Best things to do in Grand Haven

More like an inland sea than a lake, Lake Michigan boasts a shoreline 2,600 km (1,600 mi) long, making it the fifth largest lake in the world. Nearly 12 million people live along the lake's shores, most of them in the metropolitan areas of Chicago and Milwaukee. You can explore a seemingly endless network of beaches, orchards, historical sites, award-wining wineries, parks, camping areas, and recreational resorts located along the shoreline, or choose to see the giant lake from the comfort of a traditional schooner or modern tour boat. For an urban experience on the lake, explore Chicago's 15 beachfront areas and marinas.

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized display of water and lights in Grand Haven, Michigan located on Dewey Hill on the north shore of the Grand River, not far from the Grand's mouth at Lake Michigan and Grand Haven State Park. Shows run nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekend shows run during the months of May and September. Shows begin at dark and run 25 to 30 minutes.

The fountain was the brainchild of Dr. William “Bill” Creason, a longtime resident, dentist, and former mayor of Grand Haven. He was a timeless visionary who saw the potential in the beautification of the Grand Haven waterfront. The fountain was modeled after a Przystawic musical fountain show which Bill saw in Germany while providing dentistry for the US Navy after World War II.

Many themes are used in the fountain's performances. The fountain's narration takes on personas ranging from a 12-year-old girl to a grown man. A Patriotic themed program runs each July 4 along with fireworks and, in August, a program saluting the United States Coast Guard runs yearly during the Coast Guard Festival; in 2011 a special introduction and closing song were introduced honoring the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The special introduction and closing featured music performed by the USCG Band. Fountain viewing, not including July 4 or the festival, is estimated at around 10,000 annually.

The Pere Marquette 1223 is a steam locomotive on permanent display in Grand Haven, Michigan. She is one of two surviving Pere Marquette 2-8-4 (Berkshire) engines. No parts from 1223 were used to restore sister engine 1225 to operating condition, due to the objections of the Michigan Railroad Club, then unofficial custodians of the engine. The MSU Railroad Club did hold some successful fundraising events at the 1223 during the State Fair. That money was used in the restoration of the 1225.
Built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works for $90,000 ($1.2 million in 2006 dollars), 1223 hauled freight between Toledo and Chicago in the years immediately before and after World War II. When Pere Marquette was absorbed by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, 1223 was assigned number 2657 but never had the new number applied. The locomotive was not paid off at the time and the merger agreement stated that equipment still under trust was to remain in Pere Marquette livery. 1223 was retired from service in 1951.
After retirement, 1223 was moved to New Buffalo, Michigan to be scrapped. However she was repainted and moved in 1960 for display at the state fairgrounds in Detroit. The money for that was provided by the donations collected by school children around the Detroit Area. In 1980, Michigan state fair officials wanted to expand the grandstands but 1223 stood in the way. The city of Grand Haven won the bidding process. With the help of the Michigan National Guard as well as Grand Trunk Western and Chessie System railroads, 1223 was moved to Grand Haven. The 180 mile trip took place on September 1, 1981.

Between dunes and development, it's surprisingly difficult to find long stretches of beach along Lake Michigan--which is why a visit to Holland State Park Beach is in order. Situated on both Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, this beach is great for relaxing, swimming, and beach volleyball. The park includes two large campgrounds, one on each lake. Picnic tables, fire pits, and grills are provided, so bring all the fixings for your al fresco picnics. Stroll the beach to enjoy the view of Big Red, the lighthouse across the inlet. The pier is a nice spot for fishing.

"So you absolutely LOVE the lighthouses at St. Joseph, Michigan? You just can't get enough great photos of the north pier's gems? You love sunsets on the lights, ice, rain, wind, the Great Lakes as forces of nature on the St. Joe lighthouses?

'Like' this page...we've got it all for you, one-stop shopping for all of your St. Joseph, Michigan lighthouse photo needs! Several photographers have their work displayed on this page...well worth a look. " {thanks to John B for such elegant words.}

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