Muskegon, Michigan

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Muskegon, Michigan
City
City of Muskegon
Nickname(s): 
Port City, Lumber Queen of the World, Skeetown, Midwest Riviera,Lumbertown
Location of Muskegon within Muskegon County, Michigan
Location of Muskegon within Muskegon County, Michigan
Coordinates: 43°14′03″N 86°14′54″W / 43.23417°N 86.24833°W / 43.23417; -86.24833
CountryUnited States
StateMichigan
CountyMuskegon
Government
 • TypeCommission-Manager
 • MayorStephen J. Gawron[1]
 • City ManagerFrank Peterson
Area
[2]
 • City18.20 sq mi (47.13 km2)
 • Land14.14 sq mi (36.63 km2)
 • Water4.05 sq mi (10.50 km2)
Elevation
617 ft (191.4 m)
Population
 (2010)[3]
 • City38,401
 • Estimate 
(2019)[6]
36,565
 • Density2,585.38/sq mi (998.19/km2)
 • Urban
154,729
 • Metro
1,433,288 (Grand Rapids-Holland-Muskegon metropolitan area)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
49440-49445
Area code(s)231
FIPS code26-56320[4]
GNIS feature ID1620963[5]
Websitehttp://www.muskegon-mi.gov/

Muskegon (/mʌˈskiːɡən/) is a city in the U. S. state of Michigan. It is called the "port city" because it is known for fishing, sailing regattas, pleasure boating, and as a commercial and cruise ship port. It is a popular vacation destination because of the expansive freshwater beaches, historic architecture, and public art collection. It is the most populous city along the western shore of Michigan. At the 2020 census the city population was 38,318. The city is the county seat of Muskegon County.[7] It is at the southwest corner of Muskegon Township, but is administratively autonomous.

Muskegon is the center of the Muskegon Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is coextensive with Muskegon County and had a population of 173,566 in 2019. It is also part of the larger Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon-Combined Statistical Area with a population of 1,433,288.[8]

History[]

Early inhabitants[]

The entrance to Muskegon Lake from Lake Michigan at Muskegon, Michigan

Human occupation of the Muskegon area goes back seven or eight thousand years to the nomadic Paleo-Indian hunters who occupied the area following the retreat of the Wisconsonian glaciations. The Paleo-Indians were superseded by several stages of Woodland Indian developments, the most notable of whom were the Hopewellian type-tradition, which occupied this area, perhaps two thousand years ago.[9]

During historic times, the Muskegon area was inhabited by various bands of the Odawa (Ottawa) and Pottawatomi Indian tribes, but by 1830 Muskegon was solely an Ottawa village.[10] Perhaps the best remembered of the area's Indian inhabitants was the Ottawa Indian Chief, . A leading participant in the French-inspired annihilation of the Fox Indians of Illinois in the 1730s, Pendalouan, and his people lived in the Muskegon vicinity during the 1730s and 1740s until the French induced them to move their settlement to the Traverse Bay area in 1742.[9]

The name "Muskegon" is derived from the Ottawa tribe term "Masquigon," meaning "marshy river or swamp".[11]

European arrival[]

The "Masquigon" River (Muskegon River) was identified on french maps dating from the late seventeenth century, suggesting French explorers had reached Michigan's western coast by that time. Father Jacques Marquette traveled northward through the area on his fateful trip to St. Ignace in 1675 and a party of French soldiers under La Salle's lieutenant, Henry de Tonty, passed through the area in 1679.[9]

The county's earliest known Euro-American resident was Edward Fitzgerald, a fur trader and trapper who came to the Muskegon area in 1748 and who died there, reportedly being buried in the vicinity of White Lake. Sometime between 1790 and 1800, a French-Canadian trader named Joseph La Framboise established a fur trading post at the mouth of Duck Lake. Between 1810 and 1820, several French Canadian fur traders, including Lamar Andie, Jean Baptiste Recollect, and Pierre Constant had established fur trading posts around Muskegon Lake.[9]

Euro-American settlement of Muskegon began in earnest in 1837, which coincided with the beginning of the exploitation of the area's extensive timber resources. The commencement of the lumber industry in 1837 inaugurated what some regard as the most romantic era in the history of the region. Lumbering in the mid-nineteenth century brought many settlers, especially ones from Germany, Ireland, and Canada.[12]

Some neighborhoods of Muskegon began as separate villages. Bluffton was founded as a lumbering village in 1862 in Laketon Township. It had its own post office from 1868 until 1892. Muskegon annexed it in 1889.[13]

Geography[]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 18.12 square miles (46.93 km2), of which 14.21 square miles (36.80 km2) is land and 3.91 square miles (10.13 km2) is water.[14] The city is next to Lake Michigan to the west and Muskegon Lake to the north. The Muskegon River empties into Muskegon Lake at the city's northeast end.

