The charming, old-world city of Grand Haven can be found where the Grand River's mouth empties into Lake Michigan. The lovely lakefront city, which is now among the best destinations to visit in the state, has contributed significantly to the development of Michigan's history.
Every kind of traveler can find activities here. The historic downtown, lighthouses, protected natural areas, and of course the Lake Michigan beaches are what make Grand Haven so well-known. A lively community hub, downtown Grand Haven features historical structures, riverside parks, eateries, galleries, and retail establishments. It is one of the most stunning locations in Western Michigan and a popular travel destination in the state.
Some of the most renowned and storied lighthouses in the nation can be found in Michigan. There are two in Grand Haven. Two red-painted lighthouses on the town's south pier were built in 1839 and have served as the city's guiding lights for close to 200 years.
View the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier
The two lighthouses, which are connected by a catwalk, are Grand Haven landmarks and well-liked locations for strolling and taking pictures of Lake Michigan. The Grand River channel and the pier are surrounded by a boardwalk, which is a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy the lakefront views. The region as a whole is one of the Midwest's most popular photo locations.
In Grand Haven State Park, visitors can reach the boardwalk from the shore. Going to Ferry burg's north pier, which faces out over the north bank of the river, is another route to observe the lighthouses. This is the finest method to learn about Grand Haven, no matter which direction you choose to look at the lighthouses. Our list of the top things to do in Grand Haven, Michigan, will help you organise your trip.
Spend some extra time exploring Grand Haven State Park while you're out seeing the lighthouses. Along the banks of the Grand River and Lake Michigan, the park covers 48 acres. As much of Grand Haven State Park is simply a beach on the beaches of Lake Michigan, the beachfront area is the main attraction there.
Explore Grand Haven State Par
The park is the greatest area to see the lighthouse and the Grand Haven pier, as was already noted, but it is also a well-liked location for camping, swimming, fishing, and volleyball.
More than 170 of its campsites, which are very popular in the summer, are even available. Some of the area's nicest views can be found in the campgrounds. The sound of Lake Michigan's pounding waves makes for the ideal background music for any evening and a breathtaking sunrise.
The park was one of 13 parks that the newly constituted Michigan State Parks Commission established in 1920.
Rosy Mound Natural Area is one of Grand Haven's top outdoor recreation locations. Rosy Mound is home to open, undulating dunes, dunes covered in forest, and a lengthy stretch of sand beach. It is a part of the Great Lakes dune system.
Visit the Rosy Mound Natural Area
The 200-foot dune that gives Rosy Mound its name. The name was given by early settlers who claimed that wild roses covered the crest of the dune. Another explanation is that the Native Americans gave it its name because of the pinkish glow that the sand casts at dusk. It's a lovely spot to visit in either case.
One of the greatest places to take in the scenery at Rosy Mound is on the.7-mile hiking track that ascends 1,000 feet of stairs over the dunes and leads from the parking area, offering panoramic views the entire way. The observation platform at Dune Overlook offers the best vantage point.
One of the most cherished protected dune habitats in Michigan, Rosy Mound Natural Area is a 164-acre preserve. Only foot traffic is permitted on the trails, the majority of which are boardwalks.
Location: Grand Haven, Michigan, 13925 Lakeshore Avenue
Marvel at the Grand Haven Musical Fountai
The Grand Haven waterfront comes alive at night with this magnificent music and light extravaganza. At the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain is an enchanting show of water and light that is timed to music.
Every evening between Memorial Day and Labor Day since 1962, the waterfront is illuminated for a 30-minute show that mesmerises both tourists and locals. Playlists cover a wide range of genres to keep everyone entertained.
The fountain presents themed events in addition to its weekly performances, some of which are performed to well-known songs from Enactor, Frozen, Jimmy Buffet, the Moody Blues, and Beauty and the Beast. This is a performance you must not miss if you're in Grand Haven during the summer.
The Waterfront Stadium, which is situated along the Grand River, also holds a number of other events throughout the year in addition to the musical fountain show.
Address: 1 N Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, Michigan, Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium
Stop By the Tri-Cities Historical Museum
The Tri-Cities of Michigan are comprised of the communities of Grand Haven, Ferry burg, and Spring Lake. In the historic Akeley Building in the heart of Grand Haven, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum has been bringing the history of the area to life since 2004.
The museum has both a place for changing exhibits and a permanent collection. The Odawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomie Native American settlements are seen by visitors on the first floor of the Tri-Cities Historical Museum. Additionally, it mixes in information about Grand Haven's early settlers, fur traders, and Victorian era.
The museum's second residence is located in the 1870-vintage Grand Trunk Railroad Depot. The early 19th-century trading post of fur trader Rix Robinson is not far from this historic location.
More than 70,000 different artefacts, including books, furniture, maps, pictures, and more, are housed in the museum. Rotating displays that change throughout the year can use three areas.
