Michigan’s Adventure Tips: Arrive Early and Spring for Fast Lane

Michigan’s Adventure is a relatively small theme park in Muskegon. The vast parking lot suggests it was once a major tourist attraction, but its popularity has dwindled since its opening in 1956. It can’t compete with the big boys like Disney and Universal, but it can still be fun if you set your expectations appropriately. What Michigan’s Adventure tips do you need to know to plan your day?

What Michigan’s Adventure Tips Do You Need to Know to Plan Your Day?

1. Where is Michigan’s Adventure Park Located?

2. Know When the Park is Open

3. Check the Michigan’s Adventure Weather

4. Parking Options

5. Arrive Early

6. Visit on a Weekday

7. Make a Touring Plan

8. Download the Michigan’s Adventure App

9. Consider Fast Lane

10. What Rides Are at Michigan’s Adventure?

11. Utilize Parent Swap

12. There Are Characters

13. Michigan’s Adventure Outside Food Policy

14. Know the Dining Options

15. No Smoking Allowed

16. Are VIP Tours Worth it?

17. Ways to Save

18. What to Pack for Michigan’s Adventure

19. Lockers Are Available

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Michigan’s Adventure Tips

1. Where is Michigan’s Adventure Located?

Michigan’s Adventure’s address is 4750 Whitehall Road in Muskegon.

2. When is Michigan’s Adventure Open?

The park is open seasonally during the summer. Check the Michigan’s Adventure hours and calendar, because it is not open every day.

3. Check the Weather for Michigan’s Adventure

If you have flexibility in the day that you visit, be sure to check the weather. Michigan’s Adventure’s weather policy is that there are no rainchecks. You cannot come back a different day, even if you get poured on and the rides never open.

4. Parking

Michigan’s Adventure’s parking lot has a subtly creepy vibe. It is huge. There is an entire section that I’m sure has not been used in years. Weeds abound. The lack of maintenance is a reminder that the park’s glory days are behind it.

How much is parking at Michigan’s Adventure? As of the time of this writing, general parking is $15 per car.

Note: If you leave and come back, you have to pay for parking a second time.

5. Arrive Early

Like every theme park on the planet, it is best enjoyed first thing in the morning when it is less crowded. People like to sleep in. Don’t be one of them. This is one of the most important Michigan’s Adventure tips of all.

Pro tip: Michigan’s Adventure will let you into the front of the park before opening, but you can’t walk through the entire property. You can, however, set up shop in front of Corkscrew.

6. What is the Best Day to Go to Michigan’s Adventure?

Michigan’s Adventure amusement park is most crowded on the weekend. If you can visit during the week, you will be met by less people and shorter lines.

7. Make a Touring Plan

Look over the Michigan’s Adventure map prior to your visit to familiarize yourself with the layout and determine your priorities.

Generally speaking, if you have Fast Lane, you should visit Corkscrew and other attractions that do not accept Fast Lane first thing in the morning.

If you don’t have Fast Lane, book it to one of the big rides that takes Fast Lane first before the people with Fast Lane start jumping the line.

8. Download the App

The app lists wait times and has an interactive Michigan’s Adventure park map, among other things. Download it prior to your visit.

9. Fast Lane

Fast Lane is a Michigan’s Adventure fast pass that lets you skip lines. The cost varies by the day, but regardless of what day it is, it will be expensive. Is it worth it?

If you’re only going to visit once and want to ride some bigger things, yes. I would purchase it.

Lines at Michigan’s Adventure move like molasses. You will wonder at the inefficiency while standing in line. It will not seem possible for things to move this slowly, yet they will. Fast Lane allows you to maximize your time. It is definitely worth considering if you can make it work in your budget.

Michigan’s Adventure tips for pros: Fast Lane can be added for single day visits, but can also be added to a season pass.

Note: Not all rides accept Fast Lane. Check the list to make sure it is worth it for you.