Climate[]

Muskegon has a humid continental climate (Dfa) with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is very consistent year round. Muskegon receives heavy lake effect snow during winter time from Lake Michigan.

hideClimate data for Muskegon, Michigan (Muskegon County Airport) 1991–2020 normals,[a] extremes 1896–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 63
(17) 		67
(19) 		82
(28) 		86
(30) 		96
(36) 		98
(37) 		99
(37) 		99
(37) 		95
(35) 		86
(30) 		76
(24) 		66
(19) 		99
(37)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 50
(10) 		51
(11) 		66
(19) 		76
(24) 		84
(29) 		89
(32) 		90
(32) 		88
(31) 		86
(30) 		76
(24) 		63
(17) 		53
(12) 		92
(33)
Average high °F (°C) 32.5
(0.3) 		34.5
(1.4) 		44.3
(6.8) 		56.6
(13.7) 		68.4
(20.2) 		77.7
(25.4) 		81.6
(27.6) 		80.2
(26.8) 		73.4
(23.0) 		60.6
(15.9) 		47.8
(8.8) 		37.4
(3.0) 		57.9
(14.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 26.6
(−3.0) 		27.7
(−2.4) 		35.7
(2.1) 		46.8
(8.2) 		57.9
(14.4) 		67.4
(19.7) 		71.9
(22.2) 		70.8
(21.6) 		63.5
(17.5) 		51.9
(11.1) 		41.0
(5.0) 		31.9
(−0.1) 		49.4
(9.7)
Average low °F (°C) 20.7
(−6.3) 		20.8
(−6.2) 		27.1
(−2.7) 		36.9
(2.7) 		47.5
(8.6) 		57.2
(14.0) 		62.2
(16.8) 		61.3
(16.3) 		53.5
(11.9) 		43.2
(6.2) 		34.1
(1.2) 		26.3
(−3.2) 		40.9
(4.9)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 1
(−17) 		2
(−17) 		8
(−13) 		22
(−6) 		32
(0) 		43
(6) 		49
(9) 		49
(9) 		38
(3) 		28
(−2) 		21
(−6) 		10
(−12) 		−3
(−19)
Record low °F (°C) −21
(−29) 		−30
(−34) 		−11
(−24) 		1
(−17) 		22
(−6) 		31
(−1) 		39
(4) 		36
(2) 		27
(−3) 		19
(−7) 		−14
(−26) 		−15
(−26) 		−30
(−34)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.42
(61) 		2.11
(54) 		2.40
(61) 		3.47
(88) 		3.38
(86) 		3.05
(77) 		2.75
(70) 		3.10
(79) 		3.26
(83) 		3.80
(97) 		2.92
(74) 		2.42
(61) 		35.08
(891)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 29.1
(74) 		20.0
(51) 		7.5
(19) 		1.8
(4.6) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		6.5
(17) 		22.3
(57) 		87.2
(221)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 16.3 12.9 10.9 12.5 11.3 10.0 9.1 9.1 9.4 12.6 13.5 14.9 142.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 14.4 11.7 5.4 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 4.1 10.9 48.1
Average relative humidity (%) 78.1 75.2 71.1 65.4 64.1 68.2 70.6 74.5 76.4 74.3 74.9 78.6 72.6
Source 1: NOAA[15][16]
Source 2: World Meteorological Organization (relative humidity 1961–1990)[17]

Demographics[]

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
18601,450—
18706,002313.9%
188011,26287.6%
189022,702101.6%
190020,818−8.3%
191024,06215.6%
192036,57052.0%
193041,39013.2%
194047,69715.2%
195048,4291.5%
196046,485−4.0%
197044,631−4.0%
198040,823−8.5%
199040,283−1.3%
200040,105−0.4%
201038,401−4.2%
2019 (est.)36,565[6]−4.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]

2010 census[]

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 38,401 people, 13,967 households, and 7,895 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,702.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,043.4/km2). There were 16,105 housing units at an average density of 1,133.4 per square mile (437.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 57.0% White, 34.5% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 2.6% from other races, and 4.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.2% of the population.

There were 13,967 households, of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.9% were married couples living together, 22.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.5% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the city was 34.1 years. 23.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.8% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64, and 11.6% were 65 years of age or older. The city's gender makeup was 52.1% male and 47.9% female.

