18 BEST Issues To Do In Grand Haven, Michigan (2023)

Nestled on the japanese shore of the huge Lake Michigan, Grand Haven is thought for its gorgeous sandy shores alongside this scenic panorama. It is among the most romantic places to visit in all of Michigan, and guests flock right here as there are many issues to do in Grand Haven for everybody.

Wealthy with historical past and Americana, this quaint city gives a captivating array of points of interest, from pure wonders to cultural coups. Listed here are all probably the most outstanding issues to do in Grand Haven, Michigan. 

The place is Grand Haven, Michigan?

Grand Haven is a small Michigan metropolis of 11,000 individuals on the shores of gorgeous Lake Michigan. It’s a well known Michigan fact that that is an unbelievable trip vacation spot within the state, and one of many best places to visit in Michigan – primarily as a result of it has unbelievable sandy beaches.

There are many unbelievable Grand Haven restaurants and boutique retailers in historic downtown. Grand Haven is well-known for its pink Grand Haven Lighthouse, that’s lovely in each the winter and summer season. Grand Haven can be the positioning of the US Coast Guard Pageant.

Grand Haven is especially busy on weekends within the Summer time because it’s solely a 45-minute drive from Grand Rapids.

The Finest Issues to Do in Grand Haven

Admire the Grand Haven Lighthouse

This stalwart construction was in-built 1839. The Grand Haven Lighthouse includes two separate lights on both finish of the enchanting south pier. Each are painted brilliant pink and are linked by a lighted catwalk. This catwalk stretches on to attach with the boardwalk, as effectively. 

The internal gentle is cylindrical, and the outer sq. is healthier for reducing by the fog. They’re among the many most visited lighthouses within the state. They aren’t open to the general public, so that you’ll must admire them from afar and benefit from some glorious picture ops. 

See the Musical Fountain

Set on the northshore of the Grand River, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain has been wowing crowds since 1962. In a median efficiency the fountain will course of over 90,000 gallons of water and it lasts about 20 minutes. 

You’re in for a formidable show of synchronized lights and music. The soundtrack ranges throughout all genres and is all the time a enjoyable shock. It’s up and operating each evening within the Summer time, so don’t miss this stellar present. This is among the most enjoyable and distinctive issues to do in Grand Haven. 

Stroll the Grand Haven Boardwalk

This charming picket construction stretches for 2 and a half miles alongside the harbor of Grand Haven. It’s lined with storefronts, snack retailers, and sailboats. Take a stroll to admire the surroundings; it’s particularly spectacular at sundown. 

In the event you favor to gaze out on the waters there’s loads of benches and grassy knolls to sit down again and loosen up. The trail is well-kept and simply accessible. It’s lovely throughout any season, and nice for watching individuals, boats, fishing, and naturally the waves. Be ready for a splash if it’s an particularly windy day. 

Benefit from the Fabulous Eating places

Grand Haven is a superb place to get your grub on and there are some unbelievable Michigan breweries to take pleasure in. Old Boys Brewhouse gives all the pieces you want for a divine eating expertise. There’s a formidable choice of native craft beers on faucet, together with specialty sodas. They boast a construct your personal pizza menu, every that includes a brewer’s malt crust. 

The Toasted Pickle serves up gourmand sandwiches and sides and is among the finest Grand Haven restaurants. They craft ingenious twists on all of the classics utilizing recent, natural, and seasonal components. The Kirby House is a trio of eating places iconic within the space.

The eclectic menu options the best international fares. Set in a former lodge, it’s a cultural heart for the area people. Benefit from the alfresco deck and stay leisure obtainable right here. 

Cycle on one of many many trails

Grand Haven is home to over 100 miles of bike paths, weaving their method all through the world. This an incredible energetic solution to get out into town. You’ll discover sweeping vistas of surroundings, native wilderness, cityscapes, and waterways as you cycle alongside these trails. There are alternatives for each ability degree, so decide and put together accordingly. 

One such favourite path is the Spring Lake Bike Path Loop. It’s over 11 miles by wooded forest, and it gives lovely views of the lake. The general elevation acquire is 321 toes with out being overly strenuous.

Lakeshore Path is good for a protracted experience. It connects to the neighboring city of Holland and is roughly 20 miles, taking you thru the plentiful nature of the world. 

Take the Harbor Trolley

This metropolis transport is a captivating relic of the olden days. The Harbor Trolley supplies a narrated tour of town, for a enjoyable and interesting solution to study extra in regards to the historical past and tradition of the world. It begins on the Chinook Pier and takes you all the way in which downtown, previous all the primary points of interest. 

