LAKE MICHIGAN

Central Coastline - destinations listed North to South

(Visit Pentwater, Silver Lake, Whitehall, Muskegon, Norton Shores, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Holland, and Saugatuck)

  1. Pentwater 

    1. Beaches

      1. Charles Mears State Park and Pentwater Beach. It has a pier and a light. It is located on the north side of the channel that connects Pentwater Lake to Lake Michigan. There is a campground at the State Park.

      2. Cedar Point County Park Beach south of Pentwater. Sounds pretty quiet, but it’s not a huge beach area. Stairs down to the beach with picnic tables and porta-potties at the top. 

    2. Activities (see nearby Silver Lake Area attractions as well)

      1. City Band concerts on Thursday nights at 8 pm in the summer on the Village Green in July and August. 

      2. There are lots of cute boutiques and shops downtown. 

      3. Pentwater-Hart Bike Trail 

      4. Pentwater Outfitters - they do have kayak and canoe trips available or you can do a full day rental.

      5. Pentwater Water Taxi -Goes down the channel from Pentwater Lake to Lake Michigan. You can take a one hour 2:45 pm history tour ($15) or a one hour sunset cruise ($20, departure varies) Tuesday through Sunday. Seats up to 16. 

      6. AJ’s Family Fun Center - Mini Golf, Go-Karts, Arcade

      7. Up North Farm Market is just east of town. It offers a Farm Bar with beer and wine, food menu, petting area and local produce. No entry fee. 

      8. Pentwater Pathway Trail Map and Guide - day hike and picnic 

      9. The Pentwater Patch - uPick Blueberries. Typically open mid July through August, just north of Pentwater. 

      10. Happy Mohawk - float the White River on a tube or Canoe (30 minutes south of Pentwater. 1 to 3 hour trips. Pricing depends on the time you’re on the water. Can canoe, kayak (single or double) or tube. 

    3. Dining

      1. Gull Landing offers indoor and outdoor seating and live jazz on Wednesday nights.

      2. The Village Cafe has live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

      3. Check out the 4 ice cream shops!

    4. Lodging

      1. Lake Michigan Camp and Retreat 

        1. It’s a Christian Camp that has some availability to the public for camping when they don’t have big groups. They have a boardwalk/stairs over to a private beach on Lake Michigan. Dunes to climb and trails to hike. Restrooms and showers. Disc Golf (check out the discs in the office. Hole 10 has a gorgeous view of the lake), mini golf, tire swing, climbing wall, volleyball courts, gaga ball pit, bike trails, basketball court etc.

          1. ***This is the best campground we’ve ever stayed at - very quiet and peaceful with a perfect beach, nice bathroom facilities, and great amenities.

          2. Cabins, bunkhouses, platform tents, RV and tent sites are all available. 

  2. Silver Lake Area - the “feel” is a little different in this area with the type of people attracted since the main attraction is the ATV dune buggy riding.

    1. Silver Lake Visitors Guide gives you all the info on the area campgrounds, restaurants, activities etc. 

    2. Beaches

      1. Little Sable Point Lighthouse and beach - can climb up Tuesday - Sunday, 10-5. Check the Michigan Library Card pass for a discount.

      2. Benona Township Park - across the street from the swimming area at Stony Lake and along the Stony Lake Creek. Has restrooms.

      3. Cedar Point County Park - north of Silver Lake, stairs down from the bluff and over the dune to the beach. Has restrooms. 

      4. Claybanks Township Park - need a day pass. Sounds really pretty. 

    3. Activities

      1. Mac Wood’s Dune Rides - take you on a 40 minute dune ride. Reservations are not necessary. From talking with friends it sounds like this is a fun thing to do once, but not necessarily a repeat activity.

      2. Boat Rentals at Wave Club Water Sports

      3. Hart-Montague Trail for biking (22.5 miles of paved trails)

      4. Country Dairy in New Era is a working dairy farm that sells milk, cheese, 32 flavors of ice cream and offers tours.

      5. Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo in New Era - 46+ attractions including a Splash Pad.

      6. Gold Rush Indoor Water Park at the Double JJ Resort  in New Era. They have hotel rooms, cabin rentals and a campground here.

