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!
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.
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!
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!"
Muskegon's biggest summer party is the Muskegon Summer Celebration.
Each summer, the community throws an multi-day music festival, 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.
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.
For a complete list of upcoming events and activities be sure to visit the Muskegon Convention and Visitor's Bureau for a complete calendar.
Traveling Links:
Marinas
Camping
Charter Fishing
Boat Rentals & Service
Beaches & Parks
Jetski Rentals
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.