Located just north of Grand Rapids, Rockford is a beautiful little town that offers great shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, and fun events! Spend a day in Rockford and see all of this for yourself. In this article, you’ll find a guide on how to make the most of your day—from where to eat, shopping options, and adventures down the Rogue River!
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Downtown Rockford has a wonderful shopping district full of unique shops and boutiques. There are a lot of options from candy and toy stores, to bookstores, home furnishings, and clothing. Plus, the downtown area has a nice relaxed feel and sits just on the banks of the Rogue River!
Rockford’s downtown area has many restaurants to choose from with a vast array of options and cuisines to choose from. Each dining option has its own special dishes and unique menu. Everything from Mexican to brewpub fair to hot dogs—there’s something for everyone!
Rockford also features a new Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area (RORA), which is located via a variety of the main downtown Rockford streets. Within these public spaces, refreshments are allowed to be enjoyed weekly from noon to 10 p.m. There are even fire pits which are lit at 2 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends. Beverages must be purchased from restaurants and bars on the designated list. The designated list has a variety of establishments to choose from, including Cinco de Mayo, The Corner Bar, Grill One Eleven, Kayla Rae Cellars, Marinades, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford Lanes, Rogue River Tavern, Uccello’s, and Ramona’s Table. For more information click here.
The beautiful Rogue River flows right downtown Rockford. This river is perfect for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tons of other outdoor recreation options! The river is known to be a great spot for fly fisherman and those who love to fish Steelhead. You may plan your float trip down the Rogue River with AAA Canoe Rentals! They offer canoe, kayak, and tube rentals with a variety of package options.
Rockford has tons of fun events during the summer to attend with friends or family. Everything from fireworks to carnival rides to live music and so much more! Plus, you won’t want to miss the weekly Rockford Farmers Market. Check out just a few of them below:
Rockford Farmers Market: Takes places every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May first to October thirtieth. Check out other west Michigan farmers markets here!
Start to Summer Celebration: This long-standing annual event, the Start to Summer Celebration, is tons of fun for everyone! Enjoy a carnival, parade, food, craft vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities, and so much more. This event normally takes place the second or third weekend in June, each year.
Harvest Fest: This fun fall event has tons of different activities including yoga at the dam, a classic car show, craft show, pumpkin painting, and so much more. Harvest Fest normally takes place each year towards the end of September.
Rogue River Blues Series: Happening on Tuesdays throughout the summer, this free concert series is fun for the entire family. Concerts take place at Garden Club Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Explore Parks and Trails
Rockford is set in a beautiful natural area perfect for outdoor recreation. There are many parks, trails, and outdoor areas to choose amongst. Check out some of the best in the area below:
Many of the wonders that this area has to offer is our many unique and beautiful west Michigan lighthouses that dot across the Lake Michigan shoreline. With most of the lighthouses dating back to the 1800s, taking the time to see these historical maritime gems is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
First up on this list of West Michigan Lighthouses is Big Sable Point Lighthouse, honored in 2013 as Featured Lighthouse of the Year, which stands 112 feet tall on the shore of Lake Michigan. This black-and-white striped tower was erected after several ships were wrecked along the shoreline. The Lighthouse Board deemed in 1865, that is was “the most important point on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan between Pointe Betsie and Muskegon.”
Construction on the building began in 1866 and consisted of a watch room, gallery, and lantern room. Attached to the tower were the keeper’s quarters which connected to the tower by a covered 14-foot passageway. In 1908 a brick fog signal building was added and work began on expanding the keeper’s dwelling to house a second assistant. 20 head keepers and many more first and second assistants ran the tower during its time.
From May to October visitors can trek the almost 2-mile hike and climb 130 steps to the top of the tower. The beautiful views make the journey worthwhile and you can pick up a souvenir at the gift shop, located in the old keeper’s quarters. Tours are available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include an $8 donation fee to climb the tower for adults and $5 for children who are 17 and under. For an additional fee, on select summer days between noon and 5 p.m., transportation can be taken from the Ludington State Park to the lighthouse.
