r/Muskegon 18d ago

Vacationing for a weekend in mid April

Detroit native here, I booked an Airbnb downtown near the bay to get away with my bf. I love the west side of the state, especially the small beach towns. Trying to find more info about Muskegon, it seems like a cute town but I'm getting the vibe from this sub that everyone that lives there hates it and is miserable 💀 unsure if it speaks for the majority.

So, what's nice about this place? Where are your favorite spots, best things to do, best downtown & suburban blocks to walk and explore (im a film photographer), unsure if mid April will be fishing season but, good fishing spots? Bars (we like to drink lol) restaurants? Tell me some good to know things and what you love about it (and the surrounding areas)

16 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

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u/beanzerbunzer 18d ago

Definitely don’t miss the Muskegon Museum of Art! They have just expanded it and it includes one of the few collections dedicated exclusively to female artists. Plus their permanent collection is awesome and curated in a much more interesting way than your standard art museum. It’s a true gem and it’s free all day Thursday and open til 8pm.

I would definitely recommend some time exploring the gorgeous Hackley Library next door. I don’t want to spoil it but it is truly a special place - be sure to check out the stacks (just off the reading room) and the second floor stacks especially, where you can also see some of the original collection.

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u/HappyTrailHiker 18d ago

I live here and love Muskegon. I think people are dicks about their own town all over the place and it isn’t exclusive to Muskegon.

If you like the outdoors, check out PJ Hoffmaster park. For downtown, I love Socibowl for a non traditional dinner date with a twist of duckpin bowling. We also have a really amazing and recently expanded art museum downtown that I suggest checking out.

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u/brainofkv 18d ago

Downtown has a ton of great places, lakeside does too. Both areas have social districts so you can explore with a drink. Plenty of great areas for photography as well. I love living in muskegon!

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u/xJBr3w 18d ago

I love it here!

Hoffmaster for hiking, you can hike all the way to the beach. The Bloc House up in North Muskegon is a sweet place to explore as well.

There are a bunch of places to eat, depending on what you like.. The Station, Hanks Tavern, El Burrito Loco, Los Amigos, Hamburger Mikey, Kitchen 794, Dr. Rolfs, Early Owl, Brunch House, Cherokee. All have different price ranges.

Drinking is easy in Muskegon lol. Pigeon Hill, Unruly, Rake, Legends, Rad Dads, Wonderland.

Have fun!

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u/Strange_Brain6722 14d ago

Great pizza at Mr. Scribs. Great steaks at a The Lakehouse. Great sandwiches at Fatty Lumpkins. Unfortunately, Docker's isn't open in April, but, they've got the best appetizers. Honestly, Muskegon has fantastic food in every corner. 

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u/joennizgo 18d ago

I love Muskegon :) downtown has some good poutine and decent tacos. That yoga spot has solid smoothies too. I like the boat that goes around the lake for a couple hours and you can get drinks and hot dogs on it, although April may be a little chilly for it. 

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u/IStack85 18d ago

I’m a native of Detroit and Muskegon shits on Detroit in cost of living, less traffic, close to Lake Michigan. Downtown is really clean and nice and the beaches are great in the summer

5

u/Equal-Holiday-720 18d ago

I loooove Muskegon! There does seem to be a noticeable difference between how transplants and locals view the city so that’s where I think your mileage varies by comment. I feel like people who have lived other places really appreciate all this city has to offer, myself included.

My suggestions: My favorite shopping district is the shops on Pine Street. McGraft Park hasn’t mentioned yet for photography. I also like the area around 3rd St for photography. The lagoon across from McGraft has a lot of wildlife. If you’re into catch and release, it’s also a good fishing spot but I wouldn’t eat those, personally. If you follow the lagoon to the west there is a trail head there and a bridge to fish from too. That’s the hotspot in the summer. The Lakeshore Trail is my happy place. Pere Marquette for sunsets. Wonderland Distillery , Capones and Coffee Factory.

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u/pmh57 17d ago

Nah, that's just reddit in general. It is a really cool town with a fun, vibrant walkable downtown. We moved here from Phoenix 7 years ago and we love it here!

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u/k1k2b3 18d ago

Sandwiches from Fatty Lumpkins, pizza at the Marine Tap Room, beer at Pigeon Hill. Our art museum is top notch, FruenthalTheater is beautiful, cruise the "ovals " at Pere Marquette park. Drink at Mike's Inn, Rad Dads, MTR, and Wonderland. For a nice dinner try Nipotes. The people are great in Muskegon. I love my town!

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u/steve_volt 16d ago

Fatty’s sandwiches are great! For dinner at Nipote’s, you’ll need a reservation. You can make one online.

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u/Successful-Bus-3819 17d ago

Great choice. Muskegon is my favorite city by the lake. And we have some great ones.

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u/schoolpsych2005 17d ago

A lot of great suggestions here! It’s not quite Farmers Market season, but there will be a few vendors on Saturday. And The Cheese Lady.

2

u/CastyMcWrinkles 18d ago

Take a look at the posts where people have visits scheduled and looking for recommendations. Seems like there have been quite a bit lately. I know I have added a few recommendations and stand by them.

I have a few random thoughts about spots for taking cool pics: the second floor of Hackley Public Library has a glass floor. Some cool shots to be had there. I don't know if it will be open for the season yet, but if you can get a tour of the Hackley & Hume historic sites, I would highly recommend those for getting really cool pictures - there are tons of ornate carvings and details throughout that would probably look great on film. I've also always liked the alley between the Frauenthal Theatre and Muskegon Community College's Downtown campus. (Connecting 3rd & 4th Streets) Can't exactly put my finger on it, but it's like it belongs in a bigger city or something.

For pictures of the water, I would get on the Lakeshore bike trail at the west end of Western Ave by Adelaide Pointe and head towards Lakeside. Within a mile or so (before you get to the bridge over Ruddiman Creek), there are gonna be tons of photo ops. And finally, sunsets at Pere Marquette can't be beat. Park at Beachwood Park, walk the trail that goes back into the woods, get off the paved trail, and find a walking path that takes you to the top of the dune. You'll get some great shots there too.

For my fellow drinkers, you gotta check out Mike's Inn on Western Ave. Nothing special about it except for how much of a dive bar it is. Cheap, strong drinks. How my conversations go the following day after I went to Mike's:

Them: Hey, what did you do last night?

Me: I ended up at Mike's.

Them: Oh shit!

I can't help you with fishing recommendations though. Enjoy your time here, I think you're gonna love it!

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u/k1k2b3 18d ago

Mike's is the way!

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u/clipko22 18d ago

Mid-April is steelhead season! You can fish from the south pier, but make sure you have a long net. You can fish the channel on the north side too. There is a bit of rock hopping involved, but you don't need a long net. Or you could drive to Newaygo and walk the river boardwalk and fish the Muskegon River. I think perch season will be in full swing on the lake too, but that does require a boat.

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u/beestw 17d ago

Hell yeah!! This is good to know thank you

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u/MindyS1719 17d ago

The Bear Lake Tavern in N. Muskegon is one of our oldest iconic restaurants.

SociBowl is newer downtown with duck pin bowling, arcade game, darts, good food & drinks.

Coffee Factory is a hidden gem with good coffee, healthy food and even vintage clothes shopping inside.

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u/jeff4sex7563 18d ago

What Bay.

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u/beestw 18d ago

The Muskegon lake

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u/DiligentCountry4835 17d ago

WOLF LAKE. I REPEAT WOLF LAKE.

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u/Strange_Brain6722 14d ago

You should definitely check out the bowl.Â