Muskegon
Muskegon is a city of 38,000 people (2018) in West Michigan. It offers miles of clean beaches on Lake Michigan, theater, a plethora of museums, bike trails and festivals.
Understand
[edit]Get in
[edit]
By car
[edit]Muskegon is at the western terminus of the interstate highway, I-96. It is roughly 30 miles NW of Grand Rapids, via I-96. Also, US-31 runs north/south through Muskegon.
By ferry
[edit]-
- 1 Lake Express Muskegon Ferry Terminal, 1918 Lakeshore Dr.
By plane
[edit]By bus
[edit]The Greyhound Bus System also has a stop in downtown Muskegon.
Get around
[edit]While in Muskegon, most visitors prefer to get from point A to point B by car - while locals may sometimes opt to use the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS). Because of its proximity to award-winning beaches, visitors are highly encouraged to bring bicycles along for there are plenty of bike trails which run in the city and plenty throughout the county. A notable trail is the Musketawa bike trail which runs from just southeast of the city through the countryside to the city of Marne in Ottawa county.
See
[edit]The Pere Marquette Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan and adjoining the Muskegon Lake Channel is the only nationally certified "Clean Beach" on the Great Lakes. Miles of beach, gorgeous sunsets, outdoor dining possibilities, and a bike trail make this beach a must-see.
Museums and theater
[edit]Broadway at the Frauenthal (Fall through Spring), brings big-time Broadway musicals to Muskegon. Muskegon is also home to Muskegon Museum of Art and West Shore Symphony Orchestra. The Muskegon Community Concert Association provides concerts from September through May.
Camerata Singers, a professional chamber choir, performs at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon and other locations in west Michigan.
Do
[edit]- 1 Michigan's Adventure. The largest amusement park in the state, a few miles north of the city. Michigan's Adventure features a midway with roller coasters, general rides, amusements, and a full water park.
- 2 Craigs Cruisers Family Fun Centers - Muskegon. in Norton Shores
Festivals
[edit]The Muskegon Film Festival is held in February.
Every June, since 1990, St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church hosts its annual Hispanic Fiesta. The fiesta is always held outside of the church at 1292 Jefferson Street, next to Muskegon High School. There are always live music performances, children's activities, ethnic foods, and more. It is a celebration of Hispanic heritage. They never charge admission, but there usually is a small charge for most food items and some activities.
Each August, the Unity Christian Music Festival takes place at Heritage Landing. In May, Rock the Coast takes place at Michigan's Adventure. Both are organized by Alive on the Lakeshore.
In September, the Michigan Irish Music Festival brings renowned Celtic musicians to Heritage Landing on the shore of Muskegon Lake. In addition to music, Irish food, beverages, merchandise and cultural exhibits contribute to the appeal of this event. The Michigan Feis (Irish Dance competition) is affiliated and is held at the LC Walker Arena nearby.
In early October, the International Buster Keaton Society visit Muskegon to host their annual convention. The event features public showings of Keaton films at the Frauenthal Theater.
Outdoor recreation
[edit]- Lakeshore Bike Trail-Bike along the shores of Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan.
Buy
[edit]In and around the Muskegon area there are numerous shopping areas
- The Lakes Mall area near Harvey and Sternberg Roads
- Sherman Blvd west of US 31
- Henry Street corridor
- Downtown Muskegon
- Apple Avenue near US 31
Eat
[edit]- The Station Grill, 910 W Broadway, ☏ +1 231 759-0633.
- Hobo's Tavern, 1411 Whitehall Rd, ☏ +1 231 719-0247, [email protected].
- G&L Chili Dogs, 1133 Sternberg Rd, ☏ +1 231 799-9199.
- G&L Chili Dogs, 2510 Apple Ave., ☏ +1 231 773-6454.
- G&L Chili Dogs, 771 W. Sherman Blvd., ☏ +1 231 733-1505.
- G&L Chili Dogs, 1705 Holton Road (M-120), ☏ +1 231 760-6499.
- El Tapatio, 677 W. Laketon Ave, ☏ +1 231 759-7408, [email protected].
- Mr. Scrib's Pizza, 6826 E Apple Ave, ☏ +1 231 788-2301.
- The Lake House, 730 Terrace Point Rd, ☏ +1 231 722-4461.
- Courses, 336 West Clay Ave, ☏ +1 231 777-6610. Inside Culinary Institute of Michigan
- The Hearthstone, 3350 Glade St, ☏ +1 231 733-1056, [email protected].
- Topshelf Pizza & Pub, 2155 E Apple Ave, ☏ +1 231 773-4444.
- The Northside Pub, 2353 Holton Rd, ☏ +1 231 744-3722.
- The Glenside Pub, 1508 W. Sherman Blvd, ☏ +1 231 759-8525.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- Charming Cottage by Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, [dead link]3312 Wilcox Avenue, ☏ +1 231-744-2151, Discover relaxation, comfort, and charm in your restored, fully furnished cottage home in Muskegon, Michigan. $600 - 1,150 per week.
- Port City Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast, 1259 Lakeshore Dr, ☏ +1 231 759-0205, [email protected]. A Queen Ann Victorian mansion built by Alexander Rodgers, Sr. in 1877, this place has history. Open year round, there are five bedrooms.
Stay safe
[edit]In general terms, Muskegon tends to be a safe city, though however, it is best to avoid central Muskegon (Wood Street, etc.) at night, a normal degree of caution to be taken when in these areas. The adjacent city to the south, Muskegon Heights, is best to be avoided at all times, due to an extremely high risk of crime.
Unless you are a big fan of motorcycles, motorcycle clubs, or being catcalled by bikers of all shapes and sizes, stay clear of Muskegon during Bike Time (mid-July).
Go next
[edit]| Routes through Muskegon |
| END ← | W  E |
→ Grand Rapids |
| Traverse City ← Pentwater ← | N  S |
→ Grand Haven → South Bend |
| END ← | W  E |
→ Howard City → Alma |