Summer always seems endless…until suddenly it’s not. One minute you’re saying, “We’ll get to the beach next weekend,” and the next you’re wondering where August went. Before sweaters replace swimsuits, here are 10 quintessential West Michigan experiences worth checking off your list before the season slips away.
Editor’s note: Event dates and times are current at press time. Check organizers’ websites before heading out.
1. Visit a Lighthouse
There are plenty to choose from. In fact, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the Union. Whether you stop by Holland’s iconic “Big Red,” climb the 130 steps to the top of Little Sable Point Lighthouse near Silver Lake, or catch the sunset by the Grand Haven South Pier Lights, each has its own story to tell. Several are open for tours, giving visitors a chance to step inside and imagine life as a lighthouse keeper.
2. Climb Mt. Baldhead (Saugatuck) or Old Baldy (Pentwater)
It’s not for the faint of heart—literally. If you have heart or mobility concerns, consult your doctor before taking on the climb. But if you’re up for the challenge, the hundreds of steps to the top reward you with sweeping views of the dunes, forests and Lake Michigan. Bring water, take your time and don’t forget your camera. Your legs may not thank you, but your Instagram feed probably will.
3. Have a Meal Outside
We’re not talking about a hot dog at the ballpark or a walking taco at the county fair. A real meal. Whether you choose a waterfront restaurant (our Lakes, Rivers, Decks & Docks feature is a good place to start) or save your Benjamins and eat al fresco at home, summer dinners outdoors just hit differently. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s the lack of dishes if you’re grilling, but somehow everything tastes a little better.
4. Go to an Outdoor Concert
West Michigan’s outdoor concert season is one of the best parts of summer, and there’s still plenty of music left before Labor Day. National acts continue to roll through Acrisure Amphitheater and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, but don’t overlook the free community concerts. East Grand Rapids’ Concerts in the Park continue Monday evenings at John Collins Park through August, while Ada’s popular Beers at the Bridge takes place Thursday evenings through Aug. 27 with live music, food trucks, craft beverages and family activities. Looking for something bigger? Unity Christian Music Festival wraps up Aug. 8 at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, and Breakaway Michigan transforms Belknap Park into an electronic music playground Aug. 14-15.
5. Swim in Lake Michigan
We get it. Even at its warmest, Lake Michigan usually tops out somewhere in the upper 60s. But who wants to swim in bathwater anyway? Take the plunge at Pere Marquette Beach, Holland State Park, Hoffmaster, Grand Haven or Oval Beach and consider it a badge of honor. If you’d rather ease into the experience, the Great Lakes Surf Festival returns to Pere Marquette Beach Aug. 8 with surfing demonstrations, paddleboarding, vendors, live music and plenty of people proving that yes, surfing on the Great Lakes is absolutely a thing.
6. Kayak, Canoe or Float the River
Which river, you ask? Well, there’s the Grand, the Flat, the Kalamazoo, the Rogue, the Muskegon, the Pere Marquette, the Pine, the Platte, the Betsie, the Lincoln, the Big Sable and the Au Sable… you catch my drift. (:-))
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or a lazy afternoon floating in a tube, West Michigan has you covered. Outfitters along rivers like the Pere Marquette and Muskegon rent tubes, kayaks and canoes, and many include shuttle service, making it easy to spend a few hours—or an entire day—on the water.
7. Visit a Botanical Garden
Frederik Meijer Gardens is the obvious choice, but it’s hardly the only place to stop and smell the flowers. Windmill Island Gardens in Holland is beautiful throughout the summer, and Cherry Point Farm & Market near Shelby is home to one of Michigan’s most unique lavender labyrinths. Peak lavender season runs through July into early August, but the gardens remain worth the drive long after the blooms have been harvested. And don’t overlook the pocket gardens scattered throughout many West Michigan communities—you’ve probably driven past a dozen without realizing it.
8. Take a Dune Ride
West Michigan’s sand dunes are among the most unique landscapes in the country, and one of the most fun ways to experience them is from the back of a dune buggy. Guided rides in Saugatuck and Silver Lake climb steep dunes, weave through wooded trails and offer spectacular views of the shoreline, all while experienced guides share a little history and geology along the way. It’s sightseeing with a little bounce.
9. Ride a Roller Coaster
Sure, Michigan’s Adventure isn’t Cedar Point. It doesn’t have to be. It’s been creating summer memories for West Michigan families for generations, and that’s reason enough to go. Whether you’re brave enough for Shivering Timbers or just looking to cool off at WildWater Adventure next door, there’s still time to squeeze in one more amusement park day before school starts.
10. Last but Not Least…Look Up
One of the best shows of the summer doesn’t require a ticket.
The Perseid meteor shower peaks the nights of Aug. 12-13, when under the right conditions you could see dozens of meteors every hour. Find a quiet Lake Michigan beach, an open field or a back road away from city lights, bring a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs, and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust. You can use an app like Night Sky to help identify constellations—or leave your phone in the car and simply enjoy the view. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a falling star and remember what it was like to be a kid for a few minutes.
