Year-Round Adventure: Fun for All Four Seasons in Muskegon, Michigan
This lakeside region is more than just fun in the summer months; there is plenty to do all year.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan and bursting with hidden gems and charming surprises around every corner, Muskegon, Michigan, is a veritable playground for everyone from nature enthusiasts and history buffs to trail runners and festival goers. No matter when you arrive or how long you plan to stay, you’ll find adventure in what is affectionately known as the outdoor recreation hub of Michigan’s sunset coast. There are scenic state parks to explore, multi-use trails to traverse, 26 miles of beaches to comb and more awaiting your arrival.
Whether you are hoping to book a quick weekend getaway in the spring, a leisurely summer vacation with the kids, or a pack-your-winter-wear trip with friends, Muskegon is arguably one of the best places to explore the great outdoors every season of the year.
Here are a few ways to make the most of each season.
In This Article
Spring
As winter gives way to spring, Muskegon bursts into life with vibrant colors and various outdoor activities. Paved and single-track trails open up once again for those keen on stretching their legs with a brisk walk or breaking out the mountain bike. The Musketawa Trail is a popular haunt for trail-to-rail excursions, and you can find plenty of sand dunes to cruise at the multitude of state, city and county parks.
If you want a break from the great outdoors or a more leisurely activity to pass the time, spend a few hours exploring the USS Silversides Museum. Filled with historic naval and interactive exhibits and a tour of the renowned U.S. Coast Guard cutter and submarine, this is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family.
On the other hand, if you want to add a touch more adrenaline to your itinerary, you could always race 1,400 feet over the top of the white pine and oak forest on the dual zip line at Muskegon State Park. Reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour over this awe-inspiring Midwestern tree canopy is easily one of the best memories you can make this spring.
Kayaking and sailing on Lake Michigan are equally popular pastimes in the spring, and the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve is a top pick for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Spring also welcomes the beginning of the farmers’ market season, which will entice you to pick up delicious local treats and treasures.
Summer
Summer in the Muskegon Lakeshore brings to mind beach days and water sports. Pere Marquette Beach is a favorite destination for sunbathers, swimmers and beachcombers, while Muskegon State Park is the place to be for those who prefer a quieter, more natural beach experience. The city lakes, rivers and reservoirs are also great places to hit up if you want to spend some time fishing, boating or jet skiing.
Another can’t-miss item on your summer agenda should be strolling along the channels to visit the three local light towers and houses. Muskegon South Breakwater Light, Muskegon South Pierhead Light and the White Lake River Station are among the multitude of lighthouses that call Michigan home, and each one is worth stopping to see. After that, you could take on the daunting challenge of seeing all three state parks, four nature reserves, six county parks and more than 50 city and public parks within the community.
Wrap up the warmest season of the year at the Great Lakes Surf Festival or Burning Foot Beer Festival, two end-of-summer events that are guaranteed to leave you counting down the days until you can come back next year.
Fall
Muskegon transforms into a storybook landscape of red, orange and yellow when autumn rolls around. Hoffmaster State Park and Duck Lake State Park offer some of the best fall foliage viewing in the entire state, and the annual Trick or Treat at the Tower at Muskegon South Pierhead is a must for families visiting in October. You could even take things up a notch and tack on a visit to the City of the Dead, a historical reenactment featuring community actors in period costumes representing the lives of former residents now buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
For something a little less spooky, or if you simply want to give your feet a rest after touring the town, pop into one of the many area coffee shops to warm up with a hot drink. Aldea Coffee in Northtown is a local favorite, and BananaDog Tea is a haven for enthusiasts.
Muskegon’s many hiking and biking trails, like the ever-popular Hart-Montague Trail, are great for immersing yourself in fall colors. Alternatively, you could stay in town and participate in what is hands down one of the more eclectic traditions in the area: an annual autumn Pumpkin Roll down Dowling Street Hill.
Winter
Things don’t slow down around here just because the temperature drops. Bundle up in your winter gear and hit the 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Snowshoeing is a popular wintertime activity with more than 60 miles of natural and paved paths to explore, and you’re never too old to learn to luge at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. You could even take up ice-fishing on the inland lakes, home to an assortment of species like bluegills, perch and pike.
If you’re itching for a pastime with a little more adrenaline, why not go snowboarding? After all, Muskegon is the snowboard’s birthplace, originally known as the “Snurfer.” Interested parties can spend their days cruising down hills at Beachwood Park, Hanson St. Hill, Lake Harbor Park or the Sugar Dune Bowl at Muskegon State Park before wrapping up the day with a decadent dinner at Hearthstone Bistro, The Station Grill or 794 Kitchen & Bar.
Want more content about cool places delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Livability’s newsletter!
