Adventure, Community, Beauty, Dreaming: The Muskegon Lakeshore Trail

Where will it lead today?

“Trails not only connect us with each other, they connect us with ourselves. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted knew this, and designed his pathways for reverie: gentle, winding, and somehow private. Communities with no place to daydream are communities without imagination.” –David Burwell, President, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

My dear readers, there’s something I must know:

When was the last time you explored the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail? That magnificent, winding recreation road around Muskegon Lake filled with smiling, sometimes chatty, and usually highly enthusiastic bicycle riders, in-line skaters, runners, and walkers? It’s very convenient, you know, with several good access points and plenty of free parking.

And while we’re on this topic, during your trail venture, how many people did you see contentedly fishing along the shores and off the bridge near Great Lakes Marina? How amusing was the children’s laughter? How loud were the birdsongs? I know, it can feel like you’re at the symphony sometimes.

While you were cruising, did you smell any of the blossoming trees or flowers? Watch the squirrels or butterflies or ducks chase each other? Admire the beautiful homes and large dunes along the horizon? Or were you too busy smiling at the people saying hi, smiling at you, or sticking their thumbs in the air to congratulate you on your exercise initiative? I was in deep thought the other day and missed the chance to slap the hands of the bikers who extended their arms as I skated by, but it sure made me smile.

Maybe you stopped and swayed along the edge of the land on one of the porch swings. That’s one of my favorite things to do, even in my in-line skates. Perhaps you hung out on a wooded bench jutting out into the sparkling blue water. I may have seen you happily relaxing with your friends, soaking up the sun or peering at the clouds. Possibly you were among one of those groups enjoying lunch or dinner in the picnic shelters with nature-made panoramas.

Just a couple more queries: How many happy couples, young families, or groups of friends did you see walking around Heritage Landing? How about the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve? Did you take a moment to sit on a bench or in the grass to fully absorb the scene? If you did, I bet the scene embraced you, with people stopping by to talk about the weather, the lake, or the beauty of the trail.  That was a nice surprise for me.

If you haven’t done any of these things, dear readers, I highly recommend them. The trail is beautiful and welcoming from dawn ‘til dusk – and possibly after, though I’d bring company if you go then. I’ve explored it as the sun came up, went down, and pretty much all times in between. There’s always something to see. But more importantly, there’s a sense of community, even with varied options for space and reflection. Go alone or go with a friend. It’s safe, clean, and free. It’s lakefront property. It’s there for you. 

See you soon.

--Imaginer

Looking glass: Muskegon Lake.

Along the journey in North Muskegon...

Fellow travelers exploring Muskegon Lake...

Rolling hills in the Port City...

Wide open spaces...

Cozy place for a bite.

Muskegon Lake has good sunsets, too.