10. Michigan’s Adventure Rides and Attractions

Michigan’s Adventure has a few big ticket rides, but the majority are reminiscent of your time at a random carnival in 1994. Most of them are not very well maintained. Everything could use a good coat of paint.

Beagle Scout Acres

Your local playground Beagle Scout Acres is a small play structure. It is not special, but kids can burn some energy.

Height Requirement: None

Fast Lane accepted: No

Beagle Scout Lookout

This. Line. Is. Torture. This is a small ride wherein cars move in a circle in the air and allow kids to spin them at the same time. The queue moves so, so, slowly. It takes the employees an obscene amount of time to ensure the kids are buckled in. If you go on a hot day, you will feel like you are sitting in a refrigerator box on the surface of the sun. I would say arrive early, but I doubt it will help.

Height requirement: 42″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

Bumper Boats

Bumper Boats is bumper cars meets water. It is not exciting. It is also not always open.

Note: This attraction comes with an extra charge that is most certainly not worth paying. There is plenty of free stuff to do, including bumper cars. Don’t waste your money.

Height requirement: 54″ to ride alone, 44″ to ride with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: No

Camp Bus

Camp Bus is a kiddie ride where kids sit in a bus that moves in a motion similar to a Ferris wheel. You can find this at other theme parks, including Six Flags.

Height requirement: 36″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

Carousel

I think you know what this is already.

Height requirement: 46″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

Corkscrew

Michigan’s Adventure Corkscrew is an upside-down roller coaster. It was the first roller coaster built at the park. It is not for those sensitive to motion or jarring movements.

Pro tip: If you have Fast Lane, arrive early and go here first. You will be able to skip the lines at most of the other major attractions.

Height requirement: 48″

Fast Lane accepted: No

Dodgem

Dodgem is the bumper car attraction at the park. You can find a similar attraction at a lot of other theme parks. This line moves more quickly than most because the ride can absorb a lot of people at once.

Height requirement: 48″

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Drummer Boy

Drummer Boy is basically the spinning teacup ride, but with weirder theming.

Height requirement: None

Fast Lane accepted: No

Elephants

Elephants is Disney’s Dumbo with a creepier design and without the IP.

Height requirement: 36″ minimum, 54″ maximum

Fast Lane accepted: No

Flying Trapeze

Flying Trapeze is a stereotypical swing ride. It is fun when it works, but seems to go down frequently.

Note: The lap belts are rusty and heavy. Be careful putting your kids into the seats. It would be easy for them to pinch themselves or hit their heads.

Height requirement: 48″

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Frog Hopper

Frog Hopper is a small Michigan’s Adventure kids’ ride that bounces up and down. You can find this in lots of other theme parks. If there are even a few kids in line, there is going to be a wait.

Height requirement: 36″

Fast Lane accepted: No

Giant Gondola Wheel

Giant Gondola Wheel is Michigan’s Adventure’s Ferris wheel. Unless it is a walk on or you have Fast Lane, skip it. The line moves about as fast as the women at Old Country Buffet having dinner at 4:00 p.m. The experience does not justify such a wait.

Height requirement: 48″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a Michigan’s Adventure water ride down rapids. You will get extremely wet. Bring a poncho.

Height requirement: 48″ to ride alone, 42″ to ride with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Scrambler

1993 is back. I guarantee you rode this at a carnival at some point in your life. They haven’t gussied it up at all. It looks like they pulled it off the carny’s truck and set it up as is.

Height requirement: 48″ to ride alone, 36″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Kiddie Cars

Kiddie Cars is a ride that allows very small children to spin slowly in a circle.

Height requirement: None

Fast Lane accepted: No

Lakeside Gliders

Lakeside Gliders spin smoothly over the water in a circle. There is a similar ride at California Adventure. This is not for those prone to motion sickness.

Height requirement: 44″ to ride alone, 36″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Airplanes

Airplanes is a stereotypical kiddie ride that allows very small children to fly in a circle.

