St. Joseph

St. Joseph is a town on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Berrien County, located about 75 miles (120 kilometers) northeast of Chicago. The settlement sits at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, where harbor facilities and public parks provide access to the lake.

French explorers established Fort Miami at this location in 1669, which later became a trading post. The settlement developed in the early 19th century and officially became a village in 1834 before incorporating as a town in 1891.

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center preserves local history through exhibits, while the Krasl Art Fair displays works from regional and national artists.

The town has public beaches on Lake Michigan that are best visited during summer months when the weather is warm and the water suitable for swimming. Public transit connects the town to surrounding communities, and the train station sits near the downtown area.

The town takes its name from the St. Joseph River, which was named after Saint Joseph when French missionaries reached the area in the 17th century. Along the waterfront, several preserved lighthouses remain that once guided incoming vessels safely through the harbor entrance.

Location: Berrien County

Inception: 1834

Elevation above the sea: 192 m

Website: http://sjcity.com

GPS coordinates: 42.09806,-86.48417

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08