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55-439: In general, "West Michigan" often refers to the area bounded by the cities of Muskegon (in the north), Grand Rapids (in the northeast), Kalamazoo – Battle Creek (in the southeast) and St. Joseph – Benton Harbor (in the southwest). However, definitions of the boundaries of the region vary widely; in some contexts, the term "West Michigan" is applied only to the counties of Allegan , Kent , Muskegon , and Ottawa , which form

110-490: A humid continental climate ( Dfa ) with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is consistent year-round. Muskegon receives heavy lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan during winter. As of the census of 2010, 38,401 people, 13,967 households, and 7,895 families resided in the city. The population density was 2,702.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,043.4/km ). The 16,105 housing units had an average density of 1,133.4 per square mile (437.6/km ). The racial makeup of

165-831: A National Register Historic District. The mansions are operated with the Lakeshore Museum Center, which details the history of Muskegon County, from the Pottawatomi and Ottawa Native American tribes and lakeside fur traders to the Lumber Queen of the World to today. Events held in the town include: Fraternal organizations are a vibrant part of life in Western Michigan. Clubs with active memberships include: Previous sports teams to play in Muskegon have included: The Seaway Run

220-481: A World War II submarine; USS  LST-393 , a World War II tank landing ship ; and USCGC McLane , a Prohibition-era United States Coast Guard cutter. In addition, Muskegon also berths Milwaukee Clipper , a former passenger ship built in 1904 that traveled the same route as Lake Express does today. The Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts includes two theaters, the main historic Frauenthal house and

275-476: A bike trail. Muskegon State Park has a Winter Sports Complex that features ice fishing , cross-country skiing , ice skating , and a luge track. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park has many sand dunes as well as two campgrounds and a public beach. Michigan's Adventure , the largest amusement park in the state, is in Muskegon County , a few miles north of the city of Muskegon. Michigan's Adventure features

330-678: A classic hits format. The station is based out of nearby Roosevelt Park. Other local FM stations include 90.3 WBLV -FM (classical/jazz/NPR), 91.7 WMCQ -FM (religious), WWSN FM 92.5 (adult contemporary), WGVS-FM 95.3 (public radio), WLAW-FM FM 97.5 (country), WLCS -FM 98.3 (oldies), WVIB -FM 100.1 (urban contemporary), WMRR -FM 101.7 (classic rock), WSNX -FM 104.5 (top 40, studios in Grand Rapids), WOOD-FM -FM 106.9 (news/talk, simulcast of WOOD-AM 1300/Grand Rapids), and WMUS FM 107.9 (country). Other local AM stations aside from WKBZ include WSMZ 850, WLAW 1490 (country). Public transportation

385-504: A day in the summer, and two roundtrips in the fall. Several major highways serve the city, including: Interstates U.S. Highways Other state highways CSX Transportation , along with the Michigan Shore Railway, provide rail service for many of Muskegon's industries. Rail passenger services ended in the 1960s. The nearest passenger rail available is via Amtrak in nearby Holland or Grand Rapids. Until 1971,

440-552: A dedicated millage for its construction. The library is located next to an old landfill that received federal funds to make it one of the many superfund sites in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency and Kent County installed a methane flare to burn excess methane from the decaying landfill in 2015. Previously, the Kentwood Library had been located on Kalamazoo Avenue south of 44th Street, on property donated by

495-468: A female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.10. In the city the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

550-463: A lumbering village in 1862 in Laketon Township . It had its own post office from 1868 until 1892. Muskegon annexed it in 1889. Muskegon is in western Muskegon County, on the south side of Muskegon Lake , a harbor of Lake Michigan . The city is bordered to the north, across Muskegon Lake, by the city of North Muskegon and Laketon Township . It is bordered to the east by Muskegon Township , to

