Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier Reviews

We walked out to the end. Bring water proof pants and shoes if it’s chilly. You will get wet! Great sunset views but it was cloudy the day we went. This is a popular spot!

I wanted to walk the boardwalk and seawall. My husband wouldn't have been able to walk it so we borrowed a wheelchair. The boardwalk is gorgeous! It borders The Grand River on one side and a very nice park on the other (be aware that the park is on the side of a hill). It was a long walk (about 2 miles round trip!). But so worth it! We couldn't venture very far on the seawall because it had chunks of concrete missing and needed quite a bit of repair. That repair job is now underway.

It was a nice place to walk to from the downtown area. Lots of people were enjoying the sunny day and beautiful location.

This area is closed due to renovation , I think as per my Knowledge it would be reopen During next year January

Gorgeous soft sand, like fine sugar. Lots of wild seacoast birds wheeling about. Nice to take a long walk along the edge of the beach where it meets the water. Fun to walk out on the pier all the way to the lighthouse and shoot pictures, watch the waves break against the nose of the pier. Great to just relax on a deckchair in the sun close your eyes and listen to the breakers slam the shoreline. Well kept up, clean, no refuse blowing around. Sometimes you can see a freighter way off in the distance. Good parking, even when busy. Unfortunately, this time, the weather was lousy and the water was rough, preventing anyone from going in...too risky. Still spent some time enjoying the beach though.

If you plan to go to the lighthouse, it can't be done. The pier is fenced off so there is no admittance. There have been several people washed off the pier over the years resulting in death. It is a beautiful lighthouse and the beach is right there. Gorgeous white sand. There is also an RV camping area right at the beach. We enjoyed the walk and watched several boats enter the river. You can still get a great picture of the lighthouse.

Love visiting Grand Haven and walking out on the pier. Living in Colorado now the mountains are beautiful. But nothing beats being home and sunsets on Lake Michigan.

Must see if your in to light houses, but right now you can only go half way out. They are redoing to pier you walk on so at one point it is blocked off.

When we got there the walkway was under construction, but I got some good pics from a distance. Time there 20 mins. Saw a cargo ship leaving the grand river past the light house.

Cold and very windy but very pretty view unique set up little confusing how to get to actual lighthouse Google directions don't work

As of July 2017 the lighthouse is under renovation. Boo hoo! Not the best time to photograph the lighthouse but still beautiful and worth the visit especially if you spend some time at the beach.

It's a nice waterside park, but there was some construction going on. Lots of green space and beach areas too with walking trails and parking.

Beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The pier has been redone and is much easier to walk on. The catwalk has been replaced as well and looks great lit up at night.

Nice walk on the pier can be dangerous!
The waves were high and strong this day so you are most likely to get wet. The beach was right near the pier
The weather was rainy and cold, no swimming today.

We love the Grand Haven pier, whether summer or winter. It's a beautiful thing to see driving by in a fishing boat in the summer, or walking along the beach in the winter.

visited a few times - beautiful scenery - wonderful place to relax or take a nice walk. Very clean and nice

Every time we come to Grand Haven we always stop by here to take family pictures. The background is amazing. Watching the sunset here is my favorite activity and a must do!

Great to look at from the beach, but still under renovation...kids still enjoyed walking on the pier a ways until it blocked you off from the reno work.

There is a well paved pier to walk out to this lighthouse. There are no railings on pier and some people were jumping from the pier into the water. This is a nice walk and great for photos. Lighthouse is next to the beach. This is a beautiful lighthouse to see.

We came to Grand Haven as a family of 7 and walked around ended up at the Lighthouse and Pier and I was just so pretty to watch the water and people at the pier.

The lighthouse has been recently restored and repainted and is beautiful. Unfortunately the pier is closed for a few months for much needed repair and catwalk restoration. Otherwise this is a happening place and a wonderful place to walk out and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.

Easy to find and walk to. Very to see up-close. You can sit and watch boat traffic all day long or just take a quick stroll to the end and back. Best time to visit is at sunset!

I didn't know there were places so picturesque in Michigan. This pier is magnificent. On Sept 30, 2019, they had a spectacular Pier Lighting to commemorate the new repairs and lighting that had been out for four years. The high school band marched along the boardwalk, there was a 3 WW2 jets flying over, and a spectacular fireworks display. Great community support, seemed like everyone showed up for the ceremony.

Great walk out near the lighthouse on a warm calm day!!!

The iconic 100 year old catwalk on the pier is now in storage in a local dock while the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers does >$2,000,000 repairs on the dock. This has been in planning for >15 years.....all those reviewers complaining about the broken concrete, etc......this stuff takes time. More importantly, if you gave this pier, lighthouse, catwalk, the great beach next to it, the mouth of the Grand River boating, the Coast Guard stuff, the shops and restaurants in Grand Haven a good review, please consider giving to the private fund raising efforts to re-install the catwalk. It is estimated to take >$700,000 and only about $160,000 (enough to remove and store it) has been raised so far. The last time the pier had repairs was in the 1950s, so this is not a normal thing. Preserve the sunset views, the walking in the summer, and the waves crashing and ice buildup in the winter. Give a little.

Oh, by the way, the only fees here are for parking in the state park lots the adjoin the beach. There is a fair amount of free parking along the fence bordering the road along the beach......but of course it fills quickly in summer months. You can walk on the beach and pier for free.

We will always visit the pier !! It's a must ! Love watching the boats in the channel. Looking out over the water is very relaxing.

The pier is a great place to end an after dinner walk from DT Grand Haven. It is great for people watching or seeing the boats travel in and out of the channel. The view of the water and beaches is always spectacular and there is usually at least a little breeze to get cooled off. Sadly, the pier is slated to be removed soon so the Army Corp Of Engineers can perform maintenance on the pier so enjoy it while it's here!

Being a lighthouse enthusiast we had to stop here. The walk down the pier was relaxing and the view breathtaking. The beach wasn’t super crowded. Bathrooms are available.

Went here in the beginning of fall and had a good time relaxing on the beach. Water was clean and plenty of space on the beach to just lay back and relax

We had a short period of hazy sun when we headed out the the Grand Haven Lighthouse. Entering that info into Google Maps took us to the State Park side of the channel, so we had to content ourselves with a long-distance view of our quest. Beautiful and unique with the long bridge/walkway out to the red lighthouse. We wished we'd been directed to the opposite shore because we didn't have time to retrace our steps for a close-up look.

Grand Havens iconic pier is a definite must do when visiting. The reconstruction has made this a most enjoyable trek. Evening time during the middle of the week is the best time to enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

Rated the top place for Michigan sunsets, Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier delivers! Nice, paved with walkway all the way, wide enough for walkers and photographers alike. Spent over an hour watching boats come in as the sun dipped down. Only improvement I would suggest is s restroom at the end!

My husband walked out to the lighthouse after dinner in Grand Haven. It’s a nice, relaxing stroll that even allows dogs. I noticed many families were walking too. It was August, however it was not too warm by the water. I would recommend for people who enjoy beautiful sunsets by lighthouses.

I grew up here, but never miss a chance to visit! The sunsets are gorgeous and the people watching is good too! A must do!!! Seriously...

Walking the pier to the lighthouse and back is an enjoyable experience, especially around dusk to watch the sun set over the lake. Note that you can not enter the lighthouse - this is for walking (and fishing) only.

great place to visit. it was little windy but they are doing a good job keeping it clean. nice sandy beach

Their is a campground right there but it also has a waiting list so plan in advance it is great fishing, and photo that you dream of taken,. The winters are brutal so bundle up.

Beautiful place September 2016 after Labor the light house will close until 2017 for repairs and adjustments. Please teach your teens DO NOT go on the pier if waves are crashing across and DO NOT jump off the pier. We have had so many deaths in the past few years. the pier is safe when used in a safe manner.

