Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon, Michigan
Nickname(s): "Lumbertown"
"Port City"
"Lumber Queen of the World"
"Skeetown" (informal)
"The Beer Tent Capital of the World"
Location of Muskegon within Muskegon County, Michigan
Location of Muskegon within Muskegon County, Michigan
Coordinates:
Country United States
State Michigan
County Muskegon
Government
 - Type Commission-Manager
 - Mayor Steve Warmington
 - City Manager Wes Mazade
Area
 - City 18.0 sq mi (46.7 km²)
 - Land 14.4 sq mi (37.2 km²)
 - Water 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²)
Elevation 617 ft (191.4 m)
Population (2000)
 - City 40,105
 - Density 2,794.6/sq mi (1,079.0/km²)
 - Urban 154,729
Time zone EST (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP codes 49440-49445
Area code(s) 231
FIPS code 26-56320[1]
GNIS feature ID 1620963[2]
Website: http://www.muskegon-mi.gov/
The entrance to Muskegon Lake from Lake Michigan at Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon (mus-kēg'n) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 40,105. The city is the county seat of Muskegon County.[3] The city is located at the southwest corner of Muskegon Township, but is administratively autonomous.

Muskegon is the greater populated of two principal cities of and included in the Muskegon-Norton Shores Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is further included in the larger Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland Combined Statistical Area. Muskegon is the largest city on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.

Contents

Geography and climate

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.0 square miles (46.7 km²), of which, 14.4 square miles (37.2 km²) of it is land and 3.7 square miles (9.5 km²) of it (20.37%) is water. The city is adjacent to two bodies of water: Lake Michigan to the west and Muskegon Lake to the north. The Muskegon River empties into Muskegon Lake at the city's northeast end.

Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rec High °F 63 67 80 86 93 98 96 99 95 83 76 64
Norm High °F 29.8 32.5 42.5 54.6 67 75.6 80 78.1 70.3 58.7 45.6 34.6
Norm Low °F 17.1 18.3 25.4 35.1 45.1 54.2 59.8 58.8 50.7 40.6 31.8 22.6
Rec Low °F -13 -19 -10 1 22 31 39 36 27 21 -14 -15
Precip (in) 2.22 1.58 2.36 2.91 2.95 2.58 2.32 3.77 3.52 2.8 3.23 2.64
Source: USTravelWeather.com[4]

Geographic features

Muskegon Break Water Light on Lake Michigan, looking from Pere Marquette Beach

Demographics

As of the census[1] of 2000[1], there were 40,105 people, 14,569 households, and 8,537 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,794.5 per square mile (1,079.1/km²). There were 15,999 housing units at an average density of 1,114.8/sq mi (430.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 57.9% White, 31.7% African American, 2.3% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.69% from other races, and 3.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any origins were 6.4% of the population.

There were 14,569 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.2% were married couples living together, 20.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,929, and the median income for a family was $32,640. Males had a median income of $29,114 versus $22,197 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,283. About 16.8% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.6% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.

History

Muskegon Lake

Human occupation of the Muskegon area goes back seven or eight thousand years to the nomadic Paleo-Indian hunters who occupied the area following the retreat of the Wisconsonian glaciations. The Paleo-Indians were succeeded by several stages of woodland Indian developments, the most notable of whom were the Hopewellian type-tradition, which occupied this area, perhaps two thousand years ago.

During historic times, the Muskegon area was inhabited by various bands of the Ottawa and Pottawatomi Indian tribes. Perhaps the best remembered of the Indian inhabitants of the area was Ottawa Indian Chief, Pendalouan. A leading participant in the French-inspired annihilation of the Fox Indians of Illinois in the 1730s, he and his people lived in the Muskegon vicinity during the 1730s and 1740s, until induced by the French to move the settlement to the Traverse Bay area in 1742.

"Muskegon" is derived from the Ottawa Indian term "Masquigon" meaning "marshy river or swamp".[5] The "Masquigon" river was identified on French maps dating from the late seventeenth century, suggesting that French explorers had reached Michigan's western coast by that time.

Father Jacques Marquette traveled northward through the area on his fateful trip to St. Ignace in 1675 and a party of French soldiers under La Salle's lieutenant, Henry de Tonty, passed through the area in 1679.

