West Michigan has many of the best beaches in the state, and near the top of the list is Muskegon State Park. Nearly three-quarters of a mile long, the sandy beach on Lake Michigan offers a terrific setting for sunbathing, slashing in the water, and watching the sunset.
The state park is bordered by Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, and the channel that connects the two offers a great spot to watch sailboats, powerboats, and other kinds of watercraft on a summer day. There is a paved walkway along the channel that provides views of Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse and USS Silversides, a retired submarine that is based at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum. The museum provides tours of the USS Silversides and the US Coast Guard Cutter McLane throughout the year.
Muskegon State Park has miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, which wind near sandy dunes and through wooded areas. There is also a bike route that leads to/from the beach and North Muskegon, which is approximately 2.5 east of the park.
During the winter, Muskegon State Park's Winter Sports Complex offers a luge track, which provides a similar experience to the luge races that you see on TV during the Winter Olympics. Ice skating and cross-country skiing are also available, depending on the weather conditions.
A unique place within the park is the Blockhouse, a colonial-style wooden outpost that provides scenic views of Muskegon State Park. The original Blockhouse was constructed in 1935, but was destroyed by a fire in 1962. The Blockhouse was rebuilt in 1964. There is a short paved walking path to/from the Blockhouse and a nearby picnic area.
Muskegon State Park has two modern campgrounds, the Channel Campground and Lake Michigan Campground. Both offer electrical service and modern restrooms. The park also has an organizational campground, which has a picnic shelter and vault toilet. Alcohol is prohibited in the park. For camping reservations, see the DNR's web site.
Muskegon State Park has a boat launch on Snug Harbor, which provides access to Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Fishing is allowed in the park, and many fishermen like to cast their lines from the walkway along the channel. A valid fishing license is required to fish on Michigan waterways, and you can get a Michigan fishing license at bait shops and sporting good stores.
A state park vehicle permit is required for entry to Muskegon State Park, and you can acquire a pass at the contact station when entering the park.
Muskegon State Park is about 2.5 miles away from North Muskegon and close to 4 miles from Muskegon's city limits. North Muskegon has several restaurants along Whitehall Road, where you can also find a grocery store and pharmacy. Michigan's Adventure, an amusement park with rollercoasters, is about 10 miles from Muskegon State Park.
The state park is bordered by Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, and the channel that connects the two offers a great spot to watch sailboats, powerboats, and other kinds of watercraft on a summer day. There is a paved walkway along the channel that provides views of Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse and USS Silversides, a retired submarine that is based at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum. The museum provides tours of the USS Silversides and the US Coast Guard Cutter McLane throughout the year.
Muskegon State Park has miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, which wind near sandy dunes and through wooded areas. There is also a bike route that leads to/from the beach and North Muskegon, which is approximately 2.5 east of the park.
During the winter, Muskegon State Park's Winter Sports Complex offers a luge track, which provides a similar experience to the luge races that you see on TV during the Winter Olympics. Ice skating and cross-country skiing are also available, depending on the weather conditions.
A unique place within the park is the Blockhouse, a colonial-style wooden outpost that provides scenic views of Muskegon State Park. The original Blockhouse was constructed in 1935, but was destroyed by a fire in 1962. The Blockhouse was rebuilt in 1964. There is a short paved walking path to/from the Blockhouse and a nearby picnic area.
Muskegon State Park has two modern campgrounds, the Channel Campground and Lake Michigan Campground. Both offer electrical service and modern restrooms. The park also has an organizational campground, which has a picnic shelter and vault toilet. Alcohol is prohibited in the park. For camping reservations, see the DNR's web site.
Muskegon State Park has a boat launch on Snug Harbor, which provides access to Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Fishing is allowed in the park, and many fishermen like to cast their lines from the walkway along the channel. A valid fishing license is required to fish on Michigan waterways, and you can get a Michigan fishing license at bait shops and sporting good stores.
A state park vehicle permit is required for entry to Muskegon State Park, and you can acquire a pass at the contact station when entering the park.
Muskegon State Park is about 2.5 miles away from North Muskegon and close to 4 miles from Muskegon's city limits. North Muskegon has several restaurants along Whitehall Road, where you can also find a grocery store and pharmacy. Michigan's Adventure, an amusement park with rollercoasters, is about 10 miles from Muskegon State Park.
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