Great space just off from the state park and a great family spot. Especially after just finishing the legendary catwalk. A great things to go I must you are in Grand Haven

We were passing thru Grand Haven and wanted to check out the lighthouse. To our misfortune there was construction which did not allow visitors to walk out to the end of the pier to view lighthouse. It was a nice walk next to the state park.

We are lighthouse fans, and the last time we were in Grand Haven, the lighthouse was surrounded by orange netting and broken concrete. Last weekend, we saw the beautiful red lighthouse on all its glory. Perfectly red, you could see the lighthouse from miles away.

Busy with people and fishermen along the pier. Please use caution if the water is wavy and splashing onto the pier.

Beautiful Lighthouse on the lake! Walk along the pier to get an even better view of the majestic lake area. There are no railings, so use caution when on the pier. If using GPS, plug in the state park and not the lighthouse as our GPS would not take us to the pier.

The walk to the light house was very nice. The area is well cared for and maintained. The day was beautiful and lots of boats. We would stop by again without hesitation.

Unfortunatly this was underconstruction while we visited. I gave it a 5 star because it is part of the history of the area and should be seen!

I guess the winter has not been kind to the lighthouse or pier, but the city has recovered it and made it a must see.

We saw the pier from behind the fencing but it was still worth it. The walk along the river walk is worth it too and the warm temperatures for an October arrival made it just right.

A beautiful walk along the pier is a must do while in Grand Haven. This summer 2017 it is closed due to construction. The catwalk is offsite and being repaired. Possible replacement of the catwalk will be spring/summer 2018.

We love taking our family to walk on the boarwalk to the pier and lighthouse. They have recently finished working on it to make it more "safe" for people to do that, though I wouldn't recommend it in winter with the ice, and also not when it's windy and the waves are high.

We had never been to Lake Michigan and someone said that this was a must do- and it was!Very breezy- so I would be careful to keep small children close. Loved watching the boats come in and out and looking back on the beach was like looking at a postcard. We even got to see a raccoon that got stuck by the lighthouse keeper's house. I hope they rescued him. Warning- do not go in bad weather. It would be dangerous.

it is a good looking lighthouse but the pier needs serious repair. larger pieces of concrete are missing!

Unfortunately the pier is off limits due to repairs at the present time. However, you can still walk the length of the boardwalk along the Grand River and stop along the way for ice cream. Local families have donated wonderful benches all along the boardwalk,

We were here in January and it didn't look like this, it was cold, snowing and beautiful. Great place to come and look at; then run to your car in the winter.

The pier walk was great, but a few more safety features could be added, such as paint to notate where there are steps/curbs. Railings along the edge really should be in place as well. I like to live on the edge, but that was taking it too literally. However, it is a beautifully maintained pier and a joy to walk.

We re -visited the Lighthouse again, and were disappointed that the „railing“ had been taken down.
There are bathrooms and it is handicap accessible. Put „Grand Haven State Park Public Bathroom in your GPS, otherwise your walk to the lighthouse will be longer. The fee is $9.

This pier is cute and has a nice beach adjacent but it is a little over a mile walk (if you park in town) each way and there is nothing besides the beach out there. Also the pier itself is pretty rough, lots of uneven surfaces, cracks and jagged concrete edges, they even have warning signs up about how more than 50 people have died on the pier since it was built...not very confidence inspiring. We walked (cautiously) out to the end and got a picture with the lighthouse, you can't go in so we pretty much just turned around and walked back. I would not recommend for anyone with mobility issues. There were lots of people jumping off the pier into the lake, and the beach area was crowded but it was a beautiful, hot day so not surprising. There is a cute little ice cream shop before the coast guard area which was cheap and delicious. The water was nice, especially after the long walk but too crowded for us so we just took a dip and then walked back to town.

Y’all this place is awesome! The lighthouse was beautiful. I cannot wait to come back again. Our weather was also perfect. Until next time!!!

Great place to take a walk and see Lake Michigan. You can walk from downtown Grand Haven along the channel all the way out to the beach and lighthouse. Make sure you stop at Pronto Pup along the way.

Loved the walk down the pier to theighthouse. Great views every direction. Nearby beach nice as well. Great walk.

The Pier and Light house are connected to the State Park, but you don't have to pay the $10 to get in to the park, if you can find parking around it. We went during the second week of September so there was plenty of free parking. A side note, the Grand Haven State Park looked really lame. It basically looked like a parking lot full of RV's, so there is not privacy, it is however right on the beach so that is cool.

The light house and the walk to it is very beautiful, we happen to go on a very windy day, which seemed to enhance to beauty of it since huge waves were continually crashing against the breaker walls.

Word of caution the concrete walk way is not acceptable and is in massive disrepair. there was one hole about 3 feet deep and 4x3 feet wide. That could easily brake someone's leg.

This year work is being done on the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier so you can't walk on it like previous years, but the day we visited it the waves were crashing over the pier and roaring as high as the lighthouse! The setting was spectacular as the sunset doubled the beautiful sight while the giant orange sun set over the horizon! A can't miss when visiting Grand Haven!

If your in the area make sure to stop thru for fenomenal Sunsets.

It was very cold when I went thru in May but thats Michigan weather for you , in the summer its great its also got a nearby “beach” on the lake The sunsets are a sight you can also fish off the pier from what I seen I don’t know if it’s allowed legally (because of the close proximity to swimmers) but did see some fishing.

This is a favorite picture spot for us and it is a great walk and break from water. It is hard with small children unless they are in a stroller.

We love this place.

Really nice pier where you can walk, jog, bike or board - and you can even swim or fish off the pier. The lighthouse is pretty and the boats and yachts all go by at a nice slow pace.
Lots of food stands and coffee shops.
Really nice way to spend an afternoon.

I never get tired of the view. Beautiful anytime of the year. Great place for a walk unless the waves are high! Take lots of pictures when you visit!

I ran to the lighthouse most mornings. I don't even usually run in the morning. Great views and people friendly. Biked there with our kids too.

After an awesome lunch at the Tip A Few restaurant, we walked from there to the end of the pier. It was a 3.5 mile walk and included a good section of the boardwalk, the Coast Guard pier, State Park, and the Lighthouse and Pier.
Many of the old lights are missing, and the catwalk has been disassembled pending a future remodeling of the pier, and lighthouse.
Waves were big and plentiful this day and we got wet feet.
It was great!!
I am sure it will be better after the remodel, and easier to walk.

I have enjoyed the walk on the pier, boat view. The light house view also beautiful and nice sunset view.

We walked to the end during a trip to the beach and then rode it the next day on bikes we rented. I recommend doing both. Keep small kids away from the edge unless you want to swim after them!

We take our 93-year-old mom (in-law) on various rides in West Michigan to various places. This is a sweet one because she can get out on the pier with her trusty walker. She basked in the sun for an hour with much pleasure there, absorbing the pleasant sound of the waves and enjoying the activity around here.

Great beach, but ridiculously busy and lots of rude people. Be prepared to be on top of one another and entitled people setting up their crap 2” in front of yours.

This is probably one of the best places in Michigan to walk the sunset! We came in the winter and the path was icy, so we had to step carefully. But it was worth it for the amazing view that we had, with the lighthouse in the background! One tip I have is to be aware of the map directions you get and make sure you get to the correct side of the lighthouse. There is a river going through the two sides so if you go to the wrong side, it's a big detour to go around. It's hard to describe but if you look on a map you'll see what I mean.

Walk along the newly renovated pier for boat- and people-watching. Catch a cool breeze off Lake Michigan. Don't miss watching a sunset. Take your time and enjoy it. Parking can be tricky during high season, but so worth it.

Love the Grand Haven Pier! It's a great place to include on a run, go for a walk, eat an ice cream, and take in the sites.

