St. Joe Today will once again lead tours of the St. Joseph Lighthouse this summer following action this week by city commissioners.
The organization took over management of the tours from the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center last year. Speaking to commissioners Monday, St. Joe Today Director Paul Knapp said things went well, with strong attendance and interest.
“We had a great 2025 season,” Knapp said. “We welcomed 5,200 visitors to the lighthouse. Just under half of those climbed to the top. And beyond daily foot traffic, we hosted 12 private events, including a marriage proposal, which was very fun. These numbers demonstrate the lighthouse as a destination point, and it’s a huge point of pride for our community. We saw visitors from all over the world.”
Knapp said St. Joe Today had 20 volunteers to help with the tours last year, and it’s seeking more this year. Anyone interested should contact them.
Knapp also said admission to the tours is free, but for $5, a person can climb to the top of the attraction. Mayor Brook Thomas said she’s all for allowing St. Joe Today to continue the tours.
“I only heard glowing things about it last year and how it was so popular and I finally got to go myself and it was worth every non-penny that I spent,” Thomas said. “So I fully support this program.”
Knapp said the tours this year will run Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Private tours will also be available. St. Joe Today volunteers will also lead one-hour walking tours along the North Pier covering the entire history of St. Joseph every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Commissioners voted to authorize staff to execute an agreement with the organization to lead the tours again this year.