      7. Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery to canoe, kayak or raft the White River

    4. Dining:

      1. The Chicken Shack - has live music. This gets recommended often as good for big groups of people. 

      2. The Bucket Bar - board games, chalk wall, driving range and yummy food

      3. The Pink Elephant Diner - “biggest and bestest” breakfast

      4. The small town of Hart has a lot of recommended local eateries

    5. Lodging

      1. Dune Town Camp Resort (formerly Yogi Bear campground)

      2. Dunes Harbor Family Camp (Christian Camp)

      3. Hideaway Campground

      4. Sandy Shores Campground (caters to families)

      5. Silver Hills Campground (sounds great with a pool)

      6. Silver Lake Resort and Campground - has a pool and cabin rentals

      7. In the area is Pines Point Campground - recommended by the Ummels

  3. Whitehall

    1. Beaches

      1. Meinert County Park - dunes to climb and hike, LIttle Flower Creek and the Lake Michigan Shoreline. North of Whitehall. 

      2. Duck Lake State Park - The park stretches from Duck Lake to Lake Michigan and features a towering sand dune. There is a beach on Duck Lake and a boardwalk over to Lake Michigan. The channel between them is great for kids for swimming.  Hiking and fishing are good. Restrooms available. Reviewers seem to love it.

    2. Activities

      1. White River Light Station - built in 1875 and home of a museum.You can climb the spiral staircase to the top. $8/adults, $5/kids. Near Sylvan Beach. 

      2. Playhouse at White Lake (fine arts productions)

      3. The Colby Escape Room

      4. World’s Largest Weathervane

      5. White Lake - boat rentals from Duneshore Boating.

      6. Anderson Woods Nature Preserve for hiking. 

  4. Muskegon (evidently there is a “bad” part of town)

    1. Visit Muskegon has TONS of info.

    2. Beaches & Parks

      1. Pioneer County Park - has a beautiful beach. There is a campground with showers ($38/night).

      2. Muskegon State Park

        1. The Blockhouse - historic replica of Fort Dearborn, built on the highest point in Muskegon County with a beautiful panoramic view. Free to visit. 

        2. 12 miles of hiking, a bathhouse, 2 campgrounds, fishing piers etc.

      3. Pere Marquette Park 

        1. Beautiful beach, picnic areas, access to the Muskegon Channel, the South Breakwater Light, and the Muskegon South Pierhead Light. 

        2. Just south of here is Norman F. Kruse Park - one of the best dog beaches.

      4. Beachwood Park

        1. Has a playground, restrooms, picnic shelters with electricity and water, plenty of parking. Can walk or bike to Lake Michigan from there. 

    3. Activities

      1. Michigan’s Adventure Amusement and Water Park - $39.99/day or $105 season pass. Just north of Muskegon.

      2. Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, located at Muskegon State Park has a large variety of winter and summer (zipline, rock wall etc) sports.

      3. Carr-Fles Planetarium - free to the public with free shows throughout the year.

      4. Defy Air Sports - indoor trampoline park

      5. Frauenthal Center - Performing Arts Center 

      6. Getty Drive In Movie Theatre

      7. Museums

        1. Muskegon Museum of Art

        2. Lakeshore Museum Center - Ticket prices include a one hour tour of the Hackley and Hume Houses, the Fire Barn Museum and the Scolnik House of the Depression Era.

        3. Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry (***Check Library Card pass for discount)

        4. Muskegon Museum of History and Science (kids museum, ***Check Library Card pass for discount)

        5. USS LST L93 Veterans Museum 

        6. USS Silversides Submarine Museum is on a real WW2 sub. (***Check Library Card pass for discount)

      8. The Aquastar boat tours

      9. SS Milwaukee Clipper - the boat pre-dates the Titanic. Open Thursday through Sunday from 1-5 with the 1 hour tours starting at the top of the hour. 

      10. Heritage Memorial Garden and Monet Gardens

      11. Muskegon Farmers Market - Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays

    4. Dining

      1. The Deck - at Pere Marquette Park. Huge balcony with swings and views of the lake. Has a big outdoor entertainment area for live music. 

