GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — With Memorial Day weekend in full swing, AAA said more than a million Michiganders are traveling for the holiday — and a number of them were found on the beach at Grand Haven State Park.
"The beach is beautiful, the sand is soft and it's just great listening to people have a great time on the beach," said Sharon Domont from nearby Fruitport, alongside her friend visiting from North Carolina.
Domont said she enjoys seeing the beach come alive around Memorial Day and that it's a nice change after the beach's steady quiet during the winter months.
"It's just great just watching everybody have fun. It's a great time," said Domont.
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources said they've been expecting a "robust" holiday weekend for visitors at the state parks and beaches. The DNR said crews have been preparing grounds for an enjoyable and safe experience.
"People are eager to want to get out to things and pick up where they were last season," said Ron Olsen, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
Visitors at Grand Haven made good use of the beach's volleyball nets. A number of them were even taking a swim, undeterred by the chilly water temperatures.
"I think this is the first long weekend after winter right? So being here at the beach is the best thing you can do," said Aruna Kalahal, who was visiting Grand Haven from Canada, along with her friend Prajakta Shahir from Troy.
Both Kalahal and Shahir said they think there's an eagerness during Memorial Day to enjoy the outdoors after the long winter months.
"Mostly in the winter you're locked up in the home, so (now) you can interact with people more, you can feel the energy of Michigan actually at this time," said Shahir.
The DNR suggests visiting their website to help plain trips for the holiday weekend, as a number of campgrounds and park areas are closed due to construction.
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