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Michigan Travel Destinations – Grand Haven

August 23, 2022No Comments

The Grand Haven area and Northern Ottawa County is one of the most historically significant areas in the state of Michigan, with its history dating back over 300 years ago. Imagine what the area was like in the 1700s and 1800s when fur trading and lumbering were king in West Michigan.

Experience the history of the area by taking a walk along the 1.5 mile boardwalk that spans from downtown Grand Haven to Lake Michigan. At the end of the boardwalk you’ll see two lighthouses that have guided ships for years and whose silhouettes at sunset make the perfect backdrop for photos and memories.

Rix Robinson, who worked for the Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company as fur trapper and trader, established posts on the Grand, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon Rivers, water routes long used by Native Americans and early European explorers. By 1827 Robinson has established 20 trading posts in lower West Michigan. He obtained rights to Grand Haven area lands in a U.S. Patent dated December 2, 1833. Less than a year later Grand Haven’s first permanent white settlers, Rev. William Montague Ferry, with family and friends, sailed down the east coast of Lake Michigan to the mouth of the Grand River. The group set ashore at Rix Robinson’s fur trading post, located near the foot of today’s Washington Street. They spent their first year in makeshift lodgings, but by the spring of 1835 they had erected permanent dwellings and the first sawmill.

Local Restaurants

BAD. HABIT. GH

1307 S Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven, MI 49417, 616-777-7864

badhabitgh.com

Bad Habit shakes are Grand Haven’s guilty pleasure. Piled high with cake, frosting, and more, they’re perfect for any sweet tooth.

THE PAISLEY PIG GASTROPUB

501 Miller Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417, 616- 607-7563

Paisleypiggrandhaven.com

Elevated tavern fare with an extensive selection of craft beers & wines amid offbeat cafe decor.

THE TOASTED PICKLE GRAND HAVEN

112 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417, 616-414-799

thetoastedpickle.com

Local joint offering unique sandwiches made with gourmet ingredients in a cool, compact space.

FRICANO’S PIZZA TAVERN

1400 Fulton St, Grand Haven, MI 49417, 616 842-8640

www.fricanospizzatavern.com

The people of Michigan regard Fricano’s Pizza Tavern as a cherished landmark that brought pizza to Michigan in 1949. Voted “Best Pizza in Michigan” With over 150,000 out of 300,000 total votes by Facebook & Twitter Fans in a 2011 Pure Michigan poll!

Accommodations

HARBOR HOUSE INN

114 South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417,

www.harborhousegh.com

Built in 1987, the Harbor House Inn is true to the Michigan Victorian style of a bygone era. Our nineteen spacious yet cozy rooms, all with private baths, offer a comfortable respite from the hectic pace of the outside world. Sweeping views of the Grand River, Lake Michigan sand dunes and our floral gardens add to the ambiance.

LOOKING GLASS BEACHFRONT INN

1100 South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417,

www.l ookingglassmi.com

Named 1 of “5 great places to stay while in Grand Haven” by BestMichigan.org! Looking Glass is perfect for a weekend getaway, anniversary weekend or family vacation. With a unique location that fit into almost anyone’s vacation plans. From lazy beach tanning and book reading to activity-filled adventure. Centrally located stay with lots of day trip possibilities only to be able to return for amazing sunsets over the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan.

THE BOYDEN HOUSE

301 S 5th St, Grand Haven, MI 49417, 616-846-3538

www.boydenhouse.com

The Boyden House is a Grand Haven Michigan bed and breakfast where you’ll take a glorious step back in time to the days of gracious and beautiful architectural design and rich construction. The home has been fully restored to its former glory and the guest rooms are furnished with an eclectic and contemporary flair.

Area Attractions

GRAND HAVEN LIGHTHOUSE & PIER

1001 Harbor Ave , Grand Haven, MI 49417

www.ghlighthouse.com

Established in 1839, Grand Haven Lighthouse consists of two lights on the south pier in Grand Haven, Michigan, both painted red and connected by a lighted catwalk. The catwalk also connects them to the Grand Haven Boardwalk and to the shore. The inner light has cylindrical shape. The foghouse or outer light is perched on a huge concrete foundation. The boardwalk along the Grand River channel and the pier are very popular strolling destination for tourists, and the Grand Haven lighthouses are among the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan. The Grand Haven pier is also a great spot for fishing and enjoying the sunset.

GRAND HAVEN MUSICAL FOUNTAINS

1 N Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417

www.ghfountain.org

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized display of water and lights in Grand Haven, Michigan located on Dewey Hill on the north shore of the Grand River, not far from the Grand’s mouth at Lake Michigan and Grand Haven State Park. Shows run nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

PERE MARQUETTE 1223

301 N Harbor Dr , Grand Haven, MI 49417

The Pere Marquette 1223 is a historic steam locomotive on permanent display in Grand Haven, Michigan. Built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works, 1223 hauled freight between Toledo and Chicago in the years before and after World War II. It was retired from service in 1951. After retirement, instead of being scrapped as planned, she was repainted and moved for display at the state fairgrounds in Detroit.

GALLERY UPTOWN

201 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417, 616-846-5460

www.galleryuptown.net

Situated in Grand Haven’s lively downtown area, Gallery Uptown is the oldest artist-operated art gallery in the state of Michigan. Known for featuring award-winning artists, Gallery Uptown runs monthly themed exhibits with pieces by gallery members as well as guest artists. Typically, exhibits will feature mixed mediums such as drawings, paintings, photos, reproductions, pottery, and even wood and glasswork.