectable treats from cinnamon sugar morning buns, to lemon tarts, buttery croissants and fresh danishes. Homemade granola is crunchy and sweet, and can come with yogurt or fruit. A unique offering is Caffe Tosi’s scrambled eggs, which get cooked by the steam from the espresso machine, and served up hot with cheese, ham and fresh baked bread or a muffin.
During the day, come by for freshly-made salads, a rotating list of homemade soups, and panini sandwiches.
Caffe Tosi
516 Pleasant St.
Saint Joseph, MI 49085-1238
(269) 983-3354
http://www.caffetosi.com/about.html
You could also stop by Bit of Swiss’ location in Stevensville for excellent baked goods, including artisan breads, cakes and tortes.
Bit of Swiss
4333 Ridge Road
Stevensville, MI 49127
(269) 429-1661
The South Pier in St. Joseph is perfect for walking or riding bikes on, and watching the boats come by.
Jean Klock Park is just lovely, and offers paths for bike riding right along the lake shore.
A great way to see even more of the surrounding area, and enjoy the natural beauty of St. Joseph, is to rent a bike, and take a cruise.
Scooter Joe’s is right downtown, and offers a variety of rental options. Classic beach cruisers are available, or get a tandem for more fun. If you need a little help, try an electric bike. Or if you are traveling with a group, Scooter Joe’s offers surrey bikes, that can seat 5,8 or 11 for big fun. Forgot something for the beach like an umbrella or chair? They’ve got those too. They also have a location at Harbor Shores where you can rent kayaks and jet skis.
We took our beach cruiser up the coast just a few minutes to the stunning Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor, an absolute gem of a beach, with plenty of room to spread out on the perfect sand.
Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals
508 Broad St.
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 932-1005
Check out everything you can rent from Scooter Joe’s here.
Jean Klock Park
Admission: There is a charge for each vehicle.
Address: Jean Klock Drive, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM Monday – Sunday
Season: Memorial Day – Labor Day for bath house and concessions
You can ride right from downtown to North Pier Brewing and reward yourself with a cold one and a snack.
North Pier Brewing is located in Benton Harbor, and offers a selection of craft beers and cocktails to enjoy on site, or to take with you.
North Pier Brewing offers food as well, including build your own tacos.
Ride right up to North Pier Brewing on your bike, it’s easily accessed from the trail, or drive on in. North Pier has a light and open taproom, with large garage doors that open to the outside rain or shine. A patio outside features multiple tables shaded from the sun, and even a fire pit.
Owned by Jay and Jordan Fettig, who grew up in the area, North Pier is a popular community gathering spot for both locals and tourists alike. They originally focused on brewing up Belgian inspired beers, now, with the help of brewmaster Steve Distasio they brew what they want to drink. This includes the popular Tacklebox IPA, a hazy hoppy pour, and the Oh My Guava, a light German-style Kolsch beer that gets the unique addition of pink guava for a fruity twist on an old favorite.
Grab a bite to eat while you’re here to pair with your libations. A giant pretzel appetizer is a classic start, then you can build your own taco with a variety of fillings and toppings to make a truly custom meal. The Cubano sandwich is popular, and features beer braised pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles served on a toasted brioche bun.
Before you leave, be sure to grab some of North Pier’s canned beer or cocktails. They are perfect to take on your St. Joseph adventure, or home as a souvenir.
North Pier Brewing Company
670 N Shore Drive
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 757-7163
There are lots of ways to enjoy the outside in Southwest Michigan, including visiting local farmer's markets. (Sara Faraj | MLive.com)Sara Faraj | MLive.com
There are lots of ways to enjoy the outside in southwest Michigan, from enjoying the rich agricultural heritage here, to taking a ride on a train.
Southwest Michigan is home to many farms that grow a variety of produce, from fruit like peaches, plums and grapes, to vegetable growers. There is the opportunity to purchase local produce at area farm markets, and also the chance to come and pick your own right on the farm.
One local farm that offers both is Stovers Farm Market & U-Pick in Berrien Springs. Stovers has been welcoming customers since 1927 to their family run farm, and started the U-pick option about 35 years ago. The farm grows asparagus, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, sweet corn, blueberries,9 varieties of peaches, 23 kinds of apples, pumpkins, Indian corn, and gourds. They also have items like homemade jam, jellies, and caramel apples for sale, and a corn maze in the fall.
Stovers Farm Market & U-Pick
7837 M-139
Berrien Springs, MI 49103-9561
(269) 471-1401
Eden Springs Park and Campground offers not just camping, both tent and RV, but also a location right next to a historical park that has a long and interesting past. Currently, a non-profit group is renovating the park, which from 1908 to 1973 was owned by the House of David, a religious communal society. You can currently walk the grounds to check out the progress, take a guided tour to learn more about the House of David movement, watch old-time, bare-hand baseball games on Sundays in the summer, or take a miniature train ride on summer weekends.
Eden Springs Park and Campground
793 M-139
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 927-3302
https://www.edenspringsparkandcampground.com/
Follow the Makers Trail throughout Southwest Michigan to find wineries, breweries, and distilleries to enjoy.
12 Corners Vineyard main tasting room is located in Benton Harbor. They also have locations in Grand Haven and South Haven.
Throughout Southwestern Michigan there are dozens of wineries, breweries, cider makers, and distilleries creating all sorts of delicious things to drink. Follow the Makers Trail throughout Berrien County to find these great places to eat, drink and experience the very best this area has to offer. Pick up a Makers Trail Passport to earn rewards while you visit the over 40 different places represented.
