Throughout the constant weather changes in St. Joseph, one thing remains the same: no matter what the season is, the lighthouse always looks magnificent. In 1832 the St. Joseph lighthouse was first built on the North Pier. Its outer light was rebuilt in 1907 when the pier was extended an extra 1000 feet. The same year the North Pier's inner light, the red roofed structure, was also built. This structure contained a fog signal building and a tower with a round cast-iron lantern. That foghorn was taken out of commission in 1970 and replaced with an electric signal. The sound was preserved though on a 22 minute tape. Today, the lighthouse is still used to aid boats and ships as they navigate through the waters of Lake Michigan. Click here for photos.

History
Dominating the city's North Pier, St. Joseph's Historic Lighthouse replicates the original, erected at the mouth of the St. Joseph River in 1832. It was one of the first two lighthouses built to aid navigation on Lake Michigan. In 1859, a replacement lighthouse was built on the high bluffs overlooking the harbor entrance. It was replaced by range lights after the north and south piers were built in 1907 and 1919, respectively. St. Joseph and Grand Haven boast the only surviving two-pier range light systems with both towers and catwalks intact. In 1938, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility for navigation warning signals and marine safety, absorbing the lighthouse services. It demolished the original lighthouse in 1955. The current lighthouse replica was constructed later. In 1995 the North Pier lighthouse replica was featured by the U.S. Postal Service in a series of commemorative stamps. Both the North Pier and the South Pier, which house the range lights, are publicly accessible.

Directions to the Saint Joseph Piers
Directions to the South Pier at Silver Beach: From I-94, Exit 27, proceed north four miles on Niles Road/Avenue (M-63) to downtown. When Niles ends, angle right onto Main Street. Turn west on Broad Street (named Langley Street on the east side of Main) and proceed two blocks. Turn left on Lake Boulevard, then right on Park Street, which accesses the beach and parking lot.

Directions to the North Pier at Tiscornia Beach: From I-94, Exit 27, proceed north four miles on Niles Road/Avenue (M-63) to downtown. When Niles ends, angle right onto Main Street. Turn west on Upton Drive, cross the railroad tracks, pass a parking lot to the left, then make a sharp left onto Marina Drive. Pass a marina and a boat yard, turn left at the yield sign, then turn right into the beach parking lot.