Pere Marquette Park
Muskegon, MI
Pere Marquette Park is Muskegon's main beach, a mile of wide sand beside the Muskegon Channel and its red south pierhead light. There are sand volleyball courts, a playground, and a couple of beachfront restaurants. Lake freighters and the Lake Express ferry move through the channel.
Big, lively, and well equipped, but nonresident parking costs have become a sore point.
How we score beachesMuskegon has offered free-parking days midweek in the past. Check the city's current schedule before you plan a weekend trip.
Nonresidents pay to park, with higher rates on weekends; check the city's current rates.
The lots run right along the beach, with a short walk onto wide, flat sand.
The beach hums from July through Labor Day. Winter storms push waves over the pier, which is spectacular to watch from shore.
More Great Lakes beaches
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