John and Dede Howard Recreation Trail
A scenic, accessible trail along Lake Michigan, perfect for leisurely walks with beach access and evening ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beautiful subtle colors
John and Dede Howard Recreation Trail
Best Time
Beautiful subtle colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic, accessible trail along Lake Michigan, perfect for leisurely walks with beach access and evening ambiance.
"Wonderful trail, right adjacent to Lion's Beach, offering a calming experience with the sound of waves."
🚶♀️ Park Smart
If beach parking is full, try finding a spot on the bluff and connect via Park Street. :car:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leash up your furry friends! This trail is a great spot for a walk with your dog. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lion's Beach Connection
Adjacent to Lion's Beach
Enjoy the calming sounds of Lake Michigan waves crashing while walking this scenic trail.
Trellis Bridge
On the trail
A unique wooden plank section that adds charm and character to your walk.
Evening Ambiance
The entire trail
Experience a mysteriously welcoming and well-lit path after sunset, with beautiful subtle colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & Parking
Best for All Abilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Park Smart
If beach parking is full, try finding a spot on the bluff and connect via Park Street. :car:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leash up your furry friends! This trail is a great spot for a walk with your dog. :dog:
♿ Accessible Path
Enjoy a smooth, accessible walk with paved sections and wooden planks. :wheelchair:
🌙 Nighttime Charm
The well-lit path offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere after dark. :flashlight:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Park Smart
If beach parking is full, try finding a spot on the bluff and connect via Park Street. :car:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leash up your furry friends! This trail is a great spot for a walk with your dog. :dog:
♿ Accessible Path
Enjoy a smooth, accessible walk with paved sections and wooden planks. :wheelchair:
🌙 Nighttime Charm
The well-lit path offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere after dark. :flashlight:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the John and Dede Howard Recreation Trail for its convenience, cleanliness, and accessibility, especially its connection to Lion's Beach and the calming sounds of Lake Michigan. Some express mixed feelings about the modern construction compared to older features, but generally find it a pleasant and well-maintained place for a walk.
"This place is so neat It's right over by the beach so you get to see the lake very convenient very clean very well lit."
Shari Wymer
"Very nice place"
Lisa
"Wonderful trail.... right adjacent to Lion's Beach."
Rick Ehrhardt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the trail from Lion's Beach or Park Street. Parking is available at Lion's Beach, though fees may apply. Some find free parking on the bluff and connect via Park Street.
Yes, parking is available at Lion's Beach, but it may have a fee. Alternatively, you can look for parking on the bluff near Park Street.
Yes, if you can find a parking spot on the bluff, you can connect to the trail off of Park Street.
You can start at the top of the bluff and walk down, or begin at Lion's Beach and follow the trailhead.
Information on public transport access is limited, but the trail is located in St. Joseph, MI, so checking local bus routes would be advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the trail itself is free to walk. Parking fees may apply if you park at Lion's Beach.
The trail is well-lit, suggesting it's accessible after dark. Specific official hours are not widely published, but it's often enjoyed for evening strolls.
No advance booking is required as the trail is free to access.
While generally accessible, it's always a good idea to check local advisories, especially during off-season or for specific events.
The trail is generally open year-round, though winter conditions might affect accessibility and enjoyment.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trail features a mix of pavement and wooden planks, including a trellis bridge, making it accessible for various users.
Yes, the trail is designed to be handicap accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Absolutely! The John and Dede Howard Recreation Trail is dog-friendly, so bring your leashed canine companions.
One visitor reported walking about 2.4 miles in total on the trail, suggesting it offers a decent length for a walk or hike.
You'll experience views near Lake Michigan, with sections that clear the beaches and offer a calming atmosphere with the sound of waves.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers beautiful subtle colors, creating a mysteriously welcoming and picturesque scene.
The trellis bridge and the views near Lake Michigan, especially during sunset, are popular spots for photos.
Yes, the trail is well-lit, which can be advantageous for capturing evening shots and the unique ambiance.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a tripod for low-light evening photography.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and respect the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting your walk from the beach for easy access to amenities. The well-lit nature of the trail also makes it a safe option for an early evening stroll after a day of play. The relatively short distance reported by some visitors (around 2.4 miles total) is manageable for most children's attention spans.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
The trellis bridge is also integrated into this accessible design, ensuring no one is excluded from experiencing this unique feature. The proximity to Lion's Beach also means easy access to facilities and a pleasant environment for a relaxed outing.
🐶 Pet Owners
The varied terrain, from paved paths to wooden planks, offers an interesting walk for your pet. The proximity to the beach also provides opportunities for your dog to enjoy the lakeside environment, weather permitting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Trail Features and Accessibility
This commitment to accessibility is a key aspect highlighted by users. Unlike older, more challenging paths, this modern trail offers a comfortable and safe way to enjoy the scenery. While some may reminisce about the 'old drunken stairs,' the current design prioritizes ease of use and broad appeal, making it a convenient option for a leisurely stroll or a more active walk.
Connecting with Lake Michigan
Even when the tourist season winds down, the trail offers a peaceful retreat. The well-lit path extends beyond the immediate beach area, creating a mysteriously welcoming atmosphere as dusk settles. This makes it an ideal spot for an evening hike, where the subtle colors of the sunset can be appreciated, and the gentle roar of the lake provides a constant, tranquil soundtrack.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit