Muskegon, Michigan Winter Getaway: What to See, Do and Eat: a travel guide on what to see, do and eat in Muskegon, Michigan during the winter.

Muskegon is a charming beach town located along Lake Michigan. It is about 40 minutes from Grand Rapids, making it perfect for a winter getaway.

Every winter, I love planning a winter getaway to one of the Lake Michigan beach towns. Last year, I explored Ludington in the off-season and had a great time. This winter, I headed to Muskegon for my winter getaway.

Traditionally, Muskegon is a summer travel destination, but the off-season has so much to offer. From outdoor adventures, family fun, to a relaxing romantic getaway, Muskegon offers something for everyone.

Earlier this month, I headed up to Muskegon to explore the beach town during the winter and I thought that I’d share some of my favorite things to see, do and eat.

Watch my Muskegon Travel Vlog here:

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

I have been trying to go to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex for the past few winters, but it just hasn’t worked out with my schedule. When I started planning my winter getaway, a visit to Muskegon Winter Sports Complex was high up on my list.

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is located inside the Muskegon State Park. The Michigan DNR requires all vehicles parking inside the Park to have a Recreation Passport. If your vehicle does not have a Recreation Passport, you can purchase one at the Lodge.

Be sure to check the conditions before heading out. Their website will let you know the conditions for all the activities offered at the complex.

Snowshoeing

My favorite winter sport is snowshoeing.  The snowshoe trails at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offer the most beautiful scenery in the region. For a short hike, head over to the Woods Loop for a quick loop around Muskegon State Park or the Lake Michigan Loop and Lost Lake Trails for spectacular views of the lake shore. The three trail systems serves all skill levels – beginner through expert. There is a daily trail pass fee. A daily pass during the week is $5 and $10 for a daily pass on the weekend.

We decided to hike the Lost Lake Trail— a 5k hike around the park. The trail offered a variety of terrain and breathtaking views.

Snowshoeing is a great way to experience nature in the winter. I brought my own snowshoes for the hike. If you don’t own snowshoes, no worries! You can rent them at the lodge. Snowshoe rental is $5 during the week and $8 on the weekend.

LEARN TO LUGE LIKE AN OLYMPIAN

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex luge track is one of only four luge tracks that exist in the United States. You will be sliding down an 850′ track designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley. All luge participants must show proof of health insurance and sign a wavier before participating.

All luge tickets must be purchased in advance.  Each ticket includes a two and a half hour luges session, complete with all necessary equipment, tutorial from an experienced luge coach and an awards ceremony at the end of your session. You can purchase your ticket online.

This is a great experience for kids 8 years and up. If you love adventure when you travel, you are going to love this.

See the Muskegon South Breakwater Light

During the winter, the South Breakwater Light is often covered in snow and ice. On my visit, there were a few brave souls who walked the breakwater in order to get close to the lighthouse. It can be very dangerous when covered in ice.

It is beautiful with the ice and snow. Lake Michigan is breathtaking during the winter.

Grab a cup of coffee at Drip Drop Coffee

Warm up on a cold winter day with a cup of coffee at Drip Drop Coffee.

Drip Drop Coffee is dedicated to serving handcrafted dripstyle coffee and using high-quality artisan roasted coffee beans.

I love finding unique coffee shops when traveling. Drip Drop Coffee is located in the downtown area of Muskegon.

Have pizza at Rebel Pies

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that I love pizza. I love discovering unique pizza places while traveling.

Rebel Pies is located inside the Russell Block Market in Downtown Muskegon. Rebel Pies has a really unique rock n’ roll theme. The design is very fitting for the space.

I ordered Farmers’ Daughter pizza made with their beer dough.  There are many different pizza options to order, including a few vegan pizzas.

The pizza was loaded with caramelized onions, pineapple, jalapeños, spinach, and topped with basil. My favorite part of the pizza was definitely the beer dough. You could really taste the hint of the beer in dough.

Enjoy a craft beer at Unruly Brewing

Located in the same building as Rebel Pies, you’ll find Unruly Brewing Company.

I loved that the brewery was located in the same building as Rebel Pies. While you wait for your pizza, you can enjoy a craft beer. I will say that it does get a little loud inside, but I think it just goes with theme of the place.

Enjoy a cocktail at 18th Amendment

Located in the former Savings and Loan Bank, 18th Amendment Spirits Co. is far more than a distillery or bar. The historic building houses a vintage Brunswick bar, which was originally built in Muskegon. I really loved the vibe here. If I lived in Muskegon, I definitely would be a regular.

Muhammara is one of my favorite dips. Roasted red peppers are pureed with toasted walnuts, fresh garlic, pomegranate, and lemon finished with olive oil and parsley. The Muhammara was served with fresh baked flat bread.

Craft Beer at Pigeon Hill

I love visiting local breweries when I travel. I have been wanting to visit Pigeon Hill Brewing Company for awhile now. Pigeon Hill is located just a few blocks from Unruly Brewing and Rebel Pies.

When I’m visiting a brewery for the first time, I love ordering a beer flight. This is a great way to try a sample of what the brewery has to offer.

Some of the beers on tap did have lactose in them, so just be careful when ordering. There is a wide selection of craft beers to try. My favorite beers of the flight were the Renny DIPA, Brut-y Traps IPA, and Haze You Guys.

If you are a craft beer enthusiasts, a stop at Pigeon Hill is a must on your visit to Muskegon!

Where to Stay

For my winter getaway, I stayed at the Shoreline Inn—Muskegon’s only waterfront hotel.

The 10-story hotel features recently remodeled guest rooms with full-wall windows and sliding glass doors.  I stayed in one of the corner rooms which had a covered walk-out terraces. The view of the marina was one of my favorite features of the room.

I really loved how the hotel was located close to downtown Muskegon.

Muskegon is the perfect spot for a winter getaway. It is a great travel destination year-round, but there is just something so wonderful about visiting the beach town during the winter.

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Thank you to Visit Muskegon for hosting me stay. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

XO Jeni