The earliest known white resident of the county was Edward Fitzgerald, a fur trader and trapper who first came to the Muskegon area in 1748 and who died here, reportedly being buried in the vicinity of White Lake. Sometime between 1790 and 1800, a French-Canadian trader named Joseph La Framboise established a fur trading post at the mouth of Duck Lake. Between 1810 and 1820, several French Canadian fur traders, including Lamar Andie, Jean Baptiste Recollect, and Pierre Constant had established fur trading posts around Muskegon Lake.

Settlement of Muskegon began in earnest in 1837, which coincided with the beginning of the exploitation of the area's extensive timber resources. The commencement of the lumber industry in 1837 inaugurated what some regard as the most romantic era in the history of the region.

Commerce and industry

Major employers

Shopping

Major shopping districts in the Muskegon area include:

Lakeside: Home to the Cross Lake Ferry and currently the de facto center of tourist based retail shopping, Lakeside features wonderful attractions such as an art gallery, candy store, the Harbor movie theater, and glass making shop. It also features many quaint restaurants which give you a feel for the local color and flavor that makes Lakeside a distinct area of the city. The area, together with the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods is considered by many to be the 'spiritual heart' of Muskegon and has long been home to many of the city's leading residents and businesses.

Henry St. : Henry Street from Seminole Rd. to Sherman Blvd. This corridor is anchored at Norton Ave. by Meijer's and Wal-Mart. The Sherman Blvd. end features Home Depot and Walgreens. Throughout the street are several strip malls and chain restaurants.

Downtown: Formerly the location of the Muskegon Mall, an experiment in 1970s city revitalization which saw the existing downtown infrastructure altered and covered by a glass-and-metal construct. The Muskegon Mall began to fail in the 1990s and officially shuttered in 2002, and razed in 2004. Today, a major redevelopment effort involving government, business, and citizen interests is in place to restore the downtown. At the moment, the downtown area features a limited retail shopping experience, but does have many restaurants and features two full-service hotels. During warm months, the downtown area also features a large and out of the way farmers' market. Also many historic buildings and cultural attractions, including the famed Frauenthal Theatre, Muskegon Museum of Art, Hackley & Hume Homes, and Hackley Library are here.

Apple Avenue: Apple Avenue shopping is a shared corridor between the City of Muskegon and Muskegon Township. On the city side, stores such as KMart, Family Dollar, and Blockbuster video provides retail options to residents on the east side of the city. Also featured are small businesses such as a furniture store and laundromat. There are also many popular dining options. East of US31 is one of the areas fastest growing shopping areas, supporting the population growth of the eastern side of the metro area.

East Sherman Blvd.: Just east of US 31, the area is home to Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Lowes. Also features a few strip mall developments, a motel, and several chain eateries.

Harvey St. Corridor This is a relatively newly developed area in Fruitport Township near the intersection of US 31 & I-96. This has become the main retail area in the county. Highlighted by The Lakes Mall, it features the typical mix of big box retailers, national chain restaurants and stores. New to this area is Target. They recently relocated from the East Sherman Blvd. shopping area.

Education

Muskegon Public Schools was founded in 1860 and serves students from preschool through 12th grade. Additionally, it runs the Muskegon Museum of Art and the Muskegon Training and Education Center. In addition to Muskegon Public Schools, the anchor district for the city, there are several other public K-12 schools choices available by commute using the "Schools of Choice" program. These include Mona Shores, Reeths-Puffer, North Muskegon, Fruitport, Orchard View and Muskegon Heights. One area school that is not included is Oakridge.

On a side note, many of these schools are noted throughout the state for high school sports. Muskegon has been a perennial powerhouse in MHSAA football, winning multiple championships since the inception of the team, including another championship in 2006, beating another powerhouse De La Salle 32-30. Also in 2006, Muskegon Catholic Central High School added yet another championship trophy to their collection, beating Grass Lake 35-7 for their 7th State Championship. Mona Shores has recently been recognized as a hockey powerhouse, having a Final Four team nearly every year, as well as having an excellent golf team. Two-time Mr. Golf Brendan Gielow graduated from Mona Shores in 2006. Muskegon Heights is known for its excellent basketball team, having lost in the state championship final in 2004.

The City of Muskegon is also served by Muskegon Community College and Baker College.

Grand Valley State University's Muskegon Campus is home to the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) and Annis Water Resources Institute inside the Lake Michigan Center located in downtown Muskegon.

Western Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Grand Valley State University all operate programs out of the Stevenson Center for Higher Education on the campus of Muskegon Community College. It is designed so that an undergrad at MCC may transfer to any of the above schools and complete a bachelors and/or masters degree without having to leave Muskegon.