This historic lighthouse was built in 1875 by Captain William Robinson. The lighthouse sits between two parallel piers at the mouth of the White River. The tower has gone through multiple elevation extensions. Following the extension in 1880, the beacon was moved 100 feet lakeward. A brick oil house was added to the station in 1902 and the color changed in 1917 from white to red.
The main light was changed to an electric light in 1918. This led to the 87-year-old keeper, Robinson, being forced to retire. His grandson, William Bush, who had trained under Robinson as his assistant, took charge of the light. Though his grandson took over, Keeper Robinson loved his home in the tower and stayed another 40 years until he died. A newspaper clipping stated, “On the final day of his stay at the lighthouse he died, peaceably and quietly.” The locals deemed Keeper Robinson an “institution” and honored his death along with his wife, Sarah, and their 13 children. The tower saw a few keepers following that, including Leo Wuori and Frances Marshall.
In 1960 this west Michigan lighthouse was deactivated and was later opened as a museum. Visitors can now enjoy the rich history of the tower in the White River Light Station Museum. Summer museum hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is $8 for adults and $5 for children, 17 and under. Visitors are able to climb the tower if they meet the 40 inches height requirement.
Located at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon, Michigan, this tower stands at the end of a walkable 1,514-foot pier. The red tower, built in 1931 was never manned or occupied and this is reflected in its design. One unique piece of history about this lighthouse is, Jemima Monroe, the widow of William Monroe the original keeper, took over his duties after his passing and maintained the tower while raising her two children. She resigned after 10 years and, to this day, is Muskegon’s only female lighthouse keeper.
Visitors can walk the pier and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Knowledgeable volunteer-led tours of the 48 foot tall light are available and include two spiral staircases and a shipman’s ladder. Follow along while they share the rich history of the lighthouses and other important maritime areas and information. Prices for tours are $2 for kids 11 and under, $3 for military and veterans, $4 for 12 year olds and up. All lighthouse visitors must be at least three feet tall and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Grand Haven South Pier boasts two towers, the inner light, and the outer light. Established in 1839, the stone dwelling and lighthouse were constructed by Rogers and Burnett of Milwaukee. Both are accessible via a boardwalk that borders the Grand River Channel and are connected by a lighted catwalk. Nehemiah Merrit was the light’s first keeper from 1839 to 1847. Twelve head keepers followed along with many more first and second assistants.
The lighthouses do not allow tours at this time, but you can enjoy their beauty and the views at Grand Haven State Park. Visitors can also find more information at the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservatory.
Photo provided by Farmers Fotos
Holland Big Red Lighthouse
This beloved and well-known Lake Michigan lighthouse located in Holland, Michigan can be found on the south side of the Holland Channel and dates back to 1870. To get the best view of Big Red, stroll along the boardwalk at Holland State Park or from Mt. Pisgah, 157 feet above sea level.
The first lighthouse was built with $4,000 of federal funds. The small wooden structure stood on an open platform and had a lantern deck on top with a ten-window lantern room. The lighthouse keeper carried the lighted oil lamp along the catwalk from the shore where he lived. When the fog made the light difficult or impossible to view, the lighthouse keeper would signal the boats by blowing an 18-inch fish horn.
After the turn of the twentieth century, the steel tower was built to withstand the severe weather more effectively and was also easier for incoming vessels to spot. It was painted pale yellow until 1956, when it was sandblasted and painted the bright red color we see today. Its well-known name, Big Red, has been a staple ever since.
The first lighthouse keeper was Melgert van Regenmorter, appointed in 1870 with a yearly salary of $540. He served until 1908 and left right before the steam fog signal went into operation, saying he wanted no part of the new technology. Three different keepers tended the light between 1908 and 1912. The last active lighthouse keeper was Joseph M. Boshka beginning in 1912 and serving for 15 years.
