Lakeshore Community: Grand Haven

Armory 2 Art Studio

Armory 2 Art Studio offers art classes and workshops for every age and ability. 1113 Washington Ave.

Central Park Players      

The Central Park Players is a community theatre organization presenting four main season shows and a family theatre musical each year at Central Park Place. A day camp for ages 5-13 is offered in the summer. 421 Columbus Ave.

DeWitt School House

Built in 1891, DeWitt School House typifies the one-room schools of that era. Classes for grades one through eight were held here until 1959. The building has been fully restored to its original character, complete with old lunch pails and a wood stove. Open select days for tours. 17716 Taft St.

Escanaba Park

Owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and leased to the city of Grand Haven, Escanaba Memorial Park commemorates the World War II loss of the Coast Guard Cutter named the Escanaba, which was based in Grand Haven from 1932-1942, and its 101 crewmen. South Harbor Drive.

Gallery Uptown

The oldest artist-operated gallery in Michigan, Gallery Uptown features original works by West Michigan artists across a variety of media. 201 Washington Ave.

Midwest Miniatures Museum

The Midwest Miniature Museum explores the world of small-scale recreation by showcasing fine-quality miniatures, including dolls, dollhouses, scale-model buildings, room-boxes and more. The Museum is located in the 1899 Robinson House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. 20 S 5^th St.

Pere Marquette 1223

The Pere Marquette #1223 is a steam locomotive originally constructed in 1940 for the Pere Marquette Railway, which had tracks in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and the Canadian province of Ontario. The 1223 and a restored boxcar and a caboose are on permanent display at the site of the former Grand Trunk Western railyard. 301 N Harbor Dr.

Tri-Cities Historical Museum

The Tri-Cities Historical Museum invites visitors to travel through time via local artifacts, displays and educations programs. Thirteen permanent exhibits and rotating special exhibitions take visitors from the geologic era through the present. Free admission. 200 Washington Ave.

Family fun begins at the beach in Grand Haven. Grand Haven State Park (10001 S Harbor Dr.) was named one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure in 2024. The 48-acre park boasts a half-mile of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, along with a fishing pier, historic lighthouse, and campground, all within walking distance of downtown Grand Haven. You can park at the beach for free if you are a Michigan resident with a MI Recreation Passport. Non-residents can pay a daily or annual fee.

Grand Haven State Park is less than half a mile from Grand Haven City Beach (South Harbor Drive), a sandy swimming beach that tends to be less crowded than the State Park. Limited free parking is available, but you can park elsewhere and take the Beach Express bus to the destination.

Fodor’s Travel named North Beach Park (18775 North Shore Dr.) in Ferrysburg one of the Best Beaches in the U.S. That is Nowhere Near the Ocean. The seven-acre park includes a swimming beach, beach walkway, and dune stairs with a deck offering scenic Lake Michigan views. Parking fees are collected from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at North Beach Park as well as at Kirk Park (9791 Lakeshore Ave.), Kouw Park (5599 Lakeshore Ave), Olive Shores (8555 Olive Shore Ave), Rosy Mound Natural Area (13925 Lakeshore Ave) and Windsnest Park (7905 Margaret Ave). Each of them offers swimming beaches and other amenities. Be aware that Rosy Mound features a 0.7-mile hiking trail through forested dunes and 1,000 feet of stairs down to the beach.

Other area beaches include small and secluded Buchanan Beach (17699 Buchanan St) and Lakeside Beach (15963 Beach Dr) in Ferrysburg.

Additional family fun spots:

Crossroads Blueberry Farm and Market (14500 Lake Michigan Dr) and Rendeers Blueberry Farms (9981 West Olive Rd) offer u-pick blueberries during the summer, plus markets stocked with fresh-picked blueberries and other local fruits, baked goods, souvenirs and more.

Bethke Farms Pumpkin Patch (12124 136h Ave) and Chittenden Farms (15925 138^th Ave) specialize in fall family fun, with pumpkin patches, hayrides and other seasonal activities.

