The other day I was talking to a friend about things to do before summer is over and she said she couldn’t afford a huge trip, so I started searching things close to Grand Rapids, within an hour drive or so, and was surprised at how many things popped up in Muskegon.

Yes, I realize if you’ve lived here long enough, you’re probably pretty cynical about Muskegon but maybe you should take another look at the port city, because, here are "5 cool things you can do in Muskegon":

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1) You can actually ride a luge…go luging, just luge.  I’m not sure how you say it, but they have an 850-foot luge track that was created by three time Olympian Frank Masley. It’s at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex.  The track gets you to speeds of 30 mph, and according to their website, it’s built for newbies.  ALSO, they do Summer luging!  The luge is open 10 am to 2 pm and cost $10 for 4 runs (the runs only take about 9 seconds, FYI)

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2) Did you know you could stay in a submarine? Yep, in Muskegon, you can.  It’s the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, created to honor the men and women of the military.   According to its website, The Silversides received 12 battle stars and is considered the 3rd most successful of any allied subs, sinking 23 ships during the war.   Daily the museum is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm but they also offer what they call the “Overnight Encampment” which participants stay on one of the vessels, and get to live like someone who would have been assigned on that sub.  According to their website, it’s good for scouting and youth groups, but also family and adult only events. They just require each person to be at least 5 years old.

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3) Of course, Muskegon is home to Michigan’s Adventure and WildWater Adventure Water Park, which if you’re looking for something closer and cheaper than Cedar Point or Disney, this is a definite stop. PLUS WildWater Adventure Water Park was just picked at Michigan’s Best Water Park! Just don’t be like the people on TripAdvisor, complaining that it costs money.  It’s an amusement park, not a city park, but the fun will be that much greater too!

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MovieTimesMagazine via YouTube
MovieTimesMagazine via YouTube
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4) Wanna be on a boat, enjoying a meal or a few drinks? Then take a “Sunset Cruise” or a “Lunch Cruise”, or the ultimate Sunday Funday, a “Sunday Brunch Champagne Cruise” – each cruise is timed a bit different and the lunchtime cruise is said to be more for families, but cocktails are served with live music on all the cruises.  The boats take you along the shoreline of Muskegon Lake and into Lake Michigan on the Port City Princess. Get tickets for your cruise here 

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Google Street View
Google Street View
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5) 3 words, one hyphenated: The Getty Drive-In! If you have not experienced the joy of watching a movie outside, on the big screen, then you’re missing out!  This was a true summer experience, getting the family and our friends together and going to the drive-in.  Best part is, you get the new releases…so you’re not watching ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ again. (not that it’s a bad movie..)

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See? 5 cool things you can do in Muskegon! I didn't even get to the 4 other maritime museums, the White River Light Station, or the fact there's a state park with dunes along Lake Michigan or the Carr-Fles Planetarium at Muskegon Community College which is open during the school year, and there's still more.  See, plenty of reasons to go check out Muskegon... or maybe for you, it's go check out Muskegon, again!

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