Grand Haven
Attractions

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World’s Largest Musical Fountain

The fountain in Grand Haven is an engineering marvel. It was built in 1962 by private dollars and is still “wowing” the crowds today. In one typical performance the fountain will process over 90,000 gallons of water with a synchronized display of water, lights and music. Enjoy this Grand Haven favorite every summer evening at dusk with special performances during May and September.

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Grand Haven State Park Beach

Enjoy gorgeous beach sand as far as the eye can see, splash in the waves, or take a book and relax in the sun. The beach is often the main attraction in Grand Haven and offers soft golden sands-so take a stroll, build a sand castle or just sit back and enjoy the view of Lake Michigan. You will want to make us your vacation destination every year.

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2.5 Mile Boardwalk

The boardwalk is 2 1/2 miles and runs along the harbor, which is lined with shops, restaurants, marinas, and charter fishing boats. While it’s a great place for a brisk walk, there are plenty of grassy knolls and benches for idlers who prefer people and boat watching. The boardwalk continues along The Grand River and travels out to Lake Michigan where you can walk the pier and take photos of the lighthouse. Some amazing pictures have been taken at sunset over looking the lighthouse.

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Khardomah Lodge

Nestled in a wooded dune a mere 200 yards from beautiful Lake Michigan, Khardomah Lodge has been open for public lodging since 1919, and was dedicated as a Michigan historical site in 2000. Best described as a rambling and rustic retreat, the Main Lodge invites groups of all kinds to gather and enjoy the simple serenity of days gone by.

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Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier

Established in 1839, two lights on the south pier, both painted red, are connected by a lighted catwalk that also connects them to the shore and the Boardwalk. The inner light is cylindrical and the square outer light stands on a huge concrete foundation. People often enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk that borders the Grand River channel and the pier/lighthouse.

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Trolley Tours

Harbor Transit offers public transportation services in the Grand Haven area. The Harbor Trolley operates every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and offers a narrated tour of the area. What a great way to experience some of the history and culture of the area.

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Historic Downtown Grand Haven

What fun is a visit to Grand Haven without a little shopping time? Less than a mile from the City beach, downtown Grand Haven is sure to have something for everyone. From restaurants to specialty shops, these one of a kind stores will make you shop till you drop! Not only are the stores unique, but historic architecture along Washington Avenue will take you back to a by-gone era. You can even visit the site of Grand Haven’s first post office (currently The Rosebud) which was built in 1872. If you’re looking for a year round destination that meets the needs of everyone in your family, make sure to visit downtown Grand Haven!

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Coast Guard City USA

Grand Haven is home to the United States Coast Guard’s “Group Grand Haven,” which coordinates all Lake Michigan Coast Guard activities. The first Coast Guard presence in the city was in 1932. The city hosts the annual Coast Guard Festival, which draws U.S. and Canadian vessels along with parades of bands and other activities. The yearly attendance for this event exceeds 100,000 people over the two-week period of the festival. Grand Haven is one of many cities officially designated as “Coast Guard City, USA” by an act of Congress signed by President Bill Clinton. The act was Public Law 105-383 enacted by the United States Congress and signed by the president on November 13, 1998.

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Rosy Mound Dunes and Natural Area

Rosy Mound is a classic Great Lakes dune system including high wooded dunes, foredunes, beach and a dune blowout. A 0.7 mile (one way) hiking trail from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes and scenic views of woods, the dune blowout and Lake Michigan. A unique shade canopy, dune boardwalk trail and pit toilets are located near the beach. Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Rosy Mound is open year ’round.

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Lake Michigan Charter Fishing

Grand Haven offers one of the largest charter boat fishing fleets on Lake Michigan. Experienced charter fishing boat captains have been navigating Lake Michigan for years. They guide anglers to prime waters for king and coho salmon, brown trout, lake trout, steelhead and perch. These seasoned captains and their crews can provide everything from licenses to lunch-even clean and ice your catch-so all you have to do is come aboard and enjoy the day.

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Historic Train Depot Museum

The Tri-Cities Historical Museum has two locations in the downtown retail district, one housed in the original 1870 Grand Trunk Railroad Depot, the other in the new newly renovated Akeley Building, constructed in 1871. Exhibits range from Coast Guard and maritime to Michigan geology, Native American, the fur trade, lumbering eras plus much more. Gift shop, filled with unique Great Lakes and Michigan-related items, at each location.