Additional Information for T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Resources
Native Americans once inhabited the peninsula and gathered shellfish for meals from the bay's shallow waters. Before the area was purchased for development as a state park, it was used as a U.S. Army training facility during World War II.
Named for lifelong community leader and settler T.H. Stone, the park is teeming with wildlife and marine life. Noted as an excellent birding area with sitings of 209 species currently recorded, it is a premier location in the eastern United States for observing hawks during fall migration. Many species can been seen including the endangered peregrine falcon. The monarch butterfly is also on the wing in autumn, making its long migratory journey from northern states to wintering sites in Mexico. Shore and wading birds are in abundance throughout the year.
The best areas of the park to observe birds are along the beach and bayshore, while the sandpine scrub, pine flatwoods and dunes offer protective habitat. The shallow waters of St. Joseph Bay are alive with a variety of marine life. Frequently encountered are bay scallops, hermit, fiddler and horseshoe crabs and octopi. Shelling is a popular activity on the peninsula, however, it is important that no live shells be molested or removed.
MARINA St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is equipped with a boat ramp and a small marina that can accommodate 15 - 18 small boats at a time. A loading area is adjacent to the accessible outdoor shower and a fish cleaning station. Cost for boat launching is
$2.79 plus tax ($3.00) over daily entrance fee. Overnight guests have free use of the boat ramp and may leave their boats moored at the marina, space permitting. Other boaters must remove their boats by sunset. Kayaks, pontoon boats, and other watercraft may be rented at The Entrance located just outside the park gate.
Pets
Pets are welcome in the day-use areas when on a 6 foot leash but not on beaches, the Wilderness Preserve or in park waters. Registered service animals are welcome in all areas of the park open to the public. Owners are reminded to pick up after their pet.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
Links
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