“We are ecstatic to offer free trolley rides to visitors and residents this summer,” said Marcy Simpson, executive director of Visit Southwest Michigan. “It’s more than a convenient way to get around, it’s a new tour experience. Hop on and hop off to shop and dine downtown, play at Silver Beach Center, splash in the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, spend the whole day at the beach or simply enjoy the ride. Here’s your chance to experience downtown St. Joseph’s charm at your own pace.”
The Shop & Shore Trolley will typically run Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a break from approximately 2 to 3 p.m. Each one-hour loop will stop at four places near attractions, shopping, dining, lodging and parking. The first run this year will be on Friday, July 4.
The four pick-up and drop-off spots are:
Stop 1 FREE All-Day Parking Lot Stop: 211 Hilltop Road, East Entrance, St. Joseph
Sponsored by Clark Logic. This parking lot is well-marked on the north side of Hilltop Road, between Lakeshore Drive and Cleveland Avenue, just west of the railroad tracks. In South St. Joseph, it’s near sit-down and fast food restaurants, grocery and deli stores and lodging.
Stop 2 Church Street Parking Lot: Near the Fire Station
Hop on the trolley at the Church Street stop, located on the corner of Church and Pleasant Streets, in the free all-day parking lot by the St. Joseph Fire Station. This convenient location is just a short walk to the Box Factory for the Arts, Pleasant Street Plaza, The Market, Silver Harbor Brewing Company, several restaurants and the Union + Social event venue.
Stop 3 Beachside: Near Lake and Broad Streets, Below the Bluff
This fun-packed stop is within steps of Silver Beach County Park, recently voted one of Michigan’s top five beaches by USA Today readers. The park features 2,450 feet of soft sand and Lake Michigan shoreline, a new accessible playground, the Shadowland Pavilion concert venue, a boardwalk to the South Pier and unforgettable sunsets.
Also nearby are the free Whirlpool Compass Fountain splash pad — one of Michigan’s largest — the Silver Beach Center featuring the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone museum, the Silver Beach Carousel and Shadowland on Silver Beach event venue. Across the railroad tracks are the Amtrak station and Silver Beach Pizza. Stairs and a ramp connect this area to downtown St. Joseph shops and parks.
Stop 4 Downtown: Corner of Lake Boulevard and Ship Street
This downtown stop is near the Maids of the Mist Fountain on Lake Boulevard, directly across from the Whitcomb Senior Living Tower. From here, it’s an easy walk to boutiques, restaurants, a food cart and trucks, winery tasting rooms, the Curious Kids’ Museum and the Krasl Art Center. It’s also convenient for enjoying downtown festivals, live music, the farmers and antiques markets and the parks along the bluff and St. Joseph River.
Simpson said the Shop & Shore Trolley is ADA-accessible, air-conditioned and can transport up to 26 passengers. Riders are welcome to hop on and off the trolley at any of the four stops throughout the day. The final loop starts at 8 p.m. and returns to the Hilltop parking lot by 9 p.m. Eastern time.
“This is a charming, vintage streetcar-style experience,” said Simpson. “There is no better way to discover all this fun-loving lakeside community has to offer. So, hop on!”
For more information about the trolley, its stop locations and schedule, visit swmichigan.org/trolley<http://swmichigan.org/trolley> or scan the QR code on the signs at each stop or on the side of the trolley.