605-505: A midway with roller coasters, other rides, amusements, and a full water park. Muskegon Country Club was founded in 1908 and features a course design by Tom Bendelow and a course redesign by Donald Ross . The city operates under a Commission-Manager form of local government. A seven-member city commission, comprising a mayor and six commissioners, serves as the legislative and executive branch. Four commissioners are elected from wards, while two commissioners are elected at large. The mayor

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660-477: Is Tornado Over Kansas , by John Steuart Curry . Muskegon has a growing collection of publicly owned and displayed art pieces. More than two dozen pieces are on permanent display, predominately in the downtown area. Lakeshore Museum Center and Hackley & Hume Historic Site, built by Muskegon's lumber barons , are restored and open to the public. The Hackley & Hume mansions are part of downtown Muskegon's Heritage Village—two blocks from Muskegon Lake, and

715-560: Is a city in and the county seat of Muskegon County, Michigan , United States. Situated around a harbor of Lake Michigan , Muskegon is known for fishing, sailing regattas , and boating. It is the most populous city along Lake Michigan's eastern shore. At the 2020 census , the city's population was 38,318. The city is administratively autonomous from adjacent Muskegon Township , and several locations in Muskegon Township and other surrounding townships have Muskegon addresses. Muskegon

770-536: Is also elected at large and serves as chairman of the commission. The city commission hires a city manager to manage the daily operations of the city. Muskegon Public Schools was founded in 1860 and serves students from preschool through grade 12. Additionally, it runs the Muskegon Training and Education Center. Muskegon is also served by these private K-12 schools: Muskegon Catholic Central, Fruitport Calvary Christian, and Western Michigan Christian . Muskegon

825-574: Is also served by Muskegon Community College and Baker College . Western Michigan University , Ferris State University , and Grand Valley State University all operate programs out of the Stevenson Center for Higher Education on the Muskegon Community College campus. Muskegon's leading newspaper is The Muskegon Chronicle . The Chronicle is a daily newspaper owned by Booth Newspapers . It started publication in 1857. Muskegon

880-610: Is currently provided by Denver Air Connection operating regional jet flights at Muskegon County Airport (MKG), with nonstop service to Chicago O'Hare Airport . Other airlines provide passenger service via the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids . Muskegon is the eastern port of the Lake Express High-Speed Car Ferry that crosses Lake Michigan to Milwaukee , Wisconsin offering three roundtrips

935-670: Is provided by the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS – "The Shore Line"), which operates nine bus routes, three trolley routes, and a paratransit system. MATS serves the Herman Ivory Passenger Terminal. MATS operates the Muskegon Trolley Company. Three routes cover the north side, south side, and downtown; each trolley stops at 11 locations, including Hackley and Hume Historic Site, USS Silversides, and Muskegon State Park. Commercial air service

990-461: Is run every year in late June. It features a 15k race, 5k race, 5k walk for fun, 15k wheelchair race. Pere Marquette Beach is the largest free public beach on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan . Windsurfing , kite boarding competitions, and professional volleyball tournaments are held there. Its quartz sand beach is expansive and bordered by large sand dunes. The beach area is popular with cyclists, runners, and hikers, and families. It faces to

1045-534: Is served by the local television station WMKG-CD . The Muskegon area is also served by several radio stations. WUVS-LP 103.7 is a popular urban (hip-hop/R&B) and gospel station with local programming as well as Sunday religious programming and local-based talk. Another local low-powered FM station is WUGM-LP 106.1, owned by the Muskegon Training and Education Center, which airs an Urban Oldies format dubbed "M-TEC 106 FM, Rock 'n' Soul." A Newer LP-FM Station WFFR-LP 100.9 also offers local programming along with

1100-450: Is the center of the Muskegon metropolitan statistical area , which is coextensive with Muskegon County and had a population of 175,824 as of the 2020 census. It is also part of the larger Grand Rapids - Kentwood -Muskegon- combined statistical area . The name "Muskegon" is derived from the Ottawa mashkiigong , meaning "marshy river or swamp". The "Masquigon" River ( Muskegon River )