Height requirement: 36″ minimum, 54″ maximum

Fast Lane accepted: No

Logger’s Run

Logger’s Run is the Michigan’s Adventure log ride that ends with a steep drop. You will get wet. Bring a poncho.

Height requirement: 44″ to ride alone, 36″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Mad Mouse

Michigan’s Adventure Mad Mouse is a small roller coaster. It is painful. I really mean that. Your body is slammed around in your seat in a most unpleasant fashion. Avoid this one like the plague if you have back problems.

Pro tip: This line moves like Betty White pre-death. If you don’t have Fast Lane, get there early.

Height requirement: 48″ to ride alone, 44″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Adventure Falls

Michigan’s Adventure Adventure Falls is a water ride that consists of going up a hill, then coming back down. You will get incredibly wet. Bring a poncho.

Pro tip: Guests can stand on a platform and get sprayed by the boats. The stairs on the platform get very wet. Be careful when exiting.

Michigan’s Adventure height limit: 46″

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Motorcycles

Motorcycles is yet another creatively named ride wherein young children ride in a circle on motorcycles.

Height requirement: None

Fast Lane accepted: No

PEANUTS Trailblazers

This is a ride that allows young children to drive a car on a track slowly.

Height requirement: 36″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies

Mud Buggies is another slow ride in a circle for the little ones.

Height requirement: 36″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

RipCord

Michigan’s Adventure RipCord is an experience that comes with an additional charge. You lay on a mat and swing through the air in a fashion that simulates hang gliding. Other major theme parks offer this as well.

Height requirement: 42″

Fast Lane accepted: No

Sea Dragon

Sea Dragon is the swinging pirate ship that you will find at a lot of other parks.

Height requirement: 48″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

Zach’s Zoomer

Michigan’s Adventure Zach’s Zoomer is a small wooden roller coaster for young kids.

Michigan’s Adventure height requirement: 46″ to ride alone, 40″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Shivering Timbers

Michigan’s Adventure Shivering Timbers is a large, wooden roller coaster with several hills. It is enjoyable, but it is a rough ride.

Height requirement: 48″

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Speed Splashers

Speed Splashers is a ride wherein small children can ride in boats in a circle.

Height requirement: None

Fast Lane accepted: No

Swan Boats

The Swan Boats are paddle boats. This Michigan’s Adventure line moves incredibly slowly and the ride requires manual labor. It is not worth your time if there is any kind of a wait.

Height requirement: 54″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

Thunderbolt

Remember the Himalaya carnival ride from your childhood that spins in a circle and blasts music? It found its way to Michigan’s Adventure with absolutely no modifications.

Height requirement: 46″ to ride alone, 42″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: No

Thunderhawk

Michigan’s Adventure Thunderhawk is a steel roller coaster that goes upside down. It is more forgiving on your body than some of the others.

Height requirement: 52″ minimum, 78″ maximum

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Tilt-A-Whirl

This is the carnival ride you knew and loved as a child. It has not been updated. At all.

Height requirement: 46″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Timbertown Railway

Timbertown Railway is Michigan’s Adventure’s train ride, suitable for all ages.

Height requirement: 46″ to ride alone

Fast Lane accepted: No

Trabant

Trabant is a fast spinning ride for older people who can still handle it (i.e. people under 25).

Height requirement: 48″ to ride alone, 42″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: No

Winky the Whale

Winky the Whale is yet another slow moving ride in a circle for small children.

Height requirements for Michigan’s Adventure: None

Fast Lane accepted: No

Wolverine Wildcat

Michigan’s Adventure Wolverine Wildcat is a wooden roller coaster with some larger hills. It is exciting, but not smooth. You may need some headache medication after your ride.

Height requirement: 48″

Fast Lane accepted: Yes

Woodstock Express

Woodstock Express is a small roller coaster for young kids. The line moves as fast as you would expect.

