Muskegon’s pristine beaches are no doubt its best-kept secret. Whether you opt for sun time at one of the three scenic state parks, enjoy live music in the sand at Pere Marquette Park, or bring fido to the city’s dog beach (leashes required), the Muskegon community showcases 26 miles of white sandy shoreline, miles of multi-use trails, two paddle sport rivers, and a revitalized downtown with thriving restaurants and shopping venues. The Muskegon area sparkles during the summer — it’s a Lake Michigan destination worth rediscovering.
The region shines as a haven for outdoor recreation, especially water sports. Muskegon Lake, Bear Lake, Mona Lake, and White Lake provide access to Lake Michigan, plus there’s plenty of prime fishing, boating, and waterfront living.
“You can get on the water in so many different ways, with boat launches and kayak launches and beaches everywhere,” says Dan Bonner, outdoor adventure specialist at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.
The region shines as a haven for outdoor recreation, especially water sports. Muskegon Lake, Bear Lake, Mona Lake, and White Lake provide access to Lake Michigan, plus there’s plenty of prime fishing, boating, and waterfront living.
Bonner grew up in Muskegon and chased outdoor adventures in Colorado and North Carolina before realizing he missed home. “I thought I was going to find something better, (but) there’s nothing like the Great Lakes,” he says.
The four-season sports complex, located in Muskegon State Park, offers a wheel luge track, a dual zipline, an archery range, a 38-foot rock-climbing wall, ADA trails, and adaptive sports during the summer. The state park is home to unique terrain and Lake Michigan overlooks, with more than 12 miles of hiking trails within the state park. The trails have new signage, from the Muskegon Lake channel through the sand dunes and woods, connecting to the Muskegon Blockhouse, Lost Lake Trail, and the Luge Adventure Sports Park.
“Muskegon has a variety of trails for all different types of users,” Bonner adds. “We have (everything from) accessible trails, where you can push a stroller and be out in nature, to really steep dunes you can climb and more advanced hiking trails.”
Here’s a collection of more reasons why visitors should explore Muskegon this summer.
- Pere Marquette Park, once a sleepy city beach, bustles on peak summer weekends with sunbathers, boaters, volleyball players, and kiteboarders. Attractions include playground and picnic areas, waterfront dining with daily live music, and beach festivals. Walk the 1,514-foot pier or stroll along the channel to see the historic USS Silversides Submarine, Muskegon South Breakwater Light, and the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, which is open for tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Recent $6.4-million renovations at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park include all new roads, upgrades at the campground, and a new restroom facility at the beach. While there, set aside some time to enjoy the dune climbs and the Gillette Visitor Center, which is slated to open this fall, to learn about the dune ecosystem and wildlife in the park.
- The USS Silversides, counted among the most successful submarines in the Pacific Theater of World War II, is one of the best-preserved submarines in the country. It’s now a museum moored along the Muskegon Lake Channel. Military and history buffs enjoy touring the submarine, which can be reserved for overnight stays by groups. “Our waterfront setting is perfect for reflection and exploration,” says Bethann Egan, the museum’s executive director. “There’s no better place to connect with the past while enjoying Michigan’s natural beauty.”
- The Muskegon Lakeshore Trail serves as a popular connector between the beach, the Lakeside District neighborhood, and downtown Muskegon. The multi-use trail winds along the shoreline of Muskegon Lake.
- Bicyclists can explore other parts of the county via the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail, which connects Muskegon to Whitehall and the Musketawa Trail, which goes to Marne. “Our bike trails are unique to anywhere I’ve lived,” Bonner says. “It’s pretty amazing how much access there is to the entire state by bike trail.”
- The 22-mile-long Hart-Montague Bike Trail State Park, Michigan’s first linear state park, runs north for 22 miles through the forest and hills from Montague to Hart. The Mosquito Creek Trails offer year-round outdoor recreation, with more than 10 miles of backcountry mountain biking trails.
- Steven Crooks, owner of WaterDog Outfitters in nearby Whitehall, has built a business around the area’s pedal- and paddle-powered sports. WaterDog’s new building carries paddle sports and camping equipment, and offers bicycle and kayak rentals, sales, and even bicycle repair. There’s also access to the Hart-Montague trail. “What we’ve found, specifically in the White Lake area and even in Muskegon’s downtown area, is there’s a lot of growth happening and there’s a lot of excitement, but we’re still a sleepy little town that doesn’t get overly busy,” Crooks says. “You feel like you’re at home and don’t have to wait two hours to eat at a restaurant.”
- Muskegon’s revitalized downtown serves as a hub for arts and cultural activities. The walkable district features public art, gardens, parks, and a social district, as well as several history museums — such as the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, the Muskegon Museum of History & Science, the USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum, and the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry.
- The Muskegon Museum of Art completed a $15.7-million expansion in early 2025, nearly doubling its size with four new exhibition galleries and other public spaces to expand the MMA as a regional destination. On tap this summer is an exhibit called “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life.” Kirk Hallman, the museum’s executive director, boasts: “Our arts and culture are second to none along the lakeshore. We’ve turned a corner.” The MMA’s original building is now devoted to its impressive permanent collection, plus displays of studio glass and contemporary works by up-and-coming artists. “We can make a bigger dent in displaying the 5,500 pieces as we rotate the permanent collection in the historic space,” Hallman says.
- Muskegon has grown into a busy cruise ship port, and attracts visitors from around the world. The city also hosts many concerts and festivals at Hackley Park and Heritage Landing. At the Mart Dock, the Aquastar — a former Mackinac Island ferry boat — offers themed boat cruises and sunset sailings on Muskegon Lake and through the Muskegon Channel to view Lake Michigan. The Muskegon Farmers Market sells fresh produce and local food and art. From there, it’s an easy walk to shop at the Western Market chalets or enjoy lunch or dinner at several restaurants and breweries.
News Flash: In April, Muskegon approved a new, free shuttle service between its Lake Michigan beaches and downtown that would run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Route options were still being discussed as this issue of Michigan Blue was going to press. Officials say any proposed routes could ease congestion and parking issues around the lakefront districts.
Helpful Service: Pere Marquette Park, Muskegon State Park, Muskegon Luge, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park have all-terrain track chairs that can be reserved, so people who use wheelchairs can get out in the sand or on the trails.
Dining Scene: The Deck at Pere Marquette Park, an expansive open-air restaurant near the pier, offers a relaxing family atmosphere with barbeque, beer, and live music daily. The restaurant has expanded its covered seating, and added sunshades and heaters for fickle Michigan days. The popular Dockers Fish House in Harbour Towne was recently sold and will reopen as BoDocks Marina Bar & Grill under Harris Hospitality in 2026. It will also feature live music and more dock and slip space for people who frequently arrive by boat.
Water Views: Lake Bluff Grille at the Muskegon Country Club serves contemporary American fare and overlooks Muskegon Lake from its bluff-side setting. The Lake House Waterfront Grille has a view of Terrace Point Marina, with outdoor dining overlooking the docks. Muskegon Brewing Co. opened last summer and has a large deck that showcases Muskegon Lake.
So bring your beach gear and your appetite, because several new restaurants — Western Chophouse, Lumberman’s Vault, and Liquid Assets Cocktail & Wine Bar — plus lots of other businesses are preparing for the summer crowds.
Plan It!
Visit Muskegon
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