1155-776: The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (successor to the Pere Marquette Railway ) operated day and night trains from Union Station to Holland and Chicago . The Grand Trunk Western and the Pennsylvania Railroad had earlier operated passenger trains out of another Muskegon station to various points in Michigan. In 1937, the Grand Trunk Western began operating ferries that met up with train and carried passengers and automobiles across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Earlier,

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1210-481: The Trinity Health Arena . The Muskegon Farmer's Market welcomes more than 10,000 visitors every Saturday in the summer, and the boutique incubator shops and chalets on Western Avenue are a popular attraction for residents and tourists looking to support small businesses. Muskegon is home to several historical war ships and vessels. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum which features USS  Silversides ,

1265-407: The poverty line , including 8.4% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over. Kentwood has a mayor , who also serves as the city manager, and a legislature consisting of a city commission. The current mayor is Stephen Kepley. The mayor pro tempore is selected by the city commission; Ward 1 Commissioner Robert Coughlin currently serves in this role. The mayor serves as a voting member of

1320-402: The 14,569 households, 31.1% had children under 18 living with them, 33.2% were married couples living together, 20.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% were not families. About 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42, and the average family size was 3.13. In the city,

1375-563: The GTW had operated the ferries out of Grand Haven . The GTW stopped operating the ferries in 1978. The last remaining ferries across the lake would be the ones launching from Ludington, Michigan until the Lake Express first came into service on June 1, 2004. Business and politics Kentwood, Michigan Kentwood is a city in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan . The population

1430-453: The age distribution was 25.8% under 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 110.3 males. The city's median income for a household was $ 27,929, and for a family was $ 32,640. Males had a median income of $ 29,114 versus $ 22,197 for females. The per capita income for

1485-402: The beginning of the exploitation of the area's extensive timber resources. The explosion of the lumber industry in 1837 inaugurated what some regard as the most romantic era in the history of the region. Lumbering in the mid-19th century brought many settlers, particularly from Germany , Netherlands , and Sweden . Some Muskegon neighborhoods began as separate villages. Bluffton was founded as

1540-584: The city at-large. Kentwood is located within the Kent District Library district. The Kentwood Branch Library opened in 2010 on Breton Avenue, next to Kentwood City Hall. Mayor Stephen Kepley, who at the time was the City Engineer, was the project manager for the new library. The library was named the Richard L. Root Library after Kentwood's fifth mayor, who led the city commission and residents in approving

1595-463: The city commission and presides over commission meetings. However, he does not have the power to veto a resolution or ordinance. Voters in Kentwood elect a mayor, city clerk , and city treasurer to four-year terms, and elect six city commissioners to four-year, staggered terms. Every two years, voters in each of the city's two wards elect one commissioner, while another city commissioner is elected by

1650-435: The city was $ 14,283. About 16.8% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 27.6% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those 65 or over. Downtown Muskegon serves as the hub for much of Muskegon County. Positioned along the southern shoreline of Muskegon Lake, it stretches for nearly two miles. Downtown is home to a number of hotels, a 25,000-square-foot convention center completed in 2021, and

1705-552: The city was 57.0% White, 34.5% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 2.6% from other races, and 4.5% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 8.2% of the population. Of the 13,967 households, 32.5% had children under 18 living with them, 27.9% were married couples living together, 22.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.5% were not families. About 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who

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1760-403: The city was 80.87% White , 9.09% African American , 0.46% Native American , 5.63% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 1.42% from other races , and 2.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.88% of the population. There were 18,477 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 10.8% had

1815-563: The city's northeast end. In May 2022, local environmental groups announced cleanup efforts along Muskegon Lake officially have been completed, leading the Environmental Protection Agency to begin its study to remove Muskegon Lake from the EPA's list of "Areas of Concern", which was expected to be finalized by the end of 2022 and promised additional new economic activity in the downtown and nearby lakefront neighborhoods. Muskegon has

