Situated in the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan, the City of Muskegon is the seat of Muskegon County, and the most populous city along the western shores.
Muskegon is bordered by Lake Michigan to the west, Muskegon Lake to the north, and the Muskegon River empties into Muskegon Lake at the city's northeast end. As North Muskegon extends to the southeast banks of the Muskegon River, the two cities share a border. Muskegon abuts Norton Shores, Roosevelt Park and Muskegon Heights in the south, and Muskegon Charter Township in the east.
The chief routes to and from the city include US-31, which runs north-south through the eastern portion of the city, while Business US-31 passes through the downtown district, and M-46 is an east-west highway that intersects US-31 and continues downtown.
Besides Muskegon Heights, North Muskegon, Norton Shores, and Roosevelt Park, other cities and villages within twenty miles include Fruitport, Ferrysburg, Lakewood Club, Grand Haven, Whitehall, Ravenna, and Montague.
The population of Muskegon, as of 2022, is about 36,500, after declining for the past seven decades. Its peak population was 48,429 in 1950. Prior to 1950, its population had increased each decade since first appearing on a census roll in 1860, with the exception of 1900, when it decreased by just over eight percent.
The Muskegon area has been occupied for thousands of years prior to its settlement by European-Americans. Paleo-Indians came into the area after the glaciers retreated, and they were followed by several stages of Woodland Indians. The area was more recently occupied by various bands of Ottawa and Pottawatomi people, although only the Ottawa were there by 1830.
The name, Muskegon, is derived from an Ottawa word (masquigon) meaning "marshy river or swamp." The Masquigon River was listed on French maps as early as the late 17th century, but there is no evidence of any European-American settlement near Muskegon prior to 1748, when Edward Fitzgerald, a fur trapper, and trader, who lived the rest of his life here. Joseph La Framboise, a French-Canadian trader, established a trading post at the mouth of Duck Lake. By 1820, there were several fur trading posts along Muskegon Lake. Lewis B. Baddeau opened a trading post in 1834, followed by Joseph Troutier in 1835.
The settlement of Muskegon began in 1837, the same year that the Muskegon Township was organized, largely in support of the lumber industry, which brought several settlers to the area, including immigrants from Canada, Germany, and Ireland. Given its position on Lake Michigan, and its harbor, Muskegon also became a foundry town.
A post office was established in Muskegon on January 3, 1838, with Henry Pennoyer as postmaster. The office was closed on February 11, 1847, but reopened on March 2, 1848, and has remained open since that date. Theodore Newell, a sawmill owner, arranged to have the village platted in 1849, and Muskegon was incorporated as a village in 1861, becoming a city in 1869.
Some of Muskegon's neighborhoods, such as Bluffton, East Muskegon, and Lakeside, began as separate villages or communities, later absorbed by Muskegon.
Bluffton was a lumbering village at the mouth of the Muskegon River. Settled in 1862, a post office was established there as Millville on February 3, 1868, with Theodore B. Wilcox as postmaster. The office was renamed Bluffton on March 16, 1868, but closed on July 22, 1892. The community became part of Muskegon in 1889.
A post office was established in East Muskegon on July 27, 1857, with David W. Squier as postmaster. The post office was in operation until May 21, 1860, and the community was later absorbed by Muskegon.
Shupe, Haines & Weymouth opened a mill on Muskegon Lake in 1867. The mill was acquired by John W. Moon and Alexander V. Mann, who operated it as A.V. Mann & Company until 1889. The village that grew up around the mill was known as Lakeside, but when a post office was established on May 10, 1881, it was known as Ryerson, as there was another Michigan post office known as Lakeside. Albert W. Fowler was the first postmaster, and the office operated until January 28, 1890, although the village had been absorbed by Muskegon by 1889.
The city of Muskegon, Michigan is the focus of this portion of our guide. Appropriate resources for this category include the municipal and county governments, as well as local industries, businesses, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, sports programs, and recreational opportunities.
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Situated along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Muskegon is the largest city in Muskegon County, and its largest city. The official municipal website identifies the city commissioners, and provides commission meeting agenda packets, meeting notices, and minutes, allowing for business registrations, payment of water bills and parking tickets, as well as download various documents. The city's master plan, departments, neighborhoods, and a citizen's guide to local finances.
https://www.muskegon-mi.gov/
In business since 1975, Hearthstone is located on Glade Street in Muskegon, Michigan, where it specializes in European bistro classics and contemporary cuisine, including French, Italian, and American dishes, made from scratch soups and sandwiches, and locally sourced seafood, steaks, and chops. Its food and special menus are posted, including gluten-free and children's menus. Its location, hours, banquet, and event accommodations are outlined, and reservations may be made online.
https://www.hearthstonerestaurant.com/
Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
In service for more than a century, the business membership organization offers networking, promotion, advocacy, business resources, and strategic partnerships for its members. Its community leadership, promotion, business advocacy, and members services are outlined, and a history of the Chamber, is provided. Its site includes a guide to the larger Muskegon region, community and chamber events, membership information, economic development data, and a business resource guide.
https://www.muskegon.org/
Situated on the site of a former sand dune known as Pigeon Hill, once two hundred feet high, spread over forty acres, and home to a flock of passenger pigeons. Lost to sand miners between the 1930s and 1960s, the mined land was sold to developers. The Pidge Inn building was constructed around 1990 and opened as a hotel in 2019. Offering a variety of room and suite types, an availability calendar is featured, and reservations may be made online. The facilities, with various packages and add-ons.
https://www.thepidgeinn.com/
Affiliated with the Choice Hotels Group, the Quality Inn & Suites is located on East Sherman Blv. in Muskegon, Michigan. More than a thousand guest reviews are published on the site, and photos depict the common areas and representative rooms and suites. Its address and a map show its location, and a list of features and amenities are included. Rooms may be booked online, by telephone or through a downloadable mobile application. Members of the Choice Privileges Rewards program may earn points.
https://www.choicehotels.com/michigan/muskegon/quality-inn-hotels/mi073
Shoreline Inn & Conference Center on Muskegon Lake
The waterfront hotel is located on Terrace Point Road in Muskegon, Michigan. Among the features of its marina are 30, 40, and 50-foot boat slips, a marina and grass grounds, private gated dock entrances, a stable floating dock system, electric, water, wireless Internet, cable, an outdoor pool area, a clubhouse, and two on-site restaurants. Its hotel features 140 guest accommodations, with views of Muskegon Lake and Downtown Muskegon, a conference center, indoor pool, and hot tubs.
https://shorelineinn.com/