Grand Haven is a beautiful small city situated in Michigan, more precisely on the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. It boasts some wonderful beaches, parks, and other related marine activities such as boating and fishing.
The city pays a lot of regard to its maritime tradition and is officially known as Coast Guard City, USA. Tourists like the Musical Fountain and can take time and visit other shops, bars, and eating places.
The subsequent thing to do in Grand Haven makes the town enjoyable and perfect for tourists and families.
1. See The Grand Haven Musical Fountain
Grand Haven Musical Fountain is an extraordinary display of water, light, and music. It is set up at the waterway at the bottom of the hill.
They play family-friendly music throughout the show to go along with the lights and water. Anywhere you sit, the views are fabulous. The boardwalk in the area provides many places to eat, drink, and party.
With the amphitheater on the front, marina, and pier, along with fireworks displays, this area is one of the best attractions in Grand Haven Michigan. The fountain show begins around 10 pm when it gets dark. The best thing about it is that it's free.
2. Visit The Tri-Cities Historical Museum
The museum reflects the history of the Tri-cities in Michigan (Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg) from when Native Americans lived in the area to the present day.
The museum has a well-curated mixture of displays including history and local artifacts from Grand Haven's past. The top floor begins with the ice age and features an exhibition that changes each year.
You will also find some gorgeous woodwork in mahogany from an old Victorian home along with a lumber saw. Upstairs look for exhibits of local Maritime Ice Rescue. Spend an hour or two and walk through; you will not be disappointed.
3. Stop By Grand Haven State Park
This is a beautiful state park which is located on Lake Michigan. To book a site, you must apply in January in a lottery. It is a popular space and the sites are limited.
This beachfront park offers many options from a pleasant stroll to overnight camping. People also come to admire the pier and the lighthouse. The beach has little to no trash, and no holes to fall in.
Here is a small suggestion. If you do not want to pay for parking at the park, then park up the road and walk in along the waterfront path from nearby free parking. Here are some best things to do in Lake Michigan, if you plan to stay longer.
4. Take Your Kids To Imagination Station
A nice playground with multiple climbing structures, swings, and tables/benches to sit on. The whole ground is covered in soft rubber liner and the largest structure is handicapped accessible.
The entire playground is surrounded by a fence with just one entrance and exit so kiddos don't easily wander away. There is a dune for the kids to run up and down, on the top of the huge playground.
Entry is free and it is best suited for kids below the age of 12. One can also pack lunch and set up a picnic at the plenty of available tables. It is highly recommended as a way to get kids out of the sun for a while.
5. Hike The Rosy Mound Natural Area
Rosy Mound Natural Area provides a beautiful hike to Lake Michigan. If you are willing to hike over 350 stairs each way, you can have a secluded beach with a view of the Grand Haven lighthouse.
The beach is quiet and not as crowded as city beaches. However, there is another trail with no stairs but one has to go through the woods. There are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way and has a set of vault toilets.
This is one of the most gorgeous and well-maintained trails all over in Michigan. It looks like a natural preserve with scenic overlooks. Add this to your list of Grand Haven MI things to do.
6. Enjoy At The Grand Armory Brewing Company
Grand Armory Brewing Company is a craft brewery in operation. It was established in 2015 and is situated on a property that was initially built as an armory. This brewery has 20 kinds of beers on tap cider and wine and all of the beer is brewed from quality ingredients.
The company offers a playful atmosphere with the possibility of listening to live music and eating tasty meals. They also give back to the society by endorsing the functions and cleaning services of its members.
Consumers can feel at ease and entertain themselves as they sample exotic beers and boost the upbeat image of the place.
7. Delve In Chocolate World At Patricia's Chocolate
Some of the specialties found here include ganache and caramel chocolate. They use fresh and quality materials sources without the addition of artificial preservatives or enhancers.
Patricia, the chocolatier, studies with professionals, and makes her chocolates covering them with fresh fruits, herbs, and, spices. The chocolate is well packed which makes them ideal gifts.
Customers particularly appreciate a welcoming feeling and delicious pastries adding that they consider this place as one of the top chocolate places to visit. Stopping here would be one of the pleasant Grand Haven Michigan things to do.
8. Discover The Midwest Miniatures Museum
This small museum is on the grounds of the Gilmore Car Museum. It is full of fascinating miniatures, and beautifully curated. The staff members are warmly welcoming and extremely knowledgeable about the works of art on display.
If you're in Grand Haven this is one of the must things to do in Grand Haven MI. If not and you're anywhere nearby, it's well worth a detour. The kids can do a scavenger hunt which will help them look more carefully at the exhibits.
They have a little shop right at the entrance to pick up items. There is no charge and you can access it from the road or through Gilmore Car Museum grounds. But they do accept donations.
9. Attend The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is quite a colorful one. It began in 1924 and is celebrated for ten days, beginning from late July up to early August. This festival represents the United States Coast Guard and pays tribute to those who have done this and have sacrificed their lives.
