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By Caleb Jackson Oceana All Access Writer
Somewhere along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan lies the unassuming county of Oceana. If Michigan were compared to a mitten, then Oceana may be the first or second knuckle on the little finger. You may have never been to Oceana, but you have probably tasted it. The locals there are quick to tell you that this tiny corner of the world is one of the nation’s top producers of asparagus. The residents there eat the veggie in every way imaginable, from pickled asparagus to asparagus ice cream. If you have been to Oceana, you probably spent a blissful summer afternoon on the scenic Silver Lake Sand Dunes, swimming in the lake, lounging in the sun or cruising over the sandy hills in a dune buggy. And the odds are you did it all without once even hearing the name Swift Lathers, the man who famously built an entire miniature village among the dunes more than half a century ago.
The man who’s son, William Lathers, started Bill’s Dune Rides, an event that was instrumental in turning the relatively unknown Silver Lake Sand Dunes into the tourist destination that it is today. The man who once wrote, printed, and distributed “the smallest newspaper in the world.” Lastly, if you’ve heard of Oceana County but never been there, then chances are you were reading about Electric Forest, the three-day long EDM festival that brings 50,000 tourists to Rothbury once a year, a number which doubles the entire population of the county itself.
It’s very easy to pass through Oceana
County and write it off as a collection of small midwestern towns, similar to what can be found in other parts of the country. The same old buildings, statuesque silos and rustic barns. But it is a county that rewards those who ask questions. Much of Oceana County was settled and developed during the latter half of the 19th century. Swedish, Dutch, Irish and Norwegian surnames can still be found among the residents there, preserved from the waves of immigrants who came over in those early days to seek better lives. Even the name of the county itself, Oceana, is a bit deceptive. On the surface, Oceana seems to be a reference to the many rivers, lakes and tributaries that the villages were built upon. Not to mention that great body of water that borders the entire county on the western side, Lake Michigan. But, looking into it a bit further turns up hints of a more epic story, one that took place over 400 years ago, involving a banned book and a Jesuit missionary who spent the last 10 years of his life preaching to the natives of a foreign land. That man’s name is still preserved in the nearby Pere Marquette River to this day.
Oceana’s loudest feature is probably also her most unassuming. It is the lack of old-growth trees. The Oceana of today is largely a farming community. Local teenagers find their first jobs on the farms in the summer, tourists buy gifts at the farm markets and families eat at the farm-to-table restaurants. All of this, though, is owed in part to the depletion of Oceana’s most valuable resource; her white pine trees. Oceana County’s vast, untouched forests of pine are what first drew the attention
of lumber barons in the early 19th century. Many of the villages are named after the settlers who first put sawmills in the area. It was the immigrant laborers in the lumber camps who first threw some potatoes in the dirt and found the yield to be exceptional, something we now attribute to what is known as “the lake effect.” When the trees were all milled and sold, and huge swatches of land laid bare, it was up to the old settlers to find new ways to survive. Finding the climate agreeable, they turned to farming. They burned the trees that remained, the massive hemlocks that were seen as undesirable for lumber. They collected the stones from the fields and used them to build farmhouses. They did so without even knowing that the stones were debris left behind by the same glacial action that carved the great lakes themselves. They planted orchards; they planted vegetables. Eventually, somebody would try their hand at asparagus, and Oceana would find her niche in this world. As for the white pine that birthed this county, you can still find it if you know where to look. Sometimes some unusually thick boards protrude beneath the siding of a house. Some of it probably still stands in the buildings of Chicago, where it was exported in droves to help rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. If you are interested in a roaring nightlife, don’t come to Oceana. Go to Detroit. But if you want a locally crafted beer and some of the freshest food you can get, COME TO OCEANA. If you want to relax in the sand and swim in the lake, COME TO OCEANA. If you want to visit the Lavender Labyrinth or take your kids to a petting zoo, COME TO OCEANA. If you want to see what an honest-to-goodness small town in America looks like, COME TO OCEANA. I encourage you to talk to the locals and spend time in the historical societies. If you want to see how a unique melding of man, nature and time work together to support a nation, COME TO OCEANA.
By Sharon Hallack Oceana All Access Writer
The City of Hart, located near the center of Oceana County, holds many distinctions: the county seat, Hart Lake, the H-Art Project and a growing business district, just to name a few. The city is home to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Together they work for local businesses, teach at area schools and serve in the community.
