Explore the North Pier's Inner Light this summer during the St. Joe Lighthouse Tours. The 2026 season will run Saturdays, May 23 through September 5, from 10:00a-7:00p at the North Pier Inner Light located on the North Pier at Tiscornia Beach. Visitors will get to explore the free first-floor exhibit and learn about the St. Joe Lighthouse from the volunteer docents. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular panoramic view for just $5. Tickets for the climb can be purchased in advance at the St. Joe Today Welcome Center (starting May 1) or on the day of at the lighthouse (cash only). Thank you to our community partners, the City of St. Joseph and Visit Southwest Michigan.
"We are thrilled to launch our second season of lighthouse tours," shared Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. "Welcoming visitors back to this iconic landmark is a highlight of our year, and we owe a massive thank you to our incredible volunteers whose passion brings this history to life. We can’t wait to see everyone out on the pier this summer!"
Learn more about the St. Joe Lighthouse and St. Joseph/Benton Harbor’s nautical history during a free, guided walking tour held once every Saturday at 10:00a. The walking tour will meet at the start of the North Pier by the dedication wall. Those looking to expand their lighthouse knowledge are encouraged to attend the Lighthouse Presentations with Marie A. Blunt held throughout the summer. Participants may enjoy these free, one-hour interactive programs individually or as a three-part series. The 2026 dates include June 10 (Does it Count as a Lighthouse?), July 8 (Architecture of Lighthouses) and August 12 (Navigating with Lighthouses).
NEW for the 2026 season, St. Joe Today is holding a Lighthouse Magnet Design Challenge. Design the 2026 St. Joe Lighthouse Souvenir Magnet that will be sold at the lighthouse this summer season. Artwork must be submitted by Friday, May 1. Visit stjoetoday.com/lighthouse for more information!
Looking to get involved? St. Joe Today is seeking volunteers for the 2026 season. To learn more about volunteering or to sign up, visit stjoetoday.com/lighthouse.
In addition to the weekly Lighthouse Tours, St. Joe Today is excited for the return of the St. Joe Farmers Market. This weekly market will be held on Saturdays, May 23-October 10 from 9:00a-2:00p in Lake Bluff Park. Vendors will offer a variety of products such as baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more. For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket.
Catch these upcoming summer events:
Antiques on the Bluff: First Sunday of the Month, May-October (10:00a-5:00p)
St. Joe Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 23-October 10 (9:00a-2:00p)
St. Joe Lighthouse Tours: Saturdays, May 23-September 5 (10:00a-7:00p)
Lake Bluff Artisan Fair: May 30, July 18, August 15, September 5 (10:00a-5:00p)
Memorial Day Parade: Friday, May 22 (12:00p)
Brown Bag Concert Series: Wednesdays, July 15-September 2 (12:00p-1:00p)
Friday Night Concert Series: Fridays, July 17-September 4 (7:00p-8:00p)
Mike Yore Memorial Car Show: Friday, July 17 (4:00p-8:00p)
Chalk the Block: Friday, July 31-Sunday, August 2 (All Weekend)
St. Joe Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events and details call St. Joe Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.
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