Take a Walk in St Joseph, Michigan

The city of St Joseph, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan is proud of it's "walkability." Broad sidewalks, shaded by huge maples and elms, make walking safe and practical. And, this summer, there is more reason to get out of your car and take a walk. Sidewalk Art, a "SculpTour," and a guided tour of the history of this port city are available to enlighten and entertain you as you stroll along.

Any of the above tours can begin at the Welcome Center on the corner of State and Ship Streets. Brochures describing each tour, along with maps, can be found there. I especially like the outdoor art brochure for it has colorful photos of all the artwork and makes a nice souvenir.

The theme for the outdoor art this year is called "Surf and Safari." The surf, of course, is provided by the rolling waves on Lake Michigan. The safari is the brightly painted animals throughout the downtown shopping district. As you hunt for bargains, enjoy the elephants, tigers, llamas, giraffes, hippos and apes. Each statue is decorated in a different style. There is plenty of shooting going on during this safari-with the camera, of course!

The downtown is separated from the beach area by the Bluff Park that overlooks the Lake. This park has a unique collection of statues and monuments, some nearly 100 years old. Krasl Art Center, across the street from the park, has put together a "SculpTour" brochure describing many of the statues and their origins. New this year is the "Touch Tone Art." Some of the statues have a phone number you can dial on your cell to hear a more complete description.

The Heritage Center Museum is also offering something new this year. In conjunction with their "Working Waterfronts" exhibit, they have put up about a dozen signs along the beach and riverfront describing various aspects of the shipping industry. These large signs are easy to read and are situated so that you can look out over the water and imagine the busy port city of a hundred years ago.

You will also find that the great art of walking in St Joseph is a very pet friendly activity. The parks are even equipped with doggies drinking fountains. Please remember to be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pet. Dispensers with plastic bags for just that purpose are also provided.

Parking is free, although some parking lots have a time limit that is strictly enforced. So, get out and walk! Do it for your heart... and also for your head as you learn something new walking in St Joseph, Michigan!