Things to Do in Norton Shores, Michigan
Shoreline Landing Apartments is conveniently located in Norton Shores, MI. Norton Shores is known for its scenic beauty, quaint neighborhoods, and high-quality school district. The city is just a short drive away from Muskegon, MI, where you can find great entertainment, dining, and shopping options. At Shoreline Landing, we pride ourselves in being close to all of the best places in town! Take a look at our carefully curated list below for the best things to do and places to eat in the Norton Shores area.
TOP 5 PLACES TO GO IN NORTON SHORES
Pere Marquette Beach is a popular Muskegon-area destination for outdoor activities. The lake spans 27 acres along the shore of Lake Michigan and has a playground, sand volleyball courts, The Deck restaurant, Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, and more. Harbour Towne Beach on Muskegon Lake and Kruse Beach, the area’s only dog-friendly beach, are also popular places to catch a few rays!
In addition to Pere Marquette Beach, Hoffmaster State Park, Lake Harbor Park, Mona Lake, Muskegon Lake, Muskegon State Park, and Heritage Landing are also in the Norton Shore-Muskegon area and offer additional opportunities for exciting outdoor recreation. With its proximity to Lake Michigan, there is no shortage of boating, fishing, beaches, camping, hiking, and biking options for outdoor enthusiasts in the Muskegon area.
Adjacent to Pere Marquette Park, on the Muskegon Channel connecting Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan, the USS Silverside Submarine Museum honors, educates, and preserves the legacy of the men and women who served on the Gato-Class World War II USS Silverside. The Silverside was one of the most decorated submarines of World War II, receiving twelve battle stars for service and sinking 23 enemy ships over the course of fourteen patrols between 1941-1945.
The site also features a two-story museum with numerous exhibits on the War and rental space available for private gatherings. The Museum hosts lectures, ceremonies, education programs, and other events throughout the year, including a popular overnight encampment experience that provides visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of the boat before bunking down for the night in the same berths used by WWII heroes! Visit their website today to see the upcoming schedule a plan your visit!
1346 Bluff St Muskegon, MI 49441
Michigan’s Adventure is a 250-acre amusement park featuring over 50 rides, attractions, games, and more that is just a short drive north of Muskegon. With rides ranging from family-friendly favorites like Winky the Whale to pulse-pounding rollercoasters like the famous wooden Shivering Timbers and thrill rides like the Flying Trapeze, there’s something for everyone on the midway at Michigan’s Adventure!
Michigan’s Adventure started as a petting zoo in the late 1950s and has since expanded to become the largest amusement park in the state. In 1990, the park also opened WildWater Adventure, an expansive water park with slides, water rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and plenty of space to soak up the sun! Numerous restaurants, concession, and gift shop options are also available throughout both parks.
4750 Whitehall Rd Muskegon, MI 49455
Located in the heart of Downtown Muskegon, the Muskegon Museum of Art has been a treasured local institution since its inception in 1912. The Museum features an extensive permanent collection of paintings, photographs, bronze sculptures, blown glass, and more, as well as traveling and rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The MMOA also hosts workshops, classes, festivals, and other community events. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the Museum store!
Rich with history from its heyday as a world lumber capital, Muskegon features several additional museums and historic sites that provide a glimpse into the past. The Hackley and Hume Historic Site features the beautifully restored homes of Muskegon’s two most famous lumber barons. Other local favorites include the Lakeshore Museum Center, S.S. Milwaukee Clipper, Muskegon Heritage Museum, USS LST 393, Scolnik House, Fire House Museum, and the Muskegon Railroad Historical Society.
Featuring more than 120,000 square feet of indoor games and dining and several outdoor attractions, Craig’s Cruisers, on East Pontaluna Road in Norton Shores, is one of western Michigan’s most popular destinations for family fun. From mini-golf and batting cages to indoor and outdoor go-carts and bumper boats, plus nearly 100 arcade-style games, Craig’s Cruisers has something for everyone. The family fun center also has a lunch and dinner buffet with 4 themed dining areas.
Craig’s is also a popular venue for parties and has packages available for birthdays, company teambuilding, school field trips, team outings, church groups, and other community events. Craig’s team helps with set-up, greeting guests, and post-event clean-up so you can keep your focus on the guests. With locations throughout Western Michigan in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Silver Lake, you’ll never be far from fun at Craig’s Cruisers!
1551 E Pontaluna Rd Norton Shores, MI 49456
TOP 5 AMAZING PLACES TO EAT IN NORTON SHORES
THE HEARTHSTONE BISTRO
Best French Restaurant
Serving the Muskegon area since 1975, The Hearthstone Bistro on the southern edge of town serves up an eclectic selection of French, Italian, and American cuisine. From escargot de Bourgogne and Chesapeake Bay oysters to filet mignon with bordelaise sauce and Croque monsieur, The Hearthstone’s elevated fare is sure to impress everyone!
3350 Glade St Muskegon, MI 49444
TOAST 'N JAMS
Best Breakfast
From their laid-back 50s diner-style digs in a south Muskegon strip mall, Toast ‘N Jams turns out breakfast classics like pancakes, French toast, omelets, scrambles, hashes, breakfast burritos, and more! A great selection of house-made soups, hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, fresh salads, and a variety of juicy burgers are also available from the lunch menu. In addition to the great food, customers rave about the friendly service and retro atmosphere. Check out their menu online today and see why Muskegon residents love Toast ‘N Jam!
3462 Henry St Muskegon, MI 49441
FATTY LUMPKINS SANDWICH SHACK
Best Deli
Located off Washington Avenue, Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack is a longtime local favorite known for generously-portioned sandwiches that use the finest gourmet Boar’s Head deli meats and cheeses. In addition to their famous sandwiches, Fatty Lumpkins also features delicious garden-fresh salads, homemade soups, and made-from-scratch sides like pasta salad and coleslaw.
971 Washington Ave Muskegon, MI 49441
PIGEON HILL BREWING COMPANY
Best Brewpub
In Downtown Muskegon, off of Western Avenue, Pigeon Hill Brewing Company crafts a wide range of Michigan-inspired beers from lagers and IPAs to sours and stouts all available on tap! The brewery was founded with the goal to be a community gathering space that is steeped in local tradition and fueled by pints of craft beer. In addition to great drinks, Pigeon Hall offers delicious snacks including Country Dairy cheese curds, Sweet Temptations popcorn, and, as an added bonus, Top Shelf Pizza just across the hall! Stop in today to find your new favorite hangout spot.
500 W Western Ave Suite 1 Muskegon, MI 49440
EL BURRITO LOCO
Best Mexican Food
El Burrito Loco features authentic Mexican food in a vibrant, charming setting just south of Muskegon. With an array of Mexican and southwestern classics like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, carne asada, and much more, El Burrito Loco is sure to satisfy your craving for something spicy! Pair your meal with a margarita, Corona, or Jarritos fruit soda!
5916 Harvey St Muskegon, MI 49444
Schools in Norton Shores, MI
Muskegon City School District