Chinook Pier Mini Golf, within walking distance of downtown Grand Haven, is an 18-hole course open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 301 N Harbor Dr.

The GQT Grand Haven 9 Movie Theater offers movies, munchies and memories, with nine screens boasting all-digital projection and rocker seats. 17220 Hayes St.

Grand Fun! is an arcade with video games, mini-bowling and delicious food and beverages. 1051 Jackson St.

Grand Haven Escape Room challenges participants to solve puzzles and escape from themed rooms (Alien Encounter, Barbershop Murder Mystery and Prison Break) in 60 minutes or less. 1051 Jackson St.

The Grand Haven Splash Pad, just steps from the city boardwalk, offers kids a chance to cool off in the summer months. 101 N Harbor Dr.

The Imagination Station is a huge, fenced-in playground with many unique structures and equipment that reflect local landmarks and details. The playground is accessible, with ramps instead of stairs, and the play surface is soft rubber. Free admission. 1 Y Drive.

The Lakeshore Trolley is a great way to get around town and see the sights – it’s just $1.50 for adults, $0.75 for kids and free for children under 4 years old. Runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Loutit District Library (407 Columbus Ave) and the Spring Lake District Library (123 E Exchange St) offer classes and programs for all ages as well as thousands of books and other amenities.

Grand Haven and the Tri-Cities are home to more than 100+ locally owned and national chain restaurants for every taste and budget. Here are some of our favorites:

Craft Beverages:

Grand Haven, like all of West Michigan, enjoys a sterling reputation for crafting fine beverages. Burzurk Brewing Co. (1442 Washington Ave), Grand Armory Brewing (17 S 2^nd St), Odd Side Ales (41 Washington Ave) and Off The Chain Brewstillery (1434 Colfax Ave) serve up a diverse selection of beers and other adult beverages. Long Road Distillers Tasting Room (18 Washington Ave) offers a lineup of award-winning made-in-Grand Rapids spirits and New Holland Distilling Tasting Room (24 Washington Ave) brings made-in-Holland spirits to the lobby of the historic Grand Haven Theatre. Wine lovers flock to 12 Corners Vineyards Tasting Room (41 Washington Ave), featuring wines made along the Lake Michigan shore in Benton Harbor, 90 minutes from Grand Haven.

Waterfront Dining:

Beachside eatery Noto’s at the Bil-Mar (1223 South Harbor Dr) specializes in steak, seafood and sunset views over Lake Michigan. Snug Harbor (31 South Harbor Dr) offers upper and lower outdoor patio decks along the Grand River channel into Lake Michigan, from which you can enjoy lunch, dinner and handcrafted cocktails. Both the historic Kirby House (2 Washington Ave), which includes a grill, pizzeria and fine dining establishment, and casual eatery Butch’s Beach Burritos (726 S Harbor Dr) are located across the street from the channel.

Local Legends:

Pronto Pup (313 S Harbor) is a cash-only corn dog stand on the Grand Haven Boardwalk, open seasonally since 1947. Fricano’s (1400 Fulton St) was Michigan’s first pizza tavern, established in 1949 and still going strong with its beloved thin-crust pizza. Ray’s (20 N Beacon Blvd) is a drive in-style burger joint first opened in 1960. Tip-A-Few Tavern (10 Franklin Ave) is a laid-back sports bar established in 1976 and known for its “world-famous” wet burrito. Italian restaurant Porto Bello (41 Washington Ave) has been operating in the historic Story & Clark Piano Factory building since 1991.

