Grand Haven is a city in Ottawa County, Michigan, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. It is known for its spectacular sandy beaches. A boardwalk runs along the harbor to Grand Haven State Park beach, lined by shops and eateries. The south pier is home to the historic 1839 Grand Haven Lighthouse. The Grand Haven Musical Fountain features light and water shows, with special shows on holidays. There is a hiking trail in Rosy Mound Natural Area that has spectacular lake views as it winds through wooded dunes. Escanaba Park is a memorial park commemorating the loss of the cutter Escanaba and its 101 crewmen during the World War II. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier
Established in 1839, Grand Haven Lighthouse 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
2.Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven, Michigan
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
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3.Grand Haven Musical Fountain, Grand Haven, Michigan
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
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4.Escanaba Park, Grand Haven, MI
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
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5.Pere Marquette 1223, Grand Haven, Michigan
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
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6.Fricano's Pizza Tavern, Grand Haven, Michigan
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
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6 Best Things to Do in Grand Haven, Michigan
- Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier, Photo: Matt/stock.adobe.com
- Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven, Michigan, Photo: ehrlif/stock.adobe.com
- Grand Haven Musical Fountain, Grand Haven, Michigan, Photo: Grand Haven Musical Fountain
- Escanaba Park, Grand Haven, MI, Photo: rocketclips/stock.adobe.com
- Pere Marquette 1223, Grand Haven, Michigan, Photo: Pere Marquette 1223
- Fricano's Pizza Tavern, Grand Haven, Michigan, Photo: Fricano's Pizza Tavern
- Cover Photo: leene50/stock.adobe.com
More Ideas in Michigan: Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan now boasts a revamped planetarium, in addition to ever-changing exhibits and more than 250,000 artifacts in its collections, making it the second largest museum in the state of Michigan based on collection size.
There are 73 distinct collections, categorized under the following titles: History Collections, Science Collections, and Culture Collections.
The Collections span dozens of categories, from advertising, building fragments, to clothing, decorative arts, furniture, photography, posters, uniforms, and weapons. While only a small percentage of the Museum’s holdings are on exhibit at any given time, the museum provides virtual access for a more complete look at the scope and depth of the Collections.
Be Curious
Be Curious exhibits encourage visitors to become familiar with the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s collections.
Engaged in collecting for nearly 160 years, the museum considers itself the community’s institute of collective memory – where people, their stories and things are gathered together and meaning is shared.
Now open, the Egypt: Be Curious exhibition showcases the Museum’s own collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
This exhibit reveals certain artifacts, featuring Nakhte-Bastet-Iru, a mummy. See the reconstructed face and skull of Nakhte-Bastet-Iru’s that give visitors a sense of what she once looked like – and how fascinating this truly is.
This exhibit dissects the elaborate funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians by drawing attention to funerary masks, jewelry, and statuettes. Observers then discover how these artifacts were handled in funeral processes, worship, mummification, and celebrations.
Anishinabek: The People of This Place
Some of the descendants of the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi people of West Michigan are residents of the region at this point in time. This exhibits traces the tale of the Anishinabek – meaning “the people.”
Visitors can see hundreds of artifacts representing Native American clothing, tools, weapons, and decorative arts. Featured are videos with Anishinabe professionals, artists, elders, and parents.
West Michigan Habitats
Visitors are treated to West Michigan’s natural environments. These are exhibits that features the natural settings for mounted animals and plants. Dioramas with images, sound, light, and activities exist so children can learn about Lake Michigan’s fish, what life can be found in a microscopic drop of water, and other ecosystems, plus the impact of humans on these environments.
Inside the Kent Scientific Institute room is a re-creation of the museum’s exhibit hall prior to 1900.
What’s New at the Radically Updated Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium?
Having spent more than $1 million dollars to renovate the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, the facility now offers all guests the most comfortable seats in the house from which to observe the galaxy, and each new show takes advantage of Digistar projection technology and new sound technologies for an incomparable user experience.
Just inside the museum, the planetarium is named for the Grand Rapids native astronaut who died in the fire in 1967 on the Apollo 1 spacecraft.
Shows
NEW SHOW – STARLIGHT SAFARI: This program is a new adventure for planetarium goers, whereby they test their knowledge of night-sky animal constellations via a live presenter.
UNDER STARLIT SKIES:Learn how to explore tonight’s sky and observe constellations from your own backyard. Expose yourself to the far-flung reaches of the solar system to see incredible planets.
BACK TO THE MOON FOR GOOD:This is a great opportunity to become intimate with the race to return to the moon 40 years after the historic Apollo missions. Learn how a new era of lunar exploration is being privately funded. What a great chance to understand more about the moon’s resources and what humanity’s future on the planet might be.
DARK SIDE: THE LIGHT SHOW:This is an original planetarium production with all the stops pulled out. Pink Floyd’s album is experienced in new and unique ways that should not be missed.