Founded in 1885, it could be said Hart’s first roots were set 30 years earlier when Wellington Hart opened a trading post on Russell Creek in 1857. In the ensuing years, the tiny burg would grow to include various businesses, churches, schools, the county
courthouse, newspapers and a post office. Once Hart incorporated, a fire department, village waterworks, sewer lines and an electric plant would soon follow.
From the book titled “Oceana County History 1990,” researchers uncovered the following quote listing various attributes of the village in 1921. “The early growth of Hart Village developed because it was situated on good high ground, on a branch of the Pentwater River, which provided water power and excellent fishing. Tourists came from long distances during the fishing season and made use of hotels and private homes. It was the location of the county seat, the county fairgrounds and the largest flour mill in the county. It had two banks, three newspapers,
a fruit evaporator and was surrounded by good farmlands producing wheat, potatoes and fruit. By 1895, Hart had, in addition to other mentioned facilities, good churches, a good water system, a Union Graded School, a good fire department, an opera house, a canning factory, lumber mills and an extensive fruit and potato market.”
Visitors to this town of nearly 2,200 residents still enjoy many similar amenities. The Oceana County Courthouse and Post Office are located right downtown, as are full-service banks, insurance offices, realtors, land title offices, and medical services. Unique stores and gift shops, an authentic Mexican grocery store, coffee shops, a boat and bike rental shop, a furniture store, a hardware store and an auto parts store, as well as a fit-
ness center and numerous restaurants; are open nearly every day. A “Social District,” established in 2021, allows patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages and consume them outside within the approved district boundaries.
With the creation of the HEART (Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team) and the hiring of a full-time Community and Economic Development Director in 2020, the city has taken huge strides in growing and promoting the entire city. Abandoned properties are being redeveloped, businesses are collaborating for success and new signage across the city helps people navigate through town. The H-Art Project, an initiative to bring 25 art installments to the city by 2025, was instrumental in bringing the 20-foot metal “Tin Man” sculpture in 2023.
He joins several other colorful murals in the downtown area and a Veteran’s Tribute on West Main Street. Many more pieces are yet to come.
“We were looking to relocate in the Hart area, where we’d both grown up,” said Hart resident Lauren Fenton. “A huge part of why we chose Hart were the city utilities. Highspeed internet was an absolute necessity for my husband, who works from home. And as parents of young children, we can enjoy many close-by amenities, including nice playgrounds available at the school, the library and John Gurney Park, the rail trail and the ice cream shop. We are looking forward to being able to take advantage of the many restaurants when our children are older. The new developments to come at Veterans Park will give us easier access to Hart Lake. We also appreciate the small community and that local people are running the city government.”
Throughout the summer months, the community enjoys Music on the Commons every Thursday night or shopping in six charming Market Chalets and other open businesses located downtown. The Pocket Park, located on State Street, includes benches, lush plantings and a fountain providing a great place to visit or relax.
“We love living just a block and a half from downtown, where we can walk to everything. On Thursdays we love going down to the Commons for the concerts. On Saturdays we might walk downtown for breakfast and run errands before heading back home. Often when we are enjoying Hart on foot, we run into friends and neighbors as well,” said long-time resident and city council member Catalina Burillo.
Two electric vehicle charging stations are available within the city: one downtown at 120 Washington Street and one at the Great Lakes Energy Hart Service Site, 2183 North Water Road. For those looking for exercise, the famed William Field Hart-Montague Rail Trail State Park is easily accessible by following strategically placed signage located throughout the city. The Hart Disc Golf course is located at 3681 West Harrison Road, just north of town near the Hart Dam.
“We are devoted bicyclists, so in the spring, summer, and fall you can catch us on the Hart-Montague rail trail almost daily, or as often as our schedules permit. We easily ride over 1,000 miles every year on our pedal bikes. Occasionally we explore other trails in Michigan, but the rail trail right here in our backyard is definitely our go-to,” Burillo explained.
If you love the water, Hart Lake is accessible at the John Gurney Park boat launch. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and water skiing during the warmer months and ice fishing in the winter. “On weekends in the summer we like to get out on Hart Lake with our boat and enjoy boating and swimming with friends and family. Hart Lake is really a hidden gem,” Burillo added.
