Recreation and Vacation

A Welcoming Community
"When I came to investigate this community, I was overwhelmingly welcomed by the city, staff, the Chamber of Commerce, the government representatives. The director of economic development walked me right through what I needed..."
- Ted Fricano
Fricanos Muskegon Lake

IN THE NEWS

KEEP UP

Sign-up to receive regular updates on what’s happening in Muskegon. Membership not required!

Nature's amenities are a draw for recreation-seekers, many of whom choose Muskegon for its 26 miles of Lake Michigan waterfront, a day at the beach in Muskegon 400 miles of rivers, more than 11,000 acres of inland lakes for boating, swimming, fishing or just relaxing as well as Muskegon's award-winning beaches! A favorite port of call, miles and miles of trails and unspoiled coastline, rivers for rafting and fishing and one of three luge runs in the U.S. make Muskegon a year-round recreation destination.

Connecting the region's trail enthusiasts with communties along its path, the new Lakeshore Trail has opened after construction was recently completed on several sections of the 12-mile trail. Easily accessible from the Lake Express, Lakeshore Trail enables those who bike, skate, or walk to tour Muskegon's shoreline and downtown while on a path that loops along Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake, the downtown area and Pere Marquette Beach, which for several years has received national recognition for its clean beaches. The trail complements an extensive network of routes made for bikers, walkers, runners and in-line skaters, including the 22.5 mile Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail and the 26.5-mile Muskatawa Trail.

The Musketawa State Trail, located in Muskegon and Ottawa counties, has been designated a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of Interior. This paved rail-trail, which provides an accessible connection extending 24.5 miles west from Marne to just east of Muskegon, allows trail users to enjoy a range of landscapes while biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, or simply taking a stroll. It is an excellent example of a four-season recreational trail that passes through and connects the rural west Michigan communities of Conklin and Ravenna. The Musketawa State Trail joins 22 other trails in Michigan that have received designation as a National Recreation Trail.

JUMP IN THE WATER'S FINE

Local rivers and creeks, especially the White River and the Muskegon, are popular with kayakers, canoeists, rafters and anglers. White Lake, Bear Lake and Mona Lake are favorite ports of call, offering access to and refuge from Lake Michigan.

Muskegon Lake is the region's full-speed lake, with public and private marinas providing thousands of boat slips and offering a range of products and services for fun on the water.

Sitting lakeside is an equally enjoyable recreation outlet for visitors and residents alike. The coastline is home to some of the state's finest parks and natural areas as well as numerous county, township and city parks. Eleven public parks provide access to Lake Michigan, including Pere Marquette Beach, a certified "blue wave clean beach," the only beach in Michigan to receive this award.

MORE RECREATION HOTSPOTS

Michigan's Adventure, Michigan's largest wet and wild amusement park located between Muskegon and Whitehall. This park features more than 60 rides, including seven highly-ranked roller coasters and The Thunderhawk, Michigan's first suspended looping roller coaster, which represents the largest single ride expenditure in the park's history. The park was named "Attraction of the Year" by Travel Michigan and the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association.

Muskegon is home to a new indoor football team, the Muskegon Thunder, to accompany its professional hockey team, Muskegon Lumberjacks. The Great Lakes Indoor Football League has six teams, promising great rivalries and an expanding schedule.

Double JJ Ranch and Golf Resort bring the west to the area year-round through its Back Forty Family events, Double JJ Ranch for adults, the 19-hole Thoroughbred Golf Course and Conference Center and the new Gold Rush, a 60,000 square-foot indoor water park. Home to numerous golf courses throughout the county, Muskegon is a major contributor to Michigan's reputation as a national golf destination.

WHEN TEMPERATURES COOL

Not all the fun is had during the summer months. The annual Oktoberfest and the Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour take place in October. Held the same day, Oktoberfest and the color tour create an event that stretches throughout the downtown and along the woods, dunes and waters. The self-guided tour begins at either the Muskegon Train Depot or the White Lake Train Depot and includes a number of designated historic and scenic sites along the way.

With an annual accumulation of more than 100 inches of snow, winter blankets the coastline with more recreation ideas. The Winter Sports Complex at Muskegon State Park includes a cross-country ski course and ice rink, both lighted at night, snowshoe trails, outdoor bobsled run and one of only three luge tracks in the country.

NEWS AND EVENTS CALENDAR

Muskegon Main Street presents the third annual Taste of Muskegon, taking place in 2009 from June 20 & 21, showcasing the tasteful and talented restaurants of the region with two days of food and fun.

Muskegon Bike Time is attracting nationwide attention. Community leaders and owners of the region's bike dealerships have banded together to create an event that features a 10-block Motorcycle Alley along Western Avenue taking place in 2009 from July 17-19. Vendors, entertainment- including two headline concerts at Heritage Landing- are event highlights.

DINING DESTINATIONS

In recent years Muskegon has built a reputation for great restaurants with award-winning pizzas, fresh Michigan perch, and gourmet pastas. A variety of menus in unique surroundings will satisfy the diverse visitors to the area. Home of the Culinary Institute of Michigan, area chefs receive world-class training utilizing fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables.

taste of muskegon Recently, a group of independent restaurant owners have formed together as the Lakeshore Restaurant Originals promoting "Be Independent. Eat Local". Their focus of celebrating & supporting locally-owned restaurants has caught on and brought attention to the unique flavor and offerings available in Muskegon as well as the importance of being a "locavore"!

The annual Taste of Muskegon accompanies the bountiful summer festival line-up in Muskegon. The area's best restaurants, bakeries, and more serve up their specialties to thousands on the packed street in Downtown Muskegon. The event, a kick off to the summer, also features a chef's demonstration stage, beer & wine tasting garden, entertainment, and in 2009 will help celebrate Muskegon County's 150th anniversary with a record-breaking, edible cheesestick courtesy of local garlic bread producer, Cole's Quality Foods, and a birthday cake contest!

TRIED AND TRUE PARTY

Each summer, the community throws an 11-day music festival, the Muskegon Summer Muskegon Summer Celebration Celebration. Dubbed the Big Party, more than 1,500 volunteers take care of the countless details of hosting big-name bands such as Aretha Franklin, Santana, Ray Charles, Lynyrd Sknyrd, Steve Miller Band, Third Eye Blind and Poison. The festival will take place in 2009 from June 25 through July 5.