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Top 10 Things to Do Near Muskegon
Muskegon is the largest city on Michigan’s west coast and a historic Great Lakes port. With a population of around 40,000, Muskegon is large enough to provide exciting restaurant and entertainment options, yet small enough to retain its community feel. Our team at Harmony Lake has done the research for you and put together a list of our favorite local restaurants and activities. Read on to discover Skeetown’s local gems and hotspots.
Top 5 Restaurants in Muskegon
Hearthstone Bistro
First opened in 1975, the Hearthstone Bistro has established itself as one of Muskegon’s most cherished fine dining restaurants. The French, Italian, and American inspired menu features a dynamic mix of entrees including braised beef bourguignon, Lake Michigan-caught whitefish, and wiener schnitzel a la Holstein, along with appetizers like escargot, mushroom fondue, and over roasted mussels. Located at 3350 Glade Street, is just fifteen minutes away from the Harmony Lake community. Hearthstone Bistro is one of Muskegon’s must-try restaurants.
Carlisle's Restaurant
Yum Yum Sushi
Sometimes the name of a restaurant has a great amount of explanatory power. This is definitely the case with Yum Yum Sushi, home of Muskegon’s best Japanese cuisine. The chefs at Yum Yum specialize in fresh sushi rolls, traditional Japanese entrees, and will even venture into Thai and Chinese dishes like pad Thai and kung pao chicken. Indeed, the menu is extensive and would take many repeat visits to fully explore. Lucky for residents of Harmony Lake, Yum Yum Sushi is only ten minutes away from the community.
El Burrito Loco
One of Muskegon’s most highly related Mexican restaurants, El Burrito Loco delivers a powerhouse menu of Mexican cuisine. Fan favorites include the street-style tacos, the sizzling fajitas, and burritos smothered in house made salsas. The chefs have also put together a wide range of combination plates so visitors can experience the bold flavors of multiple entrees like tacos, enchiladas, chalupas, and stuffed poblano peppers. Of course, the margaritas are also one of the menu’s most highlighted items. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu features flan, churros, sopapillas, and a Mexican-inspired chimi cheesecake. Vámanos!
Pints & Quarts
Opened in 2003, Pints & Quartz has become THE neighborhood bar in the Roosevelt Park area through a tasteful mix of high-end dining and craft brew culture. The bar is lined with over 40 draft beers that come directly from the Midwest’s most authentic craft breweries. They also serve an impressive list of house cocktails and mocktails that use unique combinations and fresh ingredients. Of course, the food menu is also something to write home about with highlights like the signature burger made with BBQ sauce and haystack onion, the Greek-inspired pub gyro, and the kickin’ chicken & waffles entrée. As the company motto goes, “you’re in good company” at Pints & Quarts.
Top 5 Places To Go In Muskegon
The beauty of Michigan’s coastline is on full display at Muskegon State Park, a 3-mile, 1,233-acre slice of protected land that sits beside the estuary. It features sandy beaches, rolling dunes, forested areas and designated campsites where visitors can spend an evening under the stars. The state park is also home to a year-round Olympian luge track, zip lines, cross country skiing trails, and an archery range. Another favorite is the historic blockhouse, an observation tower that provides 360° panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. Muskegon State Park and its many attractions are a must-see for locals.
The history of World War II has captivated Americans for decades— the strategy, the battles, and of course, the many heroic lives that were lost. At the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, visitors can step inside the USS Silversides, a real gato-class submarine that completed 14 war patrols and is officially credited with sinking 23 enemy ships. The museum that sits alongside the submarine will transport visitors back to the early 1940’s through a series of permanent exhibits that reveal what life was really like for the crew and their loved ones back home. The submarine is a designated National Historic Landmark.
Another stunning Lake Michigan coastal hot spot, Pere Marquette Park sits just to the south of the channel. White sandy beaches, clear water, and swimming-friendly areas, the park is known as one of the city’s most well-loved nature destinations. On top of the miles of coastline, Pere Marquette also features playgrounds, volleyball courts, and picnic areas. Other attractions include two historic lighthouses and on-site rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, and kiteboards. This is on the most pristine beaches that you’ll find on Michigan’s western coastline.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is one of the city’s most important cultural cornerstones. It houses a diverse collection of American and European art including work from legendary names such as Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, and John Steuart Curry. With over 5,000 pieces in the permanent collection, visitors are offered an intimate viewing experience inside of a curated environment with contemporary design, towering ceilings, and gallery lighting. Stay tuned in to the museum’s website for up-to-date information on current exhibits, events, and opportunities.
Located inside Muskegon State Park, the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is undoubtedly one of the city’s most unique attractions. The centerpiece of the park is an 850-foot Olympic luge track where visitors can test out their racing skills and reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. For those visitors who are interested in other activities, the park features multiple outdoor ice skating rinks, groomed cross country skiing trails, snowshoeing, sledding, and more. During the summer, the park provides an entirely different experience with zip lines, a rock-climbing wall, archery range, and hiking trails. The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is a full-time, four-season adventure right in Muskegon’s backyard.