First time in Grand Haven and we decided to check out the town and walk the boardwalk. Checked out the pier and the beach. Both are beautiful in their own way. Walk to the pier is long but you can see for miles along the whole boardwalk to the pier.
The beach is clean, well maintained and packed. Kids and adults were jumping off the pier and making big splashes. It was nice to see how much fun hey were having. Tho there is a strong current. Ate at Snug Harbor, I'd suggest anything but that place.

It is beautiful and a unique experience. A wonderful walk. If you don't see this you are missing the reason for being in Grand Haven.

My wife and I arrived at the beginning of sunset! Gorgeous views and sounds of the waves. Plenty of parking and easy access to the pier.

Be prepared - if the wind is blowing hard you have a chance to get wet as the waves come in. But, it does make for some exciting pictures and views.

Nice beach area... you can walk out to the lighthouse easily. It’s always fun to check out the harbors and spot the lighthouse! They all have a story to tell.

The catwalk is currently being reinstalled and a portion of the pier is closed of because of it. You can see the lighthouse and walk part of the way out to it, but you can't get close enough to touch it.

Beautiful landmark. View was great on sunny and cloudy day. Watch where you walk-signs noting renovations coming-- it is necessary. Did not feel unsafe but need to watch carefully where you walk

Even though the pier is currently being renovated, you can still sea the lighthouse from the beach if you choose to spend some time there.

(Note: I didn't post photo of lighthouse because we took a selfie)

2 Red lighthouses have their contrast against lake Michigan. Locals and tourists alike stroll from the bicentennial park, along the river walk, to the lighthouse

In mid may, observe the yachts on dry land. Few boats brave the winds. People watch on the half empty beach. Stop to think of those who perished in the area from mother nature on the lake.

Here are the views walking back from the lighthouse

Currently the Lighthouse and Pier are undergoing massive renovation but when they are completed it should be a wonderful sight. As the signs say--be careful of the waves on a windy day.

Visited the pier while we were walking up and down the beach this week. Its pretty typical, families fishing off the side, kids riding their bikes up and down. Picturesque at night with all the lights on. Great spot for pictures.

The Pier re opened this August after a long term major renovation.This is a favorite walk or bike ride, beautiful views. Really enjoying the renovation, the wide open walk way feels great. I will actually hate to see the catwalk ironwork be reinstalled here, think the pier looks and functions better without it. I know they raised a lot of money to have this frame reinstalled, but really think it would look better on the boardwalk.

Loved seeing this in person. Was a little scary seeing that there is no railing around it so be careful. You will absolutely love it. We all did.

We visited several lighthouses along the western shore of Michigan, from Holland to St Joe. Each has its own uniqueness, as it was designed for the coast it was warning ships to avoid. Be sure and ask the locals for directions to find the harbors in Holland, Saugatuck and St Joe if it doesn't come up with GPS or IPhone.

I've made several attempts on Trip Advisor to add these historical attractions to no avail, ugh! Can't figure out why Trip Advisor won't add these attractions.

PLUS - We also rented 'Electric' bikes from Reliable Sport and Rentals in Holland, off River Ave (ask for Ken, fantastic!) He set us up with electric bikes and we rode to the trail head parking lot to walk to Big Red lighthouse. Overall, we rode 15+ miles bike ride, but I returned feeling as energetic as when we began. The electric bikes gave us a boost when we needed it on hills, or just needing help. And I loved mine!
He also mentioned the Big Red Lighthouse is located on the tip of the peninsula point; you will use a walkway sidewalk, going through private property. Bikes had to be parked - SO be sure to request a cable to secure them to the bike racks located in the parking lot neat the beginning of the walking trail!!

Because it was a weekday, we were allowed to take the walking path to the shore through the private property. IMPORTANT INFO - the numbers of guests allowed to walk the shore trail is limited on weekends and you may be turned away! Plan so you're not disappointed.

Please do yourself a favor and to hike to the lighthouses in these towns and cities; you'll enjoy the fresh air, the workout and seeing the historical significance of these unique lighthouses. We were not disappointed!!

It is a beautiful lighthouse! We enjoyed the walk to the lighthouse. It is a very nice walk from town. It is under construction and you cannot walk all of the way to the further building. That didn't really matter to us, though. It does appear they have permanently removed the black posts that used to run down the middle of the walkway.

Temporarily closed due to historic remodeling. The "catwalk" is now being restored at a place upriver and will be remounted. Concrete work has not yet started. We all miss it until all is done.

A walk to the end of the pier is a great experience. You can either do it from the beach (climb over the rocks if young and nimble or walk around if your like me) or you can walk in from town along the boardwalk. People have to remember that the primary function of the pier is as a navigational aid for boats...so extreme caution is a must. Lots of hazards including uneven surfaces, wet and slippery spots, and waves that frequently come over the edge. Lots of people fishing, lots of people jumping from the pier (I've always told my kids that is not an option), and lots of people strolling along watching the boats coming and going. I understand that it's going to be closed later this year for construction, so check on that before making a trip. It can also be closed for hazardous weather.

Nice boardwalk along the Grand River ending at Lake Michigan. Very end of Pier with lighthouse being restored. A few shops and fast food stands along walk.

What a great way to relax. The walk on the Pier was beautiful and what a great way to get exercise. Will come back soon

This is a great place to stroll for an up close view of Lake Michigan. The landmark catwalk has been removed for major renovation that will take a year to complete. If you are not familiar with the area, be aware that some degree of caution and common sense is needed when waves are washing up on the pier. Like any large body of water, Lake Michigan needs to be respected!

The view from the end of the Pier is wonderful. We went when we were staying at the Grand Haven Campground. Kinda crowed but worth the trip.

This place was so interesting it not only had a laid back feel but it also had many things that you could read pertaining to the history of the area and specifically the pier - so it was beautiful and ediucational!!

great view great lake - what else can you cay? Lake Michigan is awesome and walking out here is cool or if the waves are crashing you can watch from shore

Walked out to the lighthouse as the winds started to increase from an approaching storm. Waves were starting to grow in size.
My feet got a bit wet.
Lol

With a dog and a newborn, we were limited with activities we were comfortable doing with Covid in play. We went for a walk on a Saturday afternoon but were disappointed to find a lack of masks worn. The pier itself is plenty wide to encourage keeping ones distance but the same cannot be said for the path leading up to it. We saw at least 150 people and saw less than 10% compliance. If you are taking Covid seriously, I imagine your best bet is to visit early in the day.

A great family activity! Pleasant walk with the kids. Pet friendly. Many fish off the pier. Awesome weather!

Was only a short walk since they were making repairs to most of the pier. Fun anyway. Would like to go there after it's complete and opened up.

the pier is beautiful and the beach was very clean. we enjoyed the long walk along the pier and local restaurant nearby.

If you are into walking for exercise, what better way than to start at the beginning of "The Walk" (located near the foot of Washington Street - downtown Grand Haven), hug the channel of the Grand River as you move along, and be delivered to the lighthouse out in Lake Michigan! Very cooling in the summer and brisk in the spring and fall. One can admire the many boats that pass and the catches of the fishermen that seat themselves on the edge of the pier. If you aren't into long distance walking, the pier is still for you to enjoy. There are many benches along the way placed for sitting and watching the boats go up and down the channel. Just one of the attractions that makes Grand Haven one of the best shoreline communities!

A beautiful walk out into Lake Michigan. Beautiful views, fresh air, blue sky, smiling folks, sandy beaches.

Short walk to the light house , can take strollers and elderly can walk easily . Clean place and kids can play in park. Toilets are not clean . Close to downtown.

I wanted to get over and see frozen Lake Michigan! This was so fun ! A nice wide pier you can walk to the edge of the pier. You can listen to the ice cracking and shifting. Lots of seagulls and ducks out on the water. It was a nice sunny day. Easy to take great photos. Highly recommend. Huge beach so I will be happy to go back in the summer and experience warmer water and warmer weather. The town is cute with shops and restaurants.

