Things To Do
St. Joseph
We are so excited to be getting married in St. Joseph, a beautiful Lake Michigan beach town that captures all of the beauty Southwest Michigan has to offer. We hope that during your time here you get a chance to slow down, explore, and enjoy the lake. While you’re here, spend time at Silver Beach, walk the North Pier lighthouses, or wander through downtown St. Joseph, filled with local shops, restaurants, and riverwalk views. Fun fact: Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States and with its crystal-clear water, soft sandy beaches, and unforgettable sunsets, it’s easy to see why it feels more like the ocean than a lake. We can’t wait to celebrate with you here and hope you enjoy everything this special place has to offer.
Day Trips in Southwest Michigan
Easy Day Trips from St. Joseph, MI (About an Hour or Less) If you feel like exploring beyond St. Joseph, there are several great towns and cities perfect for a half-day or day trip: Kalamazoo (about 55–60 minutes) – A lively college town (Go Hornets!.. and Broncos!) with breweries, museums, coffee shops, and a walkable downtown. Saugatuck & Douglas (about 45–60 minutes) – Artsy lakeside towns known for galleries, boutiques, great dining, and beautiful shoreline views. Holland (about 60 minutes) – Charming downtown streets, Lake Michigan beaches, and picturesque scenery. South Haven (about 45 minutes) – Another classic beach town with a historic lighthouse, harbor walks, and cute shops. New Buffalo (about 30 minutes) – A small harbor town with beach access, restaurants, and an easy, relaxed vibe. Whether you’re looking for beach time, local food and drinks, or a scenic drive along Lake Michigan, these nearby spots make for perfect day trips during your stay.
Detroit
If you’d like to explore Michigan’s largest metro area, Metro Detroit is about 120 miles from St. Joseph, roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive, depending on traffic. The city of Detroit offers a mix of culture, history, and urban energy. You can explore world-class museums, stroll along the Riverwalk, enjoy iconic architecture, or catch a live show. For food and drink lovers, the city is full of local breweries, trendy restaurants, and classic Detroit-style pizza. It’s a perfect option for those who want a city adventure beyond the lake and small towns. We are so lucky to live just 30-minutes from the heart of the city and hope you love it just as much as we do!
Chicago
Chicago is about 90 miles from St. Joseph, roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive. From iconic architecture and museums to lakefront parks, shopping, and incredible food, Chicago offers endless things to see and do. Whether you’re catching a show, strolling along the Riverwalk, visiting Millennium Park, or just enjoying deep-dish pizza, it’s a fun way to turn your trip into a longer getaway. If you're flying in for the weekend, you may even want to consider flying into Chicago O'Hare International Airport and make the scenic drive along Lake Michigan to St. Joseph — a beautiful start to the weekend.