Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon is a lively city that combines urban appeal with outdoor adventure. Sandy beaches line the Lake Michigan shoreline and are great for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. In the downtown core, chef-driven restaurants and craft breweries have put Muskegon on the map as one of the top foodie destinations in the Midwest.
Things to do in Muskegon
A long stretch of white quartz sand makes Pere Marquette Beach one of the top beaches in the state. Cool off in the crystal-clear water and watch beach volleyball tournaments unfold on the sand. When the breeze is in, you’ll see windsurfers and kiteboarders offshore.
Since opening in 1980, the Muskegon Museum of Art has built an impressive permanent collection featuring works by John Steuart Curry, Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood and other American masters. The family-friendly Lakeshore Museum Centre explore the rich history, heritage, culture and ecology of the city.
A narrow channel connects Lake Michigan with Muskegon Lake, one of the top walleye fishing destinations in the Midwest. The shores of Lake Michigan are prime territory for steelhead, brown trout and Chinook salmon. Fresh fried perch is a local specialty and can be enjoyed at restaurants across the city.
Tours of the Milwaukee Clipper take you behind the scenes of the Historical National Landmark, which is one of the oldest passenger ships in the Great Lakes region. Sunset cruises on smaller boats take visitors onto the water and showcase the grandeur of Lake Michigan.
Getting around Muskegon
Muskegon is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot while the city is well-serviced by local buses. Chicago and Detroit are both a three-hour drive away. Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids is a one-hour drive away.