Downtown Destinations:

Many of the restaurants highlighted above are located in walkable downtown Grand Haven, a mixed commercial and residential historic district adjacent to the waterfront. Other downtown dining options include (but are not limited to):

• Aldea Coffee (117 Washington Ave), Jumpin’ Java (215 Washington Ave) and Side Bar Artisan Coffee (41 Washington Ave) for coffee and light fare.
• Anna’s House (24 Washington Ave) and Morning Star Café (711 Washington Ave) for a delectable breakfast and lunch. 
• Arturo’s Tacos (305 N Beacon Blvd), Righteous Cuisine (211 N 7^th St) and Lombardo’s 7^th Street Pizza (207 N 7^th St) for international cuisine.
• The Blue Porch Bar & Grill (21 N Beacon Blvd), Lucy’s (133 Columbus Ave) and JW’s Food & Spirits (6 N 7^th St) for American fare and adult beverages. 
• Captain Custard (211 S Harbor Dr), Norm’s Dairy Crème (1 N Harbor Dr), Dairy Treat (218 S Harbor Dr), The Pump House (20 N Harbor Dr) and Temptations (1 Harbor Dr) for frozen treats.

Grand Haven Social District:

Visitors 21+ can purchase an alcoholic beverage from participating downtown businesses and stroll around the social district boundaries with them.

The Dragon and The Mermaid

Located in the backyard of The Unicorn Tavern, The Dragon & The Mermaid presents DJs, live music, movie nights and more during warm-weather months.

Grand Haven Musical Fountain

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized display of water and lights that has been entertaining audiences since 1962. Each 25-30 minute show is free and plays nightly at dark from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as Fridays and Saturdays in May and September. Bring folding chairs or sit on the grass in Lynn Sherwood Waterfront Stadium to view the show. 1 N Harbor Dr.

The Kirby House

The Kirby House, located in a historic former hotel, hosts several live music performances each week, on its main stage and, when weather allows, its lakeview deck. 2 Washington Ave.

Lucy’s  

Lucy’s is a full-service restaurant known for its delectable food, full bar, outdoor seating and regular live music schedule. 133 Columbus Ave.

Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium

Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium hosts a variety of community events through the year, from summer Music on the Grand and Free Fridays concert series to the city’s annual Pride Festival, waterfront worship services, chili cook-offs and more. 1 N Harbor Dr.

Off The Chain Brewstillery

Downtown GH’s Off the Chain Brewstillery offers several live music performances each week. 1434 Colfax Ave.

Biking:

Pedal the Idema Explorers Trail from Grand Haven to Grand Rapids, the Lakeshore Trail from Grand Haven State Park to Holland State Park and the Lakeside Trail from Grand Haven State Park to Spring Lake. The Bass River Recreational Trail and Hofma Park (15581 Ferris St) are great for mountain biking. You can rent bikes at Lakeshore Kayak Rental (15348 Cleveland St) and MI Bike Tours.

Boating:

Get out on the water with Crystal Blue Cruises (616-345-0555), Lakeshore Luxury Cruise (616-510-9303) or Grand Kayak Adventures (231-402-0820). Rent pontoons and jet-skis from Grand Haven Boat Rental (1211 Jackson St) or kayaks, canoes and paddleboards from Lakeshore Kayak Rental (15348 Cleveland St).

Camping:

Set up your site at Eastpointe RV Resort (200 N Beechtree St), Grand Haven State Park Campground (1001 S Harbor Dr), Highway to Haven Campground (800 Robbins Rd), Grand Haven RV Resort (10990 US Highway 31 N) or Pigeon Creek Group Camp Area (12524 Stanton St).

Golfing:

American Dunes Golf Club (17000 Lincoln St) is a spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed course that raises funds and awareness for Folds of Honor, which serves the families of fallen and disabled veterans. Pigeon Creek Golf Course (10195 120^th Ave W) is a beautiful course offering four different tees for all levels of golfers.

Hiking:

See and hike through sand dunes and forests at Coast Guard Park (18161 N Shore Rd), DePersia South Highlands Nature Preserve (14517 DePersia), Kirk Park (9791 Lakeshore Dr W), Kitchel Lindquist Hartger Dunes Preserve (20001 Berwyck St), Mulligan’s Hollow Park (600 Y Dr), North Beach Park (18775 North Shore Dr), North Ottawa Dunes (18201 North Shore Dr) and Rosy Mound Natural Area (13925 Lakeshore Dr).