Culture and recreation

Music and fine arts

Muskegon is home to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, located in the Manistee National Forest in the town of Twin Lake.

Once a movie house, the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts includes two theatres (the main Frauenthal house and the smaller Beardsley Theatre in the adjoining Hilt Building). It reopened 11 years ago, and runs JAM Theatrical productions, Muskegon Civic Theatre productions, is home of the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, is the venue for all Muskegon Community Concert Association events, and used to be home to the now-defunct Cherry County Playhouse.

Muskegon also has one the of founding chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Muskegon also houses a moderate-sized private collection of fine art in the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Festivals

The United States Post Office in Muskegon, 1904.

Muskegon Summer Celebration (late June/early July), is a eleven-day festival, held during the July 4 holiday every year, that brings national music acts of all backgrounds to the shore of Muskegon Lake at Heritage Landing. Also included is the Muskegon Art Fair, street fair, Village Craft Market, and the carnival rides.

The Muskegon Film Festival is held in February.

Every June, since 1990, St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church hosts its annual Hispanic Fiesta. The fiesta is always held outside of the church at 1292 Jefferson Street, next to Muskegon High School. There are always live music performances, children's activities, ethnic foods, and more. It is a celebration of Hispanic heritage. They never charge admission, but there usually is a small charge for most food items and some activities. More information can usually be found at the following link: ([2])

Also, In June, you can't miss the Muskegon Summer Celebration! It is a 10 day event with live band of different genres as well as a carnival and art fair. The headliner bands are all well known and are definetly something you don't want to miss. That is not to count out the opener bands which also put on a fantastic show.

Every third weekend in June the Taste of Muskegon is held featuring Muskegons best and brightest restaurants. Featuring over 25 restaurants and over 125 different food items, also featured at the event are the cooking stage, kids area, and Tasting tent featuring Michigan made beers and wine. visit: www.tasteofmuskegon.com

Each August, the Unity Christian Music Festival takes place at Heritage Landing. In May, Rock the Coast takes place at Michigan's Adventure. Both are organized by Alive on the Lakeshore.

In September, the Michigan Irish Music Festival brings renown Celtic musicians to Heritage Landing on the shore of Muskegon Lake. In addition to music, Irish food, beverages, merchandise and cultural exhibits contribute to the appeal of this event. The Michigan Feis (Irish Dance competition) is affiliated and is held at The LC Walker Arena nearby.

In early October, the International Buster Keaton Society visit Muskegon to host their annual convention. The event features public showings of Keaton films at the Frauenthal Theater.

Museums and theater

USS Silversides (SS-236) at The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, Muskegon, Michigan

Broadway at the Frauenthal (Fall through Spring), brings big-time Broadway musicals to Muskegon. Muskegon is also home to Muskegon Museum of Art and West Shore Symphony Orchestra. The Muskegon Community Concert Association provides concerts from September through May.

Muskegon County Museum and Hackley & Hume Historic Site: Mansions built by Muskegon's lumber barons themselves are restored to their old glory and open to the public. The mansions are operated with the Muskegon County Museum, which details the grand, rich history of Muskegon County, from the Pottawatomi and Ottawa Native American tribes and lakeside fur traders to the Lumber Queen of the World to today. Also includes science and nature exhibits.

The Muskegon Museum of Art deservedly is touted as one of the finest art museums in the Midwest. Among the highlights of its permanent collection is "Tornado Over Kansas", by John Steuart Curry (one of three leading painters, along with Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton, identified as Regionalists and known for their canvases celebrating the rural Midwest.)[6]

Muskegon is also the home of the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, which features the USS Silversides, a World War II submarine; the USS LST-393, a World War II amphibious landing ship; and the USCGC McLane, a Prohibition-era United States Coast Guard cutter.

In addition, Muskegon also berths the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper a former car ferry that traveled the same route as Lake Express does today. The boat is in the middle of a long process of being restored to its original form, but in the mean time is open for tours and hosts a museum aboard the vessel with information on both the Milwaukee Clipper, as well as the history of Maritime in Muskegon. Muskegon's entire history surrounds around being a port for commerce or travel, and this is an image the city has embraced.

The Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame exhibits, detailing the area's rich athletic past, are on display at the L.C. Walker Arena.

