West Michigan Pike
Attractions

You can experience Michigan’s history and heritage as well as the natural beauty and elegance of the landscape in South Haven. The Michigan Maritime Museum takes you on a tour of the nautical past with historic replicas and detailed showpieces. The Michigan Flywheelers Museum highlights Michigan’s agricultural roots, showcasing antique tractors and farm history. At the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum and National Historic Site, you can learn about horticulture, and how many of Michigan’s plants, trees, and crops are cultivated, named and researched. Take this information with you on the Kal-Haven trail, a 34-mile trail from South Haven to Kalamazoo. Or, drop in a kayak on the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail and take a closer look at the endless varieties of trees, flowers, plants, and all types of wildlife.

Saugatuck/Douglas is known for its award-winning beaches as well as its flourishing artistic community. Home to Oval Beach, one of the most famous and magnificent beaches in Michigan, Saugatuck and Douglas’s beauty extends far beyond the shoreline. This area is also home to the Ox-Bow School of Art, where many talented painters, sculpture artists, sketch artists, photographers and many more have honed their crafts. In the downtown areas you can see many of these artists’ works, often inspired by the nautical history and compelling landscapes throughout Saugatuck/Douglas. You can also uncover the rich history of this area at historical attractions like the Root Beer Barrel, Saugatuck Chain Ferry, Mt. Baldhead Park, Star of Saugatuck and the History Center, one of the best known and most-visited small town museums in the state.

St. Joseph has attractions and activities for all types of visitors with any interests or passions. With wide open acres of parklands on the lakeshore, you can find the ideal place to camp, hike, swim, sunbath and satisfy your love of the outdoors. If you’re looking for indoor activities, St. Joseph brings you a range of options, including the Maker’s Trail to thrill your tastebuds, the Benton Harbor Arts District to bring art to your heart and your soul, and the Silver Beach Center, with six fun attractions perfect for families. Visit the U-Pick Farms and Farm Market to choose from over 60 pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, including all types of Michigan’s favorite cherries, apples, blueberries and much more.

The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are among the most famous natural wonders in Michigan. As one of the widest expanses of dune habitat, this area is truly unique, not only in Michigan, but across the nation. When you climb the towering sand dunes on the edge of Lake Michigan, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a completely new, and unexplored frontier. At the top of the dunes you can take in the full horizon and enjoy the magic of the lake and the sun. This isn’t the only picturesque location, either; climb to the top of Little Sable Point Lighthouse for a view of the lake unlike any other. Once you’ve witnessed the lakeshore vista, head inland to take a trip on the 22 mile long trail from Hart to Montague, and go deep into Michigan’s beloved forests.

Muskegon combines art, history, culture, nature and adventure across a wide range of fascinating attractions. To learn more about Michigan’s rich nautical history, bygone eras, and the heroic, turbulent times that have helped to make Michigan shine, visit one of Muskegon’s many museums, including the Fire Barn Museum, Hackley & Hume Historic Site, Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon Heritage Museum, Submarine Museum or the Veteran’s Museum. To add some color and vibrancy to your life, visit the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts or the Muskegon Museum of Art. For outdoor adventure or a relaxing afternoon with a book, visit one of Muskegon’s many sunny beaches and parks. For family fun and thrills, ride a roller-coaster or slip down a water slide at Michigan’s Adventure amusement park and water park.

Grand Haven is known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking sights, as well as its interesting history and exciting activities. If you’re looking for scenic photo spots, you’ll find a number of unique attractions to create magical and memorable mementoes of your vacation. The 2.5 mile beachside boardwalk and pier create the perfect backdrop for your postcard-worthy photo, especially at sunset and sunrise, with sailboats drifting across the colorful horizon. Visit the world’s largest musical fountain in the evening to see the dancing waters light up in brilliant color. Take a trolley tour through the historic downtown district, take a fishing tour, or visit the Tri-Cities Historical Museum to learn more about Grand Haven as it is and as it once was.

Holland is known for its rich Dutch heritage and history, as well as its beautiful scenery. Visitors flock to Holland during the spring Tulip Time Festival to see these vibrant and symbolic flowers bloom. The Windmill Island Gardens are open throughout the spring and summer, with talented landscapers and gardeners creating beautiful displays throughout the seasons. In addition to the colorful gardens, you can also take a walk through history; tour the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the US, the DeZwann, over 250 year old, take a ride on the hand-painted Dutch carousel and listen to the antique, Amsterdam street organ. The museums, shops and galleries across Holland are filled with history and culture, as well as natural beauty.