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Grand Haven State Park Photos

Recommended Reviews - Grand Haven State Park

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View of the lighthouse

Wow! I grew up on the west coast - this place is so beautiful. First time here. There were even a few food trucks.

Cindy G.

Lighthouses are cool, historic and are always at the top of our list while visiting a coastal city but a word of caution, this one is not as accessible as others and will give you a bit of a headache. 1) The lighthouse is located inside a state park and campground. You have to pay to enter the park in order to get to it. So if you're just coming to "see it, and snap a pic real quick" that's not going to happen here. 2) Right now the lighthouse pier is getting rebuilt and you can't get to it. It seems this has been in the works for a while now, and doesn't really have an end date in sight. You can stand at the shore of the beach and see it but I think the fun is all in the details. 3) It's pretty much just the lighthouse. We visited other ones where you could go up in it, visit murals dedicated to the lighthouse, walk around the welcome centers to learn about the history etc. This doesn't appear to have anything like that. Still cool, but there are a lot of other lighthouses in Michigan - just be advised the date on this review while planning your trip.

Brian S.

Two lighthouses in one place Grand Haven Lighthouse is actually two lighthouses connected by a 1,100 feet pier. It's one of the most famous and photographed lights in the country and it's easy to see why. The view and the experience of walking out to the end of the pier is absolutely spectacular. The lights and pier were built in 1905 although the outer light was actually a fog building near shore that was moved to it's present location at the end of the pier when the inner light was built. A fascinating feature about the outer light is the shape of its bow. Of course it's not a real bow but the front of the light has a configuration similar to a bow of a ship and for the same reason; to resist the pounding of the waves. The earliest light was first built here in 1839 and only lasted 13 years before the lake hammered in into oblivion. The builders of the present lights apparently learned their lessons. The two lights are connected by a raised walkway that made getting to the outer light possible in heavy weather, although I suspect the walk was somewhat exciting during bad storms . People can still walk the 1,100 feet to the end of the outer light but cannot actually go into either building. Just walking out that far out into Lake Michigan is quite an invigorating experience. The lighthouses are near Grand Haven State Park, a more than 50 acre recreation area of beautiful beaches and deep woods. A beautiful place to spend some time. Nearby is one of the largest musical fountains and although I have never actually seen the thing do whatever it is it does, it certainly sounds interesting. Two cool lights, great beaches, lots of woods, tons of history and even a huge fountain that sings or does something musical. A very, very special place.

Lighthouse
Debralee M.

Beautiful lighthouse that somehow the sun always manages to set just behind, creating a truly breathtaking view. Great family beach and an amazing walk along the pier. All kinds of boats from massive to small, paddle boarders, kayakers, and even guys diving for fish. Sit, watch and enjoy!

Mark D.

a must see if you are in the area. It is next to the GH State Park (which has almost NO trees at all, let alone any woods). It is actually owned now by the City of Grand Haven, with the Lighthouse Conservation currently cleaning the insides & outsides to accommodate tours. It is a great place to stroll, but definitely NOT if the waves are high, as many have been lost here. Great place to fish, watch scantily clad summer visitors from the adjacent beach, watch very stupid people dive off it, and without a doubt it is the best place in Michigan to watch a sunset.

Rebuilding the walkway
Rob B.

Beautiful place when it's not under construction. They recently had two drowndings here so they had to build it up with railings I assume. The beach that is connected to it is also wonderful. If you are in Grand Haven this is the sunset spot! Get here and check it out!

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7 years ago

Such a beautiful place for meditation and grounding w nature! So happy I moved to this area!

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14 years ago

Cant come to Grand Haven and not stop here! such a great view of the coast and lake Michigan! great pic op!

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Ask the Community - Grand Haven State Park

Review Highlights - Grand Haven State Park

When an area has a lighthouse, it is always on my list to visit especially if there is a pier to walk on.

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Grand Haven Musical Fountain - Musical Fountain

Grand Haven Musical Fountain

4.5(28 reviews)
0.6 km

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain 100% belongs on your West Michigan bucket list. A tradition since…read more1962, the musical fountain is truly is a spectacle of water and lights creatively synchronized to various songs that will make you want to sing or dance along. It's utterly delightful no matter your age. The details: -Shows take place at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium in downtown Grand Haven. -Shows are FREE and last between 25-30 minutes. -Shows play nightly at dark from Memorial Day-Labor Day as well as Fridays and Saturdays in May and September. Bring your loved ones and a blanket, and I promise you that you'll be entertained by a tradition that's truly unique and special.

I realized my review from June 2025 never posted. We took a road trip to Michigan this summer and…read morescoped out potential cities to move too. We loved our time at the beach in Grand Haven and our night at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain was the highlight evening activity! Stunning water light synchronized music shows! Ours was Starwars themed which we really appreciated the nostalgia of. If you're unaware, this is an outdoor venue with tiered cement steps that serve as seats - so you may want a cushion or blanket. Lovely local ice cream parlor right there, and food spots within walking distance. We paid to park across the street at a very reasonable price! Show doesn't start until it's dark, so you have time to make it and can easily come and go as needed.

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Grand Haven Musical Fountain
Grand Haven Musical Fountain - This is another beautiful scene above the mega 80's concert. Calm, serene, and glorious. Michigan at its best.

This is another beautiful scene above the mega 80's concert. Calm, serene, and glorious. Michigan at its best.

Grand Haven Musical Fountain - Sharing a beautiful evening with a special gentleman during the mega 80's concert. The weather was perfect, and so was he.

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Sharing a beautiful evening with a special gentleman during the mega 80's concert. The weather was perfect, and so was he.

