Top Lakeshore Attractions
One of the best things about West Michigan is the lakeshore—no matter where you are in the area, you are just one drive (or sometimes a couple of steps) away from the sandy beaches of wonderful Lake Michigan. The cities of Grand Haven, Holland, and Muskegon offer a variety of exciting lakeshore attractions that are guaranteed to make your time in West Michigan that much more special. Whether you are watching ships come into the harbor, walking through rows of blooming tulips, or even riding a rollercoaster, the lakeshore will never be far away. Check out our list of top lakeshore attractions below and let us know which one you will be visiting first!
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Grand Haven
Grand Haven State Park
If you’re looking for scenic views and sandy beaches, consider visiting Grand Haven State Park. In the summer, the park is a great place to come for a beach day. You can swim, surf, boat, and more! If you wish to stay at the park for a longer period of time, there is a seasonal campground that is only a couple of feet away from the beach. It offers amazing views of the Grand Haven Lighthouse & Pier. If camping isn’t your style, there are plenty of places to stay in Grand Haven that will still keep you close to the park. Many people walk out on the pier at night to watch the sunset and enjoy the views that only Lake Michigan can give. The park also offers ample parking, a playground, grills, a picnic area, and public bathrooms. The Grand Haven State Park is a great place to go in West Michigan!
Musical Fountain
After you’ve spent the day beachside in the Grand Haven State Park, you’ll want to head into downtown Grand Haven just before dusk and watch the historic Grand Haven Musical Fountain. This fantastic display of water, music, and lights has been running nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day since 1962 when it was first constructed. The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a free event, and it is best viewed from Waterfront Stadium in Grand Haven. For more information about showtimes, visit their website. This show is sure to delight any age!
Grand Haven Boardwalk
If you’re looking to get some exercise or take in more sights around the city, consider walking the Grand Haven Boardwalk, a 1.5-mile-long trek that starts at Chinook Pier and ends at the South Pier where the Grand Haven Lighthouse is. As you walk along the water of Lake Michigan, you will encounter some history, such as the Lighthouse Connector Park and the US Coast Guard Station. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions along the boardwalk for you and your family to enjoy, including the musical fountain. If you get lucky, you might just get to see a big ship make its way into the harbor from Lake Michigan! The boardwalk is one of the best ways to take in the sights and sounds of Grand Haven.
Holland
Big Red Lighthouse
The infamous Holland Harbor Lighthouse nicknamed “Big Red” is a must-see when visiting the quaint lakeshore city of Holland. This attraction is rich with history and keeps thousands of visitors coming back every year. In fact, it is the most photographed lighthouse in the entire state of Michigan. Big Red is best viewed from the Holland State Park, but you can also see it from Mt. Pisgah if you wish to view it from a higher angle. If you enjoy visiting Big Red in Holland, you may want to check out some other West Michigan Lighthouses!
Windmill Island Gardens
Holland is best known for its rich Dutch origins as well as its tulips. Windmill Island Gardens has both. This beautiful place is home to an authentic, operating Dutch windmill that is open for tours. There is also a Dutch carousel, an Amsterdam street organ, a gift shop where you can buy flour that is ground directly from the windmill, and of course, acres of gardens. During tulip time, these gardens display 100,000 tulips in full bloom for all to enjoy. Walking among the rows of flowers is a truly magical event that everyone needs to experience! This year, the gardens will be open from April 18th to October 2nd. Start planning your trip now by finding a place to stay in Holland!
Nelis’ Dutch Village
Go back in time a century ago to the Netherlands with a visit to Nelis’ Dutch Village. This exciting attraction offers visitors a variety of fun-filled experiences that are traditional to a traditional Dutch festival, such as dancing, wooden shoe carving, exhibits, food, and gifts. Walkthrough the village and immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the Netherlands. Visitors can choose from a daily rate or purchase season passes if they wish to visit more than once during the year. This attraction is both fun and educational for all interests and ages!
Muskegon
Michigan’s Adventure
If you’re looking for some thrill on your trip to West Michigan, look no further than Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon. This amusement park is the largest in the state and has exciting experiences both in the water and above the ground. Swim in the wave pool, fly through the air on the classic Shivering Timbers and make memories that will last a lifetime. This season, the park opens on May 25th, 2022! After a fun-filled day at the park, make sure you have a place to stay and somewhere to eat in Muskegon!
USS Silversides Submarine Museum
The USS Silversides Submarine Museum is a top lakeshore attraction all year round and for good reason. The museum retells the important stories and history of World War II. It is also home to two vessels: the US Coast Guard Cutter McLane and the USS Silversides Submarine. Visitors can tour both of the vessels and experience history first-hand. Groups even have the opportunity to stay overnight in the USS Silversides Submarine! You’ll leave this attraction with more knowledge and an even greater appreciation of the lakeshore.
PJ Hoffmaster State Park
The PJ Hoffmaster State Park is yet another beautiful place to visit on the West Michigan lakeshore. With over three miles of shoreline and sand dunes to explore, it is easy to lose track of time while you are there. If you’re interested in learning the story behind the magnificent dunes and seeing even more impeccable views of Lake Michigan, visit the Gillette Visitor Center, located inside of the park. Like the Grand Haven State Park, there is also a modern campground if you wish to stay and explore for a while. PJ Hoffmaster is one of the best beaches in West Michigan!
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