The Top 10 things to see and do while visiting Grand Haven
1. Lighthouse/Pier
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. 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. Some amazing pictures have been taken at sunset over looking the lighthouse.
3. Beach
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.
4. The Worlds Largest Musical Fountain
The fountain in Grand Haven is an engineering marvel. It 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 during May and September.
5. Charter Fishing
Grand Haven offers one of the largest charter boat fishing fleets on Lake Michigan. Experienced charter fishing boat captains have been navigating Lake Michigan for years. They guide anglers to prime waters for king and coho salmon, brown trout, lake trout, steelhead and perch. These seasoned 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.
6. Trolley
Harbor Transit offers public transportation services in Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg. The Harbor Trolley operates every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and offers a narrated tour of the area. What a great way to experience some of the history and culture of the area.
7. Bike Paths
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. Tri Cities Historical Museums
The Tri-Cities Historical Museum has two locations in the downtown retail district, one housed in the original 1870 Grand Trunk Railroad Depot, the other in the new newly renovated Akeley Building, constructed in 1871. Exhibits range from Coast Guard and maritime to Michigan geology, Native American, the fur trade, lumbering eras plus much more. Gift shop, filled with unique Great Lakes and Michigan-related items, at each location.
9. Rosy Mound Natural Area
Rosy Mound is a classic Great Lakes dune system including high wooded dunes, foredunes, beach and a dune blowout. A 0.7 mile (one way) hiking trail from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes and scenic views of woods, the dune blowout and Lake Michigan. A unique shade canopy, dune boardwalk trail and pit toilets are located near the beach. Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rosy Mound is open year ‘round.
10. Gillette Nature Center
Bird and wildlife watching, dune exhibits, nature slide shows, guided nature hikes, winter programs, scheduled snowshoe hikes, and "hands-on" children's classroom in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park .
FYI
Lodging Locator
There are wonderful lodging options located in the Grand Haven area with over 650 rooms available. Enjoy an overnight stay at hotels, motels, bed & breakfast, vacation homes or condo units. The Grand Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau offers a comprehensive list of lodging options as well as an availability report.
Shopping & Dining
Enjoy the local flavor of the Grand Haven with great dining options that range from a burger on the beach to a fine dinging experience over looking the water. Enjoy live music at the Tiki Bar or a quite dinner with friends.
Shopping
Historic downtown shopping with a wonderful eclectic mix of locally owned boutiques and shops with something for everyone. Everything is walking distance-from the beach to downtown to charting fishing boats.
