Whirpool Compass Fountain, St. Joseph, Missouri

Grandpa and Grandma watched the kids romping around on the Splash Pad and wished we were a lot younger.

The kids had a ball and we had fun watching them. What a wonderful place for kids.

Climbing The Dunes, The Silver Beach Carousel, The Outer Light House and Swimming in Lake Michigan

Our next stop was Silver Beach. Silver Beach County Park is located in St. Joseph, Michigan at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. Silver Beach County Park features a clean, wide beach on Lake Michigan

Tommy and Addisyn swam in Lake Michigan on the South Shore and had a great time even though the water was freezing.   Tommy enjoyed climbing the dunes.  After lunch we walked out the pier to see the lighthouse a little closer.

Tommy really enjoyed climbing the Dunes.

Addi running up the dunes

After running up and down the dunes, the kids needed something to drink so we headed over to the main building to get something to drink.

And, once inside, we had to take a whirl on the carousel.

We all rode this a couple of times and some of us more. It is a beautiful thing and the craftsmanship is something else.

This Carousel is the Million Dollar Carousel and you can find out why by checking out this site:

https://www.silverbeachcarousel.com/2016-06-15-14-44-41/2016-07-05-13-59-23

Next we walked over to see the Outer Lighthouse. It is 35' tall and is cast-iron plate. It is topped by a round watch room and a 10-sided Lantern Room. It is on Lake Michigan on the north side of the breakwater at the mouth of the St. Joseph River.

 

After we walked around, we kept exploring the area. 

Then it was lunch time. 

After lunch we headed over to the beach and the kids FINALLY (according to them) had their chance to swim. The water was freezing but, of course, they didn't care! These pictures are off our phone.