Nature's amenities are a draw for recreation-seekers, many of whom choose Muskegon for its 27 miles of Lake Michigan waterfront, 400 miles of rivers, and 27 inland lakes that are all great 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 and vacation destination.
Make Muskegon your lakeshore destination to STAY, SHOP and DINE!
Muskegon has become one of the top tourism destinations in the Midwest! Accompanying the attractions and amenities that Muskegon has to offer are a vast selection of places to stay that meet any request or budget. From the charm of a quaint bed and breakfast or the pampering of a luxury hotel, to the beauty of the lakeshore's campgrounds under the stars and quiet cottages on the water's edge, all of these choices are yours to experience right here in Muskegon!
You're just a click away from great places to stay in and around the Muskegon Lakeshore. Use the links below to find your next destination...
SHOPPING ON THE LAKESHORE From our vibrant downtown shopping district to our eclectic shops scattered throughout the region, Muskegon is the regional lakeshore center for retail services. Explore our varied shops, buy some hand-made jewelry and unique accessories or indulge in specialty cheese or wine.
SHOP TILL YOU DROP Find a business in Muskegon!
In the heart of downtown, you'll find an ambitious pedestrian-friendly development of townhouses, specialty shops, loft apartments, museums and more. Options along Western Avenue include salons such as Glamazon located in the historic Amazon Knitting Mill building, specialty foods, wines and olive oils can be found at the Cheese Lady and of course the trip is well worth it for the destination Hot Rod Harley Davidson shop. The Century Club Center offers a wide variety of unique products in a creative open-air market setting. Also, the nearby Third Street shopping offers great stores such as vintage and antique shop, Continuity.
A 700,000 square-foot regional shopping complex encompasses 70 stores and eight restaurants. Smaller malls, banks, office parks, health care facilities, hotels and condos all have developed around The Lakes Mall district, making it the fastest-growing regional shopping areas in West Michigan. Visit the Lakes Mall today to find great national retailers like JCPenney, Sears and Di's Hallmark. Also find great unique locally owned shops like Your Plate or Mine. For a full list of shops, visit the Lakes Mall online at www.thelakesmall.com.
With the development of The Lakes Mall and the incredible growth of department stores, specialty retail shops, and restaurants along the Harvey Street corridor, Muskegon shoppers are buying locally with an abundance of choices and opportunities!
This area offers unique specialty stores such as Di's Hallmark, Breakaway Bikes, Maggie's Gourmet Foods & Gifts, Jolt Ware, along with Meijer full-service grocery store and many of the larger chain stores such as Target, Toys "R" Us, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Kohls.
Boat, bike, walk, or motor west from downtown Muskegon along Muskegon Lake to discover this unique former actors colony featuring galleries, shops, restaurants, marinas, charter boats, and bike rentals. Visit unique shops like the Art Cats Gallery and Wasserman's Flowers and Gifts and then take a break and grab a bite to eat and something to drink at the Lakeshore Tavern. This historic area is also home to America's first high speed auto ferry, The Lake Express.
The quaint towns of Montague and Whitehall face each other on the shores of White Lake, just 17 miles north of Muskegon. These picturesque communities are popular tourist destinations offering a peaceful way of life along with incredible recreational, shopping, dining, and high-tech job opportunities. Be sure to visit Pitkin's Drug and Gift Shoppe, a Whitehall favorite since 1882.
Growers from all over the region gather weekly to sell their produce and goods directly to the public. In the last several years, the markets have grown in popularity and have become a favorite weekly stop among locals and visitors. The region's farms are recognized for cherries, blueberries, peaches and apples. The areas farmer's markets including Muskegon, Montague, Muskegon Heights, and Sweetwater organic market offer an abundance and variety of fresh produce and unique offerings.
DINING ON THE LAKESHORE
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 world-renowned Culinary Institute of Michigan, area chefs receive world-class training utilizing the freshest Michigan fruits and vegetables.
Whether you are looking for a hearty meal by the fireplace, a light meal on the water's edge, a gourmet sandwich in the garden, or a quick bite to eat... Muskegon has it all. Boasting fabulous local restaurants with elegant dining, lakeside sipping, farm fresh cuisine, and great local watering holes. The eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants give any one living or traveling to the Muskegon Lakeshore an all around "foodie" experience.
Local rivers and creeks, especially the White River and the Muskegon River, 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.
Connecting the region's trail enthusiasts with communities 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. 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 Musketawa State Trail.
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.
The Muskegon Lakeshore is also rich in museums and cultural destinations such as the Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts, The Muskegon Museum of Art, the famous war ships of the USS Silversides and LST 393, the 19th century Hackley and Hume Homes and much more!
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, ice skating trail and one of only three luge tracks in the country!
If you are looking for winter entertainment, Muskegon is also home to USHL hockey team, The Muskegon Lumberjacks. This team of young players have great potential to further their careers. They play hard and play fast!
Many also come to Muskegon for Muskegon Lakes' superb ice fishing, various snowmobile trails and numerous sledding hills.
Muskegon has many great festivals and events that take place year round. Summer always kicks off with Downtown Muskegon Now's Annual Taste of Muskegon,
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. Vendors, entertainment- including two headline concerts at Heritage Landing- are event highlights.
In 2011 Muskegon also hosted The Hot Rod Power Tour on June 9th which brought thousands of hot rods and visitors to the area. Many boasting, "Muskegon was by far the best stop on the tour!" The event was such a hit, it returned again the summer of 2012
Music lovers are offered a vast amount of options for musical festivals in Muskegon! Irish Fest includes Irish music, dance, culture, food, and entertainment in an annual music festival held on the lakeshore of Muskegon, Michigan in September. The Unity Christian Music festival is the flagship event of Muskegon, Michigan based non-profit (501c3) Alive on the Lakeshore. In addition to Unity Christian Music Festival, Alive on the Lakeshore produces a number of other events across Michigan every year and operates the web site www.UnityChristianEvents.com. 107MUS presents the Annual Moose Fest: country music party for thousands of fans on the lakeshore. This event is held at Heritage Landing, downtown Muskegon with country music performances all day. Tickets are FREE and can be picked up at local businesses. Rockstock is back and bigger than ever. Now a two day event! Help to keep our local music scene alive and come and join in the fun. Heritage Landing is going to be brimming with excitement.
In the winter months the Greater Muskegon Jaycees host the popular Snowfest event featuring a variety of outdoor games, chili cook off, beverage tents and more.
The Lakeshore Art Festival is a unique blend of arts, crafts, music, food and fun along the shoreline in historic Downtown Muskegon. More than 300 artists and crafters will be showcased with fine art in the park, crafts, children’s activities and a Michigan food market all wrapped up in a street party atmosphere.
Coast West Music Fest is the new music festival replacing Summer Celebration. The five-day festival at Heritage Landing in Muskegon presents big names of both local and national artists.
For a complete list of upcoming events and activities be sure to visit the Muskegon Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Other Travel Links:
Marinas
Camping
Charter Fishing
Boat/Jetski Rentals & Service
Beaches & Parks
Kayak and Canoe Rentals
Hotels and Motels
Other Fun Links:
NOAA Lake Michigan's Web-Cam
Torresen Marine, Inc. / Muskegon Lake Web-Cam
Find out how the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce could benefit you.