To the east of downtown, find the Hart Historic District, Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society, John Gurney Campground, the Oceana County Medical Care Facility, assisted living facilities and medical offices. To the south and west of downtown, find the public library, numerous
churches, gas stations, a pharmacy, a grocery store, a farm market, a golf course, a greenhouse, laundromats, dollar stores, fast food and hotels, as well as home, auto and farm supply stores. Local industry includes food processing plants, an auto parts manufacturer and a nonprofit kitchen incubator for food-related start-ups.
Travel less than a mile outside of town in any direction and see where some of the area’s abundant local produce is actually grown, including fruit, asparagus and pumpkins.
For the unexpected emergency, Trinity Lakeshore Hospital is located just a few miles south of Hart in Shelby, at 72 South State Street, Shelby, MI 49455. A Corewell Health urgent care clinic is located at 2481 North 72nd Ave for less-urgent medical situations.
Visitors and residents alike can attest that Hart has a lot to offer to every demographic from January to December. The city extends a warm welcome whether you are here for a day, a week or a life.
By Claire Marshall Oceana All Access Writer
The easternmost town of Oceana County, nestled against the bank of the White River, is a hideaway of green trees and cheerful fields, drawing in outdoorsmen and appreciators of the peaceful, natural world. It is no wonder, then, that the name Hesperia has two possible origins, both referential to its lush scenery.
The first origin traces back to when the village was incorporated in 1883 by Daniel Weaver and John P. Cook. Mary Cook, daughter of the latter business partner, suggested the name due to its resemblance to a garden and alluded to Greek
mythology. Hesperia is derived from Hesperus, also known as the Evening Star or the planet Venus. Hesperus’ three daughters, known as the Hesperides, were known as “the nymphs of the west” and tended to Hera’s orchard in the west, which was also called the Garden of Hesperides. The second possible etymology comes from Native American lore, where Hesperia was given the name for “beautiful gardens” in the native tongue of the tribes that once inhabited the land.
Hesperia lives up to the name today. As lifelong resident and local librarian Kathy DeGroot said, “Hesperia is for people who love the outdoors” before listing a nonexhaustive list of activities visitors can do out
of doors and during all seasons, taking advantage of Hesperia’s pastoral landmarks.
The first and most notable is the Hesperia Dam, located north of downtown down Maple Island Road. The dam is situated on the White River, holding back tons of water to form Hesperia Pond, and features several points to overlook the flowing water. It is a popular spot for kayaking and tubing for locals and visitors alike. It also has a “love lock” bridge over the dam, reminiscent of the one in Paris.
The Hesperia Dam is located adjacent to Vida Weaver Park, one of many that make up Hesperia’s acreage. Much goes on at Vida Weaver Park, such as in 2023, when the Village of Hesperia was awarded a $45,000
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant for its Vida Weaver Park pavilion restoration project. The Right Place Inc. directed grant funds of $6.2 million from the MEDC for 17 projects located across West Michigan. This spring, the local high school will add sculptures to the restored pavilion, a welding and reclaimed materials project. This is one among many art projects that are planned for Hesperia in the coming years.
Just as beautiful are Oxbow Park, located west of town along the White River, with nature and hiking trails; Weaver Park, located just upstream of Vida Weaver Park; and Webster Park, located downtown and abutting the library, where visitors can be 49421
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sure to find hosting town-wide events. Whichever park you visit is sure to offer scenic views of the trees and water that make the area rich in nature. They are well maintained and offer picturesque views for picnics and social gatherings. Hunting and fishing are abundant, with prime spots for anglers located along the White River and at Hightower Lake.
The beauty doesn’t end at the parks, Hesperia’s very own beautification committee sees that the town is likewise decorated with flowers along street corners and lampposts. And while exploring the decor downtown, be sure to check out the local businesses that service the area. At the top of that list is Ed’s Orchard Market, Hesperia’s locally owned grocery store, which celebrated 80 years of business in 2023.
“The thing that matters most to us is people, so you see there are our customers, and we’ve served generations of families. Those people have supported us for 80 years. It’s not typical to find a store of this size in a place the size of Hesperia. The only way we stay open is by taking care of our customers that have been loyal to us all these years,” Ed’s Orchard Market owner Scott Rumsey said of the store’s anniversary and of the community. “Our employees have gone on to do some pretty amazing things too, and we couldn’t do anything without those people. So, we value those that are here and try to take care of them as best we can.”
