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How one city became the heart of U.S. Coast Guard culture over 150 years
By Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
When you think of Grand Haven, Michigan, there are probably three things that come to mind the beach, the lighthouse and the Coast Guard.The service members protecting West Michigan's waters have been celebrated in Grand Haven every summer for more than 100 years. It's why the city is known as C...
Key takeaway The service members protecting West Michigan's waters have been celebrated in Grand Haven every summer for more than 100 years.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The Coast Guard's presence in Grand Haven has a direct impact on Detroit 's neighboring communities, as the city's reputation as Coast Guard City, USA, attracts visitors and retirees to the region. This influx of people can have a positive effect on local economies, with potential benefits for businesses and residents in surrounding areas, including Wayne County. The annual Coast Guard Festival, which draws thousands of visitors, also showcases the region's ability to host large events, potentially putting it on the radar for other organizations and tourists. Furthermore, the strong connection between Grand Haven and the Coast Guard highlights the importance of community support for military personnel and their families, a sentiment that resonates with many in the Detroit area who have ties to the military or law enforcement. As the Coast Guard continues to play a vital role in protecting West Michigan's waters, its relationship with Grand Haven serves as a model for other communities in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When you think of Grand Haven, Michigan, there are probably three things that come to mind the beach, the lighthouse and the Coast Guard.The service members protecting West Michigan's waters have been celebrated in Grand Haven every summer for more than 100 years. It's why the city is known as C...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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