The park features the USS Silversides Submarine Museum and the USCGC McLane, a historic cutter, located within the immediate harbor area.
The beach is one of the few designated locations in the region to hold a 'Blue Wave' beach certification for its water quality and safety standards.
The Muskegon South Pierhead Light was originally built in 1903 and automated in 1974.
During peak summer months, the park functions as a major staging area for local kite-flying festivals due to consistent lake breezes.
The beach serves as a protected migratory stopover for several species of shorebirds along the Lake Michigan coastline.
Pere Marquette Park is a 27.5-acre public beach located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Muskegon. It features a wide expanse of white sand and is designated as a Blue Wave Certified beach for environmental quality. The park is home to the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, which has guided vessels into the Muskegon Lake channel since the early 20th century. Visitors can access a dedicated boardwalk that spans the length of the beach and connects to broader regional trail systems. The site includes multiple picnic shelters, a playground, and sand volleyball courts. The park serves as a major recreation hub for the city and is situated directly at the mouth of the Muskegon Channel. It is consistently maintained by the City of Muskegon’s Parks and Recreation department.
The elevated boardwalk view looking toward the Muskegon South Pierhead Light during sunset.
Bring beach footwear, as the sand can become extremely hot during the peak of mid-summer afternoons.
Check local weather alerts for Lake Michigan rip current warnings before planning a swim.
Utilize the designated boardwalk path to access the lighthouse rather than walking directly through the dunes to prevent erosion.
Attempting to swim near the pier structure, as strong currents often create hazardous undertows near the channel entrance.
Beach facilities and concessions operate primarily between late spring and early autumn; no lifeguards are on duty during off-season months.
No glass containers allowed on the beach; pack out all trash to maintain water quality.