Michigan’s Adventure height restriction: 42″ to ride alone, 36″ with a supervising companion

Fast Lane accepted: No

11. Utilize Parent Swap

Traveling with a small child who is ruining your good time? Get a Parent Swap pass from the Group Sales office. This pass allows one adult to ride a ride while another waits with a child, then switch places without waiting in line a second time.

12. There Are Characters

You can meet Snoopy characters throughout the park.

13. Can You Bring Your Own Food into Michigan’s Adventure?

No outside food or beverages are allowed. People with dietary restrictions can bring things in as needed.

Note: You can come and go if you want to eat elsewhere. However, you need to get a receipt at the exit to come back and you will need to pay to park a second time. Unless you have a season parking pass, this really isn’t a viable option.

14. Dining Options

Dining options at Michigan’s Adventure are abysmal. There is no stand out quality-wise, and everything is stupid expensive. You have to eat, right? Choose the least offensive option to you.

Pro tip: Gluten free options are available at several restaurants. Check the restaurant list to see if your dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Bonus pro tip: The restaurants will give you free cups of water.

15. No Smoking Allowed

You cannot smoke anywhere in the park. The parking lot is your only option.

16. VIP Tours

Calm down, Michigan’s Adventure. You’re not Disney.

If you feel like dropping a bag of money, you can book VIP tours for $299 per person. A family of four will pay nearly $1,200 for this experience. Let that sink in.

VIP tours include:

A. Admission to the park and waterpark

B. Preferred parking

C. A single meal and refillable cup

D. $25 Beagle Bucks (currency at the Cedar Fair parks) per person

E. A Michigan’s Adventure guide for 4.5 hours

Note: You cannot ride the same ride two times in a row. If you want to ride something again, you must leave and come back.

Note: There are no rainchecks. If it starts pouring during your tour, you’re out of luck.

This is not worth it. One more time for the people in the back. This is not worth it. Buy Fast Lane and show yourself around.

17. Save with Michigan’s Adventure Tips

Michigan’s Adventure Discount Tickets

Michigan’s Adventure tips for pros: Tickets to Michigan’s Adventure theme park include admission to the WildWater Adventure Waterpark.

Individual Michigan’s Adventure Ticket Discounts

Direct Purchase

How much are Michigan’s Adventure tickets? You can purchase individual tickets direct for $50.

Pro tip: There are frequent sales. As of the time of this writing, you can get discounted tickets for $35 per person. The Michigan’s Adventure price for tickets generally increases as the park gets closer to opening for the season. Check to see if a discount is available at the time of purchase.

Michigan’s Adventure Tickets at Meijer

Meijer is a chain of grocery stores throughout the midwest. Sometimes, tickets to Michigan’s Adventure cost less there.

Group Michigan’s Adventure Tickets

Traveling with a group of at least 25 people? Buy them all at once for a discount for Michigan’s Adventure.

Annual Passes

If you will visit even a couple of times, season passes are the way to go. They are dirt cheap and even have a payment plan option if you don’t want to pay all at once. You also earn perks after visiting under its loyalty rewards program. Options include:

Season Pass

As of the time of this writing, season passes cost $79 per person. It gets you into both the theme park and waterpark all season. You also get discounts on Michigan’s Adventure food and merchandise.

Note: This option does not include free parking.

Michigan’s Adventure Platinum Pass

The Platinum Pass comes with the same perks as the regular Season Pass, but includes free parking and admission to other Cedar Fair parks, including Cedar Point and Kings Island.

How much is a season pass to Michigan’s Adventure? As of the time of this writing, this pass costs $198 per person. If you’re not planning to visit other parks, this pass likely does not make financial sense for you.

Note: In addition to costing more than the regular season pass, the prices are jacked up on dining and Fast Lane add-ons. Seriously consider whether this is a good idea for you, because odds are very good that it isn’t.

Fast Lane

Fast Lane is Michigan’s Adventure’s front of the line pass. It can be purchased individually, but you can also add it to a season pass.

