[2] The park is bordered by Lake Michigan to the west, the Grand River on the north, and City Beach to the south.

[3] A large pier next to the state park supports the harbor's entrance light and inner lighthouse (pictured at right).

The pier connects to a boardwalk that extends approximately one mile upstream toward the commercial district of Grand Haven.

The beach and state park were created by the interruption of the littoral drift of sand along the coast caused by the navigation structure which was installed to protect the entrance to the harbor.

[5] In addition to swimming and other beach activities, the park offers a 174-site campground, rental house, fishing pier, picnicking area, and playground.