Grand Haven, Michigan address: 200 Washington Avenue
Stroll Lighthouse Connector Park
Another Michigan city that takes pleasure in its outdoor spaces is Grand Haven. There are so many great parks and locations for socialising in the area, including Lighthouse Connector Park, which is located near downtown.
The compact, 1.5-mile Lighthouse Connector Park extends from Chinook Pier to the end of South Pier and follows the banks of the Grand River. Along the river, it passes past the Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse and has a promenade and public art displays.
Peerless Flats in Grand Haven👀
— PM Environmental (@PMEnvironmental) October 20, 2022
EGLE supported this project with a $900,000 grant & loan through their Renew Michigan fund
PM helped in conducting due diligence, securing incentives, designing the vapor mitigation system & overseeing the execution of due care activities pic.twitter.com/O4e1IyT101
With its many shops and eateries, the Chinook Pier is a fascinating place to visit as well. A small beachfront playground and an 18-hole mini golf course are also present. Along the pier, you may rent skateboards, paddleboards, and surfboards.
What was previously the Tri-Cities Museum's initial residence has evolved into a historical monument and has been added to the museum, which is now located across the street on Washington Avenue. Its position is not far from where the first fur trade post established in what would become Grand Haven in 1821 originally stood.
Visit the Train Depot Museum
Grand Haven's growth and wealth were greatly aided by the train depot building, which was constructed in 1870 and transported both people and goods throughout the state. In 1958, the final train left the station. The structure became a museum devoted to the history of Grand Haven over 15 years later.
The Waterfront Stadium, which boasts one of the greatest settings in town, is right outside the railway station and has a view of the Grand River from its vantage point at the top of Washington Avenue. The railroad depot becomes Santa's Workshop during the winter, bringing a flood of festive pleasure to downtown Grand Haven.
Grand Haven, Michigan, 25-99 N Harbor Drive
View the Pere Marquette 1223
If you still need more train history, head over to the Pere Marquette 1223, which is close to the former rail depot. A vintage steam locomotive named the Pere Marquette 1223 is permanently based in Grand Haven. One of just two 2-8-4 "Berkshire" locomotives still in existence, they are some of the most exquisite and classically styled steam locomotives ever built.
The 1941-built locomotive moved freight trains between Toledo and Chicago both during and after World War II. It spent a long time in storage after being taken out of service in 1951. The locomotive was eventually transported to Detroit to be on display at the state fairgrounds, then in 1981 she was transported to Grand Haven where she has been ever since.
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/grand-rapids-us-mi-gr.htm
The locomotive is currently on exhibit in Grand Haven and is a must-see for train aficionados who visit to admire her immaculate condition and extensive history.
Escanaba Park is another fantastic waterfront option to check out if you haven't had your fill of green space in Grand Haven.
Wander Escanaba Park
The United States Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba is commemorated by Escanaba Memorial Park, which was built in its honor. From 1932 until 1942, the boat was headquartered in Grand Haven and frequently conducted rescue operations on the Great Lakes. It was used throughout World War II as well until being torpedoed in the North Atlantic in 1943.
The park serves as a memorial today for the ship and its crew, who perished following the 1943 attack. The original wooden pole that towers over the park is still visible to visitors. Escanaba Park is traversed by the boardwalk, thus anyone strolling along the river will have to pass through it as well.
Location: Grand Haven, Michigan, 673 S Harbor Drive
Explore Kitchel Lindquist Dunes Preserve
In numerous lake communities throughout the state, the dunes of Michigan are well-known, but the dunes of the Kitchen Lindquist Dunes Preserve are among the most stunning. The 115-acre protected region is home to enormous natural dunes, dense woodland, and many wetlands.
There are several wonderful stores and galleries in downtown Grand Haven, but Gallery Uptown is possibly the most well-known and well-liked one. Gallery Uptown, the state's first and oldest artist-run gallery, uses its platform to present local artists.
The gallery exhibits artwork in a range of mediums, including pastel, watercolor, glasswork, jewellery, photography, and oil and watercolor. The Walberg Gallery, which is open to the public, features a thematic exhibition every month.
The annual Holiday Gift Art & Craft Show at Gallery Uptown features works of art from more than 30 artists.
You can also visit some of Grand Haven's other stunning art galleries, such as The Fire Barn Gallery, which features creations by West Michigan artists. There are numerous galleries at Grand Valley State University in Allendale.
Location: 100 Washington Avenue, Suite 201, Grand Haven, Michigan
Browse Gallery Uptown
The region was established in 1971 with 60 acres and has since expanded to include the current 115 acres. It is one of the outstanding examples of dune development in the nation and is located close to the Grand River. Dunes are present throughout the park in all of their various stages of development.
The two pathways, which wind through the sand dunes before running along the river's edge, are open for exploration by visitors. If you want to see the numerous hawks, bald eagles, herring gulls, great blue herons, and other birds in the sky, bring binoculars.
Grand Haven, Michigan 20001 Berwick Street