September 9, 2026
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — The Grand Haven Children’s Museum has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Grand Power Works, LLC, to explore the possibility of establishing the Museum at the historic Diesel Plant site at 518 S. Harbor Drive in downtown Grand Haven.
The agreement brings the Museum and the redevelopment team together to explore how a children’s museum could become part of the future of this significant Grand Haven property.
“We see a lot of potential in bringing the Children’s Museum into this project,” said John Groothuis of Capstone Companies, a partner in the Grand Power Works redevelopment. “It’s an opportunity to create a place that brings people together and adds something special for children and families in our community.”
Founded to expand access to early learning opportunities across the West Michigan Lakeshore, the Museum is focused on creating meaningful learning experiences that support children’s development and curiosity.
“We’ve been working toward this vision for a number of years, and this MOU is an exciting step forward,” said Rachel Dody, Founder and Developmental Director of the Grand Haven Children’s Museum. “We’re grateful to Grand Power Works for seeing the potential in what a children’s museum could bring to Grand Haven and to this project.”
For Grand Power Works, the potential addition of a children’s museum aligns with a broader vision for the site’s future. “The Diesel Plant has been an important part of Grand Haven’s history,” Groothuis said. “We’re excited to explore what the next chapter could look like and how a project like this could contribute to the community for years to come.”
The former Grand Haven Board of Light and Power Diesel Plant at 518 S. Harbor Drive, the site being explored as a potential future home for the Grand Haven Children’s Museum.
The Diesel Plant site has a rich history in Grand Haven, and the Museum hopes that history can become part of its future experience. As planning progresses, the Museum will explore thoughtful ways to connect children and families with the story of the site while creating new opportunities for play, discovery and learning.
“This is an important moment, but there is still work ahead,” Dody said. “We’re looking forward to continuing to explore what’s possible with our partners and the community, as we work to bring this vision to life.”
The MOU begins an exploratory process and does not represent a final commitment to the Diesel Plant site as the Museum’s future location. The Museum and development team will continue evaluating the opportunity, including design, feasibility, fundraising and other considerations.
Additional details will be shared as planning progresses.
About the Grand Haven Children’s Museum
The Grand Haven Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to bring a children’s museum to the West Michigan Lakeshore. Its mission is to engage all children with hands-on learning experiences that spark imagination, pique curiosity, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder and joy.
The Museum is building toward this goal with the support of families, community members, donors, volunteers and local partners. Continued community and philanthropic support will be essential to bringing the Museum to life.
Learn more about the Grand Haven Children’s Museum: GrandHavenChildrensMuseum.org