Grand Haven, Michigan

Established in 1839, Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier consists of two lights on the south pier in Grand Haven, Michigan, both painted red and connected by a lighted catwalk. The catwalk also connects them to the Grand Haven Boardwalk and to the shore. The inner light has cylindrical shape. The foghouse or outer light is perched on a huge concrete foundation. The boardwalk along the Grand River channel and the pier are very popular strolling destination for tourists, and the Grand Haven lighthouses are among the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan. The Grand Haven pier is also a great spot for fishing and enjoying the sunset.

Grand Haven State Park , 1001 Harbor Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417

Grand Haven State Park is a 48-acre popular recreation area on the shores Lake Michigan. It is located on the south side of the harbor in Grand Haven, Michigan at the mouth of the Grand River. The entire park consists of beach sand. It has a 174-site campground, a rental house, fishing pier, picnicking area, and kids’ playground. It offers magnificent views of the Grand Haven South Pierhead Entrance Light and Inner Light. The park, called "The Oval" by the locals, was originally a 35-acre public beach but the state deeded to the park twenty-two acres closest to the pier In 1920. The park is very popular swimming and beach destination in the summer.

1001 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417, Phone: 616-847-1309

Located in Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized water and lights display in Grand Haven, Michigan. It is located on the north shore of the Grand River, not far from the Grand Haven State Park. The fountain shows run every night, starting at dusk and running for about half hour, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The fountain was created by Dr. William “Bill” Creason, a former mayor of Grand Haven and a visionary who saw the potential in developing the Grand Haven waterfront. The fountain was inspired by a Przystawic musical fountain show which Bill saw in Germany after World War II. Many themes are used in the fountain's performances. The fountain's performance includes narration from personas ranging from a 12-year-old girl to a grown man. Each July 4 there is a patriotic themed program together with fireworks.

101 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417, Phone: 616-842-4499

Escanaba Park is a memorial park in Grand Haven, Michigan. Previously called Kelly Memorial Park, the park was renamed Escanaba Park in commemoration of the loss of the cutter Escanaba and its 101 crewmen during the World War II. Cutter Escanaba, with the home port in Grand Haven, was called into the World War II on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. On June 13, 1943, she sunk following a massive explosion aboard, with the loss of 101 of the 103 crew members. This was a huge loss for the city of Grand Haven. After the memorial for the lost crew the Kelly Park was renamed Escanaba Park in their honor.

673 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Pere Marquette 1223 is a historic steam locomotive on permanent display in Grand Haven, Michigan. Built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works, 1223 hauled freight between Toledo and Chicago in the years before and after World War II. It was retired from service in 1951. After retirement, instead of being scrapped as planned, she was repainted and moved for display at the state fairgrounds in Detroit. The money for the move was collected by school children in the Detroit Area. In 1981 it was moved to Grand Haven with the help of the Michigan National Guard and Grand Trunk Western and Chessie System railroads. The 1223 has been cosmetically restored, but it was considered too expensive and time-consuming to restore it to operation. 1223 was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

301 N Harbor Dr , Grand Haven, MI 49417-1078

In 1949 Gus Fricano founded Fricano's Pizza Tavern in Grand Haven, the first pizzeria in Michigan. Located in a former 19th century boarding house, Fricano’s is today a beloved landmark and its pizzas are still considered the best thin crust pizzas in Michigan. Not much has changed at Fricano’s since its early days. Homey, family-friendly pizza parlor has traditional red and white tablecloths and serves only pizzas and drinks that go with it. There is a nice selection of beers and wines and a full bar. There is only one style and one size pizza - The Original 12 inch Thin Crust Pizza Pie with Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Mushroom, Green Pepper and Anchovy. You can also have it without anchovies. No gluten-free crust, no deliveries.

1400 Fulton St, Grand Haven, MI 49417, Phone: 616-842-8640

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Dedicated to helping its visitors find a connection to the local history of Grand Haven is the Tri-Cities Historical Museum. The museum, which is open from Tuesday through Sunday, presents thoughtfully created exhibits to its visitors and promotes programs that value adaptability, wonder, inclusiveness, and stewardship. At the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, there is a permanent collection of over 60,000 artifacts, most, if not all, of which were received through donations. In the permanent exhibits of the museum, guests can see the region’s history depicted through permanent scenes. See showcases of the Victorians, the fur traders, pioneers, and even the histories of the Native American tribes that call the land home, the Odawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi. The museum also offers walking and special tours around the community such as a downtown walking tour, a cemetery, and a historic tavern tour.

200 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417, Phone: 616-842-0700

Housed in the gorgeous and historically significant Nathaniel and Esther Robbins Mansion, the Midwest Miniatures Museum is the proud home of finely crafted miniatures created by world-renowned miniaturists. See depictions of various places in history throughout the different eras at this unique museum, and explore permanent collections of fine dollhouses, scale-model buildings, historical reproductions, and life-like miniature dolls. Guests can also see the Water Crystal Collection and the Fine Silver Collection at the museum. When visiting the Midwest Miniatures Museum, make sure to see the scale model of the famous yellow house of Van Goh as well as the Kachina Dolls and Southwest Pottery Exhibits.

20 South 5th Street, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417, Phone: 616-414-5809

Founded in 1971, the Kitchel Lindquist Dunes Preserve is comprised of 115 acres of protected forests, wetlands, and dunes that are owned and maintained by the City of Ferrysburg. Not only is the preserve perfect for research and educational opportunities, but it’s also great for recreational trips thanks to its four trails. For example, the Connie Lindquist Trail, at just under half a mile long, is the shortest in the Preserve. On this trail, visitors will travel through an open dune, interdunal wetlands, and forests. You’ll come across several species of plant life such as red oaks, cottonwoods, and willows. Meanwhile, the Meime Vandenberg Trail, which is the longest trail in the preserve, offers scenes of rolling and open dunes, the Great Lakes barrens, and interdunal wetlands. Here, guests can catch a glimpse of water-loving animals like Red-winged Blackbirds and Green Herons.

20001 Berwyck Street, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417, Phone: 616-842-5803

Situated in Grand Haven’s lively downtown area, Gallery Uptown is the oldest artist-operated art gallery in the state of Michigan. Known for featuring award-winning artists, Gallery Uptown runs monthly themed exhibits with pieces by gallery members as well as guest artists. Typically, exhibits will feature mixed mediums such as drawings, paintings, photos, reproductions, pottery, and even wood and glasswork. The opening of exhibits is generally free of charge and open to the public. Additionally, Gallery Uptown offers virtual workshops for guests to participate in with classes like basic watercolor, and demonstrations of blown glass artists.

201 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417, Phone: 616-846-5460