Grand Haven

Located on the sugar sand shores of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Grand River, Grand Haven is an active resort town and the epicenter of West Michigan's Water Wonderland. Grand Haven State Park is regularly rated one of the nation's top beaches. And the city features more than 100 miles of bike trail, 2 Great Lakes lighthouses, a busy waterfront boardwalk, and an extensive fleet of charter fishing boats. The city has felt the pain of Michigan's deindustrialization. But the community also is acting aggressively to reinvest in the urban core, leverage traditional assets such as a distinct quality of life, and position itself to compete in the 21st century. With the Big Lake on the front doorstep, it's hard to imagine anything but success.

Ryan Kilpatrick, lead consultant for Housing Next, leads a panel discussion.

Report: Ottawa County housing progress continues, but gaps remain for many

Leaders share updated housing data, highlighting strides made and ongoing efforts to expand access for households with low, moderate, and middle incomes.

On June 20, a world record will be attempted with a synchronized light show featuring 500 drones and 200 electric vehicles over Muskegon Lake.
Veteran’s drone and EV show over Muskegon Lake to honor service, aims at world record

A Fruitport veteran’s drone and EV light show over Muskegon Lake plans to honor the military and connect veterans with life-changing community resources.

May things to do: Festivals, fundraisers, Memorial Day, an Anne Frank exhibit — and don’t forget Mom

Tulip Time in Holland and the Grand Haven’s Kite Festival return, as does the Prom with a Purpose in Spring Lake and several Memorial Day events across the lakeshore. 

The Lakeshore Assistant Editor Andrea Goodell
Farewell from Assistant Editor Andrea Goodell

The Lakeshore's Assistant Editor Andrea Goodell is moving on to new adventures. Before that happens, we asked her to reflect on her five years covering the people and organizations working to solve problems along the Lakeshore.

Love in Action (LIA) is expanding its services to meet growing food insecurity in Northwest Ottawa County, with help from a $125,000 grant from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF).
Love in Action expands services with GHACF grant

A $125K GHACF grant helps Love in Action build a larger warehouse to meet rising food needs in Northwest Ottawa County.

The Easter Egg Scramble, set for April 5 at Roosevelt Park Community Center in Muskegon, is just one of several egg-related activities in the April calendar for West Michigan.
April things to do: A student art exhibition, Easter events, theater, and spring break activities

It’s April, time for spring flings, spring breaks, Arbor Day, Earth Day, and several egg-stra special events this Easter. And don’t forget art, music, theater, and crafts.

St. Patrick’s Day is here, and several Lakeshore communities are hosting celebrations in honor of the Celtic saint, including the Erin — Go — Bark Parade in Douglas on March 8.
March things to do: Dine in the dark, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (and Pi Day), and so much more

Whether you like history discussions, dressing in green and marching in a parade, getting together with your girlfriends, taking a quick dip in an icy lake, or something entirely different, you’ll find plenty of options for fun in this month’s calendar.  

Local author Melanie Hooyenga poses with a copy of her new novel "The Quiet Unraveling of Eve Ellaway.”
Grand Haven author brings hometown to life in novel

Melanie Hooyenga’s suspenseful novel, “The Quiet Unraveling of Eve Ellaway,” follows a teen trapped in a haunting double life in Grand Haven.  

Sarah Leach
Veteran journalist leads nonprofit news network in Ottawa County

Veteran journalist Sarah Leach leads Ottawa News Network, a nonprofit news outlet dedicated to local coverage and civic engagement in Ottawa County.

Individuals of all abilities can experience adaptive ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and luge at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park on Jan. 4.
February things to do: Theater productions, festivals, music, movies, chili contests, documentaries

This month, you can make candles, learn about Michigan mushrooms, see a play, participate in an indoor triathlon, get out some energy by dancing, and celebrate Black History Month, the Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day.

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