Muskegon, city, seat (1859) of Muskegon county, western Michigan, U.S. It is located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Muskegon River (there forming Muskegon Lake), 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Grand Rapids. The city is the largest port on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, with an extensive international trade. The name is from an Algonquian word meaning “marshy river.” Laid out in 1849 near the site of a fur trading post (established 1812), Muskegon became a major sawmill centre and shipping point for lumber to Chicago. Damaged by fire in 1890, the city rebuilt many of its buildings. With the depletion of the forests it turned to industry, including the manufacture of paper, automotive and turbine parts, tools, machinery, and chemicals; it also became a popular tourist destination.
An Ottawa burial ground dating from the 18th century is in the centre of the city. Muskegon Community College (1926) is located there. The Summer Celebration, an annual (June–July) event, includes a craft show, an art exhibition, and concerts. The USS Silversides, a World War II-era submarine that is now a national historical landmark, is moored in Muskegon Lake. Muskegon State Park is along Lake Michigan northwest of the city; Duck Lake (north) and P.J. Hoffmaster (south) state parks are also on the nearby lakeshore. Inc. village, 1861; city, 1869. Pop. (2000) 40,105; Muskegon–Norton Shores Metro Area, 170,200; (2010) 38,401; Muskegon–Norton Shores Metro Area, 172,188.