Located in Saugatuck, Michigan, this station sits at the mouth of Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. The first lighthouse was built in 1839 and remained until 1858 when it fell over due to the foundation eroding. Following that, in 1859 the new lighthouse was built and was in operation until 1914 when it was deactivated. Unfortunately, in 1956, the abandoned tower was destroyed 1956 by tornados in the area. During its existence, the lighthouse had a total of two keepers.
Though the original west Michigan lighthouse is no longer able to be visited, a replica was built in 2002 on the south shore of Kalamazoo Lake.
West Michigan has over 50 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, full of amazing beaches, and cute little beach towns! From Muskegon down to Saugatuck, there are vast amounts of large and small beaches to choose from, all with their unique qualities that make them special to visit. In this post, we will share the best of the best of west Michigan beaches, complete with details and information about how visitors can enjoy each!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
Up first on this list of the best west Michigan beaches is Muskegon State Park. Located on the north side of Muskegon Lake, this state park is home to three miles of breathtaking shoreline—two miles along Lake Michigan and one mile along Muskegon Lake. This state park also has picnic areas, 12 miles of groomed hiking trails, and a gorgeous overlook. This beach area is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking!
If you want to stay within the state park you have several options including two campgrounds, mini-cabins, and even a yurt! Within the campground, visitors have access to modern and semi-modern campsites some with 50 amp service.
Thanks to Muskegon’s track chair program visitors can explore areas of the park where traditional wheelchairs might not. These off-road, electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand, and up to eight inches of water. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at no cost to visitors.
Pere Marquette Park is the next great beach on this list! Located just south of the Muskegon Channel, this beach is a clean sandy area that is raked daily. There is also a 200-foot handicapped walkway to allow easy access down to the water. You can often see kit boarders, kayakers, and paddleboarders while enjoying the sun. Visitors can also find a restaurant, snack bar, playground area, restrooms, picnic tables, and volleyball courts within the park. There is also a popular Dog Beach at the south end of the park.
Make sure to grab a bite of food near the beach! One of the best local spots is The Deck. This restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. The best part is that the outdoor seating is on a deck overlooking the water or right on the beach! The beach seating has fun games and live music.
While enjoying your time at Pere Marquette Park, don’t forget to take a walk down to the Muskegon South Pierhead! A beautiful historical lighthouse located right on the shores of Lake Michigan. You can even schedule a tour and learn more about the lighthouse, just click here.
Located just south of Muskegon, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park features over three miles of beautiful Lake Michigan Lakeshore! The park also features towering sand dunes, 10 miles of hiking trails, stunning views of Lake Michigan, and so much more. One of the main attractions at Hoffmaster State Park is the Dune Climb Stairway which leads to the top of a high sand dune where a large observation deck offers amazing views of the lake and sand dunes below.
To get a better understanding of the dunes and ecosystem nearby stop by the Gillette Sand Dune Visitors Center, which features educational exhibits and weekly programming. If you have little ones, they have a wonderful weekly preschool learning hour that is completely free!
There is also a 297-site modern campground. See more information on the campground by clicking here!
North Beach Park is next on our list of Best West Michigan Beaches! Located in Ferrysburg, just north of the channel, this beach offers visitors tons of fun options to enjoy the day. These include great swimming waters, a beach walkway, dune stairs, a deck with a scenic view, a playground, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and modern restrooms.
This park also provides life jackets for the little ones—simply borrow one for the day! It’s also good to note that as an Ottawa County park there is a small fee to enter. The fee is $8.
Pro Tip: This is a great, slightly more secluded beach to take family photos at! See examples by Jaky Janine Photography below:
As you walk along the boardwalk along Lake Michigan, visitors have no choice but to run directly into Grand Haven State Parkand the Grand Haven Pier. This 48-acre state park has a massive beach area, campground, bathroom/shower facilities, a kids’ play area, and a snack/souvenir shop. This is by far the most popular area of Lake Michigan beaches and, therefore, the busiest. So, make sure to arrive early and claim your spot! There’s also a wonderful campground within the state park where you can camp literally right in the sand with views of Lake Michigan.
If you don’t feel like dragging all of your gear with you to the beach, you can rent yourself a Beach Cabana! Check it out here!