The South Pier in Grand Haven is not only a tourist must, but a place we love to visit every day, home for us. The catwalk is down for the year, and half of the pier is now smooth pavement. The boardwalk, beach, campgrounds, the town with great shops, the restaurants, we are a walking town! Coast Guard Week (end of July) and July Fourth are the busiest times.

Walk to the end of the pier for a great view of the sunset in the evening. People watching is quite interesting too.

We had a very nice walk out to the light house. There is construction going on so we couldn’t get too close. But it was fun.

Our Pier had the catwalk removed for renovation this spring. Although the Catwalk is not yet back in place, the base of the pier is new concrete and is a lovely place to walk. It's dog friendly but don't forget to bring a poop bag.

Easy walk out the pier, can't really tour/get into the lighthouse itself. Great views back at the beach and lake. A must-do while in Grand Haven. Be careful if you try and scramble up the large boulders from the beach to the pier - they are slick!

Amazing views of the frozen whitecaps and parts of Lake Michigan. We walked along the pier and enjoyed the wind and sunshine on St. Patrick's Day. Nice outing to stretch our legs and see the frozen landscape.

Another lighthouse on my bucket list of must see sites ... we loved Lake Michigan, the view, the boardwalk, and even the sidewalk burrito stand ... nothing but great things to say about the pier walk, the lighthouse view, and the nearby state park ...

This is a beautiful place, but obviously old and in need of the repairs that are coming within the next year.

To me, the age is part of the charm, but there are places that really aren't safe for children or older people to walk on the pier.

Grand Haven is an amazing beach town, between Muskegon and Holland. Now that the catwalk will be back on the pier, the area will finally look whole again.

The huge beach was all but deserted on a Friday morning in September. Lots of sand volleyball courts.

Spent 4 days in Grand Haven and sunset out at the lighthouse was one of our highlights. Beautiful - a neat experience seeing all the 'hammock folks' camped out for the view. The day prior was 45 kt wind gusts, so NO ONE was allowed out there, no boats going out either. The base of the walkway was as far as you could go, and the waves made for great photos/video.

This beautiful red lighthouse (with its matching fog-horn building near the end of the pier) will have to be viewed from the beach (or from the north pier just across the channel) throughout this season as repairs are made to the main pier. But it's still a great sight. And of course, the adjacent Grand Haven State Park beach is a great place to spend several hours on a sunny day!

We visited this light on our circle lake Michigan tour. It was a bit difficult to find. The lighthouse was very nice and is at the end of a long breakwater.

Really Really hard to get a reservation there is a click of people who make a part time job of making sure they are there every year..Beautiful view but very tight on Beach side Holland State Park is a much better value

One of my favorite walks. You can see the boats going in and out of the harbor. Beautiful spot. The area is a walkers dream come true. The area has lots of places to sit down and just enjoy being outside.

You can still get some good pics but you won't be able to go beyond the fence to get close to the lighthouse. Great area to see the sunset and boats coming in.

The new pier was very nice to walk along and a sunny day. The views of crystal clear Lake Michigan are beautiful. We were told by locals the catwalk would be reinstalled soon.

There is nothing better than walking out on the pier, watching the boats and fishers! Sunset from the end of the pier is gorgeous! Coastguard Festival is the best!

Nice walk out to the lighthouse. Wide walkway. There was a crowd there in evening to see the sunset.

On a weekend getaway to the west side of the state, we spent an afternoon in Grand Haven, picking up submarine sandwiches before heading to the boardwalk and the lighthouse. Beautiful sunny day...found a bench to sit and eat and watch the boats coming and going. Walking out the boardwalk, great to see all the people (although most were not wearing masks and standing too close together) having a good time. Enjoyed the history and the art along the boardwalk...and finally the Lighthouse itself...and the view of Lake Michigan going on forever! One could just stand there and watch for a while.... Oh, yeah, you can get ice cream or Hawaiian ice while enjoying your stroll!!

Fun to see the lake and the soft sand. The lighthouse is way out in the pier and can only be accessed from the South side of the inlet. There’s a beach in the north side with restrooms.

Every summer we vacation in Grand Haven. Walking out to the light house and pier never gets old. It's so fun to see all the people out there. This year there were people that had hammocks tied up and they were relaxing next to the water crashing up. The best place to see the sunset is here. A must see.

The Grand Haven State Park's pier is a wonderful pier, where the Grand River enters Lake Michigan. The metal "spine" of the pier is currently removed in favor of restoration, but will be replaced in the future. If possible, come during the Coast Guard Festival's fireworks, you will NOT be disappointed (other than the congestion).

This place is a great to get a view of Lake Michigan. You will also be able to see all the boats coming and going. You might even see someone catch a fish.

The wife & I stopped by Grand Haven last weekend. The pier is beautiful in the winter! We walked most of the way out, even though it was pretty icy.

The pier and catwalk have been under construction for a few years, but should be complete in 2020. Great walk out on the water and the lighthouses are beautiful. Can be dangerous in bad weather, so pay attention to the warning signs/guidance.

The boardwalk and pier make for a nice evening walk after dinner. It is fun seeing all the different types of dogs out for an evening walk.

One of the most popular attractions in Grand Haven is the 2.5 mile boardwalk along the Grand River and out into Lake Michigan on the South pier. You pass by historic Escanaba park and its memorials. There are stops along tht way for ice cream or food with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the ever changing views

Beautiful and well kept park. The beach area was clean and the pier as an easy walk to get to the lighthouse and fog horn house. Beautiful sunsets and scenery.

Great little place to entertain the little ones. Very nice scenery and lots of friendly people. Not much to do other than take a few photos and people watch tho.

The catwalk is a unique feature of the pier. Before automation the lighthouse keeper used the upper walkway (catwalk) to access the lighthouse in stormy weather. It is elevated, thus making it safer to walk the pier and avoid getting washed away in the storm waves.

NOTE - As of JULY 2016, the catwalk is being temporarily removed for reconstruction of the pier. As of July 23, 2016 the lights and cabling have been removed off the top of the structure. The entire structure will be removed, section by section. After pier reconstruction, the catwalk structure will be replaced. SO, if you are coming to the area this summer the pier will not look like the image above.

We went to see it covered in ice. It wasn't but the building next to it was. So cool. I love the lighthouses of Lake Michigan in the summer and the winter. We didn't walk all the way out, too icy. But the parking was easy, the path was nice, but they can't help the weather.

Beautiful and family friendly Beach. Love the light house and is great for photos especially in winter.

Many great memories here as a child. Great Grandparents settled here from Sweden many years before. The fresh air on the pier is fantastic. The water is so inviting yet can be quite rough. If you love the water and don't live near the ocean you can explore Lake Michigan with its panoramic views, sandy beaches, fishing off the pier, boating and many things to do. Just Love it:)

We walked from downtown to the lighthouse. It's a great long stroll by the water with stands along the way to get food and treats. The pier is under construction. You can still walk on it, but it's dangerous and the emergency phones are out during construction. Would do it again!!

I am interested in visiting Lighthouses so one of the spots we wanted to visit when we were in Grand Haven was the Grand Haven Lighthouse. Even though it was under construction and couldn't go out to the lighthouse, it was still a place to visit. We saw it at night and during the day. Enjoy seeing the Lighthouse.

After living in coastal Rhode Island, we feel our experience in Grand Haven has exceeded our expectations. There is a calm beauty in walking out to the lighthouse, no matter how many others are doing the same.

Discovered Grand Haven a few years ago just driving up the lakefront towns on a road trip to see western Michigan. It’s now our favorite getaway destination from Northern Illinois. Watched the pier renovations progress to the wonderful conclusion. Love walking the River Walk to the pier usually twice a day on our visits here.

The Grand Haven pier is beautiful, but the cement work is in need of repair. They took the catwalk down last month, so perhaps they are planning to fix the concrete and reinstall the catwalk? Not sure.

