Welcome to Muskegon, Michigan – a vibrant city located on the shores of Lake Michigan that offers an exciting and memorable Midwest weekend getaway. As someone who visits Muskegon yearly and was born and raised here, I can confidently say this city has something to offer everyone. From outdoor enthusiasts to art lovers, here’s how to spend one weekend in Muskegon, Michigan.
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Side note: The following post was written by Tonya, a local of Muskegon. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate 3-day Muskegon itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
Table of Contents
How do I get to Muskegon?
Muskegon, Michigan is easily accessible by car or air.
If you are traveling by car, Muskegon is located off Interstate 96 and US-31. Muskegon is about 40 minutes from Grand Rapids and 3 hours from Detroit.
If you prefer to fly, the nearest major airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, which is about a 40-minute drive from Muskegon. Muskegon County Airport (MKG) also has daily flights to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) via United Airlines.
While there is public transportation available, it’s not going to be as widespread as having your own car. If you don’t drive in, I’d recommend renting.
Tip! Check out the DiscoverCars search engine for the best deals on rental cars in Muskegon!
What is the best time to visit Muskegon?
The best time to visit Muskegon is during the summer months. From May through August, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing or swimming in Lake Michigan or the smaller, inland lakes
Popular summer festivals in Muskegon include Burning Foot Beer Festival, Muskegon Air Fair, and Irish Music Festival. Each of these events draws in thousands of guests to enjoy live music, food, activities, and more.
Although the winters can be a bit chilly, adventurers will love all the snow. You can ice fish, ski, ice-skate, and/or check out the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. However, the following 3-day Muskegon itinerary is best for visits between May and October!
Muskegon, MI average temperatures:
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 33/21
- Spring (March-May): 55/36
- Summer (June-August): 78/58
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 70/51
***93 inches of average annual snowfall
Where should I stay in Muskegon?
Booking.comI’d recommend finding a VRBO or similar on the beach for access to sugar-soft sand and spectacular sunsets. Or choose to stay in downtown Muskegon for walkable access to dining, theater, shopping, and festivals.
Camping is also popular during the summer and Muskegon has both state and county parks to choose from.
My Personal Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: OYO Hotel Mona Lake
- Mid-range Option: The Pidge Inn – Closest to the lakes
- Luxury Option: Shoreline Inn
- Dog-friendly Stay: Mini Cabins at Muskegon State Park
- Unique Option: Stay in a Yurt at the Muskegon State Park, near the Outdoor Sports Complex
Sample 3-Day Muskegon Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Amazing Muskegon Museums
Morning:
Muskegon is a beach town with an artistic heart. The Muskegon Museums have a lot to offer from history to art.
Start your day at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science to learn about Muskegon and Michigan’s 400 million years of history. From prehistoric to recent Muskegon logging and manufacturing history, this is a great introduction to the former lumber town.
From here you can easily walk to the Fire Barn, a history of fire fighting in the area, the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, and the Historic Hackley and Hume homes (all are open May-October).
Finally, finish up your downtown Muskegon museum tours with a stop at the Muskegon Museum of Art for an hour or two of art appreciation. It’s home to over 3,000 works from the 19th-21st centuries and you can even take a docent-led tour.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, keep going with the area museums and step aboard the SS Milwaukee Clipper. This retired steamship is the only remaining Great Lakes passenger steamer and a national historic landmark. Take an audio tour to learn about the history of this grand vessel, or relax with a guided tour through the main salons.
Then head to the Pere Marquette Beach area to the USS Silversides, a WWII submarine and naval history museum. You can board the submarine and view it from the inside!
Evening:
Since you’re at the beach, walk the piers to one of the 2 lighthouses in Musekgon.
And finish up with dinner, drinks, and live music at The Deck (seasonal hours). It’s one of my favorite locations to hang out every time I visit Muskegon.
Day 2 in Muskegon: Farmers Market, Amusement Park, and Live Music
Morning:
Start today in downtown Muskegon and pick up some fresh fruit, veggies, or hand-crafted artisan treasures and the Farmer’s Market.
Continue strolling around downtown Muskegon and visit a few more shops.
Afternoon:
After a relaxing morning, head to Michigan’s Adventure, the local amusement park offering dozens of rides, roller coasters and exhilarating water slides. A day at the park is all you need to make memories that will last a lifetime.
If amusement parks are not your thing, take this time to spend a day at one of the many beaches. Choose from Pere Marquette, Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon State Park, or Duck Lake.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner in downtown Muskegon with renowned restaurants like 18th Amendment Spirits Co. serving up unique gastropub cuisine.
Then top off your evening with a show at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts or a movie at one of the state’s last remaining drive-ins, the Getty 4.
Day 3 in Muskegon:
Morning:
Today is a day for adventure or rest, you choose.
The outdoor adventures in Muskegon start at the Muskegon Sports Complex where you can zip line, hike, and shoot arrows on their archery field. The best is the luge track that is outfitted to operate on wheels instead of ice during the summer. It’s like a roller coaster with no seat belts!
Afternoon:
If there’s a festival in town (and during the summer, there’s almost always a festival around Muskegon), pop over and enjoy beer tents, food trucks, live music, and plenty of fun. Check Visit Muskegon’s site for a list of festivals and community events.
Alternative: If no festivals are occurring, head to one of Muskegon’s beaches for a beach day! Pere Marquette, Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon State Park, or Duck Lake are all great options.
Evening:
End your day in Muskegon by taking a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan aboard one of the many cruises offered out of the Port of Muskegon.
You may also like: One Weekend in Ann Arbor, MI
Other things to do in Muskegon:
Winter can also be a lot of fun in Muskegon. Visit the Muskegon Sports Complex for ice skating, cross-country skiing, snow-showing, sledding, and even an ice skating trail through the woods.
If you do have more time during your summer weekend in Musekgon, check out some more things to do below!
- Bike along the Lakeshore Trail
- Tour the Monet Garden
- Go Antiquing
- Hike at the Anderson Woods Nature Preserve
Other Tips to know before visiting Muskegon:
- Be sure to dress for the weather, as Muskegon can experience temperatures ranging from very warm to very cold.
- Mosquitos can also be a problem in the summer months, so bring insect repellent if you plan to spend time outdoors.
- If you are visiting during the winter season, make sure to wear layers and hats, and gloves to stay warm. (WoolX are my FAVORITE Merino Wool base layers!!)
- You may want to bring a few snacks or picnic gear if you plan on spending time at the beach.
- Finally, don’t forget your sunscreen! It is important to protect yourself from the sun’s rays even during cooler temperatures.
3-day Muskegon Itinerary Map
One Weekend in Muskegon Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Muskegon that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Muskegon itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Muskegon!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend on the Muskegon” Itinerary?!
Author’s Bio:
Tonya Denmark grew up in Muskegon Michigan and returns every summer to visit her favorite beaches. You can find her at Detail Oriented Traveler where she shares tips on traveling with teenagers and expert travel planning.
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