DescriptionIn in common with most rivers in southern Michigan the Saint Joseph river early played host to various French fur traders, explorers and missionaries. When the French flag was lowered the British banner was raised over the valley, followed by the American standard after the revolution. Unique among the rivers of Michigan the Saint Joseph saw the unfurling of the Spanish flag in 1781 if only for a few hours. The Saint Joseph river, starts in Lake Baw Beese in Hillsdale County, and moves Southwest but as it reaches the century mile marker, it suddenly dips southwards and flows for 50 miles through the most heavily populated area of Northern Indiana, before returning to its native state and entering Lake Michigan at Saint Joseph. Once lined with mills and factoriesc, today much of its banks are parkland and walking trails. It is a river that is actively traversed with Canoes and kayaks. There is even a white water course! and the fishing, according to reports, improves annually.