We were able to bike on the pier
and watch the fishermen noone catching fish the day we were on the pier
Hope the catwalk will be back next year

It was an average light house and you could not go into it. Can get quite windy there. Hold on your possessions. Basically just allow 5 min walk to see it and then back to your car.

Great spot to watch the sunset, and people jumping off the pier. It will be closed soon for renovation.

If you love sunsets on the beach, but you don't want sand on your legs, come sit on the Grand Haven Pier. Photographic opportunities most days of the year, rain or shine, even with clouds, because the beautiful changing vistas are never the same. Even amatuer photographers can capture an image that will inspire. Great people and dogs to meet along your walk. Watch watercrafts of all shapes and sizes.

If you are in the Grand Haven area, the south pier is a must visit! Recently resurfaced, the pier to the lighthouse is smooth and easily accessible for all. It's a gorgeous walk any season, especially at sunset!
**Please avoid in high waves or wind!**

Next year it will have a nice even surface on which to walk. Then the refurbished catwalk will be reinstalled.

Grand Haven is a magical town in itself.. You know it the second you come up the hill leading to the beach.. Its as if time has stood still for the last 50 or so years.. People actually still care how there town looks and the people are so friendly. They know they have a tourist town and they take pride in it and it shows. Beach is so beautiful....

This lighthouse actually has two to see. There is the tall cylindrical red lighthouse on the pier/walkway, and a red "house-shaped" one at the end of the pier. My understanding is the overhead catwalk is going to be refurbished and reinstalled.

Day visit to the beach in June. The lighthouse and pier are a must do if you come to the beach. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan!

Everyone social distanced and the pier was very clean and I felt safe to walk alone out there. The reminder signs at the beginning of the pier reminds us of how Strong our Great Lakes are if you don't follow the rules. Great walk

The pier area is under construction, but boardwalk is still a great place for walk. A great place to watch the boats and the sunset.

Based off the look of it, it appears the pier was washed out. I wish I would've know this before my family and I drove out there to see it. It looks like it's pretty but we couldn't walk out there. Posted is the best picture I could get of it.

After an extended period of time and plenty of pier work, the lights are on. It's an iconic pier and lighthouse that I've been visiting since childhood. Lots of fun, but be safe!

This is another one of those lighthouses whose rating is really dependent upon the prevailing weather conditions and time of day of your visit. I was there on a clear, sunny afternoon, which was great vacation weather, but hardly made for the most dramatic of backdrops. And because it wasn't dark, the light and catwalk were unlit. So it was just so much steel and concrete against a bright blue background...pretty standard. Very similar to the lighthouse down in South Haven, but I rate this one a bit higher because the tower is somewhat taller and because it has the added attraction of a second light - housed in a completely different type of structure - at the end of the pier, which makes it more interesting.

I love coming here and watching the sunset. The pier is being redone and the catwalk is gone (I'm not sure if they are putting a new one on or not) It's probably not needed any more, but I loved how photo's looked with it. It's a nice little walk, I walk it every time I'm at the beach. The pier is smoother to walk on now. I've seen dogs out there so they must be allowed on pier.

Enjoyed our walk out to the lighthouse on a Beautiful fall day. Lots of people and pets.A must see while in Michigan.

Went again this past weekend to Grand Haven to have dinner, but watched the boardwalk to the pier to watch the sunset. Even in October, the Grand Haven pier is one of my wife and I's favorite things to see. It's easily the most beautiful view of Lake Michigan in the state. Always make time to walk along the pier when it tome.

Great spot to check out the boats ........saw an amazing Clipper Ship going out to the lake for the day

Nice place to take a walk, watch the people and lake. There is a great ice cream place and flavored ice place on the walk way.

I have been to the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier many times over the past summer as I'm an avid photographer. It has some of the most beautiful sunsets in West Michigan. I also love to go there when the fall storms come blowing in off Lake Michigan. The waves crashing into the pier and lighthouses always draws a crowd. One of the best places in west Michigan to best the power of the wind and waves.

A wonderful place to visit. For peace of mind. It is raising money to bring the catwalk back, fun place for the family.

Quaint little town around light house. Pier and light house were worth visiting. Will return to fish pier someday. Local shops were nice and people friendly

Great boardwalk and lighthouse. It was nice to walk on it and get amazing pictures of the sunset. We went on calm days, but saw pictures in town of days with big waves and that would be a neat time to visit and get pictures.

Beautiful views of the lake, well maintained walkway, interesting look into the past of the industries in the area.

I LOVE Grand Haven! The beach, town, pier, location in general, is absolutely gorgeous! If you have never been to this beautiful area, you're missing out.

Beautiful pier with a red lighthouse at the end. It is accessible from the connector park boardwalk or from the state park. It is wheelchair accessible from the connector park. I even saw bicycles go on it but I don’t know if that is legal. There are life preservers along the pier. I would avoid if waves are crashing over.

A visit to Grand Haven is not complete without a stroll down the Pier. Be mindful of the weather & don't go out when waves are high. Otherwise, it is a pleasant, easy stroll.

They renovated the old pier and it looks new. It is much safer to walk on now that the cement is even. The new catwalk looks great and it is beautiful at night.

Enjoyed walking out to both Piers. Saw a couple clusters of skydivers fall from the clouds and land on the beech from the boardwalk.

Great experience for people watching and enjoying the waves of Lake Michigan. Currently closed for construction.

Super romantic sunsets. I have been taking my better half here for years and it still evokes the same feelings. Always worth the trip.

Enjoyed the walk around and along the pier. Lots of boat traffic and people watching along the way. Very pretty area for a meandering walk. Enjoy!!

My daughter and I wanted to see the beautiful bright red lighthouse (and lightkeeper's house) that marks the entrance to the Grand River at Lake Michigan's west coast. We were disappointed to learn that we couldn't see it because the pier is currently closed to pedestrians so repairs and renovations can be accomplished this summer. The catwalk is missing entirely.

You can walk out as far as the Lake Michigan shoreline, and if you zoom your camera lens, you can see some of the detail. Since we couldn't get up close and personal, I decided to google the lighthouse history. Quite interesting. The first lighthouse built here in 1838 collapsed into the water in 1852, after crashing waves eroded the shore and lighthouse foundation.

The fog signal on the north side of the river is still accessible to pedestrians. Several fishermen were utilizing its vantage point on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Have to know where you are going to find it. Campgrounds is right at the waters edge. Nice bathrooms at campgrounds. Plenty of parking. Shoreline is corroding away from the power of the huge waves. Lighthouse is gorgeous. Unsafe to walk out to it the day we were there. Bummer

Nice walk, plenty of shops and things to do and see all along the way (from Chinook Pier to the lighthouse).

We enjoyed this unique walk out to the lighthouse on the Pier. Very clean and well maintained. There are several signs warning that this is NOT a pedestrian walkway, it is for navigation purposes. (but apparently, MANY people DO walk on it). There are NO railings, the surf can wash up on the edges, so one must be careful. I would not recommend for young children.

Worth a walk down to the lighthouse. Pretty view and fun walk. Lots of teens / young adults hanging out on the pier. Nice view.

Absolutely incredible! Went with family and we all walked out to the lighthouses on the pier. Nice warm calm day in August. We paid $11 to get into the state park for the day and also hit Holland State Park with the same one day entry. Beach is beautiful right up the pier with a camp ground on the sand. Definitely will come back here.

This is a real unique lighthouse to visit. It is presently under remodeling. You don't want to go there when the surf is up as it would be dangerous.

This lighthouse and pier are beautiful! They are closing it by 2017, so go now! It is a Lil rough- best to wear shoes. Totally worth it, beautiful views and makes one wonder what it might have been like to work there a long time ago!

The pier has been renovated and ready for visitors. They are still doing some construction, but you can walk the pier. So nice to be able to go to the beach and take in the pier too.
IF you come to Grand Haven you want to come here

In spite of record high Lake Michigan water levels and waves splashing on the pier, these lighthouses on the south pier at Grand Haven are so iconic for photography and a walk. Enjoyed them on a cool sunny blue-sky September afternoon.

