Summer in West Michigan is when we finally break free from the icy shackles of winter and get to play in the sun.
Reading by the beach, eating on a patio, long walks through the woods, throwing a brat on the grill—that’s what summer is all about. The only problem is, the season is so fun and jam-packed, it always flies by at least speed.
That’s why we think it’s a good idea to create a Summer Bucket List, ensuring you make things happen before fall suddenly arrives. Here are a few of our suggestions for your summer planning.
U-Pick Fruit
You’ll never get fresher fruit than plucking it right off the tree and popping it in your mouth, and there’s something truly magical about waking up early to beat the sun’s heat and heading out to a farm or orchard for just that. Growing up in West Michigan, many of us have memories of steadily harvesting a bucketful of berries to be enjoyed in jams, baked goods and by the handful. Plus, because you’re doing the work, it’s more affordable than the grocery store! Check out places like Ed Dunneback & Girls, Visser Farms, Krupp Farms and more.
Enjoy Art by the Beach
The annual Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, and fun in beautiful Downtown Muskegon. Across two days in June 28-29, you can experience nearly 250 juried fine art and specialty craft exhibitors, a Children’s Lane, artisan food market, street performers, interactive art stations, and so much more!
Explore Aman Park’s Natural Beauty
With trails that stretch no more than 1.5 miles each (giving plenty of opportunities to explore them all), Aman Park offers accessible hiking surrounded by lush trees, bubbling streams, and rolling hills. This west-side gem feels like a little slice of Middle Earth right in the city.
Experience the Coast Guard Festival
The Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, held July 25-August 3rd, brings together parades, shopping, and small-town fun. Vendors offer handmade goods like earrings crafted from Michigan wood, and the parade adds excitement—complete with firetrucks cooling off the crowd with their hoses. Afterward, many visitors make a stop at the Pump House for frozen yogurt enjoyed on whimsical swing chairs.
Kick Back and Relax at Kentwood Summer Concert Series
Grab a blanket or chair and join the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall for their Summer Concert Series! Concerts take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm and feature a variety of rotating food trucks every week. You can see groups like Tony Thompson & Friends performing funk and Motown, cover bands like That Beatles Thing, big band ensemble Hark Up Horns and more. Concertgoers are also welcome to bring their own beer or wine to the show.
Discover the Upper Peninsula
The natural wonders of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula never disappoint. Families traveling with campers often choose to explore spots like Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and panoramic views make this an unforgettable summer adventure.
Paddleboard and Kayak Local Waters
West Michigan offers a paradise for water recreation. Paddleboarding on Reeds Lake, Green Lake, and Duncan Lake is a favorite pastime, while a kayak trip down the Rogue River remains a summer tradition. With so many nearby lakes and rivers, it’s easy to plan a full season of aquatic fun.
Enjoy a Whitecaps Game
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A summer evening at an LMCU Ballpark Whitecaps game offers more than baseball. Visitors can enjoy hot dogs, seasonal food creations, cold beer, and between-inning games and sing-alongs that add to the experience. A home run is a bonus, but the ballpark fun is worth the visit on its own.
Try a New Beach
Ready for some new lakeside scenery? Lucky for you, the coast of Lake Michigan is full of an endless variety of beaches, whether you want to brave the stairs at Laketown Beach for a more secluded experience, or visit Grand Haven for the kind of beach you see in movies—filled to the brim with people making sandcastles, playing volleyball, cranking tunes and chowing down on boardwalk snacks. Then there’s the Kruse Park Dog Beach for the furry friends, the lengthy Oval Beach giving you access to Saugatuck, the dunes of P.J. Hoffmaster, the luscious scenery of Rosy Mound, and much more!
Cruise the River in a Retro Boat
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Set sail in style aboard a vintage 1950s-era motorboat with Retro Boat Rentals. Their fleet includes colorful, retro-styled boats perfect for two to four people, as well as pontoon, donut, and Duffy boats for groups. Guests can cruise along the Kalamazoo River, bring a pup along for the ride, and enjoy food and drinks on the patio at The Old Boat House after docking.
Catch a Double Feature at the Drive-In
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The Getty Drive-In in Muskegon is a throwback favorite for movie-goers. Gates open at 8:00 p.m., with films starting at dusk. Visitors can grab snacks from the concession stand or order food online for car-side delivery. It’s wise to purchase tickets ahead of time to secure a spot during peak season.
