Need a fun day trip or weekend escape on Lake Michigan? Head to Muskegon! Explore sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and lively waterfront attractions in this relaxed lakeside city. Whether you're lounging at the beach, riding roller coasters, or catching a sunset over the dunes, Muskegon offers a perfect blend of outdoor fun, maritime heritage, and Midwestern charm.
Muskegon, MI Highlights:
- Pere Marquette Park: Spend the day on one of Michigan’s most beautiful beaches, complete with soft sand, volleyball courts, and a lighthouse pier walk.
- Muskegon State Park: Hike scenic trails, sled the Winter Sports Complex luge, and swim in both Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake.
- Muskegon Museum of Art: Browse a superb collection of American and European art, from 19th-century works to contemporary pieces.
- USS Silversides Submarine Museum: Tour a real WWII submarine and learn about naval history on the Muskegon waterfront.
- Michigan’s Adventure: Enjoy thrilling rides and water park fun at Michigan’s largest amusement park, perfect for families.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Muskegon is during the late spring through early fall (May–September). Warm weather makes it ideal for beach days, boating, festivals, and outdoor adventures. Winter also offers unique experiences like luge runs, snowshoeing, and cozy museum visits.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Muskegon is located about 40 minutes northwest of Grand Rapids and about 3 hours from Detroit via I-96 and US-31.
- By Plane: Muskegon County Airport (MKG) offers limited regional flights; alternatively, fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids.
- By Ferry: The Lake Express ferry runs between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Muskegon during the warmer months, offering a scenic ride across Lake Michigan.
Where to Stay
- Shoreline Inn & Conference Center – Lakeside hotel with beautiful harbor views, an indoor pool, and easy access to downtown and beaches.
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Convention Center – Stylish modern hotel in the heart of downtown, close to museums and dining.
- Camping at Muskegon State Park – Enjoy lakeside camping with direct access to beaches, hiking trails, and sand dunes.
Best Things to Do
1. Soak Up Sun, Sand, and Stunning Lake Views at Pere Marquette Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Formerly known as Lake Michigan Park, this 2.5 miles of city-owned beach is one of the cleanest in the USA. It borders the Muskegon Channel which links Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. In 1890, a tramway company owned the land and turned it into a day trippers' destination. Over time, pavilions, theaters, a dance hall, Ferris wheel and roller coaster were added. Holiday cottages sprung up around the park.
Motor cars became popular and the park's appeal declined. The 30 year lease ran out and the wooden structures sustained water damage so were torn down. It is still a popular beach for swimming and water sports. Amenities include restaurants, picnic spots and a beach volleyball court.
2. Step Back Into Lumber Baron Luxury at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site
Messrs Hackley and Hume were partners in a lumber business in the late 19th century. They built Queen Anne style houses next door to each other and shared a carriage house. Hackley House has three stories, with a tower in one corner. The turreted roof has many angles and the windows vary in shape and size.
The interior is richly decorated with wooden trim, carvings and spindles. Hume House has a corner entrance with a turret overhead. The second floor is cantilevered, in part, over the first. The exterior is painted in 14 different colors. In 2017, both houses were restored and opened to the public.
3. If Naval Heroes and WWII History Fascinate You, Tour the USS LST 393
The USS LST 393 Veterans Museum is based on a restored LST-1-class tank landing ship. USS LST 393, is one of 1051 produced. Only two remain intact. She was launched and commissioned into the US Navy in 1942 and received three battle stars for participation in the Sicilian and Salerno landings and the invasion of Normandy. She was on her way to Japan when the war ended. After being decommissioned, she was renamed Highway 16 and ferried cars from Detroit to Muskegon until retirement. Her restoration is an ongoing project and she now serves as a museum ship in Muskegon.
4. Dive Into Submarine History and Wartime Stories at the USS Silversides Museum
The USS Silversides was launched and commissioned in 1941. In 14 wartime patrols, this Gato-Class World War II submarine sank 23 ships, laid minefields, rescued downed pilots and escorted stricken sister ships to safe waters. She was severely damaged in one skirmish and narrowly escaped reaching crush depth.