We drove from Holland, MI to see this lighthouse and were not disappointed. It was very pretty and it was a nice walk. It is worth the trip if you enjoy the waterfront.

Great place to walk around on a nice weather day! The pier is busy, and can be crowded, but it's worth it. The pier and lighthouse are well maintained.

First time in Grand Haven and we decided to check out the town and walk the boardwalk, checking out the pier and the beach. My husband thought we were in South Haven when we got there, it is very similar, except I do think the walk to the beach from town is longer. I was surprised to see half of the beach was occupied with campers set up, sort of unusual. Lots of people had lawn chairs and were hanging out near the river where the boats head out toward the north pier and the lake, so next time we will be sure to take a meal and hang out there with friends, lots of people/boat watching there could be fun.

This is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. The area was full of people, from fishermen to bike riders. It seems to be a favorite place for locals and tourists alike.

We really enjoyed our walk out on the pier, and were sad to read that over 50 people have been swept off of the pier and died. The waves were lapping onto the pier even on this relatively calm day, so I can only imagine how it would be in a storm. The catwalk was really cool. We were puzzled about its purpose as it clearly could not be just for lights. Come to find out, the purpose of the catwalk was for the lighthouse keeper to be able to go to and from the lighthouse at a higher level during storms. Wow - imagine how harrowing a walk that would have been! The lighthouses were very quaint to see. The pier is very wide, enough so that some people brought chairs and were sitting on the pier - looked like a nice place to sit. We enjoyed our walk here.

Love the pier and the lighthouse. Go out and soak up the vibes, whenever I get the chance. No nicer place than Grand Haven, for a wonderful, relaxing vacation. Everything that Key West offers, except for beautiful, warm weather in November.

This is only a walk. There is no history information there and you can not access the interior of the lighthouse itself. Not sure if that's just due to the Coronavirus precautions, but it didn't look like it was ever open for tours or anything.

The walk is nice and safe. Even and paved, but will probably be very crowded when there's not a pandemic going on.

A quiet and peaceful place looks like a Christmas card from Hallmark movies
All the people were very friendly. I stayed at the Holiday Inn. Excellent.

It is a pretty view. It is a short walk to the lighthouse and the end of the pier. You can. To enter the lighthouse. It is not a super huge walk way and lots of people go back and forth. It is uneven cement portions so, I would not recommend the walk on the pier for those who have trouble walking. Some people were fishing off of the pier. While it was a pretty view, only took a few minutes.

The boardwalk and pier in Grand Haven have always been a favorite place to go for a walk..who doesn’t like being by the water, seeing the boats, people watching, gorgeous sunsets and ice cream availble every few hundred yards? The pier is now more accessible than ever and makes for a great place to relax.

This is one of my favorite lighthouses in Michigan. I went there for the sunset which was amazing. If you don't have a park pass from the state, you will have to purchase one in order to park close to the pier.

The Pier was being renovated during our visit, but the walk there is still a beautiful one. When it's done, I'm sure it will be even better!

If you love beaches and lighthouses you will love the GH lighthouse. The historical cat walk makes it so unique. It is connected to the boardwalk that takes you from downtown Grand Haven, along the channel and to the state park where the lighthouse is. Always a nice walk three seasons of the year (spring, summer & fall)

Walked the pier in early November and was a bit cold. They have removed the metal structures and laid new concrete. Very nice and easy to get to from downtown. About a 10 minute walk

We live here all year the pier it's been changing they're going to put the lights and railing back up sometime in the future they're trying to raise money but it's a great Beach and Grand Haven has many cool shops to go through certain like Martha's Vineyard

This pier is lovely and is a very move walk. Their are no tours offered but you can walk up to the first lighthouse. If you are a lighthouse enthusiast this place is a must as are all of Michigan’s lighthouses.

The light house and pier is a great walk. Beautiful sunsets, a lot of people fishing, nice bathroom at the start of the walking.

Nice walk out on the pier. It doesn't have that metal structure that is showing on the Trip Advisor photo anymore, so that gives people more space to walk.

Visited here for the sunset. The pier is closed and the cat walk has been taken down. However, it is still wonderful to watch the sunset behind the lighthouse. The beach area itself is pleasant.

This pier and lighthouse was a nice place to go to. Be careful where you walk though. So many holes and cracks. It is under construction this summer so it should be magnificent when it's done. The beach is nice to.

Visit the pier if you have the time. The American Legion has a wonderful balcony to sit and enjoy the bay. Everyone in this city was super friendly!!

This is a great attraction that we have gone to for years. The catwalk is down as the pier gets redone. Not sure if there will be monies to put back- without it = it is kind of weird to walk on the pier since that gave you a place to hang on if ever needed- (although never needed as I would never go out on pier if waves were huge) Gives you a sense of history when you walk on it.

We are staying at the Harbor House Inn and enjoyed a pleasant walk down to the lighthouse this afternoon. The view of Lake Michigan was magnificent with the waves rolling in against the base of the lighthouse.

One of the most beautiful and historical piers that you will ever see! Closing soon for much needed renovations. Just respect Mother Nature and the force of Lake Michigan. Stay off of the pier in wavy conditions.

My husband and I stopped here to stretch our legs on a trip up to Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was a nice clean beach but the walk to the lighthouse was under construction. The construction sign said construction would be complete in "201_" so it could go on through 2019 I suppose. The water was beautiful and there were plenty of boats to watch go by.

It is an easy and safe walk along the river to the pier. It is still under construction for conversion from wood to concrete pier which should last forever. The kids were using it as a diving platform which was not safe at all. Perhaps fencing will be added soon....for protection from accidents.

Nice after dinner walk out to the lighthouse. A little precarious as there is no railings. In high wind/seas, it would not be safe for the young or weak.

It's an enjoyable experience to walk from the beginning of the boardwalk to the lighthouse at the end of the pier.
We were there on a hot 4th of July, so it got crowded in some areas on the pier.
But my wife and I have a good time.
Lots of good restaurants, ice cream places, and gift shops along the way.
Kept very clean.

Love to see the ice buildup along lake Mich and the pier. Mulligans Hollow a great little rope tow ski hill. Found out about Rendezvous restaurant in town from TA. Met daughter, son in law and grandson with my wife. Leonard street drive to Grand Rapids a beautiful drive. Summer too busy and crowded.

I love all our lighthouses in Michigan! Grand Haven has a great pier and 2 lighthouses on the pier. It follows along the Grand River, until it opens up to Lake Michigan. Tall and red, it's quite the beacon!

The day I went to see it, was rather blustery, with the river having large waves. Lake Michigan was not as bad, and many were out enjoying the sunshine.

Plenty of parking near the lighthouse. Free.

Cool place. Enjoyed the walk out on the pier. Was windy that day which created some waves to crash over the pier which my kids loved! Disappointed the pier was closed the rest of our vacation d/t maintenance.

Was a windy and cold day but worth seeing. We have always liked to check out light houses when we can when ever we travel. Even though we cold not make it all the way to the structure it self was still worth the drive from GR.

Our weather was perfect and the park was immaculate. Just a wonderful place to walk after a great meal in town.

We made a special trip up to this light house on our road trip to see the lights at night. Firstly the default location on Google Maps (granted not entirely their fault) sent us to the South side 20 minutes extra of driving and can't get to the light house. No big deal, we wanted to see it at night. We get dinner and try to find the place at night. We drive back and forth not seeing a lighthouse until we realize that the thing is not lit up at night...at all. There was a solitary green light out on the light house, but none of the lights in the pictures lit up. It was very disappointing and there is no signage on the site or online indicating when the lights would be turned off. It was a beautiful spot, but that ruined the visit to Grand Haven.

