11 BEST Things to do in St Joseph [2024 Guide] with pictures

Things to do in St Joseph Michigan (for Kids)

When visiting St Joseph you will quickly discover that there is so much to do! From enjoying beautiful views of Lake Michigan while enjoying a day at the beach to cooling off at one of the largest water fountains you will ever see!

Find out the many different things to do in St Joseph, MI!

Depending on if you stay for a week or a quick weekend visit. Below we touch on a variety of things to do. We also break it up into different categories – so you can skip through to a certain section.

Living & Things to do in:

  1. Active Lifestyle
  2. Arts & Theatre
  3. Entertainment
  4. Family & Kids
  5. Historical & Museums

1. Silver Beach County Park

Silver Beach County Park

Location: 101 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm
Cost: $12 per vehicle (non-residence)

Such a beautiful and well-kept beach! Probably one of the most popular beaches located in St Joseph Michigan. There is usually a lifeguard on duty which is helpful when it gets kinda crowded. There are also two playgrounds located at the beach; one for older kids and one for smaller kids. There is also a concession stand. 


2. Silver Beach Carousel

Silver Beach Carousel

Location: 333 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: Times Vary
Cost: $3 per token

In 1910, Louis Wallace and Logan Drake brought a Coney Island-style carousel to their Silver Beach Amusement Park. This carousel featured 44 hand-carved, lifelike horses. Now today the Silver Beach Carousel has a large variety of animals and welcomes kids of all ages to take a ride. They even have an assortment of decorative hats that you can wear during your ride to add to the fun!


3. Downtown St Joseph Scavenger Hunt

Downtown St Joseph Michigan

Location: Downtown St Joseph
Hours: Times Vary
Cost: FREE

It’s always great to support the local businesses! But did you know there is a scavenger hunt for kids to keep them busy while you’re checking out the local shops.  You can pick it up from the St Joseph Welcome Center. Visit the many different shops through downtown St Joseph. From year-round shopping to restaurants, wineries, and more!


4. St Joseph Lighthouse

St Joseph Lighthouse

Location: St Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: 6:00am – 7:00pm
Cost: FREE/Prices Vary

Find out more about the history of the St Joseph Lighthouse by doing one of the guided walking tours or just take a walk down the pier. When doing a walking tour you will have the chance to climb to the top of the lantern room in one of the lighthouses and also discover why St Joseph has two lighthouses locates here on the pier.


5. Curious Kids Museum

Location: 415 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: Prices start at $6

Looking for things to do in St Joseph for small children? The Curious Kids Museum is a great place for the kiddos for a quick afternoon activity. Especially if the weather is not cooperating and there is a change in plans. Curious Kids Museum may not be as large as you may expect but is still a great place for the kids for a few hours.


6. Hidden Pointe

Location: 1062 Nickerson Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Cost: Prices may vary

Fun for all ages. Hidden Pointe in Benton Harbor offers fun activities for all ages. Visitors enjoy the putt-putt golf course, go-karts, batting cages for baseball fans, and even an area packed with fun arcade games. Be sure to enjoy some Sherman’s Ice Cream before you leave!


7. Whirlpool Compass Fountain

Whirlpool Compass Fountain

Location: 200 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Cost: FREE

The Whirlpool Compass Fountain is definitely a big win for kids during the hot summer days. There are eight large water cannons and 28 smaller, water jets. When the whole fountain is on it is pumping over 700 gallons of water a minute. It is pretty spectacular to see for all!


8. Sunset at Lookout Park

Location: 3218-3320 Lakeshore Dr, St Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: FREE

After a long day exploring the different things to do in St Joseph’s. It is always to grab something to eat and head over to Lookout Park and enjoy the view and even catch the sunset. 


9. Jean Klock Park

Jean Klock Park – Benton Harbor MI

Location: Jean Klock Blvd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Hours: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Cost: Paid Parking

A beautiful and well-kept beach that is a little less crowded than some of the other nearby beaches. A great place for a quiet afternoon at the beach and a great setting for pictures. There are also showers just outside the bathrooms so you can rinse off the sand before leaving. 


10. Sarett Nature Center

Location: 2300 N Benton Center Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: Prices start at $3 per person

This is a great nature center to go to if you are looking for a variety of trails to go hiking. Enjoy a nice afternoon exploring one of the many trails, There is also an observation area for bird watching, a butterfly area, and a nice boardwalk on the pond.


11. Tiscornia Park Beach

Tiscornia Beach Park

Location: 80 Ridgeway St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm
Cost: Paid Parking

A little less crowded than Silver Beach, Tiscornia Park Beach is a great alternative. It is even a favorite for some! You have to pay for parking but is well worth it. With a small sand dune just before you got to the beach. Very well kept and clean. There is also direct access to the lighthouse and pier so you can go for a walk after you spend a day at the beach. 


Conclusion

After exploring some of these attractions, be sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the popular restaurants in the city of St Joseph.

What is your favorite thing to do in St Joseph MI?