Nestled On Michigan's Western Coast Is A Freshwater Escape With Golden Dunes And Dockside Eats

Michigan is well known for having the longest freshwater coastline and shores on four of the five Great Lakes. And while Lake Michigan has plenty of options for affordable vacation destinations, there are even more places to play by the lakeside in the Great Lakes State. Connected to Lake Michigan by a small-boat channel, Muskegon Lake is worth the trip.

The town of Muskegon, a charming waterfront Michigan town, and its namesake lake, offer a charming escape. Cleanup efforts over the last 40 years have reduced pollution and brought the lake back to being a clean, cool paradise for people looking to beat the heat. Muskegon Lake provides the perfect getaway for boating, fishing, or exploring the dunes along the shoreline. Add in a myriad of tasty dockside dining options, and you have the recipe for an ideal lakeside vacation.

Planning a trip to Muskegon Lake is pretty simple. The nearest international airport is the Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids, about an hour southeast. A closer option is the Muskegon County Airport, a regional airport just to the south with daily flights from Chicago-O'Hare Airport. Once you land, it's an easy drive to the lake, so you can settle into vacation mode right away and start exploring all the area has to offer.

For folks who like to spend time in the great outdoors, activities abound in and around Muskegon Lake. Lots of people like to take boats out on the lake, and the many marinas, four boat launches, and several pontoon rental operators make it easy to get out on the water. You can rent a kayak or canoe to take a relaxing paddle around the lake. It's a great place to cast a line as well, with excellent opportunities to fish for walleye, bass, and bluegill, so don't forget to bring your tackle box.

Besides all the fun you can find on the water, Muskegon Lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery and golden dunes that make sticking to the shore just as rewarding. One popular area near the lake is Muskegon State Park, where visitors can explore miles of beachy shoreline and scenic trails through the sand dunes. One of the best trails in the park is the Dune Ridge Trail, which leads hikers through rolling dunes and rewards the effort with stunning views of both Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. 

To find some lakeside serenity and maybe catch a glimpse of local wildlife, take a stroll around the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve. Wander through the diverse wetland ecosystem surrounding the lake, and don't forget to stop in at the Ron Brown Education Pavilion to learn more about the area. And if you're up for exploring further down the shore, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, a magical spot with golden beaches and scenic trails, sits about 15 minutes south of Muskegon Lake.

After a day on the lake, you can take your pick of dockside eats around Muskegon Lake. If classic thin-crust pizza strikes your fancy, check out Fricano's. While the menu here is simple — just pizza and breadsticks — their pizza was voted best in the state in 2011 in a poll conducted by Pure Michigan. It's currently rated 4.2 stars on Google.

If you'd rather dig into some old-fashioned American fare, try the Lake House Waterfront Grille, rated 4.3 stars on Tripadvisor. This restaurant sits right on the marina with waterfront views, steaks and burgers, outdoor deck seating, and a full bar. For local craft beer, try out Muskegon Brewing Company. Originally established in 1876, this brewery has an array of beers on tap, making it easy to find the perfect beverage to go with your meal.

Bear Lake Tavern on the north side of the lake was established in 1929 and serves up seafaring favorites like blackened grouper and Mediterranean-style shrimp. For something a little more upscale, try the Lake Bluff Grille, part of the Muskegon Country Club. "Beautiful views from the outdoor deck overlooking Muskegon Lake," noted one reviewer on Tripadvisor. It's a unique dining experience, serving some entrees over heated volcanic rocks so diners can cook each bite perfectly to their liking. With so many lakeside dining options, it's almost too easy to find a place where you can enjoy dining with captivating views of Lake Muskegon.