P.J. Hoffmaster State Park has three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Two trails offer different ways to experience the landscape: the Dune Overlook Trail is an approximately half-mile loop with about 220 steps; the Homestead Trail is two miles long and follows a loop route to a stop at Lake Michigan. This makes it possible to compare a shorter route with steps to a longer trail with a stop by the lake.
Shoreline, Dunes and Trails
Muskegon County is in West Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The county has three state parks and 26 miles of beaches. Muskegon State Park also has three miles of shoreline, along with wooded dunes, campgrounds and several trails. At the Lost Lake Overlook, the view stretches across Lost Lake, a coastal plain marsh. The shoreline length is therefore the same as at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, while the landscape features described offer different highlights.
Duck Lake State Park combines tall dunes with old-growth forests, pine plantations and open meadows. Activities include paddling, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing on seven miles of natural-surface trails. Muskegon County also has paved trails and natural-surface singletrack for biking or hiking. The Hart-Montague Trail offers 24 miles of paved rail-trail recreation.
Another landscape highlight can be found at Mosquito Creek Trails: this 500-acre project in central Muskegon County is shaped by the wooded valley of Mosquito Creek. The approximately three-mile Faz Track is a beginner loop that opened in March 2019. This particular loop offers a distinct scale within the larger project.
Activities and Maritime History
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park brings together a range of ice and winter sports. These include a luge track, a quarter-mile ice-skating trail through the woods, ice rinks, cross-country ski trails and a family sledding area. The artificial luge track is universally accessible. Alongside luge, visitors can also enjoy ice skating and cross-country skiing as distinct activities.
The LST 393 Veterans Museum opens its historic warship to the public for guided tours. USS LST 393 is one of only two surviving Landing Ship Tanks out of the 1,051 ships of this type built during World War II. The S.S. Milwaukee Clipper also offers guided tours, themed events, educational programs and immersive historical experiences. In May 1989, it was officially designated a National Historic Landmark. As program details may change, it’s worth checking current offerings before your visit.
The Muskegon Museum of Art combines a permanent collection with changing exhibitions. The collection includes American and European paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings. Its educational program includes lectures, films, workshops, classes and gallery tours. Visitors can experience art in different ways, from exploring the collection on their own to attending events and educational programs.
Muskegon South Pierhead Light offers another glimpse of history: the 48-foot-tall iron skeletal tower was built in 1903. The lantern room affords a view. Here, the focus is on the structure, its height and the view from the tower, while the museums offer art collections and ships.
Markets and Local Cuisine
Muskegon Farmers Market features locally grown foods, flowers, nursery plants, crafts and baked goods. Its offerings range from fresh produce to handmade goods. The Muskegon Polish Festival features Polish food, live polka music, dancing and family-friendly activities. Dishes on offer include pierogi, gołąbki, kielbasa and kapusta; the menu may vary between festival editions. The Celtic Kitchen at the Michigan Irish Music Festival, meanwhile, serves bangers and mash, fish and chips, corned beef sandwiches and potato soup.
When choosing a hotel in Muskegon, it helps to start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: lakeshore scenery and trails, art, maritime history or events. If a tour or festival visit is a deciding factor, check the latest dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Norton Shores, Alcona County, Iron County, Isabella, Lenawee County, Marquette County.
For the broader travel overview: Michigan.
