Free things to do in Muskegon
Muskegon is a hidden gem along the Lake Michigan coastline- a short drive from Holland, Grand Rapids, or Ludington, this city has many exciting places to see, things to do, and some of them are free! Make sure to visit the websites provided for current information.
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Lots of sand, trails, surf, and turf!
Local parks are plentiful in Muskegon to enjoy, breathe in the fresh lake air, and maybe make a splash or two! Here are a few, but follow this link to see the 25 parks waiting for you!
Splash Pad
Located in Downtown Muskegon, the Splash Pad is a free water fountain open 8 am – 11 pm beginning the first Saturday in May through the third Saturday in September!
Old Indian Cemetery
Old Indian Cemetery Historic Site is 0.42-acre historical landmark site located at Morris Street (Downtown). It is the oldest known Indian Cemetery in the area, dating back to the early 1800s.
Pere Marquette Park
This beautiful expanse of clean, sandy beach is surf-raked daily. There is a 200-foot handicapped walkway, which allows easy access for all. Visitors frequently view the amazing site of kite boarders at Pere Marquette Park as the beach has become popular for the sport and spectators. Kayaks and paddle boards are also popular here, and the park is a draw for many beach volleyball players as well. Don’t forget to walk out to the Muskegon Breakwater Light!
Heritage Landing
This former industrial scrap yard was transformed by Muskegon County into a waterfront gathering place and the site of many community festivals, events, weddings, and celebrations. It features picturesque views of Muskegon Lake and spectacular sunsets. Various sections of the facility are available for rent. In 2013, the new Rotary Park was developed on the Heritage Landing grounds. It includes a fully accessible playground, accessible kayak launch, and various other amenities for persons of all abilities.
Two-wheeling!
Muskegon Lakeshore Trail
Muskegon Lakeshore Trail is approximately 12 miles long and winds along the shoreline of Muskegon Lake. Paralleling Lakeshore Drive and Shoreline Drive, the trail offers beautiful views of the lakes, the channel, the South Pier Lighthouse, the sand dunes, and Muskegon parks. It provides pedestrian access to historic and maritime attractions, dining venues, and seasonal festivals. Parking is available at Pere Marquette Park on the south end, at Heritage Landing, at the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve on the north end, and at other marked spots along Lakeshore Drive. Lakeshore Trail also connects to the Laketon Trail, which connects to the Musketawa Trail (heading south-east). North of Muskegon, the trail connects to the Fred Meyer Berry Junction Trail.
Fred Meyer Berry Junction Trail
The Friends of the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail is 11.5 miles long connecting Muskegon on the South to the Whitehall-Montague area to the North. It connects to the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail and the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail.
Music Soothes the Soul, and free concerts can’t be beat!
I can’t imagine anything that says “summer” like an outdoor concert- grab a blanket and a basket of treats and enjoy these FREE concerts:
- McGraft Park, 2204 Glen Avenue, Muskegon presents free concerts every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
- Hackley Park, 350 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon hosts weekly Parties in the Park on Fridays, beginning at 5 p.m. with musical entertainment.
Did someone mention art?
Muskegon Art Museum
The museum has recently undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to grants and donations. Their website lists their new venues and exhibits. Free admission to the public on the second Saturday and every Thursday will give visitors a chance to see exhibits and the new expansion.
Frauenthal Center
The center hosts art exhibitions on the second floor of the Hilt Building in the Frauenthal complex. The Reception Gallery showcases a variety of art from local and regional artists. Admission is FREE and exhibits change on a regular basis. Selected pieces will be available for purchase. Free Family Movie nights occur on a regular basis, as well.
The Monet Garden
Located in downtown Muskegon at the corner of Clay and Fifth Street, is the volunteer garden project of the Lakeshore Garden Masters. The famous Monet Garden in Giverny, France, provided the inspiration to transform a vacant city lot in Muskegon into a picturesque pocket park. Wander the paths or relax on a garden bench- listen to the “sound pole” with eight different selections, each highlighting the history of this beautiful garden.
Arts Cats Gallery
Art Cats Gallery carries a fabulous selection of original paintings, prints, pottery, glass, and an amazing array of artist-made jewelry for viewing (and purchasing if the spirit moves you!)
Downtown Muskegon brings lots to see and do!
