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DNR, partners ready for Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
July 23, 2026
Safety is top priority during popular 10-day event along Lake Michigan
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources expects increased visits to Grand Haven State Park, home to the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, July 24-Aug. 2, and is taking steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
To support public safety throughout the 10-day festival, the DNR is boosting the presence of park staff, conservation officers and partner law enforcement agencies. Conservation officers will use body‑worn cameras in accordance with established daily practice and department policy.
Visitor expectations
During the festival, visitors can expect:
- Enforcement of all state park rules, including regulations related to alcohol, disturbances, amplified music, marijuana use and disorderly conduct.
- Immediate issuance of citations for observed violations.
- Removal from the park when behavior threatens visitor or staff safety or disrupts park operations.
- Arrests if violations escalate to criminal conduct, including resisting and obstructing officers or assaultive behavior.
- Heightened patrol presence throughout the park and high‑traffic areas.
Alcohol, marijuana and amplified music
Alcohol possession, marijuana use and amplified music are not permitted at Grand Haven State Park. These behaviors have contributed to disruption and safety concerns during previous high‑attendance weekends. Any violation will result in enforcement action.
Visitors are encouraged to review state park rules and regulations before arriving.
Commitment to a positive festival experience
The DNR appreciates the cooperation of festival attendees and partner law enforcement agencies in helping maintain a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Additional updates or operational details will be shared as the festival approaches, if needed.
Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
- Happy and helpful: DNR staff is taking steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, July 24-Aug. 2.
- Family time: Families visiting Grand Haven State Park enjoy the beach and buoyed swim area. The park also features an accessible walkway to the water’s edge, and guests can borrow beach wheelchairs from the campground office.
- Lighthouse view: In addition to views of Lake Michigan, two lighthouses are visible from Grand Haven State Park, located along the pier on the park’s northern boundary.
- Sign: This sign greets guests at Grand Haven State Park, a 48-acre park nestled along a half-mile stretch of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline and the Grand River.