20 Attractions to Explore Near Silver Beach County Park

The Whirlpool Compass Fountain is an iconic and historic point of interest. Located near the narrows of the Saint Joseph river, it is one of the most photographed spots in Southwest Michigan. The fountain belongs to the family-owned and operated Pere Marquette Beach amusement park right down the road. The structure dates back to 1929 when it was originally built for a Detroit department store. At sixty-feet tall and three feet wide, it has become a signature landmark along the waterfront.

The Silver Beach Carousel sits in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan, where it has been a popular attraction since it originally opened in 1910. This restored artifact features 48 hand-carved horses and two chariots, each painted with nostalgic colors like sapphire and gold. For a century, the carousel has remained a symbol of nostalgia for families in Berrien County and beyond; today, it is still the only restored two-row stationary carousel of its kind in the Midwest.

Lake Bluff Park is a scenic stop along the shores of Lake Michigan. The park offers a beautiful view of the lake, as well as a beach area for swimming, hiking trails, and picnicking. There is also a playground and a pavilion available for rent.

Tiscornia Park, is a perfect destination for nature lovers looking for some peace and quiet. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Tiscornia boasts miles of shoreline with trails to explore plus a beach area and picnic spots where you can enjoy the stunning beauty of the Great Lakes. Visitors can also take advantage of great fishing opportunities as well as ample wildlife viewing areas.

The Krasl Art Center is an exciting and vibrant place to visit. It showcases works from some of the best contemporary artists throughout the region. The exhibits feature pieces inspired by local landscapes and cultures, giving visitors a chance to experience the true spirit of Michigan. Krasl also offers a variety of educational and dynamic art programs, like hands-on workshops for children and adults, classes for aspiring artists and public lectures about emerging art trends.

St Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse stands tall between the two North Pier heads, at a height of 51 feet. This lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope for sailors who come across the glittering blue waters of Lake Michigan. Constructed in 1907 from iron and steel, it reflects the splendor of bygone days in its white tower that's crowned with a bright red roof. Withstanding wear and tear over many decades, this lighthouse is a living example of our industrial heritage.

Kiwanis Park is a nature-lovers paradise. Located on 35 acres of rolling hills and bubbling creeks, the park provides recreation for both people and wildlife. Visitors can hike along trails that meander through meadows and vast forests while they take in stunning aerial views of the lake. There is also plenty to do within the park such as fishing, canoeing, camping, and picnicking. The park also offers an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground, athletic fields, restrooms and more.

Harbor Shores Golf Club is a championship golf course that offers stunning views of both Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. It was designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2010 as the only public golf course he has designed in the Midwest. The layout features 5 distinctive tee boxes located on every hole to cater to all skill levels, while still providing an exciting challenge for even the most experienced golfer.

Rocky Gap Park, is a nature lover’s paradise. This destination offers visitors the opportunity to explore its 154 acres while immersed within breathtaking wilderness and landscapes. Rocky Gap Park also provides several activities for visitors such as camping, fishing, kayaking, and hunting during certain seasons. Additionally, it features picnic areas and several miles of trails for hiking and biking - perfect for outdoor recreation or getting away from it all!

The Morton House Museum is a fascinating place to visit. It is located on a 35-acre property in Three Oaks and was originally the home of Isaac and Sarah Morton. Built between 1870 and 1875, the house is loaded with historically-significant artifacts, taking visitors through two centuries of local history. Guests can take guided tours to learn more about the Morton family and their settler lifestyle from the pioneer era.

Lookout Park, is the perfect place for a picnic or a summer day adventure. The park offers spectacular views featuring rugged cliffs that plunge into the expansive Lake Michigan. Visitors can cool off in the crystal clear water at the beach or explore the numerous trails to discover wildflowers and wildlife. Additionally, there are several covered pavilions throughout where people can stop and enjoy lunch or an outdoor event before continuing along their trek.

Grand Mere State Park is a great destination for outdoor recreation and beach fun. Featuring spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the 1,200-acre park combines sandy beaches with miles of trails that lead through wetland areas and rolling dunes. Popular activities include fishing along the shoreline, biking on two miles of dedicated trails and swimming in the lake’s shallow waters. There is a convenient campground with tent and RV sites available.

Warren Dunes State Park offers a breathtaking experience for outdoor adventurers. Upon arriving, visitors are overwhelmed by the beauty of its rolling sand dunes and the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan that surround it. Set on 1,952 acres and lined with miles of pristine sandy beaches, it's an ideal destination for swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. The park also features several trails that wind through the forest-covered dunes offering spectacular views along the way.

Dewey Lake is a shallow impoundment that offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. Boating, fishing, and swimming are all highly popular activities on the lake due to its size and close proximity to other outdoor attractions in the region. During warmer months the surface of Dewey Lake teems with activity from anglers and sailboats alike. The shoreline is dotted with campgrounds and sandy beaches that are perfect for setting up a picnic.

Indian Lake, is a popular getaway for locals and out-of-state visitors alike. Surrounded by gorgeous outdoor beauty, the lake provides a wealth of activities for recreational enthusiasts. Fishing is a favorite pastime among visitors thanks to the annual smelt run that attracts anglers from all around each year. For those looking to enjoy a more relaxed visit, Indian Lake offers swimming, beach-going, boating, and water skiing opportunities.

Van Buren State Park offers visitors a unique and diverse range of outdoor experiences. From the 400-acre state park, you can access more than three miles of sandy beachfront, explore the picturesque forest trails, or even try your hand at fishing in the nearby Lake Michigan. The park's modern facilities, including restrooms, showers, and concession stands, make it an ideal destination for a refreshing day trip or a longer stay in one of its many campsites or cabins.

The Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary is a small oasis located between M-62 and US 12. This 105-acre sanctuary offers three miles of self-guided interpretive nature trails, providing stunning views of meadows, prairies, and wetlands. Visitors to the sanctuary can explore the area's diverse wildlife including many species of birds and butterflies, as well as mammals and reptiles. Nestled within the ancient oak groves are a variety of wildflowers that are certain to wow any visitor.

Fernwood Botanical Garden, is a stunning natural haven perfect for a day of exploration. Spanning nearly 70 acres, the lush landscape offers plenty of room to roam and take in the breathtaking nature around you. You can traverse though landscaped gardens or morning glory-draped arbors, become mesmerized by an array of seasonal blooms in our Perennial Garden or explore eight different habitats each with their own distinctive flora and fauna.

Nestled away in Van Buren County, Michigan lies the serene North Point County Park. This charming park boasts stunning views of Lake Michigan and its surrounding lush forests. Visitors can bask in the beauty of nature as they hike the picturesque trails that wind through the park's iconic sand dunes. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted with the variety of animals that call this park home, including deer, foxes, and various bird species.

Mud Lake Bog Nature Preserve is a unique natural wonder with a vast diversity of wildlife and plant life. Spanning over 250 acres, it is the largest Atlantic white cedar swamp known in the state of Michigan. The preserve’s diverse habitats provide habitat for great blue herons, sandhill cranes, beavers, muskrats and river otters among others. Aside from aquatic mammals, the preserve is also home to several snakes and turtles as well as rare insect species like wood nymph butterflies.