Soak Up the Sun at Pere Marquette Park
Sugar sand beaches and crystal clear water as far as the eye can see. It's no wonder that Pere Marquette Park is one of Muskegon's top summertime destinations. Located at the northern end of the city's Lake Michigan waterfront, Pere Marquette Park is just south of the Muskegon Channel and less than a mile from the The Pidge Inn. Named for a French Jesuit missionary who founded Michigan's first European settlement, the park is the place to soak up the sun, try out new watersports, take in a festival, or simply enjoy the magnificent views.
Pere Marquette Park is a summer playground for visitors and residents alike. Plenty of people head to the park to splash in the waves or sunbath on the beach, but this is also a popular spot for sand volleyball, kayaking, paddleboarding and kiteboarding. MACkite, at the south end of the park, offers lessons to anyone interested in kiteboarding.
On August 13, the Great Lakes Surf Festival comes to Pere Marquette – where paddleboarders, surfers, kiteboarders, windsurfers, kayakers, yogis and artists converge on the beach for a fun-filled day of watersports. It's a great festival for novices, too, as there will be numerous workshops, free lessons and product demos to introduce you to the sport of your choice. Another festival hosted at Pere Marquette Park is the Burning Foot Beer Festival. On August 27, Muskegon's craft beer festival hits the park for a celebration of beer, beach, art and music. It's the perfect bash to cap off the summer. Pere Marquette also hosts volleyball tournaments throughout the summer and fall.
While enjoying your time at Pere Marquette Park, be sure to walk down to the Muskegon South Pierhead to watch boats coming and going through the channel and witness the most amazing sunsets over Lake Michigan. At the end of the pier you'll find a red, ironclad lighthouse that was built in 1931. You can schedule a tour that allows you to climb inside the historic pyramidal tower. After your lighthouse tour, grab a bite to eat at The Deck, a casual BBQ joint with a lively beachfront patio. There's even seating right on the beach that includes fun games and live music.
Pere Marquette Park
1631 Beach St.
Muskegon, MI 49441