You may hop on anyplace alongside the one-mile route, and it’s additionally an inexpensive solution to get from the seashore to the guts of town heart. It runs seven days per week beginning at 11 a.m. It’s a favourite of the issues to do in Grand Haven for locals and guests alike. 

Stroll round Downtown grand haven

The historic downtown of Grand Haven is the cultural coronary heart of town. You’ll discover loads of distinctive storefronts to browse native items, and get an thought of the genuine spirit right here. There are such charming impartial retailers akin to Blueberry Haven, a quaint alcove honoring the beloved pastime of blueberry choosing within the area with all issues artisan. 

It’s a walkable space, with many vintage retailers, boutiques, and one-of-a-kind reward shops to pop into. Strive Vintage Green Antiques for distinctive finds and Off the Report for one of the best choice of vinyl round.

Fortino’s Previous World Purchasing is a household owned establishment of the world, promoting specialty treats like espresso, cheese, wine, chocolate, and breads all with a small city smile. 

Have a Glass at Lemon Creek Vineyard

Lemon Creek Vineyard is a wonderful Michigan vineyard positioned about 1.5 hours away from Grand Haven in Berrien Springs. You may go go to the vineyards, watch winemaking in season, and decide your personal fruits in Berrien Springs if you’d like extra of a day journey.

For these in search of one thing nearer to house probably the greatest issues to do in Grand Haven is go to the Lemon Creek Winery tasting room on North Beacon Blvd in Grand Haven. Right here you’ll be able to strive all of the award profitable wines by the glass – or get a wine flight!

Rent a Fishing constitution

Grand Haven has one of many largest constitution boat fishing fleets round all of Lake Michigan. It’s an all inclusive expertise, so that you don’t have to fret a couple of license, lunch, or prepping your catch.

There are over 40 registered captains of seaworthy vessels awaiting your decide, and so they know all one of the best spots to go for a fruitful day of casting away. Daniel Sport Fishing is among the finest within the enterprise.

Round these components, you’re more than likely to hook King Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Chinook Salmon. A number of native eateries are a part of the Catch and Prepare dinner program as effectively if you wish to dine out in your triumphs. In the event you’re not concerned with reeling in a giant one, you’ll be able to strive only a cruise for a extra enjoyable sail across the glowing waters.  

Get pleasure from one of many many Festivals 

The town hosts many thrilling annual occasions distinctive to the tradition and spirit of the world. Within the Summer time, the Grand Haven Art Fair brings an abundance of masterpieces to admire, together with murals and outside sculptures. Winterfest is a long-standing custom, as is the festive vacation favourite Jingle Bell Parade. 

Enterprise here in the Fall and also you’ll discover the Salmon Festival, good for sampling the seafood bounty of this nice lake. Within the Spring, the Kite Pageant is an ethereal affair, with whimsical materials hovering excessive within the air all over the place you look.

Grand Haven can be house to the nationally acknowledged US Coast Guard Festival, to rejoice and honor the women and men who’ve served. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Grand Haven and has individuals touring from everywhere in the state to attend.

Get pleasure from Grand Haven State Park

Set on the south facet of the harbor, on the mouth of Grand River, is Grand Haven State Park. This standard recreation space is 48 acres, and consists of these well-known tender sandy shores alongside Lake Michigan. It’s probably the greatest spots for a seashore day; take pleasure in a refreshing cool dip within the clear waters. 

It gives all of the wanted facilities, like restrooms and picnic areas, and welcomes all furry associates as effectively. You get an incredible view of the lighthouse from right here, and you may even play some seashore volleyball should you’re so inclined.

Count on some crowds while you hit this sunny spot, it’s some of the standard issues to do in Grand Haven. 

Tri-Cities Historic Museum

Discover the heritage of Ottawa County at this educational cultural center of the Tri-Cities. It strives to create connections of native historical past by considerate exhibitions that authentically interpret the previous and current of the area. It has efficiently created an inquisitive and enjoyable atmosphere that cultivates curiosity. 

It hosts each everlasting collections and rotating outreach shows that yow will discover all through town, like at Centennial Corridor. They discover a variety of historic topics, from geology and indigenous tribes to early European settlers and the Victorian-era.

There’s all the time one thing partaking on deck as effectively, akin to the brand new Silent Movies and Speakeasies exhibit. 

Rosy Mound Pure Space

Rosy Mound Natural Area is a hidden gem of Grand Haven. This pure wonderland gives a shocking tour into the wilderness and boasts picturesque panoramas overlooking Lake Michigan.