This is a very beautiful spot. Even though they are in renovation, it is still breathless. You can wander off to the beach, or, walk into town. Plan on spending the entire day in town. MUCH TO SEE.

We really enjoyed walking along the pier, watching all the fishermen trying to catch a fish. Beautiful views!

Most of the pier was blocked off as it gets too windy to be on the pier, making it unsafe.
We did see a few people out surfing on the waves in the lake. Watched the sunset behind the light house.
Very cool place!!!

Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier is a nice enough pier that makes for a nice walk and offers some reasonable views. This is in no way stunning though and is not a must visit for those coming from outside the area.

We went to this beach and walked out to the lighthouse. It was nice, relaxing and we saw some beautiful boats.

Beautiful pier that makes you feel like you’re on the ocean. Saw some surfers as we went on a windy day. Be careful as there are no guard rails and high waves can knock you over.

We had a nice walk out to the lighthouse with our 2 young kids. A storm was coming in, so the waves were pretty big but nothing was coming up onto the pier or anything. It was a beautiful walk

We walked to this lighthouse and pier from the State Park. It's newly paved and the last part is still under construction. It's more open and safe under the new look. It's smaller than the one in St. Joseph but nice walk on it.

great atmosphere, clean, safe, great people and boat watching. nice place to relax and take a stroll. go back often, live about 40 minutes from

Wear comfortable shoes for a walk on the pier surrounded by Lake Michigan.The bright red lighthouse is classy and historic.Definately a highlight if you're at Grand Haven Beach and State Park.

This pier has been under construction for over a year now. Not sure the cat walk part of it will be very appealing when they finally get it done.

We walked here when the weather wasn't the greastest, which led to huge waves that were splashing on the peer so we couldn't walk all the way down. Needs to be fixed, lots of missing concrete and I couldn't understand why they didn't have rails at edges.

We have visited this location often on foot and now have a boat in a local nearby marina. Everyone is having fun, lots of food and drink choices along the wall and plenty of boat parking thru out. Beware of water and lake warning flags, they really do help with your safety and FUN!

We followed GPS directions and ended up on the breakwater across from the lighthouse. It was coast guard festival weekend so there were hundreds of people on the pier with the lighthouse... Maybe 10-20 on the one we were on- which suited me fine. I thing we got better pictures anyway.

One of the best places in Grand Haven in warmer months. Great for walks. Beautiful views. Safe. Family friendly. You just feel closer to God out there!

Crews are at work now replacing the surface of the pier through the Corps of Engineers. Meanwhile, the Grand Haven Community Foundation is raising funds to pay for the replacement of the catwalk to restore the pier as the one-of-a-kind unique Lake Michigan icon.

The sunset was beautiful overlooking Lake Michigan. The day prior the waves were crashing heavy and we couldn’t walk out but the view was still gorgeous. The next day it was calm and the sunset view was gorgeous. Very calming and peaceful. The pier can get slippery so use caution when walking out.

This pier will remind you of an Ocean Pier. It is very well built ( concrete, and was refurbished with lighting updates). I will post a few pics.

The lighthouse is visible from the shore and up to the construction point. Was disappointed we couldn't walk the catwalk, but I can wait for a great catwalk when it is donen

Been coming for over 25 years with family and friends. It's nice to see the pier is getting renovated.

We walked out past the lighthouse a few times during our stay. It's high enough away from the water, but would splash if you get too close. the Board Walk from town takes you right out to the pier. Highly recommend while visiting Grand Haven.

Lighthouse was closed off for construction,so we couldn't walk up to it. But the kids still had fun playing on the beach.

Loved walking the pier out to the lighthouses. Super easy walk. Very wide to accommodate walkers and fishermen. You do have to watch where you walk due to the concrete but it's not bad.

The pier has just been renovated, and it is really nice! Last year, you could get your foot stuck in a hole and break your leg, now it all flat and easy to walk! The waves were high the day we were there, so it is possible to get wet!

I am so drawn to this beautiful spot on Lake Micigan. It is so calming to just sit and watch the waves. I also enjoy people watching, checking to see how the fishermen are doing and what they are catching. It has recently been renovated and is much more user friendly with no irregular walkways or steps. There are some amazing sunsets to be seen as well.
I LOVE IT.

The Grand Haven lighthouse and pier walk is wonderful. Some stores along the way, several ice cream and eating options, places to sit and rest, lawn for a nap, and the picuresque lighthouse. Then walk the beach for as long as you like. A must stop for us anytime we are in Grand Haven.

My girlfriend and I walked from downtown, along the Riverwalk and out to the end of the pier. We are both big into photography, so we enjoyed the view and snapped off a lots of photos. The waves were pretty high due to the high winds, so it created some good shots. The catwalk and the front and rear range lights take a really nice picture.

My husband and I recently went on a drive up Michigan's western shore in search of lighthouses with ice on them. It was a dismal day, cloudy and misty...but we still had an enjoyable weekend! The catwalk is down for repair so the pier is closed, but it still makes for a great sight seeing it from the side. Alas, no ice...to warm of a winter!

Have been coming here for years and always make a point to walk the pier. Kind of tricky when the water is high and the waves crash over the walkway but definitely a nice thing to do. Definitely take a camera pictures are a must.

Could not walk out all the way because of repairs/construction, but still well worth stopping. First, we drove beyond it, parked and enjoyed the view from a nearby beach, uncrowded due to the time of year. Then, we parked closer and walked out as far as is allowed right now. They get some fairly good swells and waves, even in Oct. Nice beach area right by the lighthouse. Worth a spot.

The lighthouse is breathtaking! No question about it. The pier needs obvious repair. However walk carefully and enjoy! My husband and I enjoyed the walk down the pier, watching the boats and doing a little people watching. Our girls also enjoyed it for their own reasons. Definitely walk with caution!! It can be dangerous in bad weather or possibly just by taking a wrong step. However as a person who has trouble walking distance..I will still recommend the Pier.

Visited pier when it was windy. Local kids enjoyed the waves that came over the edges of the pier while in their bathing suits. Very uneven surfaces so you have to watch your step always. One one side you can see the beach at State Park and on the other side you can watch the boats leaving and entering the channel.

Hand and hand with the one you love. Enjoying the weather, scenery, nature, and time together. Careful walking though on the pier.

This is the place we go for date night. Take a walk and find a spot and then watch Mother Nature at her best. Sunsets never disappoint

Can walk all the way out to the end of the light house, close to the Beach. Must see while in Grand Haven. Great boat watching.

It’s so pretty. Plenty of parking ($9). Wish the construction was done, but still worth the drive, from Grand Rapids.

Great place to go.
You can have lots of fun with your kids. Also go on the beach out your feet in the water, it's really fun.

We visited the pier and lighthouse during the recent snowstorm and arctic blast. Everything was covered in snow and ice, and the harbor was completely filled with huge, floating, ice balls. It was gorgeous and worth braving the frigid temperatures to view the snow-and-ice covered area. A word of caution, however. There were no guard/hand rails along the sides of the long pier area that lead out to the lighthouse so you may not want to venture out on the pier when there is such a thick layer of snow and ice covering it. I definitely wouldn't recommend allowing children out on the pier since no protective railing is present. The lighthouse can easily be viewed near the parking area. Since we weren't visiting the area in the summer and everything was covered by a blanket of snow and ice, I can't speak about the actual beach area itself. However, it truly was a sight to behold following several days of snowfall and well-below freezing temperatures.

We came here to see Lake Michigan and we were not disappointed. The sand is like sugar, so soft! June is a great month to come, warm weather and sunny. A walk down the pier and you’ll see people fishing, exercising and just enjoying life.

This is a great place to walk the pier and watch the sunset, even on a cold fall day. I suppose that could be said of any lighthouse/beach on the Michigan side of Lake Michigan, but it holds true here.

Right now the lake water level is high, so be prepared to get your feet wet if you go to the far side of the outer light.

