Muskegon, Michigan: A Traveler’s Delight

By Cathy Brubaker-Clarke and Annah Backstrom

The City of Muskegon, Michigan, has been regenerating itself. Surrounded by Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan, it began its economic boom in the mid-nineteenth century. It was originally a lumber town, became a World War I and II industrial center, and is now a mecca where midwesterners live, work and play. Recently, the city has been the benefactor of several development initiatives focusing on the historic and previous brownfield areas of the city. 

Fun on Former Brownfields

The shores of Muskegon Lake were previously home to multiple industrial sites. A clear initiative in recent years has allowed the relocation of most industrialized uses. The lakefront sites are then reused as residential, entertainment and commercial uses, either through building renovation or demolition followed by new construction. 

Redeveloped brownfield sites include the Shoreline Inn and Suites and Rafferty’s Restaurant and Marina. Muskegon’s Heritage Landing, also a former brownfield, is home to numerous festivals throughout the year. Edison Landing, a 30-acre former brownfield is currently the home to the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, part of Grand Valley State University, which is designed to gain 100 percent of its energy from alternative sources.

The historic Watermark building, a 1 million square foot former furniture factory, is currently being renovated into condominiums and commercial space (with 53 of the condominiums completed and about 30,000 square feet of commercial space already available).

Bringing it all together is the Lakeshore Trail. The trail, which will be completed this summer, hugs the entire shoreline of Muskegon Lake within the City of Muskegon.  Visitors and residents alike enjoy the trail for walking, rollerblading and biking. It also has easy access to other trails in Michigan. Shoreline Drive, a recently completed roadway that runs along the downtown lakeshore, was built through brownfield areas. It will soon be designated as the state trunkline.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is currently reviewing a request for an area-wide site assessment for industrial fill along Muskegon Lake, which will make the redevelopment process move much more quickly. Once approval is granted, property owners along the lake will no longer need individual baseline environmental assessments for the fill on their properties.

Muskegon’s Draw

Within the last few months, Muskegon has received recognition from both state and national media. Forbes designated Muskegon as number 10 for “culture and leisure” on their “Best Small Places” list.  Inc. Magazine named Muskegon as “top boom town in Michigan.” In addition, AAA Michigan announced recently that Muskegon is the number-three tourist destination in Michigan. The beaches of Lake Michigan, which are part of the city’s attraction, have been designated nationally as “clean beaches” for the last several years.

The legacy of the original lumber barons is still seen today. Charles Hackley funded Hackley Hospital, Hackley Public Library, and the Hackley educational administration building. Located in historic downtown, the homes of Hackley and fellow lumberman Thomas Hume are open to the public for tours and display stunning examples of period living and architecture.

The City of Muskegon is a vacation place you can’t pass up! BFN

Cathy Brubaker-Clarke is director of community and economic development and Annah Backstrom is environmental clerk for the City of Muskegon.