The Ultimate Vacation Destination
It’s only natural to want to enjoy the beauty of the Grand Haven Area and discover what has captured the hearts of travelers for hundreds of years!
The Grand Haven Area is one of the most historically significant regions in the state of Michigan, with its history dating back over 300 years ago. (Imagine what the area was like in the 1700s and 1800s when fur trading and lumbering were king in West Michigan.)
Today you can experience the history by taking a walk along our 1.5 mile boardwalk that spans from downtown Grand Haven to Lake Michigan. At the end of the boardwalk you’ll see two lighthouses that have guided ships for years and whose silhouettes at sunset make the perfect backdrop for photos and memories. Meander through the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s Akeley Building to learn the history through photographs and fun exhibits that will give you an old time feel. (And stop by the Miniatures Museum to see all the tiny collections with big attitude.) Continue your journey over the Grand River to Coast Guard Park in Ferrysburg. This park was once the shooting range for the U.S. Coast Guard and now provides access to hiking trails, various sport courts and an off-leash dog park.
The Grand Haven Area offers activities that are ideal for visitors of any age or experience level. Plan a family vacation or a romantic getaway for two. Some of the favorite things to do include: visiting a variety of locally owned shops, unique and delicious restaurants; go on a scenic boat or trolley ride, see the one-of-a kind Musical Fountain that puts on a nightly show from Memorial Day to Labor Day, hop on the historical train ride in Coopersville, and catch a free concert in Spring Lake at Mill Point Park or in Grand Haven at the Lynne Sherwood Stadium (during the summer months).
The Grand Haven Area comes alive in the summer, recreational boating and beach visits make Grand Haven and Spring Lake two of the most popular destinations along Lake Michigan. On most summer days, the channel that cuts through downtown Grand Haven is a picture-perfect parade of boats. Many land dwellers love to bring blankets or chairs to sit along the boardwalk or on the grassy knolls to observe this peaceful activity. Bring along or rent kayaks and experience the quaint bayous of the Grand River with scenic views of waterfront living and tranquil settings that is sure make you forget about that โto-do listโ at home.
Experience the beauty of this area with a bike ride along the lake shore! There are more than 100 miles of bike paths crisscrossing the Grand Haven Area, cyclists of all skill levels can find trails to their liking. Many offer refreshing views of beachfront parks and city streets. Some wind around lakes, rivers, dunes or wilderness. Others are a true test of endurance with two-, three- and four-mile loops and distances ranging from 25 to 100 miles.
If you are looking to truly experience the area as it was so many years ago, with loads of wildlife and wooded wonderlands. Rosy Mound Natural Area is a highly wooded dune preserve with a boardwalk that winds through the woods with 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes. The park and visitor center offer plenty of hiking trails, views of Lake Michigan and the dunes, educational displays are ideal for enjoying a beautiful day in nature.
