The warming spring breeze makes it the perfect time to hit the road and head to Muskegon, Michigan. Whether it’s a calm wind blowing by as you sail through Muskegon Lake, or gusts whipping past your face while speeding down a roller coaster at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park, Muskegon is an ideal spring destination for Metro Detroit families.
Best of all, Muskegon is only a three-hour drive away from Detroit. Families can pack up their Ford SUV and be at the Michigan coast in no time, with enough leeway to stop at Ann Arbor, Lansing or Grand Rapids along the way.
From the city’s serene nature to its exhilarating outdoor adventure and lively downtown, a spring weekend in Muskegon offers something that both kids and parents will enjoy. Continue reading to discover the best of springtime in Muskegon.
Things to do in Muskegon during the spring
No matter if your kids are adrenaline junkies or prefer more peaceful pastimes, the activities and excursions in Muskegon deliver. The following are some of the town’s most well-loved attractions that can be packed into one weekend or spread out across an entire spring break.
Muskegon State Parks: Muskegon sits adjacent to Lake Michigan on the shores of Lake Muskegon, offering gorgeous views of the water and a lush lakeside ecosystem. This land is protected by two state parks, Muskegon State Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.
Muskegon State Park lies along three miles of the coasts of Lake Michigan and Lake Muskegon. Visiting families will love the expansive trails and picnicking areas, or fishing at Snug Harbor. There are also campsites available for reservation.
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is directly on the Lake Michigan coast, known for its three-mile stretch of dunes, camping and hiking trails. A favorite feature for many at this park is the dune climb on the Dune Overlook Trail, where hikers can climb atop a towering dune for stunning lake views.
To discover more about Muskegon’s state parks, read our guide to Vacationing at Muskegon State Parks.
Adventure Parks: There are three adrenaline-pumping adventure parks to run wild in Muskegon. The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park and Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park & WildWater Adventure Waterpark will be fun for both parents and kids this spring.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park transforms its icy winter luge track to a plastic one in the warmer months, where kids can safely coast down it on a wheeled bobsled. There are also ziplining, rock climbing, archery and hiking trails available to hop back and forth from. Reservations are open in April and early May, with general public access starting May 22.
Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park & WildWater Adventure Waterpark captures the land and sea into one park, with roller coasters that touch the sky and water slides that bring families plenty of aquatic fun. A family favorite is the Funnel of Fear, where groups of four slide up and down a huge funnel after dropping down a steep tunnel. Both adventure parks are open starting May 22.
A Day on the Lake: The many lakes that surround Muskegon make this city the perfect place for a lake day. There are options all around Lake Muskegon for boat rentals, cruises and fishing trips for the family to enjoy. If towing a boat from Metro Detroit, there are also public ramps and docks littered across the shores of the lake.
Once on the water, there are a few hot spots to bring the family to. Muskegon State Park’s Snug Harbor is easily accessible, offering a view of the park from a new perspective. Next door to Snug Harbor is the channel to Lake Michigan, lined with towering lighthouses. A short ride away is the channel to Bear Lake, which many families prefer due to its calmer wake and environment.
Downtown and farmers market: Muskegon has a charming downtown that is very walkable, where families can step in and out of tasty restaurants, awesome museums and boutique shops for hours on end. Some museums to check out are the Muskegon Museum of History and Science, or the Muskegon Museum of Art for more creative minds.
Downtown Muskegon also hosts a farmers market on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with dates changing at the start of May. The Muskegon Farmers Market sells everything from produce to baked goods, and posts the vendor lineup and map ahead of each weekly market on their website.Â
Where to stay in Muskegon
If planning a stay in Muskegon, families will need a place to stay that keeps the spring vibes rolling. To accommodate this, Muskegon lodging options have lakeside views, pools and family-friendly camping to continue the fun after a long day of exploring.
The Shoreline Inn & Conference Center has gorgeous views of Lake Muskegon, with a marina right outside the grounds for easy access to the lake. There are also two pools and dining options on-site.Â
For a more adventurous stay by the water, try camping at Duck Creek RV Resort, which has a private lake with Duck Boats available to rent. Not to mention, this campground has a small waterpark, mini golf and an arcade on-site.
Other options further away from the water include various Airbnbs and the Delta Hotels Muskegon Convention Center, which is in the middle of Downtown Muskegon for easy access to the city’s delicious dining options.
For more lodging options, follow our guide to Family-Friendly Stays in Muskegon.
Where to eat in Muskegon
A spring visit to Muskegon means the start of outdoor dining. Families should first try the outdoor upper and lower decks at The Deck, a BBQ spot known for its energetic atmosphere. They open for the season starting May 20, offering sandwiches, meat samplers and more for lunches and dinners.
Another great dining option with either patio dining, or an indoor view of Lake Muskegon, is the Lake House Waterfront Grille. This more upscale dining option has steaks and fresh catches for the parents, along with a kids menu featuring classics like chicken tenders and pizza. Finish your meal with a rich brownie sundae, or hit up Hometown Creamery for a cone that locals love.
For more dining options, follow our guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in Muskegon.
Why families love Muskegon
Muskegon has all the great makings of a weekend family vacation, and the spring weather makes the stay that much better. The adventure parks and museum attractions will keep kids moving throughout the weekend, and the delicious restaurants and relaxing strolls by the lakes keep parents grounded throughout the trip.
And, the short travel time from Metro Detroit will keep everyone happy on the drive there. The only issue families will have is figuring out how to fit everything into one trip.
Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more content like this in our Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
