Pere Marquette Beach & Park is the Prettiest in Muskegon
Finding a Lake Michigan beach with endless sugar sand shoreline, modern amenities, and no crowds can feel like conjuring a magic trick.
But we’ve found a park that fits the bill and more.
Pere Marquette Park, among more than 85 parks in West Michigan, is a Lake Michigan beauty loaded with amenities.
In addition to the gorgeous beach, Pere Marquette Park also has a huge playground, picnic tables, sand volleyball courts and a 200-foot accessible walkway.
Read on to find out more about popular water sports, local favorite restaurant The Deck and the nationally recognized Pere Marquette Beach.
Pere Marquette Park Overview
3510 Channel Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441
Pere Marquette Park is a 27.5 acre park with 2.3 miles of public beach on Lake Michigan. Located in Muskegon, it’s less than one hour northwest of Grand Rapids.
With the excellent beach and trails and playground, visitors can easily spend all day here.
Visitors also love that there are modern restrooms and an on-site concession stand for a quick snack.
Pere Marquette Park is run by the City of Muskegon and is located on the Lake Michigan coast in Muskegon, MI.
Other favorite local beaches include nearby Kruse Park (the county’s only dog beach), Duck Lake State Park, and Muskegon State Park.
Things to do at Pere Marquette Park
Yes, the big draw at Pere Marquette Park is the amazing beach.
1- Make it a Beach Day
Offering prime Lake Michigan access but without the Grand Haven crowds, it’s truly one of the best beaches in West Michigan.
Pere Marquette Beach is raked daily, so it’s no surprise it is listed as one of the cleanest beaches by the National Healthy Beaches Campaign and the Clean Beaches Council.
2 – Dine at The Deck
Break up your beach day with a meal at The Deck, an indoor-outdoor beachside restaurant on Pere Marquette Beach.
This upbeat, seasonal eatery features BBQ plates, craft brews & cocktails, plus a beachfront patio. Yard games are part of the fun, too.
Adults love the family style smoked meat and mac and cheese.
Everyone loves the swings. Swing while you wait for your food or nibble tasty bites while you listen to live music and enjoy a cold drink.
3 – Join in the Beach Activities
Rent jet-skis & paddleboards, take a kite-boarding lesson or play sand volleyball when you visit.
The sand volleyball court is right next to the playground.
4 – Get Out on the Water
Bring your own boat or rent paddle boards and jet skis at the beach.
Pere Marquette also offers kiteboarding rentals and lessons.
Boat rentals are located just a bit inland, on Muskegon Lake
5 – Stroll out to the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse
Be sure to take the time to walk along the pier to Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, which was built in 1903.
The lighthouse hosts special events for kids throughout the season, like storytime, Broadway Babies and Trick or Treating. Check their Facebook page for details.
SAFETY ALERT
Water currents in the lake can pull even good swimmers under. People drown in Lake Michigan every year, sometimes at Pere Marquette Beach. Use life jackets when swimming and learn how rip currents work.
6 – Climb on the Large Playground
The playground at Pere Marquette Park offers a nice break from the beach.
While it’s located right on the sandy beach, the equipment itself sits on soft rubber.
There are multiple slides, including a tube slide. Little adventurers will also love the climbing equipment.
7 – Walk the Trails
Pere Marquette Park is an access point for the Lakeshore Trail.
The Lakeshore Trail follows the Muskegon Lake shoreline for about 12 miles.
Along with amazing views, hikers also have easy access to other parks and restaurants.
Lakeshore Trail also connects to the Laketon Trail, which connects to the Musketawa Trail (heading south-east).
You can also hop over to nearby Margaret Drake Elliot Park and walk along the Muskegon Channel.
8 – Attend the Annual Burning Foot Beer Festival
Every year, summer wraps up at Pere Marquette Beach with the Burning Foot Beer Festival.
Festival-goers can enjoy craft beer, check out local art and food, and dance to music acts – all while taking in the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Pere Marquette Beach?
Dogs are not allowed at Pere Marquette Beach.
How much is parking at Pere Marquette Park?
Parking is $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends. A season pass is available for $20.
Pay on-site at the kiosks.
The paid parking season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
How long should you spend at Pere Marquette Park?
Plan for at least two hours for the playground and trails or the whole day if you’re hitting the beach.
Is Pere Marquette Park accessible?
Yes! There is a 200-ft wheelchair- and-stroller-friendly walkway.
What time of year is Pere Marquette Park open?
The park is open year round.
Your Turn!
Have you been to Pere Marquette Beach?
We’d love to hear about your visit in the comments.
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