About this spot
The pier at Holland State Park, leading out toward the 'Big Red' lighthouse on Lake Michigan, is a well-known regional pier-jumping spot; locals recall jumping here as a rite of passage, part of a broader Lake Michigan tradition serious enough that nearby South Haven now fines jumpers $1,000 per offense. Park in the state park lot and walk the pier out past the beach; jumps run roughly 8-12 ft off the pier's rock-armored sides into open lake water. The real danger is Lake Michigan itself — rip currents, sudden waves, and cold water have caused rescues and drownings at this exact pier, and officials actively discourage jumping. Conditions can turn from calm to dangerous within an hour, especially with an onshore wind.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.