12 Corners Vineyards main vineyard lies on 115 acres in Benton Harbor. They are known for their Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay and Traminette wines made by winemaker, Glen Greiffendorf. You can enjoy their wines at three different tasting rooms: Benton Harbor, South Haven and Grand Haven.
12 Corners Vineyards
Benton Harbor(Vineyards & Winery)
1201 N Benton Center Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-927-1512
South Haven(Tasting Room)
511 Phoenix St.
South Haven, MI 49090
269-627-1211
Grand Haven(Tasting Room)
41 Washington Ave #144
Grand Haven, MI 49417
616-414-7070
Get all the information about the Makers Trail here.
Lark's Bar-B-Que co-owner and founder Pastor Willie Lark, Sr.
Lark’s Bar-B-Que is a mainstay in Benton Harbor, drawing loyal regulars and first time visitors in with its red flames painted on the outside of the building, the large smoker parked in the lot, and the deeply flavored ‘cue served up with a smile. It’s a must-stop when in the area. Lark’s was a finalist on our search for Michigan’s Best Barbecue, and here is what John Gonzalez had to say about them:
Pastor Willie Lark started Lark’s BBQ in his car wash, which he still operates behind the building in downtown Benton Harbor. It was his way of catering to customers while they waited for their cars to be serviced. A group of friends and investors convinced him to open a brick and mortar location in 2013. He uses apple and other fruit woods to give his meats a sweet taste. Also, he uses an Open Pit base for his sauce, which he generously applies to everything from chicken to brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs. It’s a favorite for locals, including Benton Harbor native and comedian/actor Sinbad.
Lark’s Bar-B-Que
174 W Main St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 926-9833
There are many fun activities you can do on the water in St. Joseph, including taking a spin on the Harbor Hopper.
The Harbor Hopper uses people power to move....unless you tell the Captain to just turn on the motor.
Southwest Michigan has so many options for activities on the water, from inland lakes to the St. Joseph River and to the queen of them all, Lake Michigan. Take a swim, rent a paddleboard, toss a kayak in, it’s all possible here.
Looking for someone else to captain the ship? Try heading out on a fishing charter boat, where the captain and crew will have everything you need to do some big time fishing on the big lake for salmon or trout, or head to the river to fish for steelhead, salmon, and local favorite skamania.
SeaHawk Fishing Charters have been leading trips for over 30 years under the guidance of Captain Russ. All bait, tackle and fish cleaning is included with your charter.
Do you want to be the literal party on the water? If so then opt for a trip on the Harbor Hopper Cycleboat, operated by Southwest Michigan Cycleboat. Think pedal pub cruiser on the water, where you and your friends line up on either side of a bar on a boat, and propel yourself on a two hour cruise down the St. Joseph river, drinking and laughing along the way. Up to 16 people can join you on the boat, and your tour usually includes stops at two bars or restaurants along the way. You can bring your own food and drink if you like, and it’s a great, unique option for birthdays, bachelor parties or any special occasion. The boat docks at The Inn at Harbor Shores.
SeaHawk Fishing Charters
1000 Riverview Drive
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 208-3923
Southwest Michigan Cycleboat
800 Whitwam Drive
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(833) 752-9253
The Inn at Harbor Shores is home to a championship golf course, a hotel, and Plank's Tavern on the Water, all located along the shores of the St. Joseph river.
Enjoy the waterfront view, and the whitefish at Plank's, located at the Inn at Harbor Shores.
Dinner and a river view can be had at Plank’s Tavern on the Water, located at The Inn at Harbor Shores. The Inn is home to the Jack Nicklaus, a signature golf course, that is home to KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship each year. You can also stay at the Inn, which offers 92 luxury guest rooms, a full service spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
Plank’s overlooks St. Joe harbor, one of the oldest in Michigan. Both inside and outside dining is available, and the restaurant offers a classic, yet updated, menu to choose from. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all offered, and the seasonally changing menu features some of the local produce bounty. We recommend a taste of the Great Lakes at dinner by ordering the whitefish entree, which comes dusted with brown rice flour, and pan fried, and served with a pile of fresh vegetables and a fresh watercress salad. It’s flakey and light, and the perfect dish to enjoy right on the water.
Plank’s Tavern on the Water
800 Whitwam Drive
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 408-9108
https://www.harborshoresresort.com/dine
Silver Beach Pizza is a super popular spot for pizza and beer, overlooking Lake Michigan, and the train tracks.
Silver Beach Pizza is known for their Schooner sized, ice cold beers. You can see Lake Michigan in the background from the upper level bar.
Silver Beach Pizza is a landmark location in St. Joseph, located just steps from the beach, water fountain and carousel. Undergoing several remodels over the years, they now have multiple dining room options, from inside downstairs, to the adults only open air bar upstairs. They also do a booming take out business.
Silver Beach Pizza was on our search for Michigan’s Best Pizza a few years ago. We gave them a hat tip for having such a unique location. Here’s what we had to say:
SBP has great pizza, try the “Harvest” for a seasonal offering with kale and butternut squash, or “David’s Pizza” with sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, garlic, chicken, Frank’s Red Hot, and Sweet Baby Ray’s on it....and no cheese. Trust me, you won’t even miss it. In addition to these delicious offerings, you get to eat at the train station. Yep, SBP is also the Amtrak station, so watch the trains roll through, or head to the Upper Deck and enjoy views of Lake Michigan.
Silver Beach Pizza
410 Vine St.
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-4743
John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman, MLive's Michigan's Best team, share stories from all over Michigan.
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