We parked for free, but I doubt you could during the peak tourist season.

As part of any visit to grand haven, you must go out to pier and watch sunset and people watch. Also went out there to see the comet.

Beautiful area, clean and Right next to the beach. Great walking path along the water toward downtown from here. Plenty of parking. Bathroom available. Worth a quick stop.

Grand Haven's pier and catwalk are unique and picturesque. Bring your camera. Great walk on a sunny day, with views of the lake or back at shore.

This light is not typical as it doesn't sit on a point of land with an attached house. It's still very interest to see though and worth a visit. It's an easy walk out to it also. Grand Haven is a wonderful area to visit. Very quaint and lovely.

Love that they finally paved the pier! It is so nice and it looks like it’s almost completed. Always enjoy walking the pier with my kids when we are visiting grand haven.

Under construction/repair in 2017-18, but this is a favorite destination in Grand Haven. Take a walk, watch people, watch boats in the channel, catch a fabulous sunset.

The walk from our condo to the lighthouse took us along the water, making it a very beautiful walk. While the pier out to the lighthout was under construction this visit, we have been there in the past and had the chance to walk all the way out to the lighthouse. It's a great view from the end of the pier and to be so up close with the lighthouse itself. It's also right next to the beach, so you can talk a walk along the shore as well. I hope the next time we visit Grand Haven its back open.

Beautiful beach... soft sand... gorgeous water...

Sadly, the pier was still roped off, but we didn’t mind too much.

There a nice beach facilities and there were quite a few food trucks (ice cream and food options).

We loved seeing everyone out enjoying the last few weeks of August.... it was busy but there was plenty of parking.

Can’t wait to go back for a visit.

Easy to get to. It is a nice place to take a stroll. It is next to the beach. It is a nice walk from the downtown area. A must see if you are in Grand Haven.

We drove for over 2 hours to come see the pier because the the pictures are so beautiful and it was closed for construction. Nowhere on Grand Haven's visitor page or the State Parks website did it say anything about construction. There wasn't even a closed sign for the pier until you were getting ready to walk on it. Extremely disappointed! I'll definitely be calling ahead next time since the website clearly is not current 😤😢

It's a great place to walk. You're among the waves, the swimmers and the constant boaters, leaving or entering the channel. Many will blow their horns or wave at you. fisherman on the pier are eager to show you what they catch and the pier is a great place for photographs.

We loved Grand Haven and will definitely be back! The pier is brand new and the lighthouse is cherry red! Nice beach with clean restrooms available.

It is a must in the summer. It's a special place!👍🏻🌅. It's free and will amaze the whole family.. Bring you open sandals because you will get sand in them and your camera because you will want to bring home the memories. Maybe even frame one?

Nice short walk to the lighthouse, once on the pier. We took the long way from the far end of the beach, so that's our fault, lol.

We will have to go back when all of the construction is done, so we can get to the other one.

The boys enjoyed jumping off the pier

Stopped by here yesterday. What a lovely view right where the Grand River meets Lake Michigan. There are small dunes and a nice beach. Beautiful, soft yellow sand. It was fun to climb a little dune with snow and ice on it. A first for us all. I imagine this is wonderful in the summer as well.

This was our first visit to Grand Haven. The park is beautiful. We got there late in the afternoon and enjoyed walking along the beach and along the pier to the lighthouse. The setting is very picturesque on the Lake Michigan shore.

Too many teenagers on pier jumping off of it. Unable to walk it. It is hard to get around them. I thought they were not allowed to jump off??

Enjoyed every moment there. it had different views and crowed with people due to the special event took place that weekend.

I don't even know how many times I've visited this place in my 55 years - at least 10. A nice view, a nice walk, a clean beach - a nice way to spend a half hour if you're walking around town.

We love coming down to take a long walk into the sunset with our dog. People from around the globe are walking here, family friendly. Grab a corn dog or a turtle sundae in the summer. We park downtown and walk the chanel to the light house. Really earning the treat-ums.

This is worth the stroll down the boardwalk. We were there in June 2019, and the lake level was at it's record high, so the lower level of the pier was getting pretty wet from the waves. They were about 4 feet that day, you should stay off if they are much higher!

disappointed that the lights were not on after dark. :( On the other hand... we walked out the pier across the little inlet from this pier and got some great sunset shots of the GH lighthouses. Nature rewarded us with nice light :)

The park was closed for season and repairs so we could not get close to lighthouse. Went to honor my dad's Coast Guard service.

Great walk to the end of the newly refurbished pier. Watch the sunset, take pictures and watch the boats come and go.

Not sure where else you can walk on such a beautiful pier to the lighthouse at the end.

You cannot go in lighthouses.
Be careful in rough weathe

Visited the lighthouse 3/29/19. There is still a lot os snow and sand piled on the pier. It amazes me that people were walking all the way out on the pier even though warnings a clearly posted. Have fun but remember mother nature can easily sweep you off the pier and right into her frigid waters. Be careful out there.

What a beautiful area right off of the swimming beach. We parked easily in the main parking area of the state park portion of the lake. We walked along the paved drive through the camping area and to the first part of the pier. However, you can only walk as far as the main beach on the pier as beyond that it is closed. Looks as if they are completely redoing the concrete of the pier. Still it is a pretty place to take a few photos and watch the boats and people fishing. Hope to return when the lighthouse and pier are reopened.

I was kind of bummed to see that there was construction and it was closed off to go all the way to the end, but it's a light house, it don't care if I wanna go further.

Jutting out into Lake Michigan it is at the end of Grand Haven's boardwalk. Great place to watch beautiful sunsets!

Always love to walk out on the Pier. Looks like they have just repaved it. Beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Most people smile and say hi as you walk by. Interesting mix of relaxing and energizing.

Being from Georgia, it was enlightening to see how Michigan folks "take to the water" at this state park. Campers galore, close to town, nice beach, lots of sidewalks and Lake Michigan combine with two lighthouses to make this a "top notch" place for those who want to get away for a while.

We went here early November and it was cool to see. Very windy but worth the walk. It's in the middle of refurbishment but walkable.

The Grand Haven Lighthouse was the coolest lighthouse in Michigan - and the new pier is incredible - but they gave up on the pier having its own character by removing the structures that lead to incredible photos. They did a great job with the pier itself, but they need the character back - just look at the photos and you’ll get it.

Love the lighthouse beautiful sunsets ...fishing boating ...kite flying.... Wind surfing ...musical fountain

Amazing location to watch sunset on Lake Michigan. Boat traffic fun to watch. Be aware of weather conditions. This is an active lighthouse and weather break for boats traveling to marinas. Would recommend caution in bad weather and winter conditions

This is a great one mile walk on a sunny day. Start at the fishermen parking lot, walk around the horn-house and back to get your mile in. If you want to make it a three to four mile walk, head down the boardwalk to the marina and back. It's all along the waterfront.

This was a pleasant walk to enjoy the waterside, nice views, and people watch. The walk was not very long. We were able to get some ice cream along the way, which was refreshing.

While on our way up to a cabin near Muskegon with my fiances family, we stopped in Grand Haven and walked to the lighthouse. It was a bit chilly and windy so with the waves somewhat high we weren't out for too long but well worth it. The views were amazing and could even see a lake freighter in distance!!!

Cannot believe how nice the pier is now that it is almost finished! Nice even pavement all along the pier. Always nice to walk out and enjoy the view!

Went during the dog days of summer. Hot and humid. Very crowded. Lots of people on bikes, and dogs all on the path to lighthouse. Coast guard festival this weekend. The path is in badly in need of repair. Be careful.

We parked in town and walked along the river park and finally ended up on the Pier. The weather was perfect - somewhat windy but one of those crystal clear days when boats, beach goers and pier just all seem to form one gorgeous picture. There was some work going on at the pier but is did not interfere with all the happy swimmers, boaters and fishermen.