1870-411: The city. The population density was 2,794.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,079.0/km ). The 15,999 housing units had an average density of 1,114.8/sq mi (430.4/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 57.9% White, 31.7% African American, 2.3% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 2.7% from other races , and 3.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any origins were 6.4% of the population. Of

1925-557: The core of the Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon CSA . Other definitions include the Kalamazoo–Battle Creek and Benton Harbor–St. Joseph regions, which can be considered distinct regions or parts of other regions such as Michiana , Southern Michigan , or Southwest Michigan , the latter according to one definition comprising Berrien County , Cass County , and Van Buren County . The northern boundary of

1980-432: The largest municipalities of West Michigan according to the 2010 Census . This defines the region fairly broadly, but not at its most broadly; if Battle Creek were included, it would be ranked fourth. Five of the above cities, Wyoming, Kentwood, Portage, Norton Shores, and Walker, are former suburban townships that incorporated in the 1960s in order to prevent annexation by an adjacent city. The presence of these cities in

2035-842: The largest river/creek that flowed through the area, and Paris, as the city was incorporated from Paris Township, but there was another Paris, Michigan, an unincorporated community in the center of the state, and that name was nixed to avoid confusion. The city's first mayor was Peter M. Lamberts, who served in that post for its first 12 years, from 1967 until 1979. Subsequent mayors have included Marvin Hoeflinger (1979–1981), Gerald DeRuiter (1981–1992), Bill Hardiman (1992–2002), Richard Root (2002–2012), Richard Clanton (2012–2013), and Stephen Kepley (2013–present). The Kentwood Mine, located at 42°53′24″N 85°34′44″W  /  42.890°N 85.579°W  / 42.890; -85.579  ( Kentwood Mine ) , opened in 1971 and closed in 2000; it

2090-516: The median income for a family was $ 60,391. The per capita income for the city was $ 24,261. About 9.8% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2000 census , there were 45,255 people, 18,477 households, and 11,529 families residing in the city. The population density was 830.5/km (2,150.6/mi ). There were 19,507 housing units at an average density of 358.0/km (927.0/mi ). The racial makeup of

2145-556: The population. As of the census of 2010, there were 48,707 people, 19,741 households, and 12,345 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,330.5 inhabitants per square mile (899.8/km ). There were 21,584 housing units at an average density of 1,032.7 per square mile (398.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 70.1% White , 15.4% African American , 0.4% Native American , 6.6% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 3.5% from other races , and 3.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 8.5% of

2200-443: The population. There were 19,741 households, of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.5% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

2255-419: The region is also poorly defined; the population density, land use, economic and cultural character, and physical geography most often associated with West Michigan fades in northern Muskegon and Kent Counties, however areas as far north as Ludington and White Cloud may be included because of their close economic ties to the cities to the south. Other areas, such as Montcalm County in the northeast corner of

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2310-536: The region, are transitional areas that straddle Michigan regions but are sometimes included for classification purposes. Greenville, in Montcalm County's southwest corner, is closely tied economically with Grand Rapids; however, the northeastern corner, around Vestaburg and Edmore , has historically more closely associated with the cities of Mount Pleasant and Alma , which are almost universally reckoned as part of Central Michigan . The following table contains

2365-535: The smaller Beardsley Theater in the adjoining Hilt Building. It was refurbished in 1998 and again in 2021, and hosts JAM Theatrical productions, Muskegon Civic Theatre productions, and is home of the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra . The Frauenthal was originally built as the Michigan Theater in 1929. The Muskegon Museum of Art opened in 1912. Among the highlights of its permanent collection

2420-429: The south. Kentwood has two trails: The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is " Dfb " (Warm Summer Continental Climate). As of the census of 2020, there were 54,304 people, the racial makeup of the city was 57.4% Non-Hispanic White , 19.1% Black or African American , 9.4% Asian , 0.3% Native American , and 7.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 10.4% of

