Take your visit to Muskegon to a whole new level -- have an Education Adventure!
Unique among the Lake Michigan shoreline communities, Muskegon County offers a mix of historic, cultural and adventurous activities -- and while taking in all that this lakeshore community has to offer, you just might learn something!
Contact the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau for any questions you might have on how we can make your visit to our community an Education Adventure.
Your Education Adventure Starts Here
Education Adventure in the News
02/02/10 Blending fun, learning and tourism - read more>
02/11/10 Tourism plan pairs best parts of Muskegon - read more>
04/21/10 Photos: Fourth grade
students LinkUP! with
professional musicians - read more> |
Arts & Culture | Culinary | History | Literature | Natural Science/Environment | Physics
ARTS & CULTURE  |
Muskegon Museum of Art
296 W. Webster Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.720.2585
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The Muskegon Museum of Art strives to create dynamic, proactive tours and programs to act as a vital educational resource to persons of all ages throughout the region. Visit their web site often to view programming additions.
"Super Saturdays" are made for fun at the Muskegon Museum of Art! Each of these "Free Family Fun Days" has a different theme and features free museum admission and activities. Super Saturdays are underwritten with a generous grant provided by the Alcoa Foundation supporting Howmet communities.
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| CULINARY |
Bygone Basics
915 S. Livingston
Whitehall, MI 49461
231.740.4065
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Preserving their heritage through experiencing the lost home art of "putting food by." Re-Live an era when things were simpler, foods were natural, saving pennies was important, and people knew what was on their plate. Learn and Do; home canning, jam & jelly making, butter churning, and baking items from "scratch".
You can choose up to three items. Each session lasts from one hour to three or four (Bread, for example, requires time to raise and then to bake). Everything will be carefully planned so when one item needs to bake or cook, you are working on a different creation, or having a tasty snack. You get to enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade, laughter, andl luscious homemade treats during the session! Experiences start at $40. Along with great memories, the finished food products you created, and gained skills, you will alsol take home keepsake recipes and a certificate of achievement .
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The Culinary Institute of Michigan
336 W. Clay Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.777.6610
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The Culinary Institute of Michigan is proud to offer Community Cooking Classes in August & September. The new facility provides ample space to share their knowledge, experience and techniques with both professional chefs and home cooks. CIM offers an ever-changing variety of classes — from special cuisines and cooking techniques to successfully pairing food with beer or wine.
Classes will start in Summer 2010. Call (231) 777-6644 to learn more visit www.culinaryinstitutemi.com/programs/classes.
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| HISTORY |
Muskegon County Museum of African American History
7 East Center Street
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
231.739.9500
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The Muskegon County Museum of African American History is being developed by community people for community people. Its primary goal is to provide local historical African American legacy information that will instill pride and motivation for young African Americans. While there will be a state and national presence, the primary focus is Muskegon County. The current major project is to identify and interview people or family members of people who were the "first" African American to own a business, hold political office or other notables and create a wall of Muskegon County "firsts" and other notables.
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Bygone Basics
915 S. Livingston
Whitehall, MI 49461
231.740.4065
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Preserving their heritage through experiencing the lost home art of "putting food by." Re-Live an era when things were simpler, foods were natural, saving pennies was important, and people knew what was on their plate. Learn and Do; home canning, jam & jelly making, butter churning, and baking items from "scratch".
You can choose up to three items. Each session lasts from one hour to three or four (Bread, for example, requires time to raise and then to bake). Everything will be carefully planned so when one item needs to bake or cook, you are working on a different creation, or having a tasty snack. You get to enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade, laughter, an dl luscious homemade treats during the session! Experiences start at $40. Along with great memories, the finished food products you created, and gained skills, you will also take home keepsake recipes and a certificate of achievement .
