Explore St. Joseph & Benton Harbor, Michigan

What to Eat

Where to Stay

What to Do / Play

Area Resources

Why You'll Love St. Joseph

Our St. Joseph Summer Camp sits along one of the most beautiful stretches of Lake Michigan — and the surrounding area is packed with family-friendly adventures and plenty of things to do in St. Joseph. Whether you’re spending the day in St. Joseph, exploring nearby Benton Harbor, or stretching out your stay into a weekend getaway, there’s so much for kids (and parents!) to enjoy.

Safe, walkable Lake Michigan towns
Beaches, trails, playgrounds, splash pads & kid-friendly dining
Plenty of rainy-day options
Classic “Pure Michigan” summer charm
All just minutes from camp!

What to Eat

St. Joseph is full of great restaurants and casual spots perfect for camp families looking for an easy bite nearby.

Kilwin’s, St. Joseph –Ice cream, fudge, and summer-day treats.
Mason Jar Cafe, Benton Harbor –Locally-sourced breakfast and lunch options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
North Pier Brewing Company, Benton Harbor –Kid-friendly patio and menu, plus craft beers and cocktails for adults.
Schu’s Grill & Bar, St. Joseph –The best outdoor seating in town: on St. Joseph’s bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Silver Beach Pizza, St. Joseph –Located in the historic train depot and adjacent to the beach, splash pad, and carousel.

Where to Stay

Planning a week at our St. Joseph Summer Camp is easy with plenty of nearby, family-friendly places to stay. From hotels just steps from Silver Beach to comfortable options with pools and complimentary breakfast, there’s something for every family’s style and budget. Many of our camp families love staying close enough to walk or bike to the beach, downtown shops, and camp drop-off. We recommend booking early during peak summer weeks, as St. Joseph fills up fast. No matter where you stay, you’ll be just minutes from sun, sand, and a week of unforgettable beach camp fun!

The Inn at Harbor Shores, St. Joseph –Spacious rooms, a pool, and quick access to golf and walking trails. (Closest hotel to our St. Joseph camp location!)
The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, St. Joseph –In the middle of downtown St. Joseph and steps from shops, beaches, restaurants, and more.
Holiday Inn Express, St. Joseph –Lakefront views with reliable family amenities and free breakfast.
Lighthouse Lookout, St. Joseph –This downtown vacation rental sleeps up to four guests and places you in the heart of great restaurants, shops, and beaches.
Surf Loft, St. Joseph –With lakefront views and space for up to seven guests, this downtown vacation rental was designed by surfers with beach lovers in mind.

What to Do / Play

From kayaking the shoreline to visiting a museum, there’s something for every camp family.

Lakefront Adventures

Jean Klock Beach, Benton Harbor –Our St. Joseph camp is based at this stunning, quiet beach known for its natural dunes, long shoreline, and peaceful sunset views. Families love the picnic areas, playground, and easy walking access to the Harbor Shores hiking and fitness trails.
Silver Beach County Park, St. Joseph –A local landmark with wide sandy shoreline, gentle waves, volleyball courts, and easy access to snacks, playgrounds, and all the action along the lake. Pro tip: Check the conditions before you go at the beach cam!
Whirlpool Compass Fountain (Splash Pad), St. Joseph –One of the largest splash pads in the Midwest! Kids love racing through the water jets on warm afternoons. It’s free and right along the lake.
Tiscornia Beach – North Pier Lighthouse, St. Joseph –A classic walk for families — enjoy breezes off the lake, wave-watching, and amazing photo spots. Explore the area’s rich nautical history – and take in panoramic views – through a lighthouse tour.
Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer –Massive dunes to climb, miles of beach, and wooded trails — an unforgettable outdoor stop for energetic families. Make the most of the trip by renting kayaks, paddleboards, or sandboards from Third Coast Paddling – camp families get discounted rates!

Beyond the Beach

Harbor Shores Trails, Benton Harbor –Winding through dunes, wetlands, and riverfront scenery, these trails are perfect for biking, stroller walks, or family nature hikes. Easy to access from our Jean Klock Beach camp location.
The Wee Course at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor –A fun, kid-friendly short golf course where young campers and families can try the game in a relaxed setting. Great for beginners and quick afternoon play.
Curious Kids’ Museum & Discovery Zone, St. Joseph –Hands-on exhibits, climbing activities, and interactive learning — an excellent rainy-day backup plan.
Hidden Pointe Fun Park, Benton Harbor –Something for everyone – go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, batting cages, and yummy ice cream.
Sarett Nature Center, Benton Harbor –Boardwalks, wildlife exhibits, and hands-on discovery areas make this a favorite for animal lovers.
U-Pick Farms, throughout Southwest Michigan –Our area’s unique microclimate (known as the “Fruit Belt”) makes it a great spot to pick whatever’s in season (berries, cherries, peaches, and more).
Silver Beach Carousel, St. Joseph –Ride hand-carved animals, enjoy vintage music, and take in a little boardwalk magic — perfect before or after a day at the beach.

Area Resources

Plan your visit with help from these local visitor bureaus and tourism resources.

Getting Here / Travel Info

St. Joseph, Michigan, is a convenient Lake Michigan beach town that’s especially easy to reach from Chicago and surrounding Midwest cities.

By Car

St. Joseph sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and is easily reached by car. It’s just off Interstate-94, making drives from nearby cities straightforward — 1 hour from Kalamazoo, and 90 minutes from Grand Rapids. Once you arrive, beaches, downtown, and camp locations are all close by.

By Air

Several airports offer convenient access to St. Joseph. From each, you’ll want to rent a car or use a rideshare service.

South Bend International Airport (SBN)
- ~35 minutes
- Closest airport and a favorite for camp families
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)
- ~45 minutes
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR – Grand Rapids)
- ~1.5 hours
- Great option with more flight choices
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW)
- ~3 hours

By Train

Amtrak serves the St. Joseph–Benton Harbor Station, with direct service from Chicago and connections throughout Michigan. The station is near downtown and Silver Beach, making it a relaxed travel option.

Getting Around Once You’re Here

St. Joseph is walkable and bike-friendly, especially near the beach and downtown. Uber and Lyft operate locally, and most hotels are just minutes from the camp drop-off.

Explore St. Joseph & Benton Harbor, Michigan

What to Eat

Where to Stay

What to Do / Play

Area Resources

Why You'll Love St. Joseph

What to Eat

Where to Stay

What to Do / Play

Lakefront Adventures

Beyond the Beach

Area Resources

Getting Here / Travel Info

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St. Joseph

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