Featured Stories

VIDEO: Celebrating the strength and spirit of a rising Muskegon

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, January 11, 2018

To mark the end of our On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore series, we present this video as a celebration of the spirit of Muskegon, of the amazing people and incredible work we’ve seen throughout the area.

Arts & Culture, Bars, Building Communities, Business Development, Community Engagement, Craft Brewing, Development, Dining & Nightlife, Education, Environment, Food, nonprofit, On The Ground, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, tourism

Muskegon Lakeshore

The Emery House Bed & Breakfast at 446 W. Webster Avenue in downtown Muskegon.

A trip back in time: Muskegon's historic homes take center stage at Nelson neighborhood tour

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Some of Muskegon's oldest, and grandest, homes were on display during the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association's Christmas tour. Along with people from throughout West Michigan, our photographer got to explore the houses that have played host to downtown residents for more than a century.

Community Engagement, events, Historic Sites, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Preservation, Real Estate

Muskegon Lakeshore

With eyes on preservation, Muskegon tackles future of Hackley Administration Building

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, December 21, 2017

The Muskegon Public Schools will likely soon sell the Hackley Administration Building, and community leaders are determined to see it fall into hands that will preserve the historic structure.

Arts & Culture, Community Engagement, Education, Government, Historic Sites, Museums, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore

Muskegon Lakeshore

OTG Muskegon Culinary Institute students

What is behind the resurgence of Muskegon? Look to its growing support for entrepreneurs.

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, December 14, 2017

Whether you're talking about a more equitable and inclusive downtown or the city's ever-growing number of shops and restaurants, entrepreneurs are the major players inspiring change in an evolving Muskegon.

Advanced Manufacturing, Building Communities, Business Development, Community Engagement, Education, Entrepreneurship, nonprofit, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Public Education, Small Business

Muskegon Lakeshore

Fyah! Fyah! Fyah! How Tacitus Bailey-Yabani is bridging worlds and bringing Ghana to Muskegon

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, December 07, 2017

After going from living on the streets to becoming a famous photographer in his home country of Ghana, Tacitus Bailey-Yabani moved to Muskegon in 2014. Now, the owner of the Abeshi shop in the downtown Western Market has set his sights on changing the world by connecting people, breaking down barriers, and building communities through his art, his food, and his uplifting energy.

Arts & Culture, Building Communities, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Food, Multi-Cultural, Music, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Retail, Shopping, Small Business

Muskegon Lakeshore

Pigeon Hill Brewing Company owner Michael Brower and his wife, Alana, the taproom manager.

Where everybody knows your name: How Muskegon's downtown bars and breweries are building the city

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, November 30, 2017

In just a couple years, downtown Muskegon has done a complete 180. Where once there were empty streets and abandoned buildings, there's now a thriving commercial landscape. The local brewery and bar scene has played a major role in this transformation, and the city's watering holes are continuing to reshape the city and its economy.

Attractions, Bars, Building Communities, Business Development, Craft Brewing, Development, Dining & Nightlife, Entertainment, Music, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Retail, Shopping, Small Business

Muskegon Lakeshore

The keepers of history: Muskegon Heritage Museum brings city's vibrant past to life

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, November 16, 2017

Did you know many of the nation's bowling pins were once made in Muskegon? As were the first Raggedy Ann dolls? From boats and beer to engines, pianos, and paper, the vast array of products made right here in this city have made their way across the globe for more than a century. Now, the Muskegon Heritage Museum is telling the stories behind these goods, weaving a powerful narrative about the people and places who created the city's rich history.

Advanced Manufacturing, Attractions, Building Communities, Community Engagement, Education, Entertainment, Museums, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Small Business, tourism, Volunteerism

Muskegon Lakeshore

Students in the Youth Empowerment Project are changing Muskegon for the better.

Speaking up: The voices and actions of Muskegon's youth are changing our city

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, November 09, 2017

Volunteering. Tackling race relations. Mentoring. Urban farming. Rehabilitating homes. The students in Community enCompass' Youth Empowerment Project are doing all of this and more. Pay attention to these Muskegon teenagers: they're creating a better present, and future, for all of us.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Education, nonprofit, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Volunteerism

Muskegon Lakeshore

OTG Muskegon Hamburger Mikey employees funny

Muskegon's phoenix: The life and flight of Midtown's Third Street

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, November 02, 2017

In Midtown Muskegon, life is good. Where once there were abandoned buildings, shops and restaurants are opening. People who left the city are coming back to start businesses. Third Street is rising.

Building Communities, Business Development, Dining & Nightlife, Entertainment, Food, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Restaurants, Shopping, Small Business

Muskegon Lakeshore

A changing downtown: How Kitchen 242 is transforming Muskegon's culinary landscape

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, October 26, 2017

Drawing chefs and business owners from throughout the region, Kitchen 242 in downtown Muskegon is quickly becoming an innovative cornerstone of the city’s growing food scene.

Building Communities, Business Development, Community Engagement, Food, Healthy Living, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Restaurants, Small Business

Muskegon Lakeshore

Angie Wasserman-Nelund and Troy Wasserman.

Living history: Wasserman's Flowers & Gifts is a story about Muskegon's past and future

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, October 19, 2017

The Wasserman family and their flower shop have been an integral part of Muskegon for 137 years, and the city's oldest family-owned business weaves a narrative about the history, present and future of Muskegon—about the determination, joy, hardships, and perseverance of its people.

Building Communities, Business Development, Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Immigration, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Retail, Shopping, Small Business, tourism

Muskegon Lakeshore

Tameka Smith at McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm.

Seeds of justice: How Muskegon is banding together to fight food insecurity

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, October 12, 2017

After facing some hard truths about health in Muskegon, residents are turning the city around. From an urban farm teaming up with doctors to provide patients with fresh produce to the downtown farmers market expanding access to fruits and vegetables for low-income families, the city's quest for better health is breaking down barriers and building community.

Agricultural Economy, Building Communities, Community Engagement, Healthy Living, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore

Muskegon Lakeshore

The Pearl Mist cruise ship on its way to Muskegon this past summer.

With embrace of the waterfront, a new era comes to Muskegon

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon-Lakeshore Editor Thursday, October 05, 2017

Muskegon is undergoing massive change. Major waterfront development is on the horizon, there's increased investment in the city, recreational opportunities abound, businesses are opening, companies are moving there. Why is this all happening? Look to its water.