Established in the 1860s by Henry C. Morton, Sterne Brunson and Charles Hull, Benton Harbor is an attractive city on the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan. It is separated from the city of St. Joseph by the St. Joseph River, with the two settlements affectionately known as the “Twin Cities”.
Things to do in Benton Harbor
Occupying Benton Harbor’s oldest building is the Morton House Museum, which showcases the history of the region. It was built in 1849 by Eleazar Morton and his son, with four soaring columns dominating its facade. Learn about the role the Morton family played in the local steamboat industry, with many of their vessels plying the route between Benton Harbor and Chicago.
If you’re a keen golfer, you can hit the greens of the Harbor Shores Golf Club, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened to players in 2010. It takes in dunes and woodlands along its route, with the final five holes hugging the banks of the Paw Paw River. To see some of the world’s best players in action, coincide your visit with the club’s PGA Championship tournament.
For a day on the sand, head to Silver Beach, which lies where the St. Joseph River meets Lake Michigan. Admire the twin beacons of the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, take advantage of the children’s playground or enjoy a splash around at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. Adjacent is the beautifully restored Silver Beach Carousel.
Getting around Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor is around 40 minutes’ drive from South Bend International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. The larger Gerald R. Ford International Airport on the outskirts of Grand Rapids is 1.5 hours away. Regular trains connect to the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor railway station and buses travel throughout the city.