        1. They have live music almost every night in the summer. See the schedule here.

      2. Socibowl - duckpin bowling, darts, pinball, oversized yard games and food.

  5. Norton Shores

    1. Beaches/Parks

      1. Dune Harbor Park

        1. 2 inland lakes plus Lake Michigan frontage. The South Lake is encircled by a 2.2 mile hiking trail through the forested dunes. $5/day to park.

      2. Lake Harbor Park

        1. On the Mona Lake Channel leading to Lake Michigan. Hiking trails through the dunes, picnicking area and beach access. 

      3. PJ Hoffmaster State Park

        1. Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center

        2. Forest covered dunes, 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, campgrounds in the woods, voted “Best Hiking Spot” in the area and includes the Dune Climb Stairway to the top of the tallest dune. Beautiful sandy beach. 

    2. Activities

      1. Craig’s Cruisers - indoor/outdoor entertainment (Laser tag, bumper boats, mini golf, zip lines etc)

  6. Grand Haven

    1. Beaches (listed north to south)

      1. North Beach Park - just north of Grand Haven. It’s one of the best kept secrets with great swimming and sunset views of Lake Michigan. 

      2. Grand Haven State Park - access to the south pier and the lighthouses, connection to the 2.5 mile boardwalk. 

      3. Grand Haven City Beach - limited free parking, restrooms, no fee/pass, big sandy beach just south of the State Park. 

      4. Grand Haven Splash Pad

      5. Rosy Mound Natural Area - high wooded dunes with a 0.7 mile one way hiking trail to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Includes 1,000 feet of stairs. 

      6. Buchanan Beach - “townie” beach. Secluded area between Grand Haven and West Olive.

      7. Kirk Park - south of Grand Haven. Dunes, cross country skiing trails, playground, pavilion, hiking in the woods, dog park.

      8. Olive Shores Park - mostly wooded with steep dunes and Lake Michigan footage. Modern restrooms and a trail loop with lots of stairs and boardwalks to get access to the beach. 

      9. Kouw Park - picnic areas, restrooms, parking, stairs down to the beach. Doesn’t sound like a very deep beach area, and no climbing on dunes because of erosion. Great quiet place to watch the sunset. 

      10. Inland Beaches

        1. Lakeside Beach at Spring Lake 

        2. Pottawattomie Park - on the Pottawattomie Bayou. It has a floating fishing and viewing platform. Soccer, playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes.

    2. Activities

      1. Musical Fountain - synchronized water and light show accompanied with music of all varieties atop Dewey Hill. Each 20 minute show features a different theme. A different show plays at dusk from Memorial Day through Labor Day (see FB for showtimes and dates). Best viewed from the Waterfront Stadium, but can be experienced from most of the Grand Haven Boardwalk. Audio is also broadcast on 88.7 FM. 

      2. Grand Haven Boardwalk - 3 miles roundtrip and runs along the harbor which is lined with shops, restaurants, marinas, and charter fishing boats, continues along the Grand River, and travels out to Lake Michigan where you can walk the pier. A good place to start is at Chinook Pier (lots of free family games set up here including mini golf). 

      3. Grand Haven Lighthouse - there are 2 red lighthouses on the south pier. Access from the beach at the State Park. You can’t tour them. 

      4. The Harbor Trolley - available for $1.50/person Memorial Day through Labor Day from 12 pm through 10 pm. You can flag them down at any intersection or board at one of their designated spots. Check The Trolley Website for route information.

      5. The Beach Express - free bus service to the beach at Grand Haven State Park or the Grand Haven City Beach. Park at 1 of 3 locations (Meijer, Taylor Avenue Lot, or Orchard Market on Saturdays and Sundays.

      6. Historic Train Rides - check their website for dates, times and fares.

      7. Check out a Whitecaps baseball game just north of Grand Rapids. 

      8. Mulligans Skate Park

      9. More than 100 miles of bike trails in Grand Haven

      10. West Michigan Bootscooters - line dancing on Saturday nights at the Ferrysburg Town Hall. 

      11. Grand Kayak Adventures

      12. Check their Events - Grand Haven website for festivals and events

      13. Museums

        1. Tri Cities Historical Museum - free, downtown Grand Haven

    3. Dining

      1. Check out this Food & Drink - Grand Haven website for a list of all restaurants and dining options

        1. Porto Bello Italian Restaurant in the old Piano Factory

        2. The Pipeline Smokehouse & Bar is in a historic 1886 barn just south of Grand Haven. Local food with live music and line dancing. Looks pretty cool. 

