The Dunes at Hoffmaster State Park: This a great place to pull up with kids and throw an anchor out on Lake Michigan. This is kind of a hot spot for boaters so its a fun atmosphere and a great place to tie up with friends. Not to mention a great place for the kids to get some energy some out. They can swim into the beach and climb the dune or just mess around throwing the football or frisbee. We usually bring a tube even if it’s just to hang out on off the back of the boat. Plus if the water is cold you can use the tube to kick yourself into shore. Best time of day to climb the dunes is morning or evening. The sand gets super hot so if you plan on making it to the top, you might want some water shoes. There is a secret trail to the left of the dunes in the woods that can help you avoid the burning hot sand if need be. You will definitely get your work out for the day but the views from the top are worth it! And the best part is running down of course 🙂
Dockers Run to Muskegon: Dockers is a great spot for lunch, dinner, cocktails, appetizers, you name it! Located on Muskegon Lake, there is a dock where you can pull up and tie off your boat. Kids love the BIG Shark and the sandy area to play while they wait for their food. If you’re looking for a good time, you can try on of their famous fish bowl drinks. Just make sure you get multiple straws to share!
The Deck at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon: The Deck is another great spot to stop and grab a bite to eat or listen to live music over cocktails. FYI, there is no place to dock, you just have to throw an anchor and wade in. So you might want to have a bathing suit on and potentially bring some towels and cover ups in a. dry bag. Kids love the icee machine and fun drinks offered at The Deck. They are known for having HUGE portions, so you might want to order a couple things and share. Dog friendly!
Smiths Bayou on Spring Lake: Smiths is the very first bayou on your left as you enter Spring Lake from the Grand River. Its just a fun place to tie up with friends, have a drink, and chill out! Smiths Bayou is home to the epic Floatilla Fest every summer. Family friendly for the most part but definitely a Party Spot on the weekends. If the Big Lake is gnarly this may be a good option.
Mona Lake: Mona Lake is on your way to Muskegon. We like to go to Mona Lake because its a nice place for the kids to tube. Our boat is 26.5 so we can’t go fast on Spring Lake, but we can in Mona. Beware though, entering Mona Lake can be a little tricky. Its very narrow and at times can be a little shallow. There is also a great little beach on Mona Lake with a playground.
The Seawall: Sometimes it’s fun just to dock up next to the Seawall and go explore downtown GH. You could grab dinner at Snug Harbor, ice cream at the Pump House, or a beer at Odd Side. Whatever floats your boat! The options are endless. Plus the people watching is usually at an all time high. Last season it was impossible due to how high the water level was but hopefully it will be an option again this season.
Head up the River: If you’re looking for a more peaceful ride, you can cruise up the Grand River. Sometimes it’s just a nice change of scenery especially if it’s really windy or cold out on Lake Michigan.
Cruise Spring Lake: Sometimes it’s just fun to cruise along Spring Lake and take in the sights. Lots of beautiful homes and cute cottages. You can pick out your next real estate investment or watch the kids race their sailboats from yacht club. We usually like to stop and grab sandwiches from The Sandwich shop and have a little picnic on the water. Spring Lake is not known for the cleanest water but it is definitely warmer than Lake Michigan which is sometimes all the kids care about.:) Side note: You can not pull a wake on Spring Lake if your boat is over 25ft.
The Gravel Pits: The Gravel pits are quite a ways down the Grand River so you need to carve out a good portion of your day since parts of the Grand River are slow no wake. Super family friendly spot where the water might be a little warmer. They have rope swings situated along various parts of the shore where you can beach your boat or throw an anchor and let the kids have a ball. Pack lots of snacks and drinks because like I said this is a long day and there aren’t really any places to stop along the way. You can also tube/ski back in the Gravel pits as well.
Rosy Mound: Rosy Mound is another Landmark in Grand Haven where people like to tie up and hang out and swim. Rosy Mound is south of GH so it makes for a nice place to stop and take a break if you’re powering down towards Holland or Saugatuck.
