Grand Haven, Michigan, is a waterfront community located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Grand River. It is the county seat of Ottawa County with a population of 10,412 (2010 census), but swells to a higher number during the summer tourist season. Grand Haven is one of Michigan's favorite beach destinations with its lighthouses, a 2.5 mile boardwalk, the world's largest musical fountain, a State Park that offers camping, and beautiful sandy beaches that have been host to national beach volleyball tournaments. In August of 2013, CNN Travel named Grand Haven as a "Must See U.S. Beach", and in March of 2012, Travel+Leisure Magazine recognized it as one of the "Best Secret Beaches on Earth". The U.S. Coast Guard has had a presence in Grand Haven since 1924, and is the only city officially designated as a "Coast Guard City USA" by President Bill Clinton in 1998. History has it the first bank robbery committed by the notorious "Baby Face Nelson" occured in Grand Haven, and the famous gangster Al Capone owned a safe house here. |