        3. Snug Harbor for waterfront dining on the channel.

        4. Stanz Cafe for cajun and polish cuisine. 

        5. The Kirby House - for good food and live entertainment

  7. Grand Rapids

    1. Check out the info on free transportation in Grand Rapids 

    2. Parks

      1. Riverside Park - just west of downtown, the Grand River runs through. Playground for kids and walking trails.

        1. Riverwalks - stroll the paths along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, and make stops at nearby parks like Ah-Nab-Awen, Sixth Street, and Riverside.  

      2. Lookout Park for a great view of the Grand River and Grand Rapids.

      3. Fish Ladder Park - watch the fish find a way around the powerful river flow of the Grand River on this sculptural artwork. See the salmon and steelhead in the fall. 

      4. Millennium Park - 1400 acres and 6 miles of frontage on the Grand River. 6 acre beach, splash pad, boat rentals and 18 miles of trails. There is a fee for the beach and splash pad, but everything else is free including the NinjaWarrior Playground.

      5. Blandford Nature Center

    3. Museums

      1. Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - one of the most visited art museums, and voted the best sculpture park in the US. Adults are $20, kids are $10.

      2. Grand Rapids Public Museum - history, science and culture

      3. Gerald R Ford Presidential Library & Museum

      4. Grand Rapids Art Museum

      5. Grand Rapids Children's Museum

      6. Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum - at Calvin University. Free of charge, Tuesdays through Fridays 12:30-4:30. 

      7. Meyer May House - see the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Make an online (free) reservation.

    4. Other Activities

      1. Drive over the Fallasburg Covered Bridge (east of downtown)

      2. John Ball Zoo 

      3. Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink   

    5. Dining:

      1. Founders Brewing Co. 

      2. Grand Rapids Downtown Market - 17 indoor food merchants

      3. Fulton Street Market - hours vary by season. 

  8. Holland

    1. Holland, Michigan has been named one of America’s Prettiest Towns. The cobblestone sidewalks and quaint shops and restaurants look charming. They also have an impressive snowmelt system installed (hot water piping under the sidewalks downtown).

      1. Every Thursday evening in the summer from 6:30-8:30 pm there are street performers downtown. 

    2. Beaches

      1. Holland State Park Beach - Ottawa Beach and the Mt. Pisgah Dune Climb

      2. Tunnel Park Beach - it has a unique tunnel through a dune, dunes to climb, and a beautiful beach

      3. Olive Shores County Park Beach - has hiking trails, swimming, restrooms, looks like you would have to walk down quite a few stairs and over boardwalks to get to the beach. North of Holland.

      4. The Big Red Lighthouse (on the south pier)

      5. The Holland Princess - 2 hour cruise, paddlewheel riverboat on Lake Macatawa, past the lighthouse and onto Lake Michigan ($65/adults and $35 for kids - includes dinner).

    3. Attractions:

      1. Windmill Island Gardens (authentic Dutch windmill, Dutch street organ, carousel, gardens etc). Reciprocal admission with Hidden Lake Garden Pass. 

      2. The Holland Museum ($7 adults, $4 kids), only open Friday, Saturday, and Monday 

      3. Cappon House Museum and Settlers House for a glimpse into the Victorian era past ($7 adults, $4 kids)

      4. Caboose NoA967 - free and open year round

      5. Nelis’ Dutch Village - dutch dancing, wooden shoe carving, lots of entertainment

      6. Veldheer Tulip Farm (peak color typically early May)

      7. DeGraaf Nature Center - 18 acres, free to visit

      8. Outdoor Discovery Center - has a cool Birds of Prey exhibit

      9. Holland Aquatic Center

      10. Centennial Park and Gardens - Victorian-era park with brick pathways, flowerbeds, a traditional Dutch foundation and a fish pond.

