West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Donate Now: Learn More Here
Sponsor Information: Sponsorship Form
Purchase Tickets: Back to the Lake - An 80's Celebration
Fun Run: Register Here

Overview

Join us as Muskegon celebrates a historic milestone – the cleanup and restoration of the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern (AOC). This achievement marks the end of an era and beginning of a new chapter that will shape our community for generations. As we officially close the book on the AOC designation, we invite YOU to be part of this inspiring moment in Muskegon’s history.

There will be TWO great events held on
August 15th, 2026:

Community Celebration: Sun, Fun, and a Lake Restored

Where: Grand Trunk Pavilion When: 9 AM – 2 PM

Join us for a day of fun on the lake as we celebrate the incredible restoration and delisting of Muskegon Lake! This family-friendly community celebration will feature something for everyone — from a fun run/walk along the waterfront to hands-on kids activities, delicious eats from local food trucks, and the opportunity to tour the historic S.S. Milwaukee Clipper.

Learn more about the lake’s remarkable comeback by viewing Muskegon Lake educational videos, try something new by learning to kayak, cast a line fishing, enjoy a guided bike tour, and so much more! It will be a day to celebrate the progress that brought Muskegon Lake back and the bright future ahead.

Fun Run Registration HERE!

Activities and attractions include:

9am: FREE Fun Run/Walk with RUN MUSKEGON along the Muskegon Lake bike path - participants of all ages are invited to enjoy the scenic waterfront views, fresh air, and the incredible environmental restoration that has transformed the lake over the past several decades. Register for the one-mile Fun Run HERE.
9am-2pm: Experience the NEW water themed “StoryTrail” along the bike path. (Provided by HPL, MADL, and MLWP.)
9am-2pm: Interactive booths, educational exhibits and family fun activities presented by:
- Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University
- City of Muskegon
- Hackley Public Library (HPL)
- Lakeshore Museum Center
- Lakeside Neighborhood Association
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Environmental Health
- Muskegon Area District Library (MADL)
- Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
- Muskegon Area Parks & Greenway Coalition
- Muskegon Conservation District
- Muskegon County
- Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve
- Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership (MLWP)
- Muskegon Sheriff's Marine Division
- USS Silversides Submarine Museum
- West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission
10am–1pm: Kayak Lessons with Watch Us Go Boating (Every 60 minutes. Space is limited.)
10am & 11:30am: Slow Ride Bike Tour with Dave Alexander
10am-2pm: La-La Land Face Painting
10am-2pm: Local Food Trucks
11:30am-1:30pm: S.S. Milwaukee Clipper Tours (Every 30 minutes.)
12pm: Community Presentation
7pm-10pm: Back to the Lake – An 80s Celebration

The public is encourage to walk, bike or carpool to the Community Celebration. Limited parking and Trolly service will be available for the daytime event only.

Evening Event: Back to the Lake – An 80s Celebration

Where: S.S. Milwaukee Clipper When: 7 PM – 10 PM

Enjoy an 80’s Celebration — throwing it back to when it all began! When the journey to restore Muskegon Lake started in the 1980s, few could have imagined the incredible success we celebrate today. Now, as the lake is officially delisted, we’re rewinding the clock for a totally rad night honoring the decade that launched the effort. Come dressed in your best 80s throwback — neon, leg warmers, big hair and all — and celebrate the transformation of Muskegon Lake with heavy appetizers, a cash bar, DJ, and plenty of dancing. It’s a night to celebrate the progress, the people who made it possible, and the bright future ahead for Muskegon Lake.