Grand Haven State Park is also home to several big events throughout the year including the Annual Kite Festival, Sand Sculpture Contest, Soccer in the Sand, and more! See the full list of events by clicking here.
You will need a Recreation Passport to park at the State Park. Get yours by clicking here! You can also find parking down by the beach via city parking or walk down the boardwalk from the main city center.
Rosy Mound is a wonderful example of the Great Lakes dune system, including high wooded dunes, open dunes, and a gorgeous sandy Lake Michigan beach. It’s a bit of a hike to get to the beach (.7 miles) but the journey is very enjoyable! There’s also a lovely dune walk and boardwalk trail to enjoy closer to the water. Rustic toilets are the only option near the beach but there are modern restrooms near the parking area.
One of the best ways to access the beach area at Rosy Mound is by boat! Simply head out the Grand Haven Channel and head south, the beach is located approximately 2.5 miles down the coast. Don’t own a boat? You can easily rent one in Grand Haven at Grand Haven Boat Rental or Sun Sports Rentals!
Located just north of Holland, Tunnel Park is a 22-acre park with a large Lake Michigan beach perfect for swimming and relaxing! The park gets its name from the unique tunnel which goes straight through a sand dune. to access the beach area. The park also has a playground area, sand dune stairway with great views of Lake Michigan, picnic areas, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, horseshoe pit, modern restrooms, and vending machines.
It is also good to note that as an Ottawa County park, there’s a small fee to enter. The fee is $8.
Up next on this list of Best West Michigan Beaches is Holland State Park! This is one of Michigan’s most visited state parks famed for its expansive beach, located near the Big Red Lighthouse, and stands out for its amazing sunsets. This beach is perfect for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and relaxing! There is also a boat launch, concession stand, modern restrooms, changing area, playground, and campground. Want to see what the beach conditions are before you visit? Check out the 24/7 Beach cam at Holland State Park!
Pro Tip: You’ll need to purchase a day pass or Recreation Passport to access the beach.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park features 2.5 miles of secluded beach and a 200-foot wooded dune area! With four trails and a massive Lake Michigan beach area, this beach park is the perfect spot to spend the day. The four trails range in length from 2.5 miles to 5.5 miles and give visitors a chance to explore the dunes and relax with some amazing views.
Beach Trail: Trail Length is 2.50 Miles*
Livingston Trail: Trail Length is 2.50 Miles*
North Trail: Trail Length is 2.50 Miles*
South Trail: Trail Length is 5.50 Miles*
Dogs are also allowed at this beach but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. For those ages 21 and over, you can enjoy Alcohol on the beach—just make sure to leave the glass bottles at home, plastic only.
Voted one of the world’s best freshwater beaches by National Geographic, Oval Beach has a sweeping shoreline and backdrop of beautiful Lake Michigan dunes. This is a great Michigan beach! In addition to the amazing sandy beach, there is easy parking, concessions, and a nice picnic area. The beach is located just north of the wonderful, artsy town of Saugatuck.
Parking Information: $10 per car (collected from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), $50 season pass. Day passes and season passes may be purchased at the beach gate. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Other ways to get to the beach include taking the Chain Ferry from downtown Saugatuck for just $2 per person, or taking the Interurban Bus for $1 per ride, each way.
Sprawling across four of west Michigan’s cities is the 1,400 acres of millennium park. With six acres of sandy beach along the 100-acre lake and a huge splash pad area, Millennium Park is a beach in west Michigan that you don’t want to miss.
The beach features a well-marked swimming area and boat rentals for those who want to get out on the water! There are also multiple conveniences within the VanAndel Beach House so visitors don’t need to leave throughout the day, including a concession stand with hot food options, snacks, and frozen treats—as well as lockers, changing rooms, and restrooms.
There’s a small fee to enter the park and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Fee Rates:
Adults, 16 to 62 are $4
Seniors, 63 and older are $3
Children, 3 to 15 are $2
Ages 2 and under are free
Season passes are also available and can be purchased here.
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