Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Free Things to Do Outdoors
- Explore Sand Dunes
- Hit the Beach
- Time for Nature
- Shop at the Muskegon Farmers Market
- Peddle on Biking Trails
- Muskegon State Park
- Tee Up for Golfing
- See Fall Color
- Pumpkin Fest
- Celebrate 4th of July
- Music at the Lighthouse
- Grand Haven Musical Fountain
- More Things to Do in Muskegon, Michigan
With miles of lakefront sandy beaches, parks, and bike trails, Muskegon, Michigan is a mecca for outdoor adventure. Whether you are seeking thrills or kid-friendly fun, you’ll find plenty of free things to do in Muskegon MI.
Free Things to Do Outdoors
From sandy beaches to paved bike trails, sand dunes and festivals, there are plenty of free things to do in Muskegon, Michigan. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and photographing the frozen waves of Lake Michigan are winter ways to enjoy this city.
The beach town of Muskegon is just three hours from both Detroit and Chicago and directly across Lake Michigan from Milwaukee. These are some of the best free things to do in Muskegon with kids for outdoor activities and year-round family fun.
Want More Michigan Fun? Check out the Fun Things to Do in Cadillac!
Explore Sand Dunes
Home to the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park has 10 miles of scenic trails, a dune climb and a modern campground. Hoffmaster State Park is halfway to Grand Haven, so plan to go to the Grand Haven Boardwalk.
SheBuysTravel Tip: There is a vehicle fee for entering the park, but activities inside are all free.
Hit the Beach
Lake Michigan offers 26 miles of city-owned sandy beaches. The 27.5-acre Pere Marquette Park boasts a playground, wheelchair-accessible walkway, beach volleyball courts and access to the Lakeshore Trail.
Harbour Towne Beach is great for boating. And Kruse Park has nature trails and accessible dune walks. The dog beach has been closed due to beach erosion.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking to make the most of your travel budget while maximizing the fun? With a wide range of deals on local activities, dining, and experiences, Groupon helps you stretch your budget by offering discounted options near you.
Time for Nature
The Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve, formerly an abandoned dump site, has been converted to its natural state. You can walk through wetlands along the boardwalk, look for wildlife, have a picnic, or go fishing.
It’s open year-round.
Shop at the Muskegon Farmers Market
The outdoor Muskegon Farmers Market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from May through November, from 8 am to 2 pm.
Musicians, dancers and jugglers perform on the stage and throughout the market, so enjoy free shows.
Peddle on Biking Trails
The 12-mile paved Lakeshore Bike Trail runs from Pere Marquette Park to the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve, with views of Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake and sand dunes.
Muskegon State Park
Muskegon State Park is home to three miles of shoreline, trails, forested dunes, two campgrounds, and picnic areas.
Winter recreation options are available at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. These include a luge track, an ice skating trail, a sledding hill, cross-country ski trails, and more. A ticket is required.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Muskegon State Park, like Hoffmaster State Park, charges a vehicle fee, but hiking, biking and picnicking are all free.
Tee Up for Golfing
Muskegon has several 18-hole and miniature golf courses where you have to pay to play. But if disc golf is your thing, there are three, free kid-friendly Frisbee Golf Courses.
Play year-round: nine holes at Ross Park, or a full 18-holes at either McGraft Park or Whitehall Township
See Fall Color
The Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour is held every October on four Saturdays. Drive or bike the self-guided route from Muskegon South Pier to the White River Light Station along Lake Michigan.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Download the free map or pick one up at The Muskegon Union Depot.
Pumpkin Fest
The family-friendly daylong Pumpkin Fest, held the second Saturday every October, features a Pumpkin Roll contest, pumpkin painting and carving contests and seed spitting.
Celebrate 4th of July
The Muskegon area celebrates the 4th of July in a big way every year, with fireworks over White Lake at dusk.
Music at the Lighthouse
The White River Light Station and Museum charges admission. But a summer concert series run by the nautical history museum has free music every July and August. Bring your own chairs or a blanket.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The lighthouse is open during the concerts, but you have to pay to climb up the historic structure and see the nautical history museum.
Grand Haven Musical Fountain
Grand Haven, just 15 minutes from Muskegon, has a nightly spectacle, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. The 20 minute shows feature synchronized light and water shows.
More Things to Do in Muskegon, Michigan
After trying all the free things to do in Muskegon MI, check out the affordable attractions. Visit the WWII USS Silversides Submarine Museum ($15 adults, $10.50 kids 5 and older) and the Muskegon Museum of Art ($10 adults, $6 kids 16 and under).
The Muskegon Heritage Museum has exhibits that feature a working steam engine, Brunswick pinsetter, and a spring winding machine. In addition, learn about Black-owned businesses, and get a bookmark printed on a working Letter Press. $5 adults, $2 students. Free street parking along Western Avenue.
Find outdoor fun at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, and ride the roller coasters at Michigan’s Adventure – a kid friendly amusement park and water park.
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