The City of Muskegon has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meaningfully reimagine how our residents and visitors interact with the Muskegon Lake shoreline. We are also presented with the chance to position the Port of Muskegon as the key port facility in West Michigan, driving economic development and job creation in the city.

Over the last quarter century, community members, non-profit partners, the City of Muskegon and other local, state, and federal partners have worked to clean up the lake, reversing a century of environmental damage and creating more recreation spaces along Muskegon Lake for everyone to enjoy.

Along the lakeshore, the community has transformed old industrial waterfront areas into spaces for recreation, homes, and businesses, all while protecting the environment. Investments in Muskegon Lake’s natural beauty are helping to improve our community and bring more activity to the area.

Much of the Muskegon Lake waterfront is privately owned. Private land-owners and key stakeholders, including City staff, have been working hard to create a shared vision for the privately owned waterfront, stretching from Heritage Landing in Downtown Muskegon to the east end of Muskegon Lake and the south branch of the Muskegon River. This plan aims to:

• More than double the amount of public waterfront on Muskegon Lake
• Create new business and housing options at Mart Dock
• Nature preserve on the city’s east side
• Restore the area where the South Branch of the Muskegon River meets Muskegon Lake
• Protect wetlands in the area
• Support new jobs and businesses in the city

Take care of Muskegon’s historic ships (Silversides and LST)

A part of the greater lakefront development conversation is a partnership between the City of Muskegon and West Michigan Dock & Market, better known as Mart Dock, with help from local governments, businesses, and tourism groups.

Property Realignment for Public and Port Use on Muskegon Lake

The City of Muskegon, in partnership with Mart Dock, The Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon County, as well as other public, non-profit and private sector partners have been working on a comprehensive plan to balance public lakefront access, environmental stewardship, and port operations. This plan involves key changes to the Mart Dock, Fisherman’s Landing, and a nearby property currently owned by Verplank Dock Co.

Mart Dock Transformation

• A portion of the Mart Dock property would become public space, featuring:
  • Boardwalks
  • Green Spaces
  • Muskegon’s Maritime monuments
• Some areas would remain private with housing and other developments.
• Mart Dock’s port operations would be relocated to Fisherman’s Landing.
• A $2.8 million state grant would help fund these improvements at 3rd Street and Mart Dock.

Fisherman’s Landing Adjustments

• Two-thirds of the current Fisherman’s Landing property would be used for port operations.
• The campground would be removed.
• Public access would be preserved for the current:
  • Boat ramps
  • Fishing areas
  • Most parking spaces

New Property Development

• The City and Mart Dock would then acquire 52 acres of land from Verplank Dock Co., adjacent to Fisherman’s Landing.
• This property includes wetlands, invasive plants, and industrial fill but could be revitalized for:
  • Port operations on two-thirds of the land
  • Public recreation on one-third of the land, offering:
    • Walking paths
    • Fishing spots
    • Wildlife viewing areas
    • Access for non-motorized boats
• Once the land is acquired and boundaries are established, the City would seek public input to guide its development.

Commitment to Recreation
The city is dedicated to preserving and expanding public recreation along Muskegon Lake.

Protecting Muskegon Lake’s Habitat
The city partners with environmental groups to care for native plants and remove invasive species. If the city obtains part of the Verplank property, it would become part of this ongoing habitat protection, benefiting wildlife, residents, and the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Public Engagement
The city has hosted several engagement sessions specific to this project and has attended multiple group meetings around Muskegon to get the word out about the project. A copy of that presentation can be viewed here. You can see the engagements listed in the timeline section of the page, along with summaries of engagements and past comment boards.

City Manager Q&A Videos