This Michigan Bike Trail Passes Sandy Dunes, A Historic Submarine, And Gorgeous Lake Views

A WWII submarine credited with 23 confirmed sinkings sits near the route of one paved bike path. Most trails brag about a waterfall or a nice bridge. This one throws in a famous Pacific sub and calls it a Tuesday.

The ride also hugs two lakes at once. One side gives you a busy inland harbor, and the other opens to the huge blue sweep of Lake Michigan.

I like how the route mixes beach sand, boardwalks, and shipping history in a single afternoon. You can pedal past dunes, stop on a swing, and watch boats slide through a channel toward a red lighthouse.

Combining waterfront scenery, historic landmarks, and easy paved cycling, this Michigan bike trail offers a memorable ride along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The best part is how naturally the scenery keeps changing. One minute you’re watching boats, the next you’re passing a piece of naval history or catching a breeze off the dunes. Every stretch has something worth slowing down for. The only question is which stop will make you hit the brakes first.

Ten-Plus Miles Of Smooth Riding Await

Roughly 10 to 12 miles of paved trail stretch ahead once you leave the beach. That’s long enough for a real workout and short enough for casual riders to enjoy.

The route follows the shorelines of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. It parallels Lakeshore Drive and Shoreline Drive, so you’re rarely far from water.

Smooth pavement makes the trail friendly for many kinds of travelers. Bikes, strollers, walkers, and accessible recreation all fit here. Elevated boardwalks add a fun change of scenery in spots.

You don’t have to ride the whole thing in one go. Extra parking areas sit along the way, including Heritage Landing at 850 Western Avenue in Muskegon. Another lot waits at 1920 Lakeshore Drive.

North Muskegon has parking too, at 2529 Lake Avenue. That makes out-and-back trips easy to customize.

My advice? Pick a turnaround point before you start, especially with younger riders. Lake breezes can feel lovely heading out and much tougher coming back. Wind on the Michigan shoreline tends to have opinions.

Save some energy for the return trip, and you’ll finish smiling instead of grumbling about headwinds.

The Beach And Submarine Point The Way

The Muskegon Lakeshore Trail reaches the Lake Michigan shoreline near Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon, Michigan. From U.S. Highway 31, head west across the city and follow Lakeshore Drive toward Beach Street.

As the road approaches the channel, the broad beach and nearby USS Silversides submarine provide memorable maritime landmarks. The trail connects this waterfront with stretches of Muskegon Lake and its shoreline parks.

Use designated public parking at Pere Marquette Park near 2375 Beach Street and join the marked paved trail. Check local notices before planning side trips across the channel, as the trail does not provide a direct road crossing.

Those Dunes Practically Dare You To Climb Them

Sand mountains next to a bike path? Yes, and they’re a big part of the fun here.

The trail offers views of sandy dunes and access to them, especially near Pere Marquette Beach. Lake Michigan Park, reachable from the trail, adds sandy beaches and dunes that rise steeply from the shore.

Those slopes are no joke for your calves. Climbing a dune feels like walking up a staircase that keeps sliding away. The view from higher ground can make the effort worthwhile, though.

Want more dune time? The nearby Muskegon Dune Ridge Trail travels through open and wooded dunes. It also offers views of the lakes, so you can swap wheels for hiking boots.

A few practical tips help a lot. Lock your bike before exploring, since tires and loose sand rarely get along. Bring water, because sand reflects sun and heat.

Stay on marked paths whenever possible. Dune plants help hold the sand in place, and trampling them can damage these fragile hills. Treat the dunes kindly, and they’ll keep wowing riders for years to come.

A Legendary Submarine Waits Near The Water

Here’s a stop most bike trails can’t match. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum sits near the Lake Michigan lakeshore in Muskegon.

The USS Silversides served in WWII. It ranks among the most successful submarines of the Pacific Theater, with 23 confirmed sinkings and twelve battle stars.

That’s a serious resume for a boat now resting in Michigan. Seeing a real submarine up close helps history feel less like a textbook chapter. Kids especially tend to have a lot of questions.

One update matters before you visit. The submarine itself is currently unavailable for tours. The museum remains open, so there’s still plenty to learn.

Check the museum’s schedule before your ride, since hours can change by season. Planning ahead saves you from pedaling over to a locked door.

I believe this stop adds real depth to the outing. A morning of beaches and breezes suddenly includes stories of sailors who served far from home. Park your bike, take a breather, and let the history sink in. Then hop back on with a fresh appreciation for that gray hull by the water.