The Power Of Produce (POP) Club at the Muskegon Farmers Market
For the ninth year, the Muskegon Farmers Market is raising the next generation of Market shoppers and good food eaters. Ages 3-13 are encouraged to participate on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – Noon, June – September. Participants get $4 EVERY time they come to market when POP Club is operating, in tokens to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables and food plants. Value-creating activities (POP CLUB FUN!) based around food, nutrition and food growing will be offered, such as seed planting, salad-making, flour-grinding and pancake-making, jam-making, wormy fun with worm bins, crawly critters and fun bugs, scavenger hunt …and more! Enrollment begins June 3, 2023 for the season. Enrollment is limited.
Lakeshore Museum Center
Comprised of multiple site and buildings, including the Muskegon Museum of History & Science, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, the Fire Barn Museum, the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry, the Muskegon County Archive & Collection, and the Museum Store. Free to Muskegon Residents and members.
Hackley Public Library
The library offers many events and activities free to the public, from playgroups, story time and make-and-takes for kids, to lecture series and book talks for adults. Check their website for updates.
Nature and Science!
Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center
The variety of habitat at the Wastewater System includes over 1,000 acres of even-aged conifer and dryland white and black oak woodlots; over 5,000 acres of alfalfa, corn, and soybean cropland; 20 miles of drainage ditches, 60 acres of treatment ponds, 11 miles of shoreline around 1,700 acres of storage lagoons; a few hundred acres of natural upland grasslands; and assorted wetland marshes and potholes. Because of this, the 11,000-acre treatment plant is considered one of the best birding sites in Michigan.
At least 256 species of birds have been documented at the facility (two-thirds of all species ever recorded in Michigan). Possibly the rarest bird ever documented in the state was seen here in April of 1985, a White Wagtail. Tens of thousands of geese and ducks spend part of the winter at the site, sharing the area with Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Snowy Owls, Snow Buntings, plovers, sandpipers, and dozens of other bird species.
At other times of the year, birders might see Red Phalarope, Greater White-fronted Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Gyrfalcon, Eared Grebe, or American White Pelican. The Muskegon facility is located adjacent to the Muskegon State Game Area, which helps draw birds to the wastewater system. Birders are welcome at the facility provided they obtain a pass at the wastewater system office before touring the site. Birders that can show membership in a birding organization can be issued annual passes. Contact the office at 231-724-3440 for more information.
Kasey Hartz Natural Area
The Kasey Hartz Natural Area is a wooded tract which has been shaped by natural processes, weathering and glaciers, and human influences particularly lumbering and fires. Four Mile Creek flows through the area on its way to Muskegon River. Look, listen, and feel as you proceed through the different habitats. The natural area and trails are suitable for use during the daylight hours. Walking time, allowing for looking, listening, and reflecting, is about one hour; although if using the trail for a quick walking break, a loop can be walked in about fifteen minutes. Although the first 600 feet of the trail is concrete and is wheelchair accessible, the trail is not maintained during the winter and walking on the trail is not recommended unless there is no snow cover.
Carr-Fles Planetarium & John Bartley Science Museum
The John Bartley Science Museum is part of MCC’s ongoing dedication to science education in our community. Free interactive exhibits engage children and adults with fascinating hands-on science stations. The Carr Fles Planetarium is West Michigan’s only free planetarium, the planetarium also hosts an average of 5,000 visitors a year.
Did someone say FESTIVAL?
The list of festivals held in Muskegon is extensive- visit their website for up-to-date postings, but here are a few:
- SNOWFEST
- Muskegon Polar Plunge
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Lost Boat Ceremony
- Blessing of the Boats
- Muskegon PRIDE Festival
- Taste of Muskegon
- Free Fishing Weekend
- Muskegon Powerboat Weekend
- West Michigan Juneteenth Celebration
- Lakeshore Art Festival
- Heykoop Veterans Memorial Car Show
- Muskegon Fireworks July 4
- Cannabash
- Fresh Coast Fitness Festival
- Muskegon Bike Time
- Muskegon Heights Festival
- Stand Up for the Cure
- Great Lakes Surf Festival
- Touch the Trucks
- Burning Foot Beer Festival
- Muskegon Polish Festival
- Cars for Cancer Car Show
- Muskegon County Latino Festival
- Sportsmen for Youth Day
- Michigan Irish Music Festival
- Halloween Harvest Weekend
- Dino Dig
- Halloween Bash
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Cookie Crawl
In the end, you’re bound to spend a little bit of money in Muskegon, but you’re sure to get a great return on your dollar with these memory-making ideas. Go to www.visitmuskegon.org to do a little more research- I know I have missed some.