2000 census[]

As of the census[4] of 2000,[19] there were 40,105 people, 14,569 households, and 8,537 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,794.5 per square mile (1,079.1/km2). There were 15,999 housing units at an average density of 1,114.8 per square mile (430.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 57.9% White, 31.7% African American, 2.3% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.69% from other races, and 3.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any origins were 6.4% of the population.

There were 14,569 households, of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.2% were married couples living together, 20.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.3 males.

The city's median household income was $27,929, and the median family income was $32,640. Males had a median income of $29,114 versus $22,197 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,283. About 16.8% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.6% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy[]

Downtown Muskegon[]

Downtown Muskegon serves as the downtown from much of Muskegon County. Downtown Muskegon is positioned along the southern shoreline of Muskegon Lake, and stretches for nearly two miles. Downtown is home to a number of hotels, a 25,000 square foot convention center completed in 2021, and the Historic Mercy Health Ice Arena. Downtown Muskegon is lauded for its walkability and ease of parking. The Muskegon Farmers Market welcome more than 10,000 visitors each Saturday in the summer months, and the boutique pop-up shops of the Western Market provide are an extremely popular tourist attraction. Beginning in 2014, Downtown Muskegon has experienced a resurgence of investment, resulting in the construction of numerous mixed-use buildings, condominium buildings, apartment buildings, and small businesses. Some of the downtown's popular new additions over that time include Pigeon Hill Brewing, Rad Dad's Tacos and Tequila Bar, Unruly Brewing, Rake Beer Project, Burl and Sprig Distilling, 18th Amendment Distilling, Boomtown Market, Vintage Redefined Boutique, Polk-a-dot Paisley, The Crue Barber Shop, Drip Drop Drink Coffee, Aldea Coffee, Dr. Rolf's Barbecue, The No Name Saloon, Smash Wine Bar, The Century Club Shops, and many others.


Major employers[]

  • ADAC Automotive – Automotive components manufacturing
  • [Howmet] (Whitehall, Michigan, formerly Alcoa) – Aerospace components manufacturing
  • Anderson Global (Formerly Anderson Pattern)
  • Brunswick Bowling Products, LLC
  • Cannon-Muskegon Corporation – specialty alloys
  • Century Foundry
  • Cole's Quality Foods – garlic bread, frozen foods
  • Consumers Energy –
  • Eagle Group
  • Fleet Engineers
  • GE Aviation – Muskegon, (formerly Johnson Technology) – turbine engine components manufacturing
  • Great Lakes Die Cast (formerly Dilesco)
  • Kaydon Corp – Precision Bearings
  • Knoll Inc.
  • L3 Communications (formerly Teledyne) – armored vehicle manufacturing
  • Mahle (formerly Dana (formerly Sealed Power)) – piston rings – aerospace
  • Meijer
  • Mercy Health – Member of Trinity Health
  • Michigan's Adventure – amusement park (Michigan's largest amusement park and water park)
  • Nugent Sand
  • Port City Group
  • Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions – a Raytheon Technologies Company
  • SAF-Holland – Muskegon (formerly Neway Equipment Company) – Commercial vehicle axles, suspensions and coupling devices
  • Wesco, inc. (Headquarters)

Shopping[]

Locally owned shops and a farmer's market are found in the historic downtown with more shops along the Muskegon Lake waterfront and in neighborhoods. Regional shopping is found throughout the county to include major retailers such as Meijer, Walmart, Penny's, and more.

Arts and culture[]

Music and fine arts[]

The Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts[20] includes two theaters (the main historic Frauenthal house and the smaller Beardsley Theater in the adjoining Hilt Building). It was refurbished in 1998 and again in 2021, and runs JAM Theatrical productions, Muskegon Civic Theatre[21] productions, is home of the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra,[22] was the venue for all Muskegon Community Concert Association[23] events, and used to be home to the now-defunct Cherry County Playhouse. The Frauenthal was originally built as the Michigan Theater in 1929.

Muskegon has a well respected private collection of fine art at the Muskegon Museum of Art.[24]

Muskegon has a growing collection of publicly owned and displayed art pieces. More than two dozen pieces are on permanent display, predominately in the downtown area. Notable pieces include Muskegon, Together Rising (Richard Hunt), The Arch (Stephen Urry), A City Built on Timbers (Erik and Israel Nordic), and various civil war statues in Hackley Park that date back to 1900 (Charles Niehaus and J. Massey Rhind).