More than 350000 people visit this place annually to watch parades, and fireworks, eat, and do other things such as enjoy carnival rides and concerts. This also has a remembrance service to honor Coast Guard heroes at the event venue.
Learn more about the festival, ticket pricing, and upcoming events at the Coast Guard Festival website.
10. Savor Delicious Items At Blueberry Haven
Blueberry Haven is an adorable store situated at 213 Washington Avenue. This outlet particularly focuses on offering a range of blueberry products derived from fresh locally grown blueberries.
You can purchase chocolates that are usually covered with blueberries, blueberry salsa, and even blueberry coffee. The store operates six days a week except on Sundays.
It is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM which ensures the convenience of visiting on weekdays. Blueberry Haven also sells gift baskets and other items related to blueberries that are great for taking something home with you from West Michigan.
11. View The Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse
It lies at the entrance of the Grand River into Lake Michigan and is a red-colored lighthouse. This facility has a rather distinctive layout that looks like a small barn and is built upon a concrete pad.
Tourists can view the lighthouse fort and other structures from the Grand Haven State Park beach or through the boardwalk joining the beach with the pier. Although the lighthouse is not used for giving tours, it is visited for photography, fishing and to watch the sun setting.
This place is very convenient; you can park your car not very far and it is an excellent place for kids and tourists.
12. Bike or Stroll Around Lighthouse Connector Park
The park runs approximately 2.4 km along the rim of the Grand River from downtown Grand Haven to the Lake Michigan South Pier. It has a concrete sidewalk that is wonderful for strolling, running, and biking.
The park has provided a sitting area for people to relax and admire the natural features such as rivers and boats. There are also ice cream shops around the area which proves the fact that it is a good place to enjoy a vacation.
Also, the entire area has disabled access so that all people can enjoy their time in the park. There is limited parking space along the Harbor Drive.
13. Wine Tasting At Fox & Hen Winery
It is located on a lovely 6.5-acre facility where you can enjoy a comfortable tasting room for up to 45 people and outdoor dining. The estate winery focuses on crafting handmade wines and ciders from grapes primarily sourced in the West Michigan region.
Those who wish to taste wine can do so on Friday or Saturday between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. The environment is relaxed and approachable, ideal for people who are new to wine and even old-timers.
They also follow sustainable farming practices in the winery since they do not use chemicals on their grapes. Get in contact from the Fox and Hen Winery website.
14. Snap Pictures of Pere Marquette 1223
The Pere Marquette 1223 is a large steam locomotive situated in Grand Haven, Michigan. It is a 2-8-4 'Berkshire' type engine, which was produced in 1941. Today, it is one of only two preserved of its type which operated for the Pere Marquette Railway Company.
People can locate it at 301 N Harbor Drive near Grand River. The site also has an old boxcar and in addition to, two cabooses, essential for anyone having an interest in the rail industry or just for families on an outing.
The environment surrounding the display is picturesque; perfect for the backdrop of photos. If you're interested in steam locomotives then it's a great spot to visit and feel the rapture of the railroad history.
15. Appreciate Art At Gallery Uptown
Gallery Uptown displays the work of over thirty West Michigan award-winning artists. Art lovers can easily spot paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, and much more.
Every month the gallery opens a special exposition of new works of its artists or invited ones. It is also a great place where people can buy presents and works of art for their homes or offices.
This art venue is public, and people are free to come and appreciate the lively arts within the area. Hence, one of the fun things to do in Grand Haven Michigan. Here is a list of some best family vacation spots in Michigan.
16. Breakfast At Morning Star Cafe
Morning Star Cafe has been famous for providing tasty breakfast and lunch in Southwestern style. The cafe offers homemade specials and famous dishes such as the Mesa Benny and the stuffed French toast.
People love the good attitude of workers and the home-like environment of the place. Besides food, the cafe provides a variety of homemade desserts like chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls.
Also, people seem to like the clean coffee and other juice selections. The place is adored by the people and has been the People's Choice for its great cuisine and friendly staff.
17. Kayak or SUP on The Grand River
The Grand River is fantastic to explore for recreational activities particularly if you fancy kayaking or paddle boarding. You can rent both kayaks and paddleboards from Lake Shore Kayak Rental and Grand Kayak Adventures.
These rentals provide clean and steady equipment which can be ideal for families or groups of friends. The river affords beautiful scenery as well as an opportunity to stroll about in nature at a slow pace.
Depending on your level of experience, there are places for casual paddling for those who are starting, and for more challenging tours for the experienced ones, even for the whole day.
18. Enjoy An Evening In Downtown Grand Haven
Exploring Downtown Grand Haven makes for a very nice evening with family or friends. You can begin your evening with a wonderful dinner in one of the restaurants with a perfect view of the sea, for example, in the Snug Harbor.
There is a scenic boardwalk you can take a walk on after dinner or watch a sunset at the beach on Lake Michigan. One entertainment event, that is very much enjoyed by guests, is the Musical Fountain, a water show with the help of light accompaniment.
For more fun, you can participate in the mini-golf, shop at nearby stores, or listen to music at local bars. Also, look at these best things to do in Michigan.
