12 Awesome Things to Do in West Michigan for an Epic Trip
If you’ve never explored West Michigan, 2025 is the perfect time to do it. This underrated region is where small-town charm meets breathtaking Great Lakes beauty — think endless sandy beaches, craft breweries on every corner, quaint lakefront towns, and sunsets that can rival Hawaii. Whether you’re here for a weekend road trip or a full-on Michigan adventure, there’s no shortage of fun, food, and fantastic views.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the 12 most awesome things to do in West Michigan — from hiking hidden dunes and touring breweries to cruising Lake Michigan and chasing lighthouses like a local.
1. Chill on the Beaches of Holland State Park
Start your West Michigan trip with a classic: Holland State Park. With its wide sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and iconic red lighthouse (Big Red), it’s one of the most photographed spots in Michigan.
Take a dip in the lake, walk the boardwalk, and end your day with a Lake Michigan sunset — the kind that paints the sky in pinks and oranges. If you visit in spring, the Tulip Time Festival fills the city with millions of tulips and traditional Dutch parades.
Travel tip: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to skip the parking rush during summer weekends.
2. Explore the Cool Vibes of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is the cultural heartbeat of West Michigan — a city where art, beer, and river views come together perfectly.
Check out the Grand Rapids Art Museum or wander the massive outdoor art installations from the ArtPrize festival if you’re visiting in autumn. Craft beer fans will love the “Beer City USA” scene — with more than 40 breweries, including favorites like Founders Brewing Co. and Brewery Vivant.
If you prefer a chill vibe, stroll through Riverside Park or Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, home to a butterfly conservatory and impressive botanical art.
Don’t miss: The Meijer Gardens’ summer concerts — live music under the stars surrounded by sculptures and flowers.
3. Climb the Dunes at Saugatuck Dune Rides
Looking for a bit of adventure? Head to Saugatuck Dune Rides, where you’ll zoom through rolling sand dunes on a thrilling open-air ride.
Your guide will fill you in on the area’s unique history — once a ghost town buried by sand — while you take in panoramic views of Lake Michigan. It’s a must-do for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Afterward, stop by downtown Saugatuck, a cozy art-filled town with local galleries, boutique shops, and amazing eats (try The Southerner for fried chicken with a view).
Pro tip: Combine your visit with a swim at nearby Oval Beach, ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.
4. Visit the Lighthouses of Ludington
No West Michigan trip is complete without a lighthouse trail — and Ludington is the perfect place to start.
Walk out to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, perched dramatically among sand dunes, or catch a sunset by the North Breakwater Light, one of the most photographed spots on Lake Michigan.
For a dose of nostalgia, hop aboard the S.S. Badger, a historic car ferry that still sails between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Traveler’s tip: Pack a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon at Stearns Park Beach, one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Michigan.
5. Discover the Magic of Sleeping Bear Dunes
Just a couple of hours north of Grand Rapids, you’ll find Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — one of the most breathtaking places in the Midwest.
Climb the towering dunes for sweeping lake views, or drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for overlooks that make you stop in awe. There are hiking trails, crystal-clear inland lakes, and charming nearby towns like Empire and Glen Arbor.
You can even rent a kayak and float down the Platte River for a mix of peaceful paddling and adventure.
Bonus: Don’t miss the Dune Climb — a workout with a view that’s 100% worth it.
6. Tour Michigan’s Craft Beverage Trail
West Michigan isn’t just about beer anymore — it’s a paradise for all things craft.
From cider mills in the fall to distilleries and wineries in every season, there’s something for everyone. Check out Virtue Cider in Fennville, Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids, or take a wine tour in the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country, where more than 15 wineries produce award-winning bottles thanks to the lake’s perfect climate.
Travel tip: Designate a driver or join a guided tasting tour if you’re hopping between wineries and breweries.
7. Go Chasing Waterfalls in the Upper West
Yes, Michigan has waterfalls — and West Michigan hides a few underrated gems.