Festivals[]

The United States Post Office in Muskegon, 1904

For many years, Muskegon was home to a 10-day music festival known as Muskegon Summer Celebration. The event was typically scheduled around the 4th of July. Summer Celebration was known for bringing in major artists for multiple days and providing the community with a very affordable music festival experience. Over the years, Muskegon Summer Celebration hosted some of music's greatest stars at the Heritage Landing in Downtown Muskegon, including Aretha Franklin (1995), Santana (1997), James Brown (1998), Chicago (2000), The Temptations (2001), The Beach Boys (2002), Earth, Wind and Fire (2002), Nickelback (2002), Journey (2002),LL Cool J (2003), Aaron Tippin (2003), Michelle Branch (2003), Brad Paisley (2005), Styx (2005), Gavin DeGraw (2005), Train (2006), Smash Mouth (2006), B.B. King (2007), Taylor Swift (2007), ZZ Top (2004/2010), Barenaked Ladies (2009), Toby Keith (2010) and Sean Kingston (2011.)artists like Taylor Swift. The event ended after the 2011 show.

Since the years of Muskegon Summer Celebration, Muskegon has transformed into a true event town. Although the days of 10-day music festivals with $100 admissions are likely gone, Muskegon now hosts dozens of multi-day events throughout the summer season:

Each June, the festival season kicks off with Taste of Muskegon. This two-dat event is free to the public, and includes kids activities, live local and regional bands, and tasting stations from dozens of Muskegon-based restaurants and food trucks. The event is a fundraiser in support of the Muskegon Farmers Market, and is hosted in Hackley Park.

Beginning in June, and running through August, Muskegon's Hackley Park also hosts Parties in the Park. This long-standing event has taken place nearly every summer Friday for more than 30 years. The event is free to the public and features local bands, children's activities, and food/drinks. Parties in the Park can be found downtown from 5p-9p every Friday that does not already include another major public event.

In late June of each year, Muskegon is host to the Lakeshore Art Festival. This festival is consistently ranked as one of the best art shows in the Midwest. More than 100 artists flock to Muskegon each year, and crowds typically exceed 30,000 for the two-day event. The artists are spread through downtown, along Western Avenue, and inside Hackley Park.

In early July, Muskegon hosts the We Discover Festival. WDF is a two day festival of electronic dance music, import and luxury cars, food, and fun. The event includes fireworks and family activities as well. The event is meant to be very progressive, and each year is expected to introduce new experiences to the Muskegon Community. In 2021, the community experienced RC car racing, E-Gaming, rare cars, and much more. The 2021 event attracted 38,000 unique visitors to downtown Muskegon.

In late July, Muskegon hosts one of Michigan's largest motorcycle rally events. The four-day weekend includes activities organized by both Bike Time and Rebel Road - two event organizers that work together to provide bikers and attendees with activities throughout the weekend. The event stretches from the Hot Rod Harley Davidson dealership at the corner of Terrace and Western to the corner of 8th and Western. The 10+ block event allows visitors to park their motorcycles all along Western Avenue and visit the downtown's various bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as visit and see other motorcycles. The event includes stunt shows, local, regional, and national bands, motorcycle-focused vendors, and various contests for bike owners and visitors. The event can be impacted by weather, but usually draws between 30,000 and 50,000 motorcycles.

Each August, the Unity Christian Music Festival takes place at Heritage Landing; attracting the facility's largest crowds of the season. Additionally in August, The Moose Fest brings national Country Music acts to Heritage Landing.

In September, the Michigan Irish Music Festival brings Celtic musicians to Heritage Landing on the shore of Muskegon Lake. Music, Irish food, beverages, merchandise and cultural exhibits are included. The Michigan Irish Muskegon Festival is consistently identified as one the area's most entertaining and unique events.

The Muskegon Polish Festival happens over Labor Day weekend each September.[25][26]

In early October, the International Buster Keaton Society visit Muskegon to host their annual convention.[27] The event features public showings of Keaton films at the Frauenthal Theater.

Museums and theater[]

USS Silversides at The USS Silversides Submarine Museum, Muskegon, Michigan

Broadway at the Frauenthal (fall through spring) brings Broadway musicals to Muskegon. Muskegon is also home to Muskegon Museum of Art and West Michigan Symphony Orchestra. The Muskegon Community Concert Association provides concerts from September through May.

Lakeshore Museum Center (formerly known as Muskegon County Museum)[28] and Hackley & Hume Historic Site: Mansions built by Muskegon's lumber barons themselves are restored to their old glory and open to the public. The Hackley & Hume mansions are part of downtown Muskegon's Heritage Village—two blocks from Muskegon Lake, and a National Register Historic District. The mansions are operated with the Lakeshore Museum Center, which details the grand, rich history of Muskegon County, from the Pottawatomi and Ottawa Native American tribes and lakeside fur traders to the Lumber Queen of the World to today. Also includes science and nature exhibits.

