Best Places to Walk in Muskegon, Michigan

Walking is great for stress-relief, mental and even physical health. Medical experts believe frequent walkers have a lower risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Developing a walking regimen can be somewhat challenging. This includes the challenge of finding time and a place to walk. The Muskegon community offers numerous convenient and picturesque walking trails and venues.

Walking at Pere Marquette Beach

A popular location for fundraising walks such as the Lakeshore Kidney Walk, Pere Marquette Beach is a good choice for early morning, late evening and weekday walks. In addition to breathtaking views of both Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, walkers can choose to walk on the sidewalk or in the sand resulting in a more intense workout. You may also choose to further enjoy the views with a walk out to the infamous red lighthouse. Pere Marquette Beach is in the Bluffton area of Muskegon along Beach Street and Lakeshore Drive.

Norman F. Kruse Park

Also in the Bluffton area, Kruse Park provides walking options for both beginners and advanced walkers. Beginning walkers may opt to walk the dune walkways which span from Kruse Park to the beach, while advanced walkers take the stairs to the dune overlook and back down again for an extreme workout. Norman F. Kruse Park can be accessed via Sherman Boulevard and Beach Street.

Musketawa Trail

Ideal for long distance walkers, Musketawa trail spans twenty-six miles from Muskegon to the small town of Marne, Michigan. Walk and enjoy all the sites of nature like wooded forests, creeks and farm animals. If taking a leisure stroll however, you'll need to watch out for bicyclers, runners and roller skaters along the path. Musketawa Trail can be accessed on Black Creek Road off Sherman Boulevard near Muskegon Industrial Park.

The City of Muskegon Lakeshore Trail Between Downtown Muskegon and the Lakeside Community

One of my favorite trails takes a path from Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon to the Lakeside Community. It offers a somewhat private and secluded walk taking you along the back side of Lakeshore drive to the docks of the Lake Express Ferry. On leisurely days, stop and spend a little time shopping in Lakeside. Turn around and head back downtown.

Other places to walk in greater Muskegon include the Al Bell Trail (along the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve), Muskegon State Park and the Lake Michigan Trail at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.