This Memorial Day weekend is packed with family-friendly fun, lakeshore traditions, and meaningful tributes across West Michigan. Celebrate South Haven’s rich boating heritage during the Michigan Maritime Museum’s Blessing of the Fleet and Fish Fry, honor America’s heroes at the USS Silversides Museum’s “Lights of Honor” Memorial Day event in Muskegon, or enjoy playful entertainment and the grand opening of the new otter habitat during OtterPalooza at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. From historic maritime experiences and live entertainment to unforgettable zoo adventures, it’s the perfect weekend to explore West Michigan. And just in time for summer road trip season, the new WMTA Lighthouse and Circle Tour Maps have arrived. Visit WMTA.org today to request your free copy and start planning your next lakeshore adventure.
Blessing of the Fleet & Fish Fry at the Michigan Maritime Museum – May 22; 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Kick off the summer boating season tonight in South Haven at the annual Blessing of the Fleet and Fish Fry hosted by the Michigan Maritime Museum. This longtime maritime tradition celebrates the blessing of boats before a new season on the water, and visitors will have the chance to watch vessels from the museum’s fleet along with boats from local South Haven enthusiasts gather in the harbor for this special ceremony. Following the blessing, neighboring Captain Lou’s Restaurant will serve up their famous fried lake perch during a delicious community fish fry. Tickets are $27 and may be purchased online, by phone, or in person.
“Lights of Honor: Remembering Our Heroes” Memorial Day Tribute at USS Silversides Museum – May 23; 4:00–10:00 p.m.
Honor the meaning of Memorial Day weekend at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon during “Lights of Honor: Remembering Our Heroes,” a free community tribute taking place Saturday from 4:00–10:00 p.m. Guests of all ages can explore the historic Gato-Class WWII submarine, tour the two-story museum, witness a torpedo launch demonstration, and enjoy hands-on family activities including building a “Jumpin Joe” paratrooper. As evening falls, the event continues with live music, food, an aerial flyover, submarine engine start-up, and the moving tolling of the bell ceremony honoring submariners who lost their lives in service to our country.
John Ball Zoo OtterPalooza – May 22–24; 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Friday and until 6:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Get ready for an otterly unforgettable weekend at John Ball Zoo during OtterPalooza, a lively celebration for the grand opening of the zoo’s brand-new otter habitat. Visitors can meet the otter keepers, discover fun and surprising otter facts, and enjoy a full lineup of entertainment throughout the weekend. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day, guests can experience live music, jugglers, aerialists, bubble performers, steel drums, and more family-friendly fun. While you’re there, be sure to check out tickets for the spectacular Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, continuing through June 14 with illuminated displays lighting up the zoo after dark.
And just in time for summer road trip season, the new WMTA Lighthouse and Circle Tour Maps have arrived. Visit WMTA.org today to request your free copy and start planning your next Pure Michigan adventure.
