Exploring Muskegon, Michigan with DreamSTay

Muskegon County is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in West Michigan and offers a variety of attractions and adventures for all ages. This is a true four season destination with three state parks, miles of trails and waterways, and 26 miles of beaches. The area is also home to several family friendly activities including Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park and Michigan Adventures. 

When visiting Muskegon, travelers can choose to stay at a variety of one-of-a-kind properties hosted by DreamStay that offer a truly immersive and personalized experience for guests. 

Disclaimer: Our trip was planned in partnership with DreamStay. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Where to Stay

Whether you're looking to stay steps away from the shores of Lake Michigan or immerse yourself in the downtown scene within walking distance of some amazing restaurants, museums and shopping, DreamStay has accommodations that are creatively curated and professionally designed for all types of travelers. 

Firehouse No. 6 
This might be the most unique rental property I've ever stayed at. The property was originally built as the first engine house in Muskegon in 1924. It has since been renovated into a beautiful home with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an arcade in the basement. The best part is how immersive staying here is. The design and decor are fully centered around the firehouse history and it is decked out with memorabilia and other fun surprises like the firefighter costumes for kids. This property is also dog friendly and has a large fenced in backyard as well as a custom dog den upstairs where the fire pole used to be. Located in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon, you're just a short 10-minute drive from downtown. 

Scenic Drive Resort 
If you're looking to stay closer to the lakeshore, you have to check out Scenic Drive Resort. Located on 14 acres with 7 cabins and 3 houses this property can accommodate larger groups with plenty of space to spread out. Each site comes with a fire pit, hammock, and a grilling station, along with a fully stocked kitchen. You're also steps away from the beach with private access and beach towels provided. All cabins can sleep 4 guests and each house can sleep 8 guests. Bohemian Wonderland is one of the houses at the resort which is designed with a chic boho vibe and has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an epic rock climbing wall in the basement. 

DreamStay on Clay
This boutique hotel is located in downtown Muskegon making it an ideal location for walking and exploring the many shops, restaurants, museums and events this area has to offer. There are 8 different suites to choose from including three studios and five one-bedrooms. This is a great option for couples. Each suite does have a fully stocked kitchen, bathroom and sitting area. 

Where to Eat/Drink

I was pleasantly surprised by how many great restaurants, coffee shops and breweries Muskegon has to offer. During our visit we had dinner at Rad Dads Tacos & Tequila Bar which I highly recommend. They serve speciality tacos with some unique variations like the Bruss Lee with deep fried Brussels sprouts and the Cracklin Me Up which had pulled chicken topped with crispy chicharrones. The restaurant overlooks the Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey arena and would be such a fun place to hang on game night. We also enjoyed the funky retro vibe with nods to 80s and 90s pop culture as well as an arcade on site. 

Next door is Carlisle's which is a casual gastropub serving up classic comfort food and some unexpected dishes like the pickle roll wontons. We also tried the French dip and the rice stir fry bowl. And let's not forget the real star of the show - the Reese's Peanut Butter pie.

If you're looking for an amazing coffee shop, head to The Coffee Factory. Fun fact - all guests at DreamStay properties are welcomed with fresh grounds from this shop! In addition to great locally sourced coffee and baked goods (including some amazing gluten free options) you'll also find a selection of vintage clothes and a small book nook. 

Where to Adventure

We started our trip in Muskegon at the Muskegon Museum of History & Science. If you're traveling with kids this is a must visit featuring hands-on exhibits & educational programs including a habitat gallery, STEM center and science discovery zone. My daughter loved wandering around and looking at all the different animals which are local to the area and experimenting with the earthquake and tornado simulation in the science center. This is also a very affordable adventure and is free for Muskegon residents and only $10/person for non-residents (2 and under free). 

Another great spot for kids is the newly opened Play Muskegon - an indoor imaginative play center filled with high quality toys to inspire creative play. Here you can book a 90-minute session and let your little ones explore a tiny town designed specifically for them with rotating themes (library, grocery store, hair salon, etc). They also host a variety of classes and special events each month and will soon have a coffee shop on site. 

When you stay Scenic Drive Resort you're only a 5-minute drive from Muskegon Luge Adventure Park which offers year-round fun but is best known for their winter attractions including one of only four luge tracks in the United States. You can book a Learn to Luge course and fly down the Olympic-designed track at speeds of up to 30 mph. On site you'll also find a magical skating ribbon through the woods and a large ice rink which is perfect for skating or taking a spin on an ice bike. There are also miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails available and a fun sledding hill. All equipment rentals are available for purchase on site including adaptive equipment options. Warm up in one of two heated tents or in their recently expanded beer garden with several bonfire pits. Enjoy beers and bonfires every Friday and Saturday through the winter months. 

Another fun stop in downtown Muskegon is Socibowl which is a big kid's playground offering duck pin bowling, darts, yard games, and an arcade. The duck pin bowling is a fun spin on the sport with smaller lanes and balls and an interactive screen which offers a variety of game styles to choose from. They also serve food and creative cocktails on site making it the perfect late night entertainment destination. 

Where to shop

When visiting Muskegon, you can't miss the opportunity to stroll along Vintage Row on Pine Street. This is a collection of six charming and eclectic shops selling a variety of antiques, furniture, home decor, clothing and more.:

• Pine Street Mercantile
• Vintage Deluxe
• Daisy Luck
• Gathered Goods
• Brass Moon Vintage
• Bellwether Vintage

Each of the shops offers specially curated collections and rotate their inventory regularly so you never know what you might find. Vintage Row is very walkable with four shops located within the same building and two others just a couple blocks away. Plan to spend at least a few hours treasuring hunting here!