Time to celebrate in style
Graduation is an accomplishment that calls for a celebration. Whether the graduate has just completed high school, college or a military academy, sometimes the celebration calls for more than just a backyard barbecue. The city of Muskegon, Michigan, which calls itself "West Michigan's Shoreline City," has a population of about 40,000 and offers several venues that provide a little something extra for the graduate's special day. Does this Spark an idea?
Port City Princess
Sailing from The Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon, the Port City Princess is a ship that can accommodate up to 150 passengers. Cruises take place on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. The Port City Princess has graduation theme parties such as "Gilligan's Island," "Hawaiian Luau" and "007." You can customize your menu and choose between a live band and a DJ. Groups of 100 or more can reserve the whole ship; smaller groups can cruise at the individual price. Prices vary depending on type of cruise.
Port City Princess
The Mart Dock
560 Mart St.
Muskegon, MI 49440
231-728-8387
portcityprincesscruises.com
USS LST 393
If you like the ship theme, but prefer to stay anchored to shore, the USS LST 393 offers a very different venue. This WWII vessel, docked on Muskegon Lake off Shoreline Drive, will accommodate groups from 10 to 300. Hold your party topside on its Weather Deck or inside on the Tank Deck. Add a full tour to your event. Catering is provided. Pricing varies.
USS LST 393
560 Mart St.
Muskegon, MI 49440
231-730-1477
lst393.org
The Bettye Clark-Cannon Gallery
For a more refined graduation party, the Bettye Clark-Cannon Gallery at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts is available for your event. Housed inside the Hilt Building, the gallery boasts works of west Michigan artists. Seating is available for 120 up to 225. The Gallery offers individual meeting rooms or you can rent the second floor in its entirety. Prices start at $400 as of August 2010, catering not included. Other areas of the Hilt Building are also available for rent.
Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts
425 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440
231-332-4103
frauenthal.org
Michigan's Adventure
Michigan's Adventure, an amusement park, offers a family-friendly venue to host your graduation party. Mary Lynn's Group Catering Pavilion is available to rent for all-you-can eat cookout buffets. Parties must be of 50 or more and there are five picnic-style menus. Admission to the amusement park is separate. Catering prices are $19.50 per person as of August 2010.
Michigan's Adventure
4750 Whitehall Road
Muskegon, MI 49445
231-766-9959
miadventure.com
West Michigan Shoreline Picnic Shelters
The city of Muskegon maintains nine picnic shelters available for rent for your special occasion. The picnic shelters are located on Lake Michigan beachfront, nestled in the Lake Michigan sand dunes and community parks complete with a skate park. The shelters are equipped with electricity and grills. As of August 2010, all shelters require a $100 deposit to rent and rental fees start at $50.
City of Muskegon
Engineering Department
P.O. Box 536
Muskegon, MI 49443
231-724-6707
muskegon-mi.gov
Tags: City Princess, Port City, Port City Princess, August 2010, available rent, Lake Michigan, Michigan Adventure