A Day Back in St. Joseph 🌊
Yesterday I headed back to one of my favorite quick escapes — St. Joseph.
It’s one of those places I never really get tired of. The drive feels manageable. The lake always feels bigger than my thoughts. And no matter how many times I go, it gives me something different.
This time, though, winter was clearly on its way out.
When I was there at the end of January and early February, the ice formations were unreal. Thick, sculpted, dramatic. I was secretly hoping for crashing waves and leftover ice drama yesterday… but Lake Michigan had other plans.
The ice had melted quite a bit.
The waves were calm.
No crashing surf.
And that’s okay.
Nature doesn’t perform on demand.
Still, walking the pier and watching the softer water felt grounding. It reminded me that every visit is different — and honestly, that’s part of why I love going back.
Next year? I’m absolutely planning a late January / early February return. Those ice formations were some of my favorites I’ve ever photographed.
Stopped at The Market (I love that place — coffee, gelato, little food spots all in one space) and finally tried The Chef’s House inside.
Lobster roll. To die for.
Warren Dunes & Finding Dog-Friendly Beaches
From St. Joseph, I made my way toward Warren Dunes.
I’ve been wanting to explore more of that area intentionally — not just pass through.
One thing I’ve learned: Michigan is a little more strict about dogs on beaches. So I did some digging and found two beaches in Indiana that allow dogs — Beverly Shores and Central Beach.
Both were quiet this time of year, but I could already picture what they’d feel like in warmer months. More color. More life. More movement.
I really love that stretch of Indiana and Michigan shoreline. The dunes, the open sky, the feeling of space. It’s simple, but it’s expansive.
I also noticed some bike trails in the dunes area that I want to research more. When it’s warmer, I’d love to bring my bike and explore that way — slow, steady, covering more ground than walking.
A Quick Stop in Three Oaks (And New Buffalo on the Way Home)
I ventured into Three Oaks hoping to pop into a few places, but much of it was still closed for the season.
That just gives me an excuse to come back in spring or summer.
I stopped in New Buffalo on the way home too. Another place I’d really love to experience when it’s warmer. I could easily see myself biking around there, grabbing coffee, maybe lingering a little longer instead of doing it as a quick stop.
This time of year feels transitional — not quite winter, not quite spring. Beautiful in its own quiet way, but I’m definitely looking forward to going back when the flowers are blooming and everything feels more vibrant.
Why I Keep Going Back
Even without crashing waves.
Even without dramatic ice.
St. Joseph is still one of my favorite day trips.
There’s something about Lake Michigan that resets me. The horizon. The wind. The steady rhythm of water — even when it’s calm.
I’ll be back in spring or summer.
I’ll be back next winter for the ice.
And probably a few times in between.
Some places just feel good to return to.
And this stretch of Indiana and Michigan shoreline is one of them.