All Season Fast Lane

You can add Fast Lane to a regular Michigan’s Adventure year pass for $125 per person. This is kind of steep, but if you will make good use of it, it will substantially improve your experience.

Platinum All Season Fast Lane Plus

If you want to add Fast Lane to your Platinum season pass, it will cost you. This Michigan’s Adventure pass can be used at all parks. I would love to know how many people purchase this option, because I can’t imagine why anyone would. As of the time of this writing, it costs $875. Per. Person.

All Season Parking

A parking pass for the entire season costs $46 as of the time of this writing. If you plan to visit a few times, this will easily pay for itself.

Dining

The food at Michigan’s Adventure is awful. Really. Really. Awful. Try to avoid paying full price.

Michigan’s Adventure Season Dining Pass

Season dining passes let you eat two meals per day for the entire season at designated restaurants.

As of the time of this writing, the cost is $79 per person. The food at the park is overpriced. If you’re going to visit a few times, this is definitely something to consider.

Pro tip: Restaurants that accept Michigan’s Adventure dining plan have a silverware symbol on their menus.

Platinum Season Dining Pass

This is where Michigan’s Adventure loses me. If you have the Platinum season pass, you have to buy a more expensive plan.

As of the time of this writing, the cost is $145 per person, almost double from the regular season dining pass. This also gets you two meals. The only real difference is that you can use it at all parks into which the season pass gets you. This cost is likely hard to justify.

All Season Drinks

The park offers two plans for free drinks. You can either purchase a refillable sports bottle or add an unlimited drink package to a season dining pass (no bottle included). Both options cost $32.99 as of the time of this writing.

Pro tip: You can get a refill every 15 minutes. Bring a refillable sports bottle to distribute drinks among your family.

Single Day Refillable Bottle

You can purchase a single day refillable bottle. This may make sense if you’re sharing with your family.

Michigan’s Adventure tips for pros: Bring a refillable sports bottle to share drinks more efficiently.

Bonus pro tip: These bottles allow for free refills on the day of purchase. After that day, you can continue to refill them for $1. I encountered multiple employees who tried to charge me on the one and only day I used it. Read the sign and be prepared to explain it to them. The training on that topic was obviously subpar.

Photos

Upon entering the park, you will be met by plenty of perky young people trying to force you into looking like a happy family for a photo. You can be nice and comply, but you are more likely to be excited about your upcoming mammogram than purchasing this photo.

You can purchase a season photo pass for $59.99 as of the time of this writing, or purchase a one day unlimited pass.

Don’t. Just don’t. You have a cell phone with picture taking capabilities.

Michigan’s Adventure Hotel Packages

The park offers hotel packages that include discount tickets to Michigan’s Adventure.

There are plenty of hotels near Michigan’s Adventure Muskegon that accept points as payment. If you have hotel points, said packages are unlikely to make sense for you. If you don’t, it is worth exploring.

18. What to Bring to Michigan’s Adventure

You don’t want to drag a bunch of stuff around the park all day. If you no longer have the benefit of the rolling suitcase that is a stroller, your junk will just be a nuisance.

With that said, don’t forget:

A. Sunscreen

B. A portable cell phone charger

C. A hat or sunglasses

D. Motion sickness medication

E. Pain relievers

F. BAND-AIDs

G. Ponchos

19. Lockers Are Available

If you do bring too much stuff or want to visit the Michigan’s Adventure waterpark, lockers are available.

Final Thoughts – Michigan’s Adventure Tips

The park has history, but it hasn’t aged well. It is in major need of a makeover and some quality upgrades. With that said, the Michigan’s Adventure admission price is generally reasonable. There is some fun to be had.

Utilize the most important of the Michigan’s Adventure tips to maximize your day, namely arriving early, considering a Fast Lane purchase, and choosing your attractions wisely. It is worth a try if you’re passing through the area.

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