Hundreds turn out for 'Lakers On Lake Michigan'

Overcast skies and some rain weren't enough to keep hundreds of people away from "Lakers on Lake Michigan," an open house event hosted by Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute and the Lake Express ferry on Saturday, May 5.

The open house, which was held to highlight the partnership and mutual interest in the Great Lakes between Grand Valley and the Lake Express, gave people a chance to see the high-speed ferry and learn about Grand Valley's groundbreaking freshwater research projects.

The Muskegon-to-Milwaukee ferry took passengers on two short excursions on the lake, showing off the boat and its capabilities. Each ride through the Muskegon Lake channel and into Lake Michigan took about an hour.

Louie the Laker even showed up to take part in the festivities. 

The event highlighted how AWRI and the Lake Express celebrate West Michigan’s Blue Water Economy — a term used to describe businesses and initiatives in the greater Muskegon area that involve water resources.