Head north to Ocqueoc Falls, the only waterfall in the Lower Peninsula you can actually swim in, or explore Fallasburg Park near Lowell for peaceful river trails and an old covered bridge.
If you’re up for a scenic drive, venture toward the Manistee River Trail, which offers beautiful forest hikes, bridges, and waterfalls surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Pro tip: Spring and early summer bring the strongest water flow — and the most spectacular photos.
8. Experience Holland’s Windmill Island Gardens
A piece of the Netherlands in the heart of Michigan? Absolutely.
Windmill Island Gardens features the only authentic Dutch windmill in the U.S. — the De Zwaan — which still grinds flour today. Walk through tulip-lined paths, canals, and traditional Dutch architecture that feels straight out of Europe.
Visit in May during Tulip Time Festival for fields of color that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Fun fact: The windmill is over 250 years old and was brought to Michigan piece by piece from the Netherlands.
9. Camp or Kayak in Muskegon
Muskegon is West Michigan’s outdoor playground. You can camp right along the beach at Muskegon State Park, rent a kayak, or explore forested hiking trails that lead to hidden coves.
If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, where you can step aboard a real WWII submarine. And for adrenaline junkies, ride the roller coasters at Michigan’s Adventure, the state’s largest amusement park.
Local tip: For a quieter day, head to Pere Marquette Beach — it’s less crowded and just as beautiful as Holland’s shore.
10. Take a Road Trip on the West Michigan Pike
For a classic Americana experience, drive the West Michigan Pike, a historic coastal route connecting the region’s charming lake towns.
Start in New Buffalo, wind through Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Muskegon, and end in Ludington. Along the way, you’ll find beaches, antique shops, farm stands, and plenty of photo ops.
It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest — the kind of road trip where you roll down your windows, blast your playlist, and just go.
Tip: Plan stops at local ice cream shops — Michigan’s homemade ice cream scene is seriously underrated.
11. Watch the Sunset at Grand Haven Pier
There’s something magical about Grand Haven at golden hour. Walk along the pier to the Grand Haven Lighthouse, where the waves crash against the red walkway, and the sky turns molten gold.
It’s a favorite spot for locals and photographers alike, and the Musical Fountain downtown adds to the charm — synchronized lights and water dance to music every summer evening.
Grab a scoop from Raspberry’s Ice Cream and find a spot on the boardwalk to soak it all in.
12. Discover the Charm of South Haven
End your West Michigan adventure in South Haven, a postcard-perfect harbor town with a laid-back coastal vibe.
Spend your morning walking the Kal-Haven Trail, a converted rail trail that runs through forests and fields, then cool off at South Beach. The downtown area is full of cute boutiques, cafés, and local art galleries.
At sunset, head to the South Haven Lighthouse — it glows beautifully against the fiery lake sky.
Pro tip: Visit the National Blueberry Festival in August for live music, blueberry pies, and small-town fun at its best.
Bonus: Seasonal Events & Festivals You’ll Love
- Tulip Time Festival (Holland): May blooms, parades, and Dutch dancers.
- Coast Guard Festival (Grand Haven): Late July/early August, featuring ships, parades, and fireworks.
- ArtPrize (Grand Rapids): Fall art festival transforming the whole city into an open gallery.
- National Blueberry Festival (South Haven): Every August, full of sweet treats and fun.
Final Thoughts: Why West Michigan Is an Epic Trip
West Michigan is one of those places that sneaks up on you. You come for the beaches, but you stay for the friendly people, the sunsets, and the calm energy that comes from being close to the Great Lakes.
It’s a destination where every stop feels personal — where you can hike dunes one day, sip cider in a vineyard the next, and end every night with a beach sunset that makes you whisper, “I could live here.”Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, history nerd, or road-tripper, West Michigan in 2025 delivers the kind of trip that’s both relaxing and unforgettable.