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Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum
1346 Bluff Street
Muskegon, MI 49441
231.755.1230
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The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum offers an educational program, "Submerge," that includes a navigation station from a nuclear submarine, helm stations, scavenger hunt with find and learn displays, interaction with the Submarine, USS Silversides, and the Coast Guard Cutter, McLane. Field trip opportunities with overnight accommodations, and changing exhibits to coincide with national focus such as Black History Month, or Environmental Week are also offered.
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Lakeshore Museum Center
430 W. Clay Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.722.0728
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The Lakeshore Museum Center operates four sites which offer a variety of educational opportunities for visitors. At the main museum site, exhibit topics range from health to natural history to cultural history. Several galleries offer hands-on learning opportunities. Over 25 education programs are offered along with other resources for educators. At the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, visitors tour the homes of Muskegon’s most famous lumber barons and learn about the lumber era, the Victorian period, the families and the gifts they gave to the community. The Great Depression is the focus at the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, a hands on museum where visitors learn how families “made do” during this important time in American History. The Fire Barn Museum explores firefighting equipment and photographs from the 19th and 20th Centuries. Visit our website www.lakeshoremuseum.org for more information.
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LST-393
430 W. Clay Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.722.0728
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The 393 Preservation Association is proud to present USS LST393 for public tours. Earning three battle stars in WWII European Theatre, at Sicily, Salerno, and in Normandy, LST 393 was then outfitted and painted in camouflage scheme for the Pacific Theatre. She proudly wears that scheme today and is being faithfully restored to her wartime greatness.
Come for a visit and learn first-hand about USS LST 393. History will come alive for you as you take a fascinating 30 to 45 minute tour of this historic ship. Marvel at the technology and living conditions our WWII sailors endured.
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Muskegon Heritage Museum
561 W. Western Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.722.1363
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Do you know what a Line Shaft is? Have you ever seen a large working Corliss Valve Steam Engine in operation or watched a 100 year old manual printing press. See these and learn much more about Muskegon’s Industries, Heritage Homes and Historic Buildings at the Muskegon Heritage Museum, 561 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon’s Heritage Village. The museum features displays for all ages about the industries that made Muskegon a world leader of industry. Become a part of the living history of Muskegon’s Heritage Homes by taking the walking tour of Heritage Village. Special activities for kids of all ages are available in the logging exhibit, with the Corliss Valve Steam Engine and in several other areas.
Hours of operation: Friday - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Memorial Day to Labor Day), Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (mid-May to mid-October.) Special tours and events may also be arranged for other times. Please visit their web site at www.muskegonheritage.org.
For more information contact Anne Dake (amdake@verizon.net), the Director of Education, Tours and Special Events.
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White River Light Station Museum
6199 Murray
Whitehall, MI 49461
231.894.8265
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The White River Light Station Museum is located in Whitehall, Michigan on the White River channel overlooking Lake Michigan, only 30 minutes north of Muskegon and just outside the charming towns of Montague and Whitehall. In addition to the museum, there is much to see and do in the immediate area. Fishing, water sports, picnicking and lazy days on the beach are just a few. Also, there are many other historical items of interest nearby. So come and visit the White River Light Station Museum and make a day of it. We would love to see you!
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| LITERATURE |
Hackley Public Library
316 W. Webster Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.722.7276
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The Hackley Public Library is dedicated to 1) promoting knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, 2) combating ignorance, intolerance, and indifference, 3) promoting the free exchange of ideas, and 4) conserving our national and local cultural heritage.
The mission of the Hackley Public Library is to inform, inspire, and delight our diverse community by providing information, knowledge, literature, new technologies, and traditional and innovative programs.
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Muskegon Area District Library
4845 Airline Road
Muskegon, MI 49444
231.737.6248
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We offer a weekly story time at each of our ten branches. The story time is about 45 minutes and includes books, songs and crafts. A Summer reading program from mid-June to the end of July targets kids of all ages.
For a list of our locations, visit our web site at www.madl.org.
