Michigan,  Travel

10 Do Not Miss Places To See When Visiting Muskegon, Michigan

July 12, 2019 / 58 Comments
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If you looking for things to do in Muskegon, MI, do we have the list for you! The beautiful state of Michigan is home to many amazing cities and towns all along the shores of Lake Michigan, and Muskegon just so happens to be one of our favorites. It is only three hours from both Chicago and Detroit, and the Lake Express Ferry can connect you to and from Muskegon to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This list is packed with something for every member of the family!

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This Is Muskegon

Muskegon is known for its music, fine arts, festivals, museums, theaters, history, and plenty of outdoor activities. We have put together a list of some of our top things to do in Muskegon during your visit. You won’t have a hard time finding something to do for everyone in the family.

A special thank you to the following places who gave us free admission during our visit, Muskegon Museum of Art, The Lakeshore Museum Center, the Hackley & Hume Houses, the Frauenthal Center, and to the Muskegon Heritage Museum for free admission and discounted remaining tickets.

Check out this list of 35 Reason You Should Take The Ferry From Milwaukee To Muskegon TODAY!

1.) Muskegon Museum of Art

The entrance to the Muskegon Museum Of Art.

The Muskegon Museum of Art was built in 1912 and most of the collection was purchased by a bequest from Charles Hackley (More on him in a little bit!). The building itself is an incredible example of a Classical Revival building.

The view from the second floor or the Muskegon Museum Of Art.

Everywhere you turn there is beautiful artwork in all shapes and sizes such as paintings and sculptures, both large and small. They have an ever-changing exhibition calendar that allows visitors to see different art from around the world.

Illustrations from the Patricia Polacco Exhibit.
Illustrations from the Patricia Polacco Exhibit.

One of those exhibits just so happened to be from one of our favorite book authors/illustrators, Patricia Polacco. It was called “A+ for Educators” and we even got to meet her during a book signing. It was a moment my children, or I, will never forget!

The Muskegon Museum of Art was the perfect size and filled with incredible artwork. All of the employees we encountered were very friendly and knowledgeable. Make sure you stop at their gift shop on the way out. The children’s section had some amazing practical gifts such as beeswax crayons and wooden blocks.

2.) Explore The Muskegon Museum Of History & Science

The Muskegon Museum Of History & Science

Since it first opened in 1937, the Muskegon Museum Of History & Science has been immersing people in the history of Muskegon County for over 80 years. There are two levels and both are filled with multiple interactive areas such as the hands-on activities in the Science Center and Body Works.

The Science Center located inside the Lakeshore Museum Center.
Science Center
Body Works Exhibit.
Body Works
Replica of a Mastodon.

Some of their permanent exhibits go back over 400 million years to when mastodons roamed around Michigan. Get up close to a life-sized mastodon and real mastodon bones that were discovered in nearby Rothbury.

Michigan: From the Depths of Time Exhibit
Michigan: From the Depths of Time

The Lakeshore Museum Center also has a historical sites division that allows you the opportunity to get inside historical buildings and see how life was back then. You can tour five buildings such as the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, the Fire Barn Museum, and our next stop…

3.) Step Back In Time At The Hackley and Hume Homes

The exterior of the Hackley House.
Hackley House

Both Hackley & Hume were two of the most prominent families in Muskegon in the late 19th century when Muskegon was known as the “Lumber Queen of the World.”

The foyer inside the Hackley House.
Hackley House Foyer

Charles Hackley, the man who built the art museum, and Thomas Hume, were business partners, friends, and lumber barons who decided to build their homes right next to each other. These Queen Anne style Victorian homes have been recently restored to their original beauty. As amazing as they look from the outside, they are even more incredible on the inside.

The exterior of the Hume House
Hume House
The library inside the Hume House.
Hume House Library

The City Barn is just that, a barn in the city that was a shared barn between the two homes. If you drew a line right down the middle, you can see how each half of the barn is designed to match the exterior of each home.

The City Barn located between the Hackley and Hume Houses.
The City Barn

The City Barn is where your tour will begin. There is also exhibit space inside the gift shop.

The living quarters inside the City Barn.
City Barn Living Quarters

During your visit in Muskegon, you will notice the Hackley name throughout the city of Muskegon, as Mr. Hackley used a lot of his money to build things such as the public library, art museum, and many other buildings.

4.) The Muskegon Heritage Museum

The entrance to the Muskegon Heritage Museum.

Could you imagine if every place you visited had a museum dedicated to the history of that city? Muskegon just so happens to be one of those places that is lucky enough to have a museum like that.

The Muskegon Heritage Museum is devoted to all things Muskegon. What an incredible opportunity to learn what Muskegon has overcome, the people who have made it what it is today, and the products and companies that have been created there.

Vintage Bruswick Bowling Machine.

One of those companies was the Brunswick Corporation. When you hear the name Brunswick, some of you might think of bowling. But did you know that Brunswick also made billiard tables, school desks, and record players?