Two Lakes Compete For Your Attention

Most lake trails give you one lake. This one shows off two, and they each have their own personality.

Muskegon Lake feels calmer and more harbor-like, with boats and marinas along its edges. Lake Michigan looks huge and wild, stretching all the way to the horizon.

The trail lets you enjoy both without much effort. A few pedal strokes can swap one view for the other. It’s like changing channels, minus the remote.

Sunset is a popular time along the Lake Michigan side. The sun drops over open water, and the sky can turn orange and pink. Bring a light jacket, since evenings near the shore often cool off quickly.

Morning rides offer a quieter mood. Calm water can reflect the sky like a mirror on still days.

Photographers should pack a phone or camera with a full battery. You’ll want pictures of the water, the boats, and maybe your own tired but happy face. Just pull fully off the path before snapping shots. Other riders will thank you for not stopping in the middle of the trail.

Wave At The Lighthouse On Your Way By

Red lighthouses make everything look better, and Muskegon has a classic one. The trail offers clear views of the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse.

You’ll also see the channel connecting Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan. Boats pass through this waterway, adding motion to an already pretty scene.

Watching vessels glide by is oddly relaxing. Some riders could spend a whole break just counting boats. No judgment here.

Near Pere Marquette Park, a pier walk leads toward the lighthouse. It’s a great leg-stretcher after time in the saddle. One side of the pier faces Lake Michigan, while the other faces the channel.

Caution matters on piers, especially when waves are high. Wind and water can make surfaces slippery, so pick a calm day for that stroll.

Kids usually love spotting the lighthouse from far away. Turn it into a game and see who notices it first. A simple challenge like that keeps young riders motivated mile after mile. Plus, everyone gets a postcard-worthy picture of that bright red tower guarding the channel.

Swings, Benches, And A Gazebo Make Resting Fun

Break time gets an upgrade along this route. Benches, swings, and a gazebo give riders cozy places to pause.

Swings on a bike trail feel delightfully unexpected. Grown-ups who claim they’re too old for swings may change their minds quickly. Lake views have that effect.

These rest spots are smart planning tools too. Use them to snack, sip water, and check on younger riders. A short stop often prevents a long meltdown later.

The elevated boardwalks are another highlight. They lift you above wetland areas and offer a fresh angle on the landscape. Riding on wood planks also sounds different, which kids tend to notice right away.

The trail passes the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve as well. Keep your eyes open for birds and plants as you roll by.

My tip is to pack a small trail kit. Include water, sunscreen, a snack, and a basic tire repair tool. With those basics handy, every bench becomes a pit stop instead of a rescue mission. Then you can relax, swing a little, and enjoy the scenery guilt-free.

Old Rail Lines Got A Green Makeover

Plenty of trails have pretty views, but fewer have a comeback story this good. Parts of the route follow an old railroad corridor that once served the former Sappi paper mill.

Industrial land once dominated sections of this shoreline. Over time, the area went through major environmental restoration.

Native plant landscaping replaced former brownfield sites. Wetlands and uplands along the trail were restored between 2011 and 2013. That work turned tired land into living habitat.

The trail also passes through the Nims neighborhood. This area has an industrial past and has seen revitalization efforts over the years.

I like how the ride quietly teaches a lesson about second chances. You’re pedaling over ground that once had a very different job. Now it supports plants, wildlife, and happy cyclists.

Point this out to kids as you ride. Ask them to spot the native plants and imagine trains rolling through long ago. History feels more real when you’re literally riding on top of it. Few places in Michigan let you connect old industry and fresh green space so easily.

Keep Riding Long After Summer Ends

Winter doesn’t shut this trail down. The Muskegon Lakeshore Trail stays open year-round, so the fun keeps going in every season.

Snowy months bring options like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Picture-perfect shoreline views look completely different under a coat of white. Bundle up, though, because lake winds can bite.

Spring and fall are lovely times for riding too. Cooler weather makes longer trips more comfortable. Fall colors along the shore add extra charm.

Big adventurers can keep going even farther. The trail connects to a larger network, including the Laketon Trail. It also links with the Musketawa Trail and the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail.

That means one ride can grow into a full day of exploring Michigan by bike. Bring a map and plan your mileage carefully.

Nearby dining and other historic and maritime attractions round out the trip. You can easily build a day around the trail. Start at Pere Marquette Park, 2375 Beach Street, Muskegon, Michigan 49441, and see where the path leads. Chances are, you’ll be planning a return visit before you even pack up the bikes.