Other outdoor experiences include:

• Grand Haven Skatepark, a 13,000-sq. ft. all-cement outdoor facility made for boards, blades and bikes. 16 Sherman Ave.
• Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl, a family-friendly ski hill situated among dunes, featuring six slopes, five rope tows and night skiing. 600 Y Dr.
• Pottwawattomie Park, offering trails, a boardwalk, a floating fishing/viewing platform, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, picnic shelters and restrooms. 15600 Comstock St.
• Riverside Park, featuring nearly one mile of Grand River footage, a barrier-free fishing dock, a grassy picnic area and a boat launch (fee required). 10317 Cedar Dr.
• Tanglefoot Park, a community space with a splash pad, fishing pier, accessible kayak launch, self-service kayak rental and more. 312 W Exchange St.

There’s great shopping all over Grand Haven. We’re focusing here on the city’s walkable downtown:

Antiques

Antiques on Seventh is a fun place to browse antiques, art, gifts, jewelry, furniture and more. 109 7^th St.

Vintage Green Antiques showcases a handpicked collection of vintage furniture and decorative pieces. 7 N 7^th St.

Books & Media

Book Cellar is a family-operated shop featuring a mix of new and used, signed and rare books. 8 N 7^th St.

The Bookman is an independent bookstore stocked with great books, magazines and newspapers. 715 W Washington St.

Hostetter’s News Agency is a small and quirky shop offering magazines as well as a selection of cigars and tobacco. 135 Washington Ave.

Clothing

Alegria Boutique is a European-inspired boutique featuring women’s clothing and accessories. 116 Washington Ave.

Barefoot Dave’s at the Beach is a laid-back store stocked with a large selection of t-shirts, hoodies and more. 104 Washington Ave.

Borr’s Shoes & Accessories carries a wide variety of brands and styles for men and women. 214 Washington Ave.

Fashion Forward Consignments offers higher-end clothing and accessories for men and women at affordable prices. 714 Columbus Ave.

Glik’s is a family-owned Midwest chain focused on clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. 210 Washington Ave.

Grand Haven Beach Co. is a “beach boutique” offering apparel, gear, gifts and décor. 1 N Harbor Dr.

Jean Marie’s offers fun, affordable women’s fashions in sizes XS-3XL, plus gifts and accessories. 212 Washington Ave.

Lark offers brand-name women’s clothing, jewelry, unique gifts, stylish home décor and accessories. 220 Washington Ave.

Lee & Birch provides a personalized shopping experience to complement its quality women’s clothing, accessories and beauty items. 128 Washington Ave.

Lemongrass Life + Style is a destination boutique for women’s apparel, home décor, gifts and more. 218 Washington Ave.

Marushka has offered distinctive, handprinted clothing and accessories for men, women and kids since 1971. 121 Washington Ave.

Peace Frogs is a seasonal clothing store selling t-shirts, jewelry, souvenirs and more. 1 N Harbor Dr.

Pink Lemonade is a family-owned boutique filled with cute things for children, home and her. 14 Washington Ave.

TENDEN offers menswear and accessories handcrafted right here in Grand Haven. 19 N 7^th St.

That Hat has been Grand Haven’s go-to source for men’s and women’s hats for 40+ years. 109 Washington Ave.

Food & Drink

Blueberry Haven sells blueberry coffee, jams, snacks, sweets and gifts. 213 Washington Ave.

Fortino’s is a 100+ year-old gourmet grocery store filled with nuts, candies, wine and more. 114 Washington Ave.

Grand Haven Vinegar & Oil carries gourmet vinegars, oils and other specialty products. 115 Washington Ave.

Health Hutt is a health food store carrying vitamins, supplements and organic groceries. 700 Washington Ave.

J-Dub's Market & Wine Shop carries a premium selection of global wines, craft beers and local delights. 705 Washington Ave.

Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop also sells fudge, caramel apples, caramel corn and other sweet treats. 101 Washington Ave.