The Muskegon Heritage Museum is run by volunteers who are some of the friendliest, and most knowledgeable people. Make sure you get a chance to see the Corliss Valve Steam Engine, built in 1893, with a 10 foot diameter flywheel weighing 6 tons.

5.) The Frauenthal Center

If you are lucky enough to be in Muskegon when there is a show at the Frauenthal, you MUST go! You will not be disappointed!

The stage inside the Frauenthal Center.

The Frauenthal first opened in 1930 and went through a major $7.5 million dollar restoration in the mid-1990’s. If you like old buildings, this is one place you have to see in person to get a true understanding of its grandeur.

The upper balcony inside the Frauenthal Center.
Upper Balcony

During our visit, we were lucky enough to be able to see Disney Around the World symphony. This was one of those moments when I was blown away by both the symphony AND the venue.

Incredible doorway architecture inside the Frauenthal Center.

They do offer tours of the theater, so make sure to check their calendar before you go.

If you are looking for a place to stay during your visit, check out the hotel we stayed at during our trip to Muskegon. It has the most incredible pool area!

Hotels.com: $99 or Less

6.) The U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum

The U.S.S. Silversides Submarine

Step onboard and tour a piece of WWII history, at the U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum. The Silversides is a Gato-Class Submarine that is credited with sinking 23 enemy ships, the third-most of any allied WWII submarine. 

During the tour, you will go below deck to see how the crewmen lived and worked while serving our country on board the vessel.  You’ll explore the engine room, galley, sleeping quarters, torpedo storage areas and the small, shared bathroom. 

The U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum

Nearby is the military museum which is full of fascinating artifacts, models and interactive exhibits that give you a feel of what it’s like to be at the controls of a submarine.

 

Sunset view from the deck of the U.S.S. Silversides Submarine

We especially enjoyed the overnight encampment and highly recommend the experience! Everything about the overnight feels authentic and you are given special access to visit the military museum after it closes for the day.  We were even able to participate in a flag retirement ceremony at sunset. 

Don’t wait! Book your overnight encampment as soon as possible and help preserve and honor this piece of American history!

“Perhaps This Is…” Travel Tip: choose a sleeping bunk close to the stairwells at either end of the vessel.  The hatch stays open all night which allows for air circulation and easy access to the bathrooms which are located inside the military museum building.

7.) U.S.S. LST 393 Veterans Museum

U.S.S. LST 393 Veterans Museum

The moment you walk through the massive doorway and onto LST 393 you know you are in for an incredible adventure! LST 393 bravely served during the D-Day invasion and earned a battle star for her heroic efforts.

LST stands for “Landing Ship, Tank,” and these ships were responsible for delivering troops, tanks and amphibious assault vehicles to shorelines during WWII. Because of its size, the LST earned the nickname, “Large Stationary Target.”

Mess Hall located inside the U.S.S. LST 393 Veterans Museum

On board the ship you can explore the various levels and sections where the sailors lived and worked, while serving our nation. The sheer size of this vessel is almost as impressive as the stories and history of those who walked her decks.

U.S.S. LST 393 Veterans Museum artifacts.

Every inch of LST 393 is full of fascinating WWII artifacts, memorabilia, history and honor. Be prepared to spend a few hours immersed in amazement at the numerous exhibits and beautiful restoration of LST 393.

8.) A Stop At The Muskegon Farmers Market

The Muskegon Farmers Market
The Muskegon Farmers Market

The Muskegon Farmers Market has been going strong for almost 100 years. Here you will find local farmers, performers, Food Truck Rallies, a Retro Expo, and even a community kitchen, complete with cooking classes.

Beautiful farm fresh produce offerings at the Muskegon Farmers Market.
Farm fresh produce!

Make sure you stop by because there is nothing better than fresh produce grown by local farmers. Their summer season, May through November, is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Their winter season, December through April, is open on Saturday only from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Rent an RV from RVshare

9.) Hit the Beach!

Pere Marquette Beach

And last, but never least in the state of Michigan, is the beach! Muskegon is home to countless lakes (Bear Lake, Muskegon Lake, Mona Lake, and Muskegon Lake), the Muskegon River, three state parks, six county parks, and 26 miles of shoreline. There are plenty of places to take a swim or enjoy the sunset.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Beach
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

The Pere Marquette Beach was recently voted #1 Michigan Beach in a recent 10Best.com survey. Lake life doesn’t get better than this!

10.) Say Hello At The Muskegon Visitors Center

Your trip to Muskegon wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Visit Muskegon Visitors Center. The architecture of the building is simply gorgeous and inside you will find friendly faces and lots of information about many other things to see and do in Muskegon.

Visitors Center and Convention Center
610 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440

Until Next Time…

If you ever get the chance to visit Michigan, make sure you stop by Muskegon. You will be blown away by everything there is to enjoy! PERHAPS, you will discover a new family-favorite destination.

Check out some of our other adventures in Michigan:

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