Be the first to ride "Buckeye" on Feb. 13

We are proud to announce the arrival of a new guest figure to the carousel. "Buckeye", an Ohio State University horse is temporarily filling a hole in the carousel lineup while the St. Joseph High School Bear is being re-carved to provide a larger jumping figure for the carousel.

To give alumni and supporters of The Ohio State University an opportunity to show their school spirit, a silent auction to win the first ride on “Buckeye” is now underway until noon Feb. 12. To place your bid e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call 269-982-8502.

Proceeds from the winning bid will go to Lory’s Place, a Grief Healing and Education Center of Hospice at Home in St. Joseph.

Make a memory all year around at Silver Beach

The horses, the tigers, the hippocampus, the panda, the clown fish – in all, 48 unique carousel figures and two chariots – are whirling with excitement to see you. Come pick your favorite and ride beneath 1000 twinkling lights as the band organ’s music soars and dips with the gears. Each figure is beautifully hand-carved and hand-painted by the artisans at The Carousel Works. Around the top of the carousel you can learn about our local history – told as no one else in the world has told it on a carousel – using historic photographs. As you gaze at those 18 rounding boards, you’ll become part of our story, too.

You’ll find all the magic and wonder of the Silver Beach Carousel below the bluff in St. Joseph, just yards from Lake Michigan’s Silver Beach, named one of the top 10 family beaches by Parents magazine. Open all four seasons, you can ride a different carousel figure or chariot every week and fill the year with a new memory each time.

You may purchase your tokens with cash or credit card at the admissions desk or with cash from our token machine. Our chariot is wheelchair accessible so everyone can make memories!

There’s so much more to do!

Riding the carousel is just one of the fun things you can do at Silver Beach. Behind the carousel is Michigan’s tallest kaleidoscope and Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone by Curious Kids Museum, an entertaining place for toddlers to teens to explore water exhibits, a climbing wall and traveling exhibits. Next door to us is the beautiful, new Silver Beach^SM Shadowland Ballroom, where special celebrations and wedding dreams come true. Across the road is the Whirlpool Compass Fountain where you can splash in the mist on warm days.

We offer several Silver Beach^SM packages so you can create hours of fun at special prices. And our Activities Room is an easy place to celebrate your child’s next birthday or a special event. Just let us know what day you’d like to book by clicking here. See you soon!