GQT Grand Haven 9

GQT Grand Haven 9

3.5(26 reviews)
3.9 km

I was just denied reasonable accommodation when trying to bring in a candy for my son that is free…read moreof synthetic dies and colorings, which he is allergic to. I was told the GM was not there, and the young man assisting us said we he could not accommodate us on the basis of it being a health code violation, which is simply not true. It is a revenue protection policy, which I understand, but to not accommodate for a medical reason is unacceptable. I was purchasing tickets, popcorn, and drinks, there was no reason to deny my accommodation. You have lost a local customer, and I will be spreading the word.

I heard from the girls around town that there was a guy named Adam working here that was a "pretty…read morecool guy" according to them. I walked in, and I was met by Adam, who seemed a little shy but that's okay. He was around my age, and probably someone I would be friends with. However, I couldn't not help but recognize his fancy hairstyle. It was like a crossover from 2000s emo and 1980s sitcom classic styles. Not too wild, but not too calm, quite the strong gesture if you tell me. I slipped on the floor and back flipped a few times but Adam helped me up, which I thanked him for. He was surprisingly helpful. So in conclusion, customer service was good. Also, food was expensive but I am pretty much a baller so I didn't even worry about it, probably dropped a few bands on popcorn and candy but it doesn't matter because: 1. My money twerkin 2. My pockets are fat like lizzo If you do not meet the criteria above, it may be a little expensive for you, so either: 1. Get your grind up 2. Don't buy the food Anyways, movie was good, I got to see the new Batman movie, and I tell you what, when I was met with Adam's service, I thought he was batman. Of course, I did the backflips, so it's not like it was all his effort. He just helped me up because I have bad shins. (I'm a world renowned track athlete) Anyways in conclusion to sum it up, in other words, to keep it real, I'm just gonna say this one thing, so to keep it a buck, I'm gonna be clean cut, pretty cool place, thanks!

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GQT Grand Haven 9
GQT Grand Haven 9
GQT Grand Haven 9

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North Beach Park

North Beach Park

4.8(5 reviews)
2.9 km

Nice Park - easy to get to, good amount of parking, nice pavilion, the sand was nice, fountains to…read morewash your feet, good amount of space on the sand. First time here - The bugs today were outrageous. These little flies were unbearable and therefore didn't stay long.

This beach is operated by Ottawa County. During the summer months, you are required to pay to…read morepark. They probably have room for 100 cars. You can get an annual tag from the county. A Michigan state park tag will not work. Weekends the lot can fill up. In that case you can park for free less than a mile down the road at Coast Guard Park, or even Fire Barn Park for that matter. If you're going to do that, drop off your family and friends along with your beach supplies at the entrance. That way only one of you have to walk back and forth. They have a nice wide asphalt path. Good excersise plus you saved about $8. Park no longer allows dogs, no alcohol either. They have a nice pavillion that sometimes get reserved in the summer. There are grills and picnic tables too, but not many. There are outdoor showers and feet washing stations and a convenient bathroom. But last time I was here, the beach has been extended way out. So if you are on the water with you blanket and umbrella, it is quite a hike to the johns. This is a good family beach too with the playground. Downside to some may be there are no touristy shops that you can walk to like Grand Haven SP. But to me, that is blessing. Not a whole lot of teenagers come here and never been any fights break out like they have at GH. I hope this beach stays how it is and the county doesn't try to commercialize it.

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North Beach Park
North Beach Park
North Beach Park

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Coast Guard Festival - View from the ship

Coast Guard Festival

4.8(4 reviews)
0.3 km

The Coast Guard Festival is a big deal in Grand Haven, and it shows. The festivals lasts for 10…read moredays, spanning across two weekends at the end of July and beginning of August. What's in the itinerary? It depends on the day. One of my favorites is Tuesday night's Dancing in the Street, where a large stage is set up downstage for--you guessed it--dancing in the street to a very good local cover band. This year I got to take a tour of two Coast Guard ships that were docked in the channel. My spouse was thrilled. If you're a music fan, there's nightly concerts, the majority of them being cover bands. On the second Saturday of the festival, there's fireworks, which people make sure they have a great spot for viewing as early as the morning of. The last thing I'll mention is the carnival with games, rides, and the kids who love them. Food-wise, there's a row of fair food trailers and a section of food trucks around the Elks Lodge off of Washington Street. Plus, just about all the local of the local businesses around downtown will gladly take your money. This summer New Holland Brewing Co. opened a pizza-inspired pinwheels kitchen, which appeared to be very popular with patrons of the festival. There's also plenty of opportunities for booze in the Social District as well as sweets, from ice cream to chocolates to Kilwin's fudge. I've attended the festival two years in a row, and I'll continue to come on the Dancing in the Street night. It's a great night of community and fun. I'll also try to check out the cardboard boat race, which takes place on the first Saturday of the festival. Should you come too? My vote is yes!

Lucky to have been in Grand Haven for my first Coast Guard Festival. A more patriotic atmosphere…read moreyou will have a hard time finding. The way the entire town shows their appreciation for the Coast Guard is inspiring. Flags on every home and business! Tour a ship, watch the helicopters, visit the museums, ride the rides, listen to bands and eat a ton of delicious food. Take a break from the crowds and walk along the boardwalk to the famous red lighthouse to watch the sunset. You will love every minute!

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Coast Guard Festival
Coast Guard Festival - Coast Guard Ship Tours

Coast Guard Ship Tours

Coast Guard Festival - Cutest boy ever!

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Cutest boy ever!

Grand Haven State Park - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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