Patricia’s Chocolates offers a wide variety of artisan chocolates, ganache and caramels, crafted right here. 126 Washington Ave.

Gifts & Home Décor

Calico Cat is a gift shop specializing in transitional, beach and cottage décor. 10 Washington Ave.

Green Dragonfly Studio is an arts & crafts store specializing in fiber arts. 712 Columbus Ave.

Haven and Main is a git boutique showcasing handmade goods from 80+ Michigan makers. 107 Washington Ave.

Gallery Uptown showcases original works by West Michigan artists across a variety of media. 201 Washington Ave.

Garsnett Beacon Candle Co. offers a wide selection of candles and wax melts along with create-your-own candle experiences. 129 Washington Ave.

Honeybee is a gift and clothing boutique dedicated to empowering and uplifting women. 209 Washington Ave.

Mirthy strives to create happiness with crystals, natural-fiber apparel, plants and more. 205 Washington Ave.

SilverFire Gallery & Gifts features a curated collection of artisan gifts, home décor, jewelry, crystals, candles and more. 124 Washington Ave.

The Hare and the Hive is a small mercantile carrying vintage, found and curated goods – personal items, gifts, home décor and more. 132 Washington Ave.

The Paper Place offers an extensive selection of stationery, greeting cards, party goods, journals, puzzles, gifts and more. 118 Washington Ave.

Tlaquepaque presents a unique collection of imported Mexican art and garden art.. 111 Washington Ave.

Jewelry

Gem Source Fine Jewelry features ready-to-wear and custom designs, along with repair and appraisal services. 124 Washington Ave.

J. Morgan Ltd. Fine Jewelers offers a wide selection of fine jewelry and watches, including custom designs. 119 Washington Ave.

Peg Head offers fine jewelry, vintage jewelry, and handcrafted and custom pieces. 205 Washington Ave.

Studio JSD offers jewelry-making classes, tools and supplies, custom jewelry design and a gallery featuring the work of 30+ local artists. 219 N 7^th St, Suite 4.

Sporting Goods

Buffalo Bob’s sells snowboards, skateboards, skimboards, clothing and accessories. 136 Washington Ave.

MACkite sells kites, kiteboarding products, waterwear, toys, games, gifts and more. 16881 Hayes St.

Overtime Sports is a consignment store offering a wide variety of gently used clothing and gear for all kinds of sports. 5 N 7^th St.

Rock n Road Cycle has offered new and used bikes, repairs and servicing since 1985. 100 N 7^th St.

Surf Shop carries surfboards, skateboards, beachwear and apparel. 16 Washington Ave.

Miscellaneous

Guitar Haven offers guitars and other instruments, as well as lessons and repairs. 17 N 17^th St.

Must Love Dogs provides unique, high-quality food, treats, clothes and other goodies for dogs and cats. 106 Washington Ave.

Winterfest

Held the last weekend of January, since 1976 Grand Haven’s annual Winterfest offers indoor and outdoor activities for all ages – cardboard sled races, snow angel contests, snow volleyball, euchre and more.

Kite Festival

The beach at Grand Haven State Park fills with colorful kites of all types and sizes for the annual Kite Festival. Featuring stunt kite fliers, mammoth kites, new kites for test flying and more. May.

Grand Haven Art Festival

The Grand Haven Art Festival invites nearly 80 artists from across the country to transform Washington Ave. into an outdoor art gallery for three days each June.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

The Coast Guard Festival is the city’s largest annual event, featuring parades, fireworks, a carnival, car show, craft fair and more. Founded in 1924, this 10-day event starts the last weekend in July.

Walk the Beat

Walk the Beat is a free, one-day street music festival that showcases nearly 50 musical acts at dozens of stores, businesses and “venues” on Grand Haven’s East Side. Fans stroll South Beechtree Street to experience a wide variety of music and vote for their favorite bands. Every August.

Jingle Bell Parade

The annual Jingle Bell parade in downtown Grand Haven leads up to the lighting of the Christmas tree in Central Park. December.