9 Fabulously Fun Things to Do in Muskegon

Explore the Muskegon Lakeshore's nine communities through these fun activities.

By Rebecca Treon on April 29, 2023

Jeff Adkins

The Muskegon Lakeshore region is a popular destination for visitors thanks to its proximity to the water and its outdoor recreation offerings, but locals have it even better – they can enjoy everything the area has to offer right in their own backyard.

The region is a haven for those who love boating, fishing and sailing, but landlubbers also find plenty fun things to do in Muskegon and this West Michigan region – there are great public art collections, lots of historic architecture, festivals and all-season outdoor activities.

Here are just a few of the things that natives say you can’t miss in each of the Muskegon Lakeshore’s nine communities.

1. The Deck – Muskegon

Pere Marquette’s popular beach isn’t only a destination for sand and sun, but thanks to The Deck, it’s one for live music, ice-cold drinks and great food. (They’re known for their barbecue.) Ample seating is available inside if you need to get out of the sun, or on the deck at a number of umbrella-topped tables in the sand.

2. Fruitport Old Fashioned Days – Fruitport

Fruitport’s annual summer festival spans a whole week, celebrating summer the old-fashioned way, with midway carnival rides, an ox roast, a petting zoo, concerts in the bandshell, fireworks, a fun run, veterans memorials and a parade.

3. Muskegon County Fair – Ravenna

During the last full week of July, the county fairgrounds come to life with this flagship annual event. A quintessential county fair, it features carnival rides, fair food, vendors of all kinds, games and competitions, a family fun run, baked goods auction and 4-H livestock projects from pigs to ponies.

4. Hoffmaster State Park – Norton Shores

This 1,200-acre state park features 3 miles of shoreline and the Gillette Visitor Center, with interactive exhibits about the local ecosystem. The Dune Climb Stairway offers an observation deck with panoramic views atop the highest dune, resting next to miles of hiking trails – some of which are groomed for skiing come winter. Along with its nature programming, the park is popular with campers, beachgoers and birdwatchers.

Teri Genovese

5. Muskegon Luge – North Muskegon

Inside Muskegon State Park is the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, one of the few ice luge tracks in the country where anyone can learn to fly along an ice track at top speed. The park also has a 2-acre ice skating rink, a quarter-mile skating trail, plus miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing trails. In warmer weather, enjoy the summer luge and the 1,400-foot dual zip line.

6. World’s Largest Weathervane – Montague

Michigan’s top roadside attraction and a Guinness Book of World Records winner, this hand-forged aluminum weathervane is 48 feet high, 14 feet long, and weighs 4,300 pounds. It features a lumber schooner, the Ella Ellenwood, atop it in memoriam of a 1901 shipwreck.

7. Festival in the Park – Muskegon Heights

For more than 40 years, Muskegon Heights has held a six-day-long festival celebrating its Black heritage and culture. Kicking off with a gospel performance, the Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park event features food vendors, live music – including an R&B and blues concert – comedy shows, a movie night, a car show and a kids’ carnival.

8. Roosevelt Park Day – Roosevelt Park

Roosevelt Park hosts an eponymous festival, kicking off with a pancake breakfast and parade and continuing throughout the day with live music, games, arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden, and food trucks in a celebration of the city that’s fun for all.

9. The Playhouse at White Lake – Whitehall

Entertaining audiences since 1916, The Playhouse at White Lake is in the heart of the quaint downtown area, serving as the hub of the region’s performing arts events. Providing performances of live music and theater, films, and a youth theater education program, it’s the place for locals and visitors to catch a glimpse of the region’s local talent.