One of the perks of having family that live in West Michigan is the excuse to try to new adventures in the area when we visit.
The beautiful beaches on West Michigan’s shoreline are reminiscent of the ocean… but without the sharks but the fun doesn’t stop there.
I’m sharing more about additioal adventures you’ll want to add to your list during your next visit that are primarily open during the summer and fall.
Enjoy an Unforgettable Ride With Saugatuck Dune Rides
6495 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI
Saugatuck Dune Rides have been in operation since 1954 and has continued to be a popular local attraction.
If it’s been a while since you’ve taken this dune ride I’d recommend going again.
We took our boys when they were in elementary school and it was so fun watching my son experience the dune ride again as an adult.
The 40 minute ride is fun for all ages and can accomodate guests as young as 1 year old without the need of a car seat because they don’t go on the road.
The extended jeap can hold between 17-19 people with a maximum of four adults in a row.
The dune ride zips through wooded areas and climbs to scencic views at the top of the dunes. You’ll even have an opportunity to get out of the jeep for pictures.
The guide also shares a lot of interesting stories about the area, local ecology and even throws in some dad jokes.
Tickets for Saugatuck Dune Rides are sold online; the dates open up two weeks in advance. Tickets do sell out, so make sure you book your preferred time and date in advance.
You can call in the morning to see if there are any same-day tickets available.
Ride the Saugatuck Chain Ferry
528 Water St, Saugatuck, MI
Saugatuck Chain Ferry dates back to 1857 and is the only remaining hand cranked chain ferry of its kind in the United States.
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, AKA “Diane” is guided across the Kalamazoo River by a chain that is hand cranked by trained operators.
The ferry departs each dock every 10-15 minutes based on customer demand and can hold 24 total passengers.
You can catch the ferry Memorial Day – Labor Day and the ferry hours vary based on weather and the river current.
The ride is cash only, $3 for adults and $1 for kids ags 3-10, so plan ahead.
Stop for a Treat at the Douglas Root Beer Barrel
501 W Center St, Douglas, MI
If you’re going to stop for a treat it might as well be from a fun shaped root beer barrel.
The Douglas Root Beer Barrel is a popular spot for root beer floats and hot dogs since
Established in 1952 boasting 125 staves to create it’s barrel shape,
Try the Summer Luge at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Complex
462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon, MI
You probably knew that you could try the luge in winter but did you know that you could try it in the summer too.
Guests 48 inches and up can try 3 runs on their 320 foot fiberglass luge track with two banked curves that’s the only wheel track of its kind in North America.
The track was designed by Olympian Frank Masely and uses the same sled they use for the ice. The difference is that in-line wheels are attached to the bottom of the sled for the summer months.
Partipants are given instructions and tips by coaches and a luge demo along with a helmet and elbow pads.
Guests can also enjoy additional activities including archery, rock climbing, and ziplining.
Dine or Drink With Your Toes in the Sand at The Deck
1601 Beach St, Muskegon, MI
This restaurant on the beach doubles as a fun concert venue for live music at Muskegon’s only beach restaurant at Pere Marquette Park.
Sit at the Top Deck for a full service restaurant and the Below Deck area is more casual with takeout windows for food and a separate bar for drinks.
Be on the lookout for unique seating including a few pontoon boats and swings seated around tables.
Visit a Unique Theme Park at Nelis Dutch Village
12350 James St, Holland, MI
Nelis’ Dutch Village is a Dutch-themed attraction offers a lot for families of all ages from April through September.
Admission to Nelis’ Dutch Village includes all the presentations, demonstrations, petting farm, and unlimited rides.
This is a great multigeneration attraction especially for parents with young kids.
Kids will love the petting zoo, rides, and the slide from a giant wooden shoe.
Check out the daily schedule when you arrive and try not to miss the shoe making demostration and the Dutch dancing too.
It’s recommended to allow 3-4 hours to visit all the attractions and allow time to shop and eat.
Take a Picture of the Most Photographed Lighthouse in the State
The Holland Harbor Light known as “Big Red” can easily be seen at Holland State Park from the north pier.
Out-of-state visitors can visit the lighthouse from 11am to sunset Mondays through Fridays.
In state days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
It’s easy to see why this is the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan.
Watch the Grand Haven Musical Fountains
Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, 1 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
The Grand Haven Musical Fountains have evolved quite a bit since they started in 1962.
This FREE 25-30 minute show features music synchronized to water and lights.
Each evening is a different theme and plays nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with additional nights in early May and September on Fridays and Saturdays.
This is a great family friendly activity that’s perfect after a long day at the beach. If your vehicle is at Grand Haven State Park you may want to move it closer to downtown for a shorter walk after the show.
Try a Grand Haven Staple at Pronto Pups
313 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI
Since 1947 Pronto Pups has been a summer treat that generations of families look forward to. It’s easy to spot this small stand because there is typically a long line nearby but it moves quickly.
They still use the same original recipe for the batter dipped hot dogs are served on sticks with your choice of mustard and/or ketchup.
Plan ahead for this one because the stand is cash only. The batter dipped hot dogs aren’t super filling so I’d recommend 2-3 depending on how hungry you are.
Enjoy an Educational Wine Tasting at Fenn Valley Vineyards
6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, MI
I’ve been on a lot of wine tours over the years but this was the first one where I was in a wagon pulled by a tractor.
The tractor pulls guests throughout the vineyard and then stops to share more information about the vineyard, wine making process, and several wine tastings.
Weather permitting the groups starts in the covered wagon and the tour ends in the wine cellar with additional tastings.
You can opt to book a 45 minute tour or take a deeper dive that’s almost 2 hours.