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| NATURAL SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT |
Annis Water Resource Institute
740 W. Shoreline Drive
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.728.3601
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HANDS-ON SCIENCE ON A RESEARCH AND EDUCATION VESSEL
The Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) operates its own research and education vessels, the D. J. ANGUS and the W. G. JACKSON, and offers the Water Resources Outreach Education Program for schools and community groups. Almost 122,000 students and others have experienced the Great Lakes and adjoining waters through this unique hands-on science program that features cruises on the vessels. This experience addresses the new Grade Level Content Expectations for science and social studies as well as high school standards.
PROGRAMS
AWRI is the host organization for Michigan Project WET (Water Education for Teachers). There are over 40 Project WET facilitators in Michigan who present Project WET workshops to educators. Annual "Make a Splash with Project WET" water festivals reach hundreds of students per year.
AWRI is affiliated with the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. GLOBE is an international student environmental monitoring program that links students with scientists. As a GLOBE partner, we offer teacher training and opportunities for students to come to the Lake Michigan Center to practice GLOBE protocols.
AWRI produced the Air Quality Unit for the Michigan Environmental Curriculum Support project. MEECS was funded by the Clean Michigan Initiative through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. AWRI hosts MEECS educator workshops in partnership with Math-Science Centers.
We can help with activities for Salmon in the Classroom and building remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater viewing. Free tools for chemical management in schools have been developed under a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES
AWRI Outreach and Education reaches beyond just the vessels. Teachers and students can enjoy a variety of activities in the Annis Educational Foundation Classroom at the Lake Michigan Center. This includes teacher workshops (WET, WILD, PLT, MEECS), short courses (Education 600, Science 580), and free classroom programs for students. The Hilt A/V Classroom hosts activities that need access to computers. Tours of the Lake Michigan Center, home of AWRI, can be arranged for community groups. Events such as seminars and workshops that link to the AWRI mission are held in the Lake Michigan Center's Community Foundation for Muskegon County conference room.
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Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center
6221 Sweeter Road
Twin Lake, MI 49457
231.821.9125
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The Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center’s mission is to rehabilitate sick, injured and/or orphaned raptors and return them to the wild in a healthy and fit condition. Educating the public, particularly school age children, about wildlife conservation, ecology and habitat preservation is a primary goal.
They are open to the general public from April through October, two days per month, the 2nd Thursday and the 2nd Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. No admission fee.
The non-releasable raptors that you will see include a bald eagle, owls, a red-tailed hawk, falcons and a turkey vulture.
Education programs for groups and family/group tours can be scheduled for a nominal donation.
Please call Susan Stamy (Rehabilitator) to be sure we are open or to schedule your program or tour. Call 231-821-9125.
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Carr-Fles Planetarium
Muskegon Community College
221 S. Quarterline Road
Muskegon, MI 49442
231.777.0289
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The Carr-Fles Planetarium has been in operation since 1972. Four different planetarium programs are shown throughout the year, September through June, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. A complete Planetarium Schedule is available for specific days and times.
The admission to the planetarium is FREE with a seating capacity of 46. The programs consist of a combination of a slide presentation and the use of the star machine, a Spritz A3P, which projects the stars, planets, and constellations, on the 7.3 M dome ceiling of the planetarium. Since a degree of prior knowledge is necessary for understanding, it is suggested that the regular public programs on Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m. are not suitable for pre-school children.
Private shows, groups of 15 or more during the day and 20 or more during the evening, may be reserved by calling (231) 777-0289. Teachers or group chaperones are encouraged to select one of the appropriate titles and schedule their visit two to three weeks in advance.
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Gillette Nature Center
6585 Lake Harbor Road
Muskegon, MI 49441
231.798.33573
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The Gillette Nature Association is an organization of community volunteers whose purpose it is to promote and expedite education, conservation and recreation programs originating at the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.
