Lake Harbor Park

MUSKEGON COUNTY — Marram grass gently waves in the wind as you stroll along Lake Harbor Park. This scenic dune park offers the perfect place for quiet recreation in all seasons. Read on for some ideas.

Located next to Pere Marquette Beach and on the channel leading to Mona Lake, the park features trails, dunes, a big lake, and more.

Beaches

Whether you want to relax or get active, you can do it at these beachfront and lakefront recreational areas. At Dune Harbor Park on Seminole Road, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming in the channel that connects to Mona Lake and then onto Lake Michigan. You can also sunbathe and play on the sand at Pere Marquette Beach or enjoy The Deck restaurant.

You can hike, run, or bike on paved shoulders along the streets of the city. You can also check out Whitey’s Woods at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park for hiking through towering hemlocks and white pines in the forested dune section.

For a day of fun, Craig’s Cruisers on East Pontaluna Road is a western Michigan attraction for family-friendly adventures like mini golf and go-karts. There are also arcades, dining options, and other indoor attractions. You can even try an escape room at the nearby Lakeshore Quest. They have a variety of rooms with different themes, from Mortimer’s Mansion to Balance of Power and the 1970s Room.

Hiking Trails

With a wide variety of trails, Lake Harbor Park provides outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore West Michigan’s wooded dunes and wildlife. Trails at the park range in difficulty from easy to moderate. One of the most popular trails is the Millennium Yellow Trail. This trail offers a great experience for the everyday explorer and is perfect for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

The park also features a section known as Whitey’s Woods, which contains forested dune habitat. This part of the park includes towering hemlocks and white pines and offers visitors a peaceful area for quiet recreation.

The city of Norton Shores is using American Rescue Plan Act money to build a 3-mile paved trail between Lake Harbor Park on Lake Michigan and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park on Lake Michigan. The city plans to hire an engineering consultant next year, said Norton Shores Public Works Director Jim Murphy. A portion of the trail will be along Lake Harbor Road, which runs between the two parks. Explore more!

Dunes

With miles of Lake Michigan sand dunes and an inland lake, the county’s newest park is a natural gem for outdoor enthusiasts. And if you’re not yet familiar with it, you may want to plan a visit soon.

The first phase of the new Dune Harbor Park is 214 acres located off Seminole Road and Lincoln Street, with frontage on Lake Michigan and an inland lake. The land was previously owned by Nugent Sand, and its owner, Bob Chandonnet, and his daughters Suzette Colon and Deanna donated the property to Muskegon County for use as a park after the company relocated to Ottawa Sands in Ferrysburg.

A $5 million state Natural Resources Trust Fund grant and donations from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan covered most of the purchase price. The county and Land Conservancy have submitted a recommendation for another $5 million grant to help pay for the northern portion of the park, which is expected to open in late 2022 or early 2023.

Recreation Areas

The sand, dunes, and forests of Lake Harbor Park offer visitors a variety of recreational opportunities. When you drive along the beachfront road, the smell of pine invigorates your senses and you can almost hear the waves rolling onto the shore. Each season brings a different adventure to this natural paradise. As winter arrives, days of running barefoot with warm sand between your toes give way to snowball fights and sledding.

The forested dune section of the park called Whitey’s Woods offers hiking trails through tall hemlock and white pine. This protected area is a unique habitat for endangered species, making it an ideal location for quiet recreation.

If you prefer to watch an exciting performance, visit the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, which features a spectacular light and water show that dances to popular music. There are also a variety of restaurants in Norton Shores that serve everything from laid-back bistros and cafes to international cuisine. Check our next area of interest here.

Driving directions from to PierPoint Mortgage to Lake Harbor Park

Driving directions from Lake Harbor Park to P. J. Hoffmaster State Park