Eastern Great Lakes Region (Michigan & Ohio)

Next week, I will be making my first visit to Michigan's Adventure. I will have limited time, but I don't want to miss the park's unique features.

What should I not miss outside of the coasters?

Any must try food (particularly local eats or libations)?

Any local nearby unique attractions/restaurants that I should visit?

I'll be taking the ferry across Lake Michigan when I leave the park - any tips?

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Elizabeth Ringas, President
(she/her)
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Well first off you text your best friend Jon when you're going so he can go over and ride Timbers with you. ;)

Rides not to miss outside of coasters:

• Logger's Run is of the dying breed of Arrow Hydroflumes.
• If you enjoy skycoasters, this one is one of the best as it has more freefall before the cables grab you than any other out there.

Must try foods are limited, but of note is the freshly-made Kettle Corn across from the Logger's Run entrance. Everything else is fairly standard theme park food. The Lakeside Beer garden may have a few local beers, since West Michigan has a ton of breweries.

As far as local unique attractions, if you're on the lakeshore at night the Grand Haven Musical Fountain performs a 25-30 minute show every night and was the largest musical fountain in the world until the Bellagio opened in Vegas in 1998.

Depending on which ferry you're taking across the lake, Craig's Cruisers in Mears (Silver Lake) features the SDC Big Air coaster that was featured at the 2019 IAAPA trade show and is along the way (for the SS Badger ferry).

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Jon Roost (he/him)
Eastern Great Lakes Regional Rep &
Digital Archives Manager
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Don't miss Hydroblaster, which is one of those rare not a waterpark waterslides (meaning you don't have to be in a bathing suit to ride it).  You do get a little splashed, more on the green side than the black side.  It's right next to the water park so a lot of people assume it's part of the water park, but it's not, and it's great good fun.

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Morgan Thornburgh
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Thanks! That is exactly the type of tip I am looking for. I would have definitely missed it.

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Elizabeth Ringas, President
(she/her)
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2025 10:35
From: Morgan Thornburgh
Subject: First Time Visitor Seeking Tips - Michigan's Adventure

Don't miss Hydroblaster, which is one of those rare not a waterpark waterslides (meaning you don't have to be in a bathing suit to ride it).  You do get a little splashed, more on the green side than the black side.  It's right next to the water park so a lot of people assume it's part of the water park, but it's not, and it's great good fun.

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Morgan Thornburgh
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Train is surprisingly interesting- it travels around in the forest, and you see different things on each segment.

There is a cute mini golf (extra $, but not expensive) on a peninsula into the little lake that in the middle of the park.

Be aware that the park is NOT a loop.  (You can take the train to complete the loop in the clockwise direction.)

Not sure which ferry you're referring to (there are 2!)  I've taken the SS Badger ferry. Such a fun experience.  When I went on there was a trivia game anyone could play.  It's slow, be prepared to relax or bring something to do.

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Karen Schneider
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Enjoy your trip!  Such a beautiful area up and down the lakeshore !

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Patrick Schultz
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Michigan Adventure is a great little park, but I wouldn't say there's much there that is unique. They do have a Trambant and you dont see those everyday. THE Logger's run is an older model from Arrow that has it's charm. 

As far as coasters go, make sure you watch the lines for both the Mouse and Zach's Zoomer as both can get some nasty wait times. Make sure you leave extra time for re-rides on Shivering Timbers.  My daughter prefers the front row while I like the second to last. Perhaps you can be the tie breaking vote.

To the north is Silver Lake and the Beautiful sand dunes... if you have time they should not be missed! They also have a Craig's Crusiers that has a Hamster Wheel coaster which is fun.

If you are heading south, Grand Haven, Holland, and Saugatuck all.have beautiful beaches and many fine restaurants/breweries. New Holland Brewery being my favorite.

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Robert Reed
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