By 1872 it had developed to the extent that Berrien County could ship 140,000 bushels of peaches each year. You can still take the train from Detroit or Chicago and arrive at the same train station in downtown St. Joseph. In 1880, Logan Drake purchased 20-22 acres of sand dunes from the Native Americans. Later he joined up with Louis Wallace and formed the Silver Beach Amusement Company. Roller coasters, a carousel, outdoor roller skating rink and dance pavilion were added.
Silver Beach is still a community get-together for guests and residents.
For more information, visit their web site. Many people fondly remember the days of the Shadowland Ballroom that was a part of the Amusement Park. Recently, Berrien County constructed the Shadowland Pavilion to honor the old Shadowland Ballroom and provide a place on the beach for more entertainment and fun. During summer months visitors may hear a variety of concerts here. This past summer the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra performed during festivals and the 4th of July to sell out crowds.