      11. Lots of paved biking trails and hiking trails

        1. 20 Mile Lakeshore Connector trail connects Holland to Grand Haven and goes along Lake Michigan through the woods.  Pick up a “Bike Holland” brochure. 

      12. Deklomp Wooden Shoe factory

      13. Lots of Boat Rental options

      14. BAM! Entertainment Center with bowling, laser tag, escape rooms, ropes course, arcades and restaurants.

    4. Dining (Recommendations from a friend):

      1. HopCat for famous fries, burgers, sandwiches and local brews on tap plus weekend brunch.

      2. Crust 54 - pizza and great side salads

      3. Big Lake Brewing

      4. Mizu Sushi

      5. Holland Brewing

      6. Bowerman’s Blueberry for donuts!

      7. Cherry Republic for dips and jellies

      8. The Peanut Store - old fashioned candy store

    5. Shopping (favorites of a local friend)

      1. Spring Sweet 

      2. JB &Me 

      3. Outpost - REI type store

      4. Sierra - TJ Maxx for outdoor gear and apparel

    6. Camping

      1. Holland State Park - 1 campground along Lake Michigan in the sand dunes, and one by Lake Macatawa in a more wooded area.  

      2. Drew’s Country Camping, Dutch Treat Campground, Baldwin Oaks Campground

      3. Oak Grove Campground - recommended by a friend. Looks like really nice facilities, pool available, walk or bike to the Lake, there are modern ($245/night) and rustic cabins ($106 or $116) available for rent as well, full hookup RV sites ($70-85/night).

  9. Saugatuck

    1. Beaches

      1. Oval Beach - $10 to park. It’s the main beach in town, and has been voted one of the top 25 beaches in the world. 

        1. Mt. Baldhead - big sand dune to climb with 302 steps with great views. Pass by “The Ball” - an old radar tower from the Cold War. Run down the other side to Oval Beach.

      2. Saugatuck Dunes State Park - 4 trails take visitors over rolling terrain and sandy trails to Lake Michigan. The 0.75 mile one-way Beach Trail (yellow markers) is the shortest route.

        1. Friends say this is one of their all time favorite places to hike. 

      3. Westside County Park - parking is limited, but free

      4. Douglas Beach - parking is very limited, but free. Neighborhood beach with lots of trees.

      5. Laketown Beach - 350 stairs to get down to the beach, parking is limited, but free.

      6. Pier Cove Beach - lots of smooth rocks great for skipping stones, parking is limited, but free.

      7. Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area - gently rolling dunes

      8. Kayaking 

        1. Big Lake Outfitters, Third Coast Paddling, or In the Elements Rental

    2. Activities

      1. Saugatuck Dune Rides - 40 minute ride

      2. Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises

      3. Ride the last hand cranked Chain Ferry in the US across the Kalamazoo River. $3/person each way (cash only).

      4. Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 10:00 am–2:00 pm and Fridays from 9:00 am–3:00 pm.

      5. The “Art Coast” of Michigan - check out this link for community events.

      6. Live Music

        1. Lots of venues for live musical performances in the summer: The Butler, Wally’s Bar & Grill, Red Dock Café, The BARge, Wick’s Park Bar & Grille, The Annex Piano Bar, Borrowed Time, and Coastal Society. 

        2. Free outdoor concerts each week during the summer: Music in the Park every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in Wicks Park starting in late June, Music in the Vineyard held every Thursday at 5:30 pm at Fenn Valley Vineyards starting late May, and Music at the Felt happening every Thursday in July at 7:00 pm at the Felt Mansion estate.

    3. Dining

      1. Ida Red’s, Root Beer Barrel and the Sand Bar - all only accept cash.

      2. Multiple wine and vineyard tours available

      3. Lots of produce stands and U-pick fruit in the “Fruit Belt” of Michigan

    4. Parking - leave your car and use the convenient Interurban to get around. This public bus system provides transportation for Saugatuck and Douglas, offering curb-to-curb service. Call 269.857.1418 to schedule your ride as early as 15 minutes in advance or make a reservation for a specific time. Fares are $1.00 for adults and children 12 and over and $.50 for senior citizens, children under 12, and persons with disabilities. You need to have exact change in cash to ride.

Sunset over a beach with sand dunes and grass, leading to the ocean.