Main Attractions

Musical Waters

This is a synchronized display of water and lights set to music. It is located on Dewey hill and can be watched from the waterfront stadium. It is supposed to be the biggest in the world. You can learn more about it at the performance. They tell a little history about it over the speakers before the show. There are nightly performances that start Memorial Day weekend and run until Labor Day. Performances are held on Friday and Saturday evenings only from Labor Day through September. Starting times vary from 8:30 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. To find out exact times visit grandhaven.org or call (616) 842-2550.

Beaches/Pier/Lighthouse

I love walking the beach on the Grand Haven state park area. You also have access to the pier with a lighthouse on it. It is beautiful to walk it. You can walk it from the beach or all the way from the downtown area. On windy days the waves really come up on the pier so be careful! Of course it is fun to get splashed but it is slippery. Usually the best place to get the high waves is at the end of the pier. I usually hold on to one of the cement structures sticking up at the end of the pier. Of course again be careful; some have been swept off during high waves. Remember to catch the sunset on the water, it is gorgeous.

Trolley

A fun thing to do is ride the trolley. It goes around Grand Haven and you can even tour Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. The drivers are college students who talk about various landmarks and add some humor!

Festivals

There are several festivals throughout the summer and fall but the highlight is the Coast Guard Festival. I have been to it several times. It is always packed in town so book your hotel rooms ahead of time. It is around the end of July through the first part of August. For 2008 it is July 25 to August 3. There is so much going on during this time. Some of the highlights are a Coast guard cutter ship, the Mackinaw, and the Biscane Bay ships. There is also a National Memorial service, a downtown carnival and parade, as well there are many music events going on at the waterfront. But there is always something to do at the festival for everyone’s budget.

Fireworks

The fireworks are spectacular. I have gone several times on the 4th of July. They shoot them off across the black river going into Lake Michigan , and you can sit in the Waterfront grandstands. And if feels like the fireworks are falling on you. It is wonderful!! Of course there are some other events leading up to the big fireworks night. When I went they put on a beautiful patriotic show in the waterfront stadium. There is usually a 5 k run that weekend as well. Then there is a fourth of July parade in Ferrysburg also. To find all the 4th events visit this page. 

Where to Stay

We have always stayed at Days INN, it is located off US 31. It is close to the downtown and the lake. It has an expanded continental breakfast included. There is also the Holiday Inn which is in Spring Lake, across the bridge, overlooking the spring Lake Marina, but still quite close. I have never stayed here but have eaten at the restaurant inside and know it is a nice hotel. Of course if you are more budget conscious there are other hotels and motels offering lesser rates. And there are several bed and breakfasts. One of the nice ones is Harbor House. I also have never stayed but have checked into it. There are also houses/cabins to rent, and even places to camp your trailers or tents. For a list of other places to stay visit this page.

Eating

• Dee-lite restaurant downtown is good, especially for breakfast. I have never eaten there for other meals.
• Jack’s Restaurant. For breakfast lunch or dinner–the fish is wonderful , and everything I’ve had has been good. Lunches run $6 and up, with dinners 10 and up. This overlooks the Spring lake Marina area. Beautiful view.
• Kirby house is wonderful! My mom and I love the hamburgers. And be sure to order the onion rings they come on a wooden peg stacked high. Also try the onion soup, it is the best! And the Wood fired pizzas are great there too I have heard!! This is casual/fine dining and runs from $4-20.
• Porto Bello is in one of the shopping centers downtown right across from Black River. This is wonderful Italian food. I would recommend everything. I have had the pizzas, and the lasagna. If you sit by the windows you can catch a glimpse looking at the Black river across the way. This is a casual dining as well. There is also outdoor seating. This runs $5-$9 for lunch and $10-$18 for dinner.

I hope this information will be helpful in your trip to Grand Haven Michigan. I hope to see you there this summer!

For further information on Grand Haven visit MyHaven.