The Gillette Nature Association has continued its tradition of financial and volunteer support for the Center and is now in an exciting phase of growth. The Association is working to recruit new members and volunteers, create new educational and recreational programs for the community, including providing live animal programs in area schools, providing transportation grants to local schools unable to pay for busing to bring children to the park, sponsoring No Child Left Inside Day in honor of Earth Day, and creating a fund at the Muskegon Community Foundation.
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Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum
1346 Bluff Street
Muskegon, MI 49441
231.755.1230
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The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum offers an educational program, "Submerge," that includes a navigation station from a nuclear submarine, helm stations, scavenger hunt with find and learn displays, interaction with the Submarine, USS Silversides, and the Coast Guard Cutter, McLane. Field trip opportunities with overnight accommodations, and changing exhibits to coincide with national focus such as Black History Month, or Environmental Week are also offered.
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Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
MAISD Regional Math
and Science Center
1001 Wesley Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49442
231.767.7318
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The Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative is a unique model that connects schools with their communities to create learning experiences for students that have lasting impact on the environment. Through regional hubs, teachers receive professional development to better facilitate inquiry-based learning and problem solving. Collaboration between schools and communities provide students with the opportunity to address local environmental issues. The resulting vibrant, hands-on learning experiences are designed to increase student achievement and help young Michigan residents become lifelong advocates for the Great Lakes.
For more information and registration materials, contact Melissa at
mmaxson@muskegonisd.org or 231-767-7336.
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Lakeshore Museum Center
430 W. Clay Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.722.0728
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The Lakeshore Museum Center operates four sites which offer a variety of educational opportunities for visitors. At the main museum site, exhibit topics range from health to natural history to cultural history. Several galleries offer hands-on learning opportunities. Over 25 education programs are offered along with other resources for educators. At the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, visitors tour the homes of Muskegon’s most famous lumber barons and learn about the lumber era, the Victorian period, the families and the gifts they gave to the community. The Great Depression is the focus at the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, a hands on museum where visitors learn how families “made do” during this important time in American History. The Fire Barn Museum explores firefighting equipment and photographs from the 19th and 20th Centuries. Visit our website www.lakeshoremuseum.org for more information.
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Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve
PO Box 5038
N. Muskegon, MI 49445
Email: steve.coverly@macd.org
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The Muskegon Environmental Research & Education Society,
(MERES) was formed in 1996 as an outgrowth of the Muskegon
Conservation Club. It acquired land that was to become the
Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve in 1997.
Since that time, the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve has served
the environmental educational needs of 5,000 kids per year and
been a sanctuary for some 4,000 people who just walk the trails
of the Preserve.
MERES is a 501-C-3 tax exempt organization and has provided
the Outdoor Classroom, the Al Bell Trail, the Fred Wilder
Observation tower and the Wilder River Walk, along with the trail
system without direct government assistance. They are totally
dependent on donations and grants.
Several dedicated volunteers have worked many hours to provide
this little place for nature in the heart of an urban community.
There is no charge for the use of the Preserve, just come. It is
always open. The Preserve comes to life each spring as over 52
bird species have been counted, turtles can seen laying eggs, and
the trees and flowers are starting a new year and the water has
many small invertebrates to be discovered.
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National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
1431 Beach Street
Muskegon, MI 49441
231.755.3831
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GLERL's staff is involved in local, regional and national educational programs such as the National Ocean Science Bowl, the Southeast Michigan Regional Science Fair, and the Partners for Excellence Program. They also play important roles in undergraduate, graduate and post-doctorate education programs.
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Owasippe Scout Reservation
9900 Russell Road
Twin Lake, MI 49457
231.855.5046
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Owasippee Scout Reservation has abundant adventures waiting for you on 4,800 acres of rolling hills, unique ecological gems, and crystal-clear waters. Guided group hikes are available where you may spot any of the 19 rare or endangered species that call Owasippe home. Learn about quaking bogs, marl quicksand, and 1900s logging camps.
Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through towering forests and serene settings. Older kids and adults will thrill at the low- and high-ropes course 30 feet in the air – a perfect team building exercise and personal challenge.