The Muskegon Museum of Art (formerly known as the Hackley Art Gallery) opened in 1912. The Muskegon Museum of Art, founded on a tradition of aesthetic excellence, is committed to fostering the life-long study and appreciation of the visual arts by strengthening, preserving, and exhibiting its collections; offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary exhibitions; stimulating learning and creativity through diverse public and educational programming; and enhancing community involvement and support in a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment. Among the highlights of its permanent collection is Tornado Over Kansas, by John Steuart Curry (one of three leading painters, along with Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton, identified as Regionalists and known for their canvases celebrating the rural Midwest).[29]

Muskegon is also the home of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum[30] which features USS Silversides, a World War II submarine; USS LST-393, a World War II tank landing ship; and USCGC McLane, a Prohibition-era United States Coast Guard cutter.

In addition, Muskegon also berths Milwaukee Clipper, a former car ferry that traveled the same route as Lake Express does today. The ship (which is a National Historic Landmark) is in the middle of a long process of being restored to its original form, but in the meantime is open for tours and hosts a museum aboard the vessel with information on both Milwaukee Clipper, as well as the history of maritime in Muskegon. Muskegon is a historical port for commerce and lake travel. The lumbering era through World War II was its busiest historical use. Its image as a port the city has embraced with the local nickname 'The Port City'. It possesses a fine deep-water port and still functions delivering bulk cement, aggregate, and large cargoes to several lakeshore facilities, also coal to the B.C. Cobb power plant, an outdated coal-burning facility due to shut down.

  • The Muskegon Heritage Museum-The Muskegon Heritage Association is a non-profit corporation founded in 1973 to promote the enhancement of Muskegon's Historic Resources. One of the MHA's missions is to maintain a museum to show the economic, industrial, and social history of the greater Muskegon area. The Museum was begun by the MHA in 1983 to accommodate the donated Corliss Valve 90 hp steam engine. The museum's goal is to preserve information, photos, and artifacts pertaining to The Industries of the Muskegon Area, Historic/Heritage Homes, and Businesses of Muskegon. In 2009 a revitalization of the museum began with a complete rearrangement of the main room adding new displays in the cases and on the walls. A print shop was set up and an Industrial section in the back building was rearranged. Printed signs for all displays were added. In 2010 the museum was expanded into what was the shoe store next door. During 2011-2012 we reconfigured and remodeled the second floor of the building where the Corliss Engine is housed. This is a "Made in Muskegon" exhibit. The museum also added a classroom that accommodates 35 people comfortably with all the AV equipment necessary for any presentation.
  • Carr-Fles Planetarium, Muskegon
  • The Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame exhibits, detailing the area's rich athletic past, are on display at the L.C. Walker Arena.

Sports[]

Club Sport League Venue
Muskegon Lumberjacks Ice hockey United States Hockey League Mercy Health Arena
Basketball American Basketball Association Muskegon High School
Muskegon Mustangs Football Great Lakes Football League Oakridge High School
West Michigan Ironmen Indoor football American Arena League Mercy Health Arena
Muskegon Risers SC Soccer UPSL & Premier Arena Soccer League Mercy Health Arena and Kehern Stadium
Muskegon Clippers Baseball Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League Marsh Field

Previous sports teams to play in Muskegon have included:

Club Sport Played from League Stadium
Muskegon Lumberjacks/Fury (1992–2010) Hockey 1992−2010 IHL, UHL Mercy Health Arena
Muskegon Thunder Indoor football 2007−2009 IFL Mercy Health Arena
Michigan Mayhem Basketball 2004−2006 CBA Mercy Health Arena
Muskegon Lumberjacks (1984–1992) Hockey 1984−1992 IHL Mercy Health Arena
Muskegon Mohawks Hockey 1965−1984 IHL Mercy Health Arena
Muskegon Zephyrs Hockey 1960−1965 IHL Mercy Health Arena
Muskegon Lassies Baseball 1946−1949 AAGPBL

The Seaway Run is run every year in late June. It features a 15k race, 5k race, 5k walk for fun, 15k wheelchair race.

Parks and recreation[]

Muskegon Break Water Light on Lake Michigan, looking from Pere Marquette Beach

Muskegon State Park has a Winter Sports Complex that features ice fishing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and a luge track.