Camerata Singers, a professional chamber choir, performs at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon and other locations in west Michigan.

The Harbor Theater in the lakeside neighborhood is a non profit community theater that shows new Independent, foreign, and classic films. They also host guest speakers presenting films.

Outdoor recreation

Muskegon State Park and Winter Sports Complex is a campground and State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Known for its miles of sandy beaches, lighted ski trails, and one of only three outdoor luge tracks in the United States

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park[7]

Pere Marquette Beach

Muskegon Lakeshore Bike Trail -- Bike along the shores of Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan. Two other bike trails are the Musketawa Trail (on the county's east side) and the Hart-Montague Trail State Park (northern section of Muskegon County).[8]

Michigan's Adventure, the largest amusement park in the state, is located in Muskegon County, a few miles north of the city of Muskegon. Michigan's Adventure features a midway with roller coasters, general rides, amusements, and a full water park.

Sports

Muskegon has a long history of involvement in professional and nonprofessional sports.

Logo Club Sport League Venue Championships
Muskegon Lumberjacks Ice Hockey International Hockey League L.C. Walker Arena Colonial Cup: 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005
Muskegon Thunder Arena Football Continental Indoor Football League L.C. Walker Arena

Previous sports teams to play in Muskegon have included:

Club Sport Played from League Stadium
Michigan Mayhem Basketball 2004–2006 CBA L.C. Walker Arena
Muskegon Lumberjacks Hockey 1984–1992 IHL L.C. Walker Arena
Muskegon Mohawks Hockey 1965–1984 IHL L.C. Walker Arena
Muskegon Zephyrs Hockey 1960–1965 IHL L.C. Walker Arena
Muskegon Lassies Baseball 1946–1949 AAGPBL Marsh Field
Muskegon Fury Hockey 1993–2008 UHL and IHL L.C. Walker Arena

The Chronicle Seaway Run is run every year in late June. It features a 15k race, 5k race, 5k walk for fun, 15k wheelchair race.

Additional facts and figures

Media

Transportation

Public transportation is provided by the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS - "The Shore Line"), which operates nine bus routes, three trolley routes, and a paratransit system[9]

MATS operates the Muskegon Trolley Company. Three routes cover north side, south side, and downtown; each trolley stops at 11 locations, including Hackley and Hume Historic Site, USS Silversides, Muskegon State Park. (Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily; no trips during special events).

Commercial air service is provided by Northwest Airlines at Muskegon County Airport (MKG). Other airlines service the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids.

Muskegon is the Eastern port of the Lake Express High Speed Car Ferry that crosses Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin offering three roundtrips a day in the Summer, and two roundtrips in the Fall. There are many bike paths starting to be built around the area.

Several major highways serve the city, including:

Major roads

Interstates

  • I-96.svg I-96

U.S. highways

  • US 31.svg US 31
  • Business plate.svg
    US 31.svg BUS US 31 a business loop.

Michigan highways

  • M-46.svgM-46
  • M-120.svgM-120

Sister cities

Notable current/former residents

Noteworthy

Business and politics

Religion

Science and technology

The arts

Artists

Authors

Music

Stage

Television

Sports

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  2. ↑ USGS GNIS: Muskegon, Michigan
  3. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  4. ↑ Muskegon Weather|Muskegon Weather Forecast|Muskegon Climate
  5. ↑ Sherman, Elizabeth B. (2003). Beyond the Windswept Dunes: The Story of Maritime Muskegon, p. 2. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0814331270.
  6. ↑ Muskegon Museum of Art, Tornado Over Kansas.
  7. ↑ Michigan DNR on Hoffmaster State Park.
  8. ↑ Muskegon Adventure, Bike Trails.
  9. ↑ MATS History

External links

Municipalities and communities of
Muskegon County, Michigan
County seat: Muskegon
Cities

Montague | Muskegon Heights | Muskegon | North Muskegon | Norton Shores | Roosevelt Park | Whitehall
Map of Michigan highlighting Muskegon County.svg
Villages

Casnovia‡ | Fruitport | Lakewood Club | Ravenna
Charter
townships

Fruitport | Muskegon
Civil
townships

Blue Lake | Casnovia | Cedar Creek | Dalton | Egelston | Fruitland | Holton | Laketon | Montague | Moorland | Ravenna | Sullivan | White River | Whitehall
Unincorporated
communities

Twin Lake | Wabaningo | Wolf Lake
Footnotes

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
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