2475-539: The southeast by Fruitport Township , to the south by the cities of Muskegon Heights , Roosevelt Park , and Norton Shores , and to the west by Lake Michigan. It is 42 miles (68 km) northwest of Grand Rapids , 36 miles (58 km) north of Holland , and 58 miles (93 km) south of Ludington . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the city has an area of 18.20 square miles (47.14 km ), of which 4.05 square miles (10.49 km ), or 22.3%, are covered by water. The Muskegon River empties into Muskegon Lake at

2530-535: The top ten reflects both the large geographic area of these cities, as well as the long and continuing growth of suburban areas in West Michigan. Prominent West Michigan corporations include: Amtrak operates its Pere Marquette service in West Michigan, with daily service between Grand Rapids and Chicago. More comprehensive lists are available at individual cities, villages, etc. Muskegon Muskegon ( / m ə ˈ s k iː ɡ ən / mə- SKEE -gən )

2585-469: The west so sunsets are remarkable. Muskegon Lakeshore Bike Trail allows for biking along the shores of Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, with two trails for bike paths, one on the east side of Muskegon and the other along the north side, which northerly connects to other trails, such as the Hart-Montague Bike Trail , making it possible to bike from Muskegon to Hart, Michigan , without ever leaving

2640-409: Was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.10. The median age in the city was 34.3 years. 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.8% were from 25 to 44; 24.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female. As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $ 48,335, and

2695-405: Was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 45,812, and the median income for a family was $ 55,615. Males had a median income of $ 40,544 versus $ 27,632 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 22,463. About 5.0% of families and 6.3% of the population were below

2750-441: Was 54,304 as of the 2020 census . The city is bordered on the northwest by Grand Rapids and is the third most-populated municipality in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area . The city was incorporated in 1967 from what remained of Paris Township to prevent further annexation of land from the adjacent cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming . The city is located Kent County, which was named after jurist James Kent . The City of Kentwood

2805-434: Was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38. and the average family size was 3.09. The median age in the city was 34.1 years; the age distribution was 23.3% were under 18; 12.2% from 18 and 24; 28.8% from 25 to 44; 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% were 65 or older. The city's gender makeup was 52.1% male and 47.9% female. As of the census of 2000, 40,105 people, 14,569 households, and 8,537 families were residing in

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2860-574: Was Edward Fitzgerald, a fur trader and trapper who came to the Muskegon area in 1748 and who died there, reportedly being buried in the vicinity of White Lake . Between 1790 and 1800, a French-Canadian trader named Joseph La Framboise established a fur-trading post at the mouth of Duck Lake. Between 1810 and 1820, several French-Canadian fur traders, including Lamar Andie, Jean Baptiste Recollect, and Pierre Constant, had established fur-trading posts around Muskegon Lake . Euro-American settlement of Muskegon began in earnest in 1837, which coincided with

2915-499: Was a gypsum mine operated by Georgia-Pacific . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 20.95 square miles (54.26 km ), of which, 20.90 square miles (54.13 km ) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km ) is water. The city is bordered by Wyoming to the west, Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township to the north, Cascade Township to the east, and Gaines Township to

2970-418: Was identified on French maps dating from the late 17th century, suggesting French explorers had reached Michigan's western coast by that time. Father Jacques Marquette traveled northward through the area on his fateful trip to St. Ignace in 1675, and a party of French soldiers under La Salle's lieutenant, Henry de Tonty , passed through the area in 1679. The county's earliest known Euro-American resident

3025-567: Was incorporated on its third try to avoid losing land to the nearby City of Grand Rapids which had annexed several key properties before then. After considering several options, the City of Kentwood was given that name because the driving force behind incorporation, first Mayor Peter M. Lamberts, decided to name it after the largest public school system in the area, the Kentwood Public Schools. Other names under consideration were Plaster Creek, for

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