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park has many sand dunes as well as two campgrounds and a public beach for tourists to enjoy.[31]

Pere Marquette Beach is the largest free public beach on the western shore of Lake Michigan, and one of the loveliest in the state. Windsurfing, kite boarding competitions, and professional volleyball tournaments are held there. Its quartz sand beach is a Clean Beaches Counsel certified beach. The beach area is popular with cyclists, runners, and hikers, and sand dunes border the beach to the east.

Muskegon Lake is a first-class walleye fishery and has many other freshwater species including the Lake Perch. Lake Michigan off Muskegon hosts large numbers of coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead, brown trout, lake perch, and many other game fish.

Sailing and recreational boating are major summer pastimes with many services and marinas in the area for boats of all sizes.

Muskegon Lakeshore Bike Trail allows for biking along the shores of Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan. There are two trails that consist of the Muskegon bike paths, one runs along the east side of Muskegon and the other along the north side.

Michigan's Adventure, the largest amusement park in the state, is in Muskegon County, a few miles north of the city of Muskegon. Michigan's Adventure features a midway with roller coasters, general rides, amusements, and a full water park.

Muskegon Country Club was founded in 1908 and features a course design by Tom Bendelow and a course redesign by Donald Ross.

Government[]

The city operates under the Commission-Manager form of local government. The seven member city commission consists of four commissioners elected via a ward system and to commissioners elected at large. The mayor is elected at large and serves on the city commission. The city commission hires a city manager to manage the day-to-day operations of the city.

Education[]

Muskegon Public Schools was founded in 1860 and serves students from preschool through 12th grade. Additionally, it runs the Muskegon Training and Education Center. In addition to Muskegon Public Schools, Muskegon is served by these private K-12 schools: Muskegon Catholic Central, Fruitport Calvary Christian, and Western Michigan Christian.[32]

In 2010, North Muskegon High School was noted as the top performing public school in the State of Michigan by the state Department of Education.[33]

The City of Muskegon is also served by Muskegon Community College and Baker College.

Grand Valley State University's Muskegon Campus is home to the Muskegon Innovation Hub (formerly MAREC) and Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) inside the Lake Michigan Center in downtown Muskegon.

GVSU Muskegon Innovation Hub

Western Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Grand Valley State University all operate programs out of the on the campus of Muskegon Community College. It is designed so an undergraduate at MCC may transfer to any of the above schools and complete a bachelors and/or master's degree without leaving Muskegon.

Media[]

  • Muskegon's leading newspaper is The Muskegon Chronicle. The Chronicle is a daily newspaper in Muskegon, Michigan owned by Booth Newspapers. It started publication in 1857.
  • Muskegon is served by several local television channels:
    • WMKG-CD 38 is a low-powered television station serving the area. This station features a homey mix of programming such as television bingo and Dial-A-Bargain. The Dial-A-Bargain show includes a host reading menus from various local eateries. Viewers may then call in and purchase certificates for that particular establishment at 50% off the regular price.
    • is the locally-run Government-access television (GATV) cable TV channel based out of City Hall Privately ran by Digital Spectrum Enterprises on Comcast Cable Channel 97. It features live televised City Hall meetings as well as a long list of locally made television shows showcasing Muskegon. It also is home to local sporting events.
    • is Muskegon Community College's television outlet on Comcast Cable Channel 98.
    • WWMT-TV 3 (CBS and CW), WOOD-TV 8 (NBC), WZZM-TV 13 (ABC), WXMI-TV 17 (FOX), WOMS-TV 29 (MNTV), WGVU-TV 35 (PBS), WOTV (ABC), WZPX (ION), and WTLJ-TV 54 (TBN). Green Bay, Milwaukee, South Bend, and Chicago affiliates are also common in the warmer months.
  • Comcast holds the local cable franchise.
  • The Muskegon area is also served by several radio stations. WUVS-LP 103.7 is a popular urban (hip-hop/R&B) and gospel station with local programming as well as Sunday religious programming and local-based talk. Another local low-powered FM station is WUGM-LP 106.1, owned by the Muskegon Training and Education Center, which airs an Urban Oldies format dubbed "M-TEC 106 FM, Rock 'n' Soul." A Newer LP-FM Station WFFR-LP 100.9 also offers local programming along with a classic hits format. The station is based out of nearby Roosevelt Park.
  • Local radio talk shows include the Ramona Show on WKBZ 1090. On this show the host interviews local small business people. A once-a-week, Friday afternoon show on the same station is called "Talking Muskegon". "Talking Muskegon" is hosted by local celebrity Jon Van Wyke. It features homey conversations about area nightlife, his work life and volunteer activities, and the state of the professional hockey team the Muskegon Fury. Usually the show is co-hosted.
  • Other local FM stations include 90.3 WBLV-FM (classical/jazz/NPR), 91.7 WMCQ-FM (religious), WWSN FM 92.5 (adult contemporary), WGVS-FM 95.3 (public radio), WLAW FM 97.5 (country), WLCS-FM 98.3 (oldies), WVIB-FM 100.1 (urban contemporary), WMRR-FM 101.7 (classic rock), WSNX-FM 104.5 (top 40, studios in Grand Rapids), WMUS-FM 106.9 (country), and WMUS FM 107.9 (adult contemporary). Other local AM stations aside from WKBZ include WGVS 850 (NPR), WBBL 1490 (sports), and WMHG-AM 1600 (adult standards). Other area stations can be received from Grand Haven (WGHN-FM 92.1, adult contemporary), Grand Rapids (WGRD-FM 97.9), Ludington, Holland, Zeeland (WJQK-FM 99.3, Christian pop), and Milwaukee.
  • iHeartMedia is the major radio-station owner in Muskegon, owning WKBZ-AM, WSHZ-FM, WMUS-FM, WMRR-FM and WMHG-AM, as well as WSNX (although WSNX is considered primarily a Grand Rapids station despite being licensed to Muskegon). Cumulus Media owns WODJ-AM, WLAW-FM, WEFG-FM, WLCS-FM and WVIB-FM.