THE LITTLE STAR THAT COULD:Explore the solar system with the Little Star.
BREAKING NEWS FROM OUTER SPACE: This is a must-see show for those interested in astronomy breakthroughs. Each month, the event will examine the previous month’s outrageous astronomical discoveries. Presenters at the planetarium will act as the visitors’ guide to the ever-changing world of leading-edge science – and there will be time for your questions.
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272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, Phone: 616-929-1700
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More Ideas in Michigan: National House Inn Bed & Breakfast in Marshall
The National House Inn Bed & Breakfast is a historic inn that has been welcoming guests for over 170 years. Located in Marshall in Michigan, the lovingly preserved building, which was built in 1835, overlooks the Fountain Circle in the center of the picturesque town, which is a National Historic Landmark District that is home to an array of beautiful 19th-century architecture.
The National House Inn Bed & Breakfast features traditional guest rooms with country-style décor in soft floral accents and antique furnishings, private bathrooms, and modern amenities, including air-conditioning and fireplaces. The property is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and boasts a guest lounge with a fireplace where guests can relax. A delicious home-cooked breakfast is served with compliments every morning, and the Inn is within a short walking distance from the town’s restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
The National House Inn Bed & Breakfast offers 15 charmingly decorated and furnished guest rooms with queen-size beds with plush linens, private bathrooms with showers and/baths, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, comfortable sitting areas – some with fireplaces – and modern amenities, including air-conditioning.
The Ketchum Suite is an elegant Victorian bedchamber on the first floor that features a master bedroom with a queen-size bed with plush linens, private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, and an adjoining sitting room with a guest toilet that overlooks the garden.
The Pratt and Pierce Suite is a delightful, country-style suite on the second floor with a large master bedroom, private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, and an adjoining sitting room that overlooks the garden.
The H.C. Brooks Room is a charming chamber on the second floor that overlooks the garden and features a queen-size bed with plush linens, private bathroom with a claw foot tub and separate shower, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, and an electric fireplace.
The Charles T. Gorham Room is a beautiful Victorian bedchamber on the first floor with a large master bedroom, private bathroom with showers and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, and beautiful views of the Brooks Memorial Fountain.
The Charles Dickey Room is located on the second floor and features a queen-size bed with plush linens, private bathroom with a claw foot tub and separate shower, fresh towels, and deluxe toiletries, and an electric fireplace.
The Isaac Crary Room is a second-floor Victorian bed chamber overlooking the Fountain that features a queen-size pencil post bed with plush linens and a private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries.
The James W. Gordon Room is located on the second floor and features a queen-size bed with plush linens, private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, an armoire, and chest, and an electric fireplace.
Located on the first floor, the O. C. Comstock Room is a charming Williamsburg-style room that overlooks the sitting garden and features a queen-size canopy bed with plush linens, and a private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries.
The Adam Crosswhite Room is a delightful bedroom on the second floor with twin beds in plush linens, and a private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries and the Sam Hill Room is decorated in soft rose accents and features one double bed and one twin bed with a private bathroom.
The George S. Wright Room is a cheerful country-style room that overlooks the sitting garden with a queen-size bed in plush linens, and a private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, while the Horace J. Perrin Room is a simply decorated room on the second floor with a queen-size bed.
The Anne Ells Room is a cozy second-floor chamber with antique furnishings, a double bed in plush linens, and a private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries. The Andrew Mann Room has a beautiful walnut double bed, burgundy walls and a private bathroom with shower and/bath.
The William Wallace Cook Room is a delightful, country-style bedroom with a queen-size iron bed with plush linens, private bathroom with shower and/bath, fresh towels and deluxe toiletries, an armoire and white pine rockers.
A complimentary home-cooked breakfast is served each morning and includes a variety of delicious items including fresh fruit, freshly baked pastries, waffles, eggs, juice, and coffee. Breakfast is served in the beautiful 19th century styled dining room which features antique oak dining tables and chairs and intricate paintwork.
In addition to charming guest rooms with country-style furnishings, the Inn has an elegant parlor and lounge with majestic beam and brick open-hearth fireplace, plush sofas and comfortable armchairs in which to relax, as well as an upstairs sitting room with a fireplace and hand-crafted cabinets. A complimentary breakfast is served in the dining room every morning and afternoon tea including a variety of teas and sweet treats in the parlor adjacent to the dining room. Freshly popped popcorn is available to snack on each evening, and the Tin Whistle Gift Shoppe, which is located next to the dining room offers country-style gifts and antique items.
The National House Inn Bed & Breakfast caters for small business meetings, special celebrations, and gatherings of friends and family of up to 25 people. The private Ketchum parlor can host up to seven people, and there are several areas for break-out meetings including three cozy sitting rooms, a beautiful garden and back porch.
Back to: Romantic Weekend Getaways in Michigan
102 Parkview, Marshall, Michigan 49068, Phone: 269-781-7374
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