Historic Muskegon Brewing Company Emerging From the Depths of Lake

Pigeon Hill Brewing owners Michael Brower and Chad Doane (left and right) on either side of Muskegon Brewing owner Emily Leestma

One hundred forty-eight years after its debut, the Muskegon Brewing Company label ends its 67-year hiatus. Sourced locally at Pigeon Hill Brewing Company and with the blessing from David Messke, the original owner’s great grandson, owners Emily and Ryan Leestma have resurrected the native brand. Giving it a new spin and together with the Pigeon Hill team have crafted eight unique brews that will be available starting this summer at Muskegon Brewing Company at 500 Adelaide Circle in Muskegon just a stone’s throw away from its original location on Muskegon’s ‘Brew Hill’ now occupied by Coles Quality Foods bakery. The restaurant is scheduled to make its grand opening in June as part of a multi-event center with its first wedding scheduled for the end of that month.

The new restaurant comes as part of the $250 million Adelaide Pointe development which includes three parks, a condominium project, a dry dock and a newly constructed marina. The marina will include a public fishing pier nestled along the twelve-mile Lakeshore Trail showcasing views of the Muskegon’s Lake Michigan channel, south pier, lighthouse and breathtaking views of Muskegon Lake’s sand dunes. In a unique demonstration of reciprocity, the Pigeon Hill Brewing Company will source the beer. Eight new brews including a lager, blonde ale, West Coast IPA, hazy IPA, fruit beer, a Saison and classic wheat ale are also in the works. In addition, the restaurant will have second floor balcony seating with expansive views of the water. The menu will include salads, burgers, and, of course, fish.

Rendering of the new Muskegon Brewing Company opening in June (left) April 5, 2024 photo of Muskegon Brewing Company with plans to open in June (right)

When asked what inspired the collection, Michael Brower of Pigeon Hill, stated the selection were based largely on a summer launch focused on lighter options for the beach and boating crowd. The goal was to “craft a well-balanced tap list that had something for everyone.”

Brower additionally expressed his dedication to the project and deep appreciation for the label’s loyalty to local. “I have no doubt that many other breweries would have jumped at the chance to brew custom label beer, but the opted for the local guys down the street.”

Muskegon Brewing Company originally started operations in 1877

The brand alone is but one piece of literally, excavated history. The lumbering days brought more than 60 mills to life on Muskegon Lake at the turn of the last century making Muskegon the nation’s leading lumber producer from 1869-1900. Interestingly, Muskegon Brewing Company bottled the iconic Irish stout for Guinness as late as 1955.  

Today, Josh Sprik of Sprik Custom Building in Zeeland is hand crafting a bar made of logs excavated from the Adelaide Pointe site. These logs have been naturally preserved for over a hundred years at the bottom of Muskegon Lake and will now serve as a focal point in the restaurant bridging a pivotal part the town’s yesterdays with its tomorrows through the art and craftsmanship of today.

Over the past several months, there has been an outpouring of donated relics from the community

The Pigeon Hill brand is also no stranger to nostalgia. “We have been Muskegon Brewing history nuts since before we even opened Pigeon Hill. We’ve even got copies of the original brewing logs with some of the original recipes,” said Brower.

Pigeon Hill, itself, once stood at the southeast entrance to the Lake Michigan channel. Its name is derived from the carrier pigeon that was once a coveted delicacy.

Historic photo of Muskegon Brewing crew in 1887

As these two established brands unite for a new season in Muskegon, the Adelaide Pointe development is committed to sustainability and will hold a continued commitment to sourcing local.

It is the hope of the Leestmas to honor history and parlay it into the future following the path of what Muskegon has always been: a hometown and a place that is always home to innovation. Over the past several months, there has been an outpouring of donated relics from the community that were part of Muskegon Brewing’s past. Original bottles and crates, along with accompanying stories continue to find their way to the Leestmas, adding dimension and authenticity to the brand’s rebirth.