Other programs may be available based on your specific needs. Group bookings only. Call 231-855-5046 for more information and to schedule your visit to Owasippe!
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Port City Princess
560 Mart Street
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.728.8387
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Maritime histor, old and new, ships, schooners, ship wrecks, World War II ships, old and new ferry lumber mills shipping lumber to Chicago and etc. history of Muskegon native culture water levels changes in the lake, fishing L(salmon runs and etc.
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REAL Science
MAISD Regional Math
and Science Center
1001 Wesley Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49442
231.767.7318
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Resources for Authentic Learning (REAL) Science is a community partnership established to purchase modern scientific instruments and provide teacher training and support to ensure a powerful, real-world science experience for all students. The instruments, equal to those in today's workplace, are rotated through participating high schools, achieving an economy of scale not only for equipment purchases, but also for the associated professional development and curriculum support.
REAL Science participation will result in teachers with training to design and deliver real-world learning experiences, and high school students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform modern laboratory science.
Students will also have a greater interest in, and be more prepared to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs at community colleges and universities.
For more information, contact ewilgenb@muskegonisd.org.
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| PHYSICS |
Jumpin' Jupiter
1775 Evanston Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49442
231.773.5538
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Jumpin' Jupiter offers a program, "Roll with the Motion," that includes three to four labs based on Grade Level Content Expectations. Their program meets the Science GLCE based on grade level. Students will learn how forces and motion relate to skating and other activities.
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Michigan's Adventure
4750 Whitehall Road
Muskegon, MI 49445
231.766.3377
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Two Parks for the Price of One.
Michigan's Adventure is Michigan's largest amusement and water park, featuring over 60 rides and attractions including their world-class wooden roller coaster, Shivering Timbers. Also located at Michigan's Adventure is Thunderhawk, Michigan's only suspended looping roller coaster. Michigan's Adventure offers a Middle School and High School Physics Day program and several School Days with discounted admission. Teachers may download the Physics program their web site and bring students into the park to apply what they have learned in the classroom in a real world environment. Michigan's Adventure also offers group rates any day of the season. A performance rate for bands and choirs is also available.
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Muskegon Heritage Museum
561 W. Western Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440
231.722.1363
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Do you know what a Line Shaft is? Have you ever seen a large working Corliss Valve Steam Engine in operation or watched a 100 year old manual printing press. See these and learn much more about Muskegon’s Industries, Heritage Homes and Historic Buildings at the Muskegon Heritage Museum, 561 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon’s Heritage Village. The museum features displays for all ages about the industries that made Muskegon a world leader of industry. Become a part of the living history of Muskegon’s Heritage Homes by taking the walking tour of Heritage Village. Special activities for kids of all ages are available in the logging exhibit, with the Corliss Valve Steam Engine and in several other areas.
Hours of operation: Friday - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Memorial Day to Labor Day), Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (mid-May to mid-October.) Special tours and events may also be arranged for other times. Please visit their web site at www.muskegonheritage.org.
For more information contact Anne Dake (amdake@verizon.net), the Director of Education, Tours and Special Events.
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Muskegon Yacht Club
Junior Sailing Program
3198 Edgewater
Muskegon, MI 49441
231. 755.1414
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- Race Clinics & Professional Coaching (JimYoungSailing.com)
- Regatta Experience added to Sailing School Curriculum
- Advanced Racing Opportunities
- Video Recording & Viewing Equipment
- Early Registration Discounts
- Early Season Price Reductions
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Northway Lanes
1751 Evanston Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49442
231.767.2695
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- In-School bowling program
- Youth bowling instructional
- Home-school bowling club
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Winter Sports Complex
Muskegon State Park
462 Scenic Drive
N. Muskegon, MI 49445
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Our mission is to provide quality, reliable, winter recreational sports activities and programs to both Muskegon County residents and visitors to the area.
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- Education Adventure