Infrastructure[]

Transportation[]

Public transportation is provided by the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS – "The Shore Line"), which operates nine bus routes, three trolley routes, and a paratransit system.[34] MATS and Greyhound serve the Herman Ivory Passenger Terminal.[35]

MATS operates the Muskegon Trolley Company. Three routes cover north side, south side, and downtown; each trolley stops at 11 locations, including Hackley and Hume Historic Site, USS Silversides, Muskegon State Park. (Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily; no trips during special events).

Commercial air service is provided by United Airlines at Muskegon County Airport (MKG). Other airlines service the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids.

Muskegon is the eastern port of the Lake Express High Speed Car Ferry that crosses Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin offering three roundtrips a day in the summer, and two roundtrips in the fall. There are many bike paths starting to be built around the area.

CSX Transportation along with the Michigan Shore Railway provide rail service for many of Muskegon's industries. Rail passenger services ended in the 1960s. The nearest passenger rail available is via Amtrak in nearby Holland or Grand Rapids.

Several major highways serve the city, including:

Major roads[]

Rail[]

Until 1971 the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (successor to the Pere Marquette Railway) operated day and night trains from Union Station to Holland and Chicago.[36] The Grand Trunk Western and the Pennsylvania Railroad had earlier operated passenger trains out of another Muskegon station to various points in Michigan.[37]

Ferries[]

In 1937 the Grand Trunk Western began operating ferries that met up with train and carried passengers and automobiles across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Earlier, the GTW had operated the ferries out of Grand Haven. The GTW stopped operating the ferries in 1978. The last remaining ferries across the lake would be the ones launching from Ludington, Michigan.[38][39]

Notable people[]

Noteworthy

  • Virginia Bell, who served for the Women's Army Corps in Japan during World War II, and later joined the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League as a ballplayer[40]
  • John Beyrle, son of Joseph Beyrle, appointed as United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation on May 13, 2008, confirmed July 3, 2008.
  • Joseph Beyrle, only soldier to have served in both the US Army and the Soviet Army in World War II
  • Nancy Anne Fleming, Miss America 1961
  • Mark Grimmette, Olympic luger
  • George Edward Hilt, founder of the nation's largest farm-store retailer
  • David Leestma, astronaut
  • Harry Morgan, actor in films and popular Dragnet and M*A*S*H television series
  • Earl Morrall, NFL quarterback
  • Don Nelson, NBA Basketball Player for Boston Celtics, NBA basketball coach, University of Iowa Basketball All-American
  • Iggy Pop, musician
  • Frank Stanton, past president of CBS, member of Television Hall of Fame
  • Vonda Kay Van Dyke, Miss America 1965
  • Richard Versalle, opera singer
  • Captain Jonathan Walker, "The Man With Branded Hand" abolitionist

Business and politics

  • Charles Hackley (1837–1905), lumber baron, philanthropist (Hackley Hospital, Hackley Library, Hackley Administration Building, Hackley Avenue, Hackley Art Gallery, Hackley Park); after a gift of $12,000,000 to the community, the city of Muskegon considered changing its name to "Hackleyville"
Charles Hackley House

Religion

Science and technology

Artists

  • Haddon Sundblom, graphic arts designer, best known for his images of Santa Claus for Coca-Cola

