Muskegon Lake Celebration Event

Muskegon celebrated a historic milestone – the cleanup and restoration of the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern (AOC). This achievement marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter that will shape our community for generations. As the AOC designation was officially removed, the community came together to celebrate this inspiring moment in Muskegon’s history.

Two Great Events Were Held on
August 15th, 2026

Community Celebration: Sun, Fun, and a Lake Restored

The community came together at Grand Trunk Pavilion for a day of fun on the lake to celebrate the incredible restoration and delisting of Muskegon Lake! The family-friendly community celebration featured something for everyone — from a fun run/walk along the waterfront to hands-on kids activities, local food trucks, and tours of the historic S.S. Milwaukee Clipper.

Attendees learned more about the lake’s remarkable comeback through educational videos and community presentations, tried something new with kayak lessons, enjoyed a guided bike tour, and much more. It was a day to celebrate the progress that brought Muskegon Lake back and the bright future ahead.

Activities and attractions included:

• FREE Fun Run/Walk with RUN MUSKEGON along the Muskegon Lake bike path
• The NEW water-themed “StoryTrail” along the bike path, provided by HPL, MADL, and MLWP
• Interactive booths, educational exhibits, and family fun activities presented by local organizations and community partners
• Kayak lessons with Watch Us Go Boating
• Slow Ride Bike Tour with Dave Alexander
• La-La Land Face Painting
• Local Food Trucks
• S.S. Milwaukee Clipper Tours
• Community Presentation

The community celebration was a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to come together, learn about Muskegon Lake’s restoration, and celebrate this historic environmental milestone.

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

The evening portion of the Muskegon Lake Celebration brought the community aboard the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper for Back to the Lake – An 80s Celebration.

The celebration paid tribute to the decade when the journey to restore Muskegon Lake began. When restoration efforts started in the 1980s, few could have imagined the incredible success that would eventually lead to the lake’s official delisting. The evening celebrated that journey while throwing it back to the decade that launched the effort.

Guests dressed in their best 80s-inspired outfits, enjoyed delicious appetizers, and danced the night away to an 80s-themed DJ. The evening was a fun and memorable way to celebrate the progress, dedication, and people who helped make the restoration of Muskegon Lake possible.

The celebration aboard the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper was a fitting way to recognize this historic achievement and look ahead to the bright future of Muskegon Lake.

Thank You to Our Community

The Muskegon Lake Celebration would not have been possible without the many community partners, organizations, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who helped make the day and evening events such a success.

Together, the community celebrated a historic milestone — the cleanup, restoration, and delisting of the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern — and the incredible work that made it possible.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating a lake restored!

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors & Partners