There’s a sweet spot in Michigan when you can feel fall waiting just around the corner.
It’s that time in Muskegon County.
The busiest beach days of summer have eased, the evenings are beginning to cool, and there’s still plenty of time to get outside, get on the water, enjoy a meal on a patio or take one more walk along Lake Michigan. At the same time, flowers are still blooming, farmers markets are full of seasonal produce, and the first hints of fall are beginning to show along the trails.
If you’re looking for a reason to savor early fall, here are a few ways to do it in Muskegon County.
Take a Walk Along Lake Michigan
Pere Marquette Beach is an easy place to start. Parking is free after September 15th, and you can spend as much or as little time as you like along the shoreline.
Take a stroll along the channel, walk the pier and check out the Muskegon South Breakwater Light. Tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light have also been extended through September, giving you a little more time to see the historic lighthouse from the inside.
Get Out on the Water
The Aquastar continues cruises through late September, offering a chance to see Muskegon from the water and experience the shoreline from a different perspective.
For another dose of maritime history, head north to Whitehall and the White River Light Station. Tours continue through October, so you can explore the historic lighthouse and then spend some time along the White Lake waterfront.
September is also a great time for a simple waterfront stroll. You don’t need a boat to enjoy the lakes. Sometimes all you need is a little time along the shore and a sunset.
Find a New Trail to Explore
Muskegon County has no shortage of places to get outside. There are three state parks, eight county parks and five nature preserves, along with miles of trails to explore.
One newer place to put on your list is Dune Harbor County Park. The park includes two inland lakes and a stretch of Lake Michigan beach, giving you several different landscapes to explore in one stop.
At P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, stop at the remodeled Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then head out onto the trails. You can hike toward a quieter Lake Michigan beach or take the stair dune climb for elevated views of the shoreline.
It’s also a great time of year to simply choose a trail and wander. September offers that nice transition between summer and fall, with warm afternoons, cooler mornings and changing scenery beginning to appear along the way.
Make an Outdoor Evening of It
As the evenings cool down, patios and fire pits become even more appealing.
In downtown Muskegon, The Backyard at Walker’s at the Delta by Marriott offers an outdoor place to gather with friends, complete with comfortable seating and fire pits. Grab a drink, settle in and enjoy an evening downtown.
The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill is another option for an outdoor hangout. Grab a local beer and relax on the patio along the Lakeshore Bike Trail, with views toward Muskegon Lake.
In Whitehall, grab a drink from the social district and make your way to the fire pit at North Mears Plaza behind Fetch Brewing Company. The plaza overlooks White Lake, making it a particularly nice place to settle in as the evenings start to feel a little more like fall.
For dinner with a sunset, make your way to Old Channel Inn near Montague. The White Lake tradition dates back to 1930, and the menu includes lake perch, walleye, salmon and other dinner favorites. Afterward, take the short walk back to Lloyd’s Landing behind the restaurant to watch the sun set over Lake Michigan.
A fire, a meal, a drink and a view of the water makes for the perfect early fall evening.
Keep Summer Nights Going at the Drive-In
The Getty Drive-In is still showing double features on four screens through October 31, weather permitting. It’s an easy way to stretch those evenings a little longer, whether you’re making it a family night or just want a classic drive-in movie experience.
Visit a Garden While It’s Still Blooming
The Monet Garden of Muskegon is another reminder that the colors of summer aren’t finished quite yet.
The garden is still full of color through September, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone who wants to enjoy flowers and the outdoors without spending the day at the beach.
It’s also a nice change of pace from the typical lakeshore itinerary. You can pair a visit with a downtown outing, lunch or another stop
Spend a Saturday Morning at the Farmers Market
The Muskegon Farmers Market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November, making fall a good time to pick up seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods and locally made products. Grab something for a picnic, browse the artisan vendors, then keep exploring downtown Muskegon.
Photo by Becky Wilde