Authors

Music

  • Steve Gorman, drummer, Black Crowes, born in Muskegon
  • Rick Johnson, musician, bass player for Mustard Plug
  • Bettye LaVette, soul singer
  • Iggy Pop, punk rock icon
  • Wayne Static, lead singer and guitarist for industrial metal band, Static-X
  • Bill Szymczyk, music producer of the Eagles, The Who and others
  • Gerry Teifer, music publisher, songwriter, performer
  • Børns, singer and songwriter, born in Muskegon

Stage

  • Buster Keaton, iconic comedian and film director; born in Kansas but spent childhood summers in Muskegon with his family as a member of the Muskegon Actors' Colony;[41] as a vaudevillian who traveled constantly in non-summer months, Keaton always regarded Muskegon as his home town.
  • Kate Reinders, Broadway actress known for playing the role of Glinda in Wicked and Caroline in Good Vibrations

Television

  • Harry Morgan, versatile stage, film and TV actor best remembered as Colonel Potter on the TV series M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
  • Frank Stanton, former president of CBS

Sports

Sister cities[]

  • Ōmuta, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
  • Hartlepool, County Durham, United Kingdom
  • Antalya, Turkey

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
  1. ^ "City of Muskegon". Retrieved 2012-12-28.
  2. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  5. ^ "Muskegon". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  7. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  8. ^ Population of Michigan Regions and Statistical Areas, 2000 and 2010, at www.michigan.gov
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "History of Muskegon". co.muskegon.mi.u. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  10. ^ Helen Hornbeck Tanner. Atlas of Great Lakes Indian History. (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1987) p. 134
  11. ^ Sherman, Elizabeth B. (2003). Beyond the Windswept Dunes: The Story of Maritime Muskegon, p. 2. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-3127-0.
  12. ^ "History of the Churches of St. Mary's, Our Lady of Grace & St. Jean Baptiste". Our Lady of Grace & St Mary Catholic Parishes, Muskegon. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  13. ^ Walter Romig, Michigan Place Names, p. 68
  14. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2011-02-20. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  15. ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  16. ^ "Station: Muskegon CO AP, MI". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  17. ^ "World Meteorological Organization Standard Normals 1961–1990". World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  18. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  19. ^ "Muskegon, Michigan". city-data.com.
  20. ^ "Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts". frauenthal.org.
  21. ^ "Muskegon Civic Theatre". muskegoncivictheatre.org.
  22. ^ "West Michigan Symphony Orchestra". westmichigansymphony.org. Archived from the original on 2013-06-17.
  23. ^ "Muskegon Community Concerts – Home". muskegonconcerts.org. Archived from the original on 2016-04-03. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  24. ^ "Muskegon Museum of Art". muskegonartmuseum.org.
  25. ^ "Muskegon Polish Festival". Muskegon Polish Festival. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
  26. ^ "Moose Fest 2019". West Michigan Tourist Association. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
  27. ^ "2014 Buster Keaton Convention". busterkeaton.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-23. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
  28. ^ [1] Archived October 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  29. ^ "History". Muskegon Art Museum. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
  30. ^ silversidesmuseum.org
  31. ^ "P.J. Hoffmaster State Park". michigandnr.com. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17.
  32. ^ "District Information". muskegonpublicschools.org. Archived from the original on 26 October 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  33. ^ "North Muskegon High School top-performing in state; Muskegon Heights the lowest". MLive.com.
  34. ^ "MATS History". www.co.muskegon.mi.us. Archived from the original on 2007-10-09. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  35. ^ sklooste@mlive.com, Stephen Kloosterman (2015-07-30). "Muskegon's new $2.8M downtown bus station to open Saturday". MLive.com. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  36. ^ "Trains," "Passenger trains operating on the eve of Amtrak"
  37. ^ "Index of Railroad Stations, 1430". Official Guide of the Railways. National Railway Publication Company. 71 (3). August 1938.
  38. ^ "Canadian National Railway-Grand Trunk, Table 150". Official Guide of the Railways. National Railway Publication Company. 71 (3). August 1938.
  39. ^ Hofsomer, Don. Grand Trunk Corporation, The Canadian National Railways in the United States 1971–1992. 1995. Michigan State University Press. ISBN 18790-94703
  40. ^ Madden, W. C. (2005) The Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League: A Biographical Dictionary (2005). ISBN 978-0-7864-2263-0
  41. ^ "Muskegon Actors' Colony – Home Page". actorscolony.com.

External links[]

Coordinates: 43°14′03″N 86°14′54″W / 43.23417°N 86.24833°W / 43.23417; -86.24833

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