The submarine was awarded 12 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. Post war, she was used as a training ship and retired from the navy in 1969. A group of Chicago volunteers restored her to working order and moved her to Muskegon where she became the centerpiece of the museum which would ultimately bear her name.
1346 Bluff St, 49441 Muskegon, Michigan, Phone: 231-755-1230
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Hike Dunes and Embrace Nature’s Beauty at Hoffmaster State Park
The Hoffmaster State Park is 1200 acres of public recreation area on the shores of Lake Michigan. It includes 3 miles of sandy beach. The visitors' center has an auditorium and an interpretive display on the sand dune ecosystem in the park. At the Outdoor Skills Academy, the center offers nature programs and workshops. There are 10 miles of hiking trails laid, three of which have been groomed for cross-country skiing. Bird watchers are treated to the annual migrations of songbirds and raptors. The center is closed from mid-November to mid-January each year for maintenance.
6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon, MI 49441, Phone: 231-798-3573
6. Paddle, Ski, and Explore Coastal Adventures at Muskegon State Park
The Muskegon State Park was established in 1923 on land purchased from a lumber milling company. It is 1233 acres in size and has two miles of sand beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. In the 1930s the Civil Conservation Corps cleared the two campsites, built roads and planted trees. They built a blockhouse which provides panoramic views from the highest point in Muskegon County. It burnt down in 1960 and a replica stands in its place. A fishing pier and boat launch have also been constructed. Visitors can camp, swim, fish, hike and picnic in the park. In winter, ice-skating, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing are possible.
7. Wander Through Inspiring Exhibits at the Muskegon Museum of Art
At the height of the lumber boom, 50 saw mills were stationed around Muskegon Lake. Charles Hackney was one of the few lumber barons that remained when fortunes changed. He initiated many philanthropic projects. Although art was one of his priorities, it was only posthumously that the Hackley Picture Fund was established.
It paid for a building next to the Hackley Public Library and the genesis of the art collection. The Walker family later became significant benefactors. They donated works of art and financed an expansion of the building. The Muskegon Museum of Art offers field trips, art classes and family fun days.
296 W. Webster Avenue Muskegon, Michigan 49440, Phone: 231-720-2570
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. Ride, Slide, and Splash All Day at Michigan’s Adventure Theme Park
The award-winning 250 acre Michigan's Adventure amusement park, just north of Muskegon, is the biggest in the state. It was formerly known as Deer Park Funland. There are 52 rides to be experienced, including seven roller coasters, thrill rides, and activities for families and children. Wildwater Adventure, an outdoor water park is part of the complex. At a slower pace, visitors can enjoy a round of mini golf. There are several eateries on the premises and visitors can purchase tickets for single meals, all-day dining and all-season dining. The annual Christian musical festival, Rock the Coast, is held in the park.
4750 Whitehall Road, Muskegon, MI 49445, Phone: 231-766-3377
9. Uncover the City’s Industrial Spirit and Innovation at the Muskegon Heritage Museum
In 1983, the gift of a Corliss 90 horse power steam engine was the catalyst for establishing the Muskegon Heritage Museum. The aim of the museum was to preserve the heritage of industries, businesses and residents of the city. Since 2009 the museum has been revitalized. Two additional floors have been remodeled, taking the exhibition space to 10000 square feet. A Heritage Print Shop, Heritage Machine Works and a permanent exhibition of things 'Made in Muskegon' were set up. Among the artifacts are Raggedy Ann, school desks, golf clubs and a bowling alley. The museum is open from mid-May to mid-October.
561 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440, Phone: 231-722-1363
10. If Local History and Community Stories Excite You, Visit the Muskegon County Museum Foundation
There are multiple sites and buildings operating under the auspices of the Lakeshore Museum Center. The The Muskegon County Museum Foundation was founded in 1937. For many years, funds and premises prevented significant progress. Collections of artifacts were exhibited in the community college corridors, in store fronts and in the disused jail. In 1983, the organization moved to its current premises. The Hackley and Hume Historic Site was acquired in 1986 and the Fire Barn in 1989. The Scolnik House of the Depression Era was opened in 2007. There have been several exhibitions held at the Center, including 'Michigan from the Depths of Time'.
430 W Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
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