Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Muskegon is a blend of stunning beaches, rich maritime history, and a walkable downtown. With the addition of recently expanded jet service to Chicago last year and a new convention center in 2021, Muskegon is fast becoming a premier spot for meetings and events. In fact, the city’s charm and excellent facilities have positioned it as a top choice for meeting planners. “Muskegon offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban excitement, making it an ideal destination for your next conference or meeting,” says Sarah Langlois, sales executive at Visit Muskegon.
The Michigan Association for Local Public Health (MALPH) also sees it that way. MALPH held its Michigan Premier Public Health Conference in Muskegon last year in mid-October. More than 500 members gathered at Delta Hotels Muskegon Convention Center for three days of sessions, breakout groups, and networking. Attendees spent their evenings exploring downtown Muskegon’s burgeoning restaurant scene. The group was so impressed that they booked the event’s return this year and in 2029. “We were wowed,” says MALPH Director of Member Services Jodie Shaver. “It was one of our best conferences yet.”
The most populated city on Michigan’s western shore and the seat of Muskegon County, Muskegon is framed by the stunning waters of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Historically rooted in logging and foundries, the city has undergone significant revitalization with cleaned-up waterways and new developments. Today, Muskegon is a vibrant destination for events of all sizes.
Muskegon is easily accessible by car, located 40 minutes from Grand Rapids, 3 1/2 hours from Detroit, and three hours from Chicago. For air travelers, Muskegon County Airport connects to Chicago via Denver Air Connection, which recently began providing service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, offering easy access to national and international flights. The airport’s recent multiphase $24 million renovation, including terminal and taxiway upgrades, is set to complete this year.
While staying downtown, visitors might enjoy the convenience of walking or taking a ride with Muskegon Trolley Co., which has trolleys available from March 15 to Nov. 15, excluding major holidays. Holiday Coach Co. offers transportation options such as motor coaches, minibuses, and sedans for groups.
Standout Venues
Downtown Muskegon’s lodging options with event space include two prominent hotels. The 200-room Delta Hotels Muskegon Convention Center combines modern design with practicality, having undergone a major renovation in 2019. Attendees might enjoy comprehensive amenities that include a rooftop deck, an indoor pool overlooking Muskegon Lake, and 10,000 square feet of event space. Just a short walk from downtown attractions, it is ideally situated for social and business events and is attached to the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, which provides an additional 28,000 square feet of event and pre-function space.
Meanwhile, the Shoreline Inn & Conference Center, Ascend Hotel Collection, is just across the street from the convention center and offers a memorable lakeside retreat. With its retro-trendy vibe, this facility features 140 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and flexible meeting spaces totaling nearly 7,000 square feet. Visitors might unwind in charming poolside cabanas while taking in picturesque views of Muskegon Lake.
The VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center has made large-scale conferences possible in downtown Muskegon since it opened in 2021, with 37,700 square feet of total event space, 8,100 square feet of pre-function space, and 13 breakout rooms. Between the convention center and Delta Hotels Muskegon Convention Center, gatherings of up to 2,500 can be accommodated. Similarly to the Shoreline Inn, the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center offers up beautiful vistas of adjacent Muskegon Lake.
Katie DeWeerd, director of sales at Parkland Properties of Michigan in Muskegon, says the convention center has made an impact year-round. “Our goal with the convention center was to create foot traffic and energy downtown during the shoulder seasons,” she says, noting the opening of new restaurants and bars nearby in recent years as well. “We have seen the impact with investments such as Socibowl by Pigeon Hill, Legends Bar and Grille, and The Early Owl being made across the street.”
Muskegon also offers diverse venues that showcase its charm. For example, Muskegon Country Club is perched atop 130 acres of sand dunes near the shores of Muskegon Lake. This historic venue, established in 1908 and now open to the public, was renovated in 2023 by owner RedWater Events. Its many versatile event spaces include a main ballroom that can accommodate 150 and a deck that overlooks Muskegon Lake. In the summer, live music adds a jubilant touch to the upscale, casual setting.
Another standout option is the Frauenthal Center, Muskegon’s crown jewel of historic theaters. The facility offers a range of meeting spaces, from the intimate Frau Lounge to its ornate main theater, which can seat up to 1,750 attendees. A new third-floor venue and deck, scheduled to open early May, will enhance its already plentiful options for meeting planners.
Adventure All Around
The dining scene in Muskegon is another draw for visitors. Popular options include Dockers Fish House, which sits just steps away from Pere Marquette Park beach and is known for its fresh seafood and panoramas of Muskegon Lake. Nipote’s Italian Kitchen serves authentic Italian cuisine, including salmon Florentine and mushroom ravioli. The Lake House Waterfront Grille provides fine dining with even more lake vistas for attendees to enjoy.
For team building, groups can visit Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. or its companion venue, Socibowl by Pigeon Hill. The latter offers three spaces in one: a full-service restaurant and bar, duckpin bowling alley, and an indoor beer garden. Other activities include darts and lawn games. Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. founder Michael Brower describes Socibowl as having “a big-city feel in a small town.”
Groups might immerse themselves in Muskegon’s maritime history by touring the SS Milwaukee Clipper, a retired automobile ferry and passenger ship docked on Muskegon Lake that features a large collection of original art deco-style furniture. Attendees also might enjoy visiting the Muskegon Museum of Art with its collection of more than 5,000 works and docent-guided tours for parties of eight or more. Outdoor enthusiasts should check out Pere Marquette Park, Muskegon State Park, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, all offering sandy beaches and picturesque dune trails.
For winter visits, Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park provides a rare public luge experience, as well as ice skating and cross-country skiing. Summer activities include rock climbing, zip lining, and archery, making the area a true year-round destination for shorter team outings or multiday retreats. “All our attractions are used for group team-building, corporate outings, or just fun,” says Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park Community Relations Manager Bill Bailey.
About 15 minutes away from Muskegon, Michigan’s Adventure amusement park and WildWater Adventure water park present more than 60 rides, slides, and attractions that include seven roller coasters. Event space for catered lunches, as well as park buyout options, are available for corporate and nonprofit groups.
One particular event and its planners have taken advantage of Muskegon’s amenities and hospitality for decades. The Miss Michigan Scholarship Program has been a Muskegon tradition since 1951. Contestants stay at the Delta Hotels Muskegon Convention Center and compete at the Frauenthal Center. As the program celebrated its 85th anniversary last year, participants enjoyed local experiences like dining at Dr. Rolf’s Barbeque.
Miss Michigan Scholarship Program State Executive Director Paula Dewall praises Muskegon’s hospitality. “It’s a small beach town, but downtown Muskegon is really growing and everything’s walkable,” she says. “That makes it a great venue.”
