These are the can't miss places and activities during your next visit to the Grand Haven area
1. Grand Haven Lighthouse
Established in 1839, two lights on the south pier, both painted red, are connected by a lighted catwalk that also connects them to the shore and the Boardwalk. The inner light is cylindrical and the square outer light stands on a huge concrete foundation. People often enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk that borders the Grand River channel and the pier/lighthouse.
2. Grand Haven Musical Fountain
The Grand Haven Musical Fountain was built in 1962 by private dollars and is still “wowing” the crowds today. In one typical performance the fountain will process over 90,000 gallons of water with a synchronized display of water, lights and music. Enjoy this Grand Haven favorite every summer evening at dusk with special performances from May thru September.
3. Grand Haven Boardwalk
The boardwalk is 2 1/2 miles and runs along the harbor, which is lined with shops, restaurants, marinas, and charter fishing boats. While it’s a great place for a brisk walk, there are plenty of grassy knolls and benches for idlers who prefer people and boat watching. The boardwalk continues along The Grand River and travels out to Lake Michigan where you can walk the pier and take photos of the lighthouse.
4. Grand Haven Area Beaches
Enjoy gorgeous beach sand as far as the eye can see, splash in the waves, or take a book and relax in the sun. The beach is often the main attraction in Grand Haven and offers soft golden sands-so take a stroll, build a sand castle or just sit back and enjoy the view of Lake Michigan. You will want to make us your vacation destination every year.
5. Lakeshore Trolley
The Lakeshore Trolley operates every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and offers an around-town tour of Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. A great activity for the entire family!
6. Grand Haven Area Parks
Enjoy the outdoors no matter what time of year. The wide variety of experiences range from hiking towering dunes, strolling soft sand beaches to exploring trails through the dense forest land; it’s all available and much more.
7. Miles of Biking Trails
There are over 100 miles of bike paths throughout the area. Popular paths and trails run along the Lake Michigan shoreline on Lakeshore Drive between Grand Haven and Holland, circling Spring Lake, and along the Grand River to Eastmanville. Free bike route maps are available at the Visitors Bureau office.
8. Charter Fishing
Grand Haven offers one of the largest charter boat fishing fleets on Lake Michigan. The seasoned charter boat captains and their crews can provide everything from licenses to lunch-even clean and ice your catch-so all you have to do is come aboard and enjoy the day.
9. Festivals
The Grand Haven area hosts festivals and events all year long! Join us for Winterfest in January, the Annual Kite Festival in the Spring , the Coast Guard Festival in the summer, and the Hispanic Fest in the fall.
10. Downtown Grand Haven
Don’t miss visiting downtown Grand Haven with all of its historical charm, locally owned shops & eateries, and events all year long.