The path itself is lower than a mile lengthy, a reasonably simple hike surrounded by sand dunes and wooded forest and ending in a boardwalk that leads all the way down to a secluded seashore. 

There isn’t any lifeguard on responsibility so swim at your personal danger, although many do. There are a number of flights of stairs constructed into the filth paths all through for an total acquire of 1,000 toes in elevation, culminating in a wide ranging commentary deck.

Hold your eyes out for a lot of species of native vegetation, birds, and small mammals. It’s an idyllic escape into nature. 

Kitchel Lindquist Dunes Protect 

The Kitchel Lindquist Dunes Preserve options over 100 acres of protected panorama to discover. In an journey trek right here you’ll traverse many distinctive ecosystems together with dunes, forests, and wetlands.

It gives an opportunity to see all phases of dune improvement, from naked seashore to thriving dune forest and all the pieces in between. There are two trails to strive, each winding alongside the Grand River. 

It’s a pristine undeveloped space that promotes conservation schooling as effectively. You will have a excessive likelihood of recognizing raptors, water birds, and songbirds inside this protect. Take within the views from atop among the taller dunes and luxuriate in sweeping scenes of Grand Haven, Lake Michigan, Spring Lake, and Grand River. 

ski at Mulligan’s Hole

This 80 acre space is a haven for energetic outside journey, and probably the most versatile park round. It has recognized many iterations over centuries, from farmland to Coast Guard boot camp. Immediately it’s most recognized for its ski bowl.

Winter sports activities are a preferred pastime of the area, and that is by far probably the most beloved native ski hill. So should you’re in search of one of the best issues to do in Grand Haven within the winter, head right here.

Mulligan’s Hollow is about on the shores of Lake Michigan and as a nonprofit goals to make its actions as accessible as attainable for everybody of their group. 

There are six totally different slopes to soar down, both on skis or snowboard, starting from simple to very tough. There are additionally 5 rope tows, an exhilarating mechanism that takes you again as much as the highest of the peaks. The longest run is 700 toes and the very best elevation is 1,300 toes.

On the base you’ll discover a quaint and comfortable lodge to heat up in with a scorching beverage. At Mulligan’s Hole you can even discover a YMCA, tennis courts, soccer fields, and a skate park. 

take a look at the historic Pere Marquette 1223

Pere Marquette 1223 is a historic steam locomotive is on everlasting show in Grand Haven. It was in-built 1941, and was used to haul freight from Toledo to Chicago till 1951. It has been cosmetically restored since, shining brilliant as a beacon of a bygone period. 

1223 is one in all solely two surviving engines of this sort, known as Berkshire steam locomotives, of which a fleet had been made by Lima for the Pere Marquette railroad. Its max pace was as soon as 70 MPH. It’s an interesting exhibit of historic significance for all ages. 

store on the many Galleries

You’ll discover an array of eclectic artwork areas all through Grand Haven. Carlyn and Company is a gallery providing handmade reclaimed finds which can be all eco-friendly. You’ll discover many distinctive items, jewellery, and different equipment right here. It’s been a house for native artists to share their work for many years. 

C2C Gallery lives by their credo, artwork to your on a regular basis life. This consists of quite a lot of artisan crafts, akin to pottery, hand blown glass, images, hand poured soaps and candles and residential decor items. Gallery Uptown is the oldest artist owned and operated gallery in your complete state of Michigan.

They host a themed present every month for brand new work as effectively. You’ll discover many mediums right here, from work to drawings and woodworking. 

North Seashore State Park

North Beach State Park is a seven acre park is house to a protracted stretch of shore stuffed with the well-known sugary sands of Grand Haven. It’s the right place for swimming and sunbathing, and might typically be much less crowded than among the different seashores on the town. 

Climb the picket stairway to the highest of a formidable dune to absorb the surroundings from a birds eye view. There are many locations for a picnic, so remember to pack some snacks. There’s a playground for the little ones, in addition to a small climbing path behind it. 

Issues to Do in Grand Haven Map

The place to Eat in Grand Haven?

• The Paisley Pig Gastropub: This can be a enjoyable gastrohouse with scrumptious sandwiches, nice pizza, and a tremendous Michigan Bison Meatloaf.
• The Toasted Pickle: As talked about earlier than this can be a effectively priced sandwich store that serves up gourmand sandwiches and fairly presumably one of the best french fries you’ll ever style.
• Righteous Delicacies: If you’re craving Mexican meals in Grand Haven, you’ll be able to’t go improper right here. Recent tacos and burritos are served all day.

The Best Grand Haven Restaurants

The place to Keep in Grand Haven?

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