Muskegon

Muskegon is a city of 38,000 people (2018) in West Michigan. It offers miles of clean beaches on Lake Michigan, theater, a plethora of museums, bike trails and festivals.

By car
Muskegon is at the western terminus of the interstate highway, I-96. It is roughly 30 miles NW of Grand Rapids, via I-96. Also, US-31 runs north/south through Muskegon.

By bus
The Greyhound Bus System also has a stop in downtown Muskegon.

Get around
While in Muskegon, most visitors prefer to get from point A to point B by car - while locals may sometimes opt to use the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS). Because of its proximity to award-winning beaches, visitors are highly encouraged to bring bicycles along for there are plenty of bike trails which run in the city and plenty throughout the county. A notable trail is the Musketawa bike trail which runs from just southeast of the city through the countryside to the city of Marne in Ottawa county.

See
The Pere Marquette Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan and adjoining the Muskegon Lake Channel is the only nationally certified "Clean Beach" on the Great Lakes. Miles of beach, gorgeous sunsets, outdoor dining possibilities, and a bike trail make this beach a must-see.

Museums and theater
Broadway at the Frauenthal (Fall through Spring), brings big-time Broadway musicals to Muskegon. Muskegon is also home to Muskegon Museum of Art and West Shore Symphony Orchestra. The Muskegon Community Concert Association provides concerts from September through May.

Camerata Singers, a professional chamber choir, performs at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon and other locations in west Michigan.

Do

 * in Norton Shores
 * in Norton Shores

Festivals
The Muskegon Film Festival is held in February.

Every June, since 1990, St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church hosts its annual Hispanic Fiesta. The fiesta is always held outside of the church at 1292 Jefferson Street, next to Muskegon High School. There are always live music performances, children's activities, ethnic foods, and more. It is a celebration of Hispanic heritage. They never charge admission, but there usually is a small charge for most food items and some activities.

Each August, the Unity Christian Music Festival takes place at Heritage Landing. In May, Rock the Coast takes place at Michigan's Adventure. Both are organized by Alive on the Lakeshore.

In September, the Michigan Irish Music Festival brings renowned Celtic musicians to Heritage Landing on the shore of Muskegon Lake. In addition to music, Irish food, beverages, merchandise and cultural exhibits contribute to the appeal of this event. The Michigan Feis (Irish Dance competition) is affiliated and is held at the LC Walker Arena nearby.

In early October, the International Buster Keaton Society visit Muskegon to host their annual convention. The event features public showings of Keaton films at the Frauenthal Theater.

Outdoor recreation

 * Lakeshore Bike Trail-Bike along the shores of Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan.


 * The Chronicle Seaway Run is run every year in late June. It features a 15k race, 5k race, 5k walk for fun, 15k wheelchair race.

Buy
In and around the Muskegon area there are numerous shopping areas
 * The Lakes Mall area near Harvey and Sternberg Roads
 * Sherman Blvd west of US 31
 * Henry Street corridor
 * Downtown Muskegon
 * Apple Avenue near US 31

Sleep

 * Charming Cottage by Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, 3312 Wilcox Avenue,, Discover relaxation, comfort, and charm in your restored, fully furnished cottage home in Muskegon, Michigan. $600 - 1,150 per week.

Stay safe
In general terms, Muskegon tends to be a safe city, though however, it is best to avoid central Muskegon (Wood Street, etc.) at night, a normal degree of caution to be taken when in these areas. The adjacent city to the south, Muskegon Heights, is best to be avoided at all times, due to an extremely high risk of crime.

Unless you are a big fan of motorcycles, motorcycle clubs, or being catcalled by bikers of all shapes and sizes, stay clear of Muskegon during Bike Time (mid-July).