Residents of Hesperia also frequent businesses such as Hesperia Hardware, Hesperia Antique & Curio, Hesperia Sport Shop and Bob’s Drugs. Good eats can be found at Hightower Bar & Grill, Angelo’s & Riccardo’s, Hesperia House and The Pig Slice Pizzeria.
Just like Vida Weaver Park, downtown Hesperia is experiencing new projects sure to please residents and visitors alike. The top floor of Bob’s Drug Store has been recently redone, with new residences added. Likewise, Revive Church has purchased a historic building downtown dating back to the 1920s with plans to turn the bottom
floor into a coffee shop where patrons can sit down, socialize, and enjoy a variety of beverages, with an event space going in the top floor. According to DeGroot, “it’s really nice to see things updating [downtown].”
The Hesperia Community Library is also bustling with activity, as it offers almost daily activities and lots of different programming for patrons of all ages. For children, summer reading programs kick off in June to help kids keep their reading skills sharp over break. For adults, there are special craft events to keep in mind for those rainy summer days and Tech Time every Tuesday to answer basic technology-related questions. For those curious about Hesperia’s local history, the Hesperia Library is your first stop, with a whole room filled with yearbooks, newspapers, and memorabilia.
Right nearby the library are Hesperia Community Schools for students from pre-K through 12th grade. This school year, the district utilized a number of early-release Wednesdays each month to focus on staff professional development. Hesperia also offers a full range of sports opportunities and extracurriculars, and it partners with Ed’s Orchard Market in its Tools 4 Schools program.
Hesperia also has lots of events all year long to celebrate the holidays, from the annual Easter Egg Hunt with a visit from the Easter Bunny and Spring Chicken to its annual Light Up the Park on Black Friday. Light Up the Park has grown exponentially in popularity since its inaugural season in 2018. Where in warmer months the town was decorated with flowers, now string
lights illuminate downtown. This Christmas celebration features food trucks, caroling and live music, along with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Booths line up around the park with a variety of wares to enjoy, including: commemorative ornaments, Christmas cookies, hot cocoa and popcorn. Activities include an interactive elves workbench, horse-drawn wagon rides, the Deater Family Light Show, art from students at Hesperia Community Schools, a tree lighting, lots of photo opportunities, and the evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.
Perhaps the most popular event in Hesperia is its annual Family Fun Fest, which takes place in the days leading up to and including the Fourth of July. There is a 5K River Run, petting zoo, sand volleyball, craft fair and market, food vendors, RC car races, mini and full size tractor pulls, arm wrestling, horseshoe tournament, raffles, pedal pull, bike decorating, kids games, a car show, a foam party, a fireman’s water battle, a duck race, a street dance and the ever-popular parade, featuring dozens of entries. Oh, and Hesperia’s famous fireworks down by the Dam are, again, not to be missed!
Whether it’s nature that you love or the atmosphere of a small town, Hesperia is the perfect place to pay a visit whenever you find yourself in Oceana County. But those travelers enamored with the outdoors would be loath to miss it. As DeGroot concluded after listing all the outdoors activities she could think of, “Hesperia is for nature lovers, that’s for sure.”
By Paul Erickson Oceana All Access Writer
“Vacationers are Ripe in the Land of Mears.”
That was the phrase Swift Lathers used in his “Smallest Newspaper in the World.” The header changed with each edition, reflecting the seasons and the news within. Swift published the little paper in Mears after polling the community for news worth reporting. The paper was 5-by-7 inches and was usually four pages. Swift founded the paper in 1914 and published it until 1970. He worked
as the reporter, writer, editor and bottle washer. He printed on a foot-operated press and would hand-deliver locally.
Lathers had a paid subscription list of over 2,000 worldwide. When the paper hit 2,700 subscribers, he summarily cut the list in half to a manageable number by cutting those whose names began before the letter D and those after the letter S. The cost of the subscription was 50 cents per year and $1 for six months. The Mears Newz was in production for 56 years, and the subscription cost never changed.
Swift’s home is the centerpiece of the Oceana County Historical & Genealogi -
49436
cal Society’s Mears Museum Complex. The growing collection houses many exhibits curated by the Society, and is a pleasure to visit. A model of the “Lost Village” is displayed in the house. Swift homesteaded the dunes with a miniature village he built by hand by carrying the lumber across the dunes to erect a church, store, school, jail, and other outbuildings. Swift, his wife Celia, and the Lathers’ children summered in the dunes at the village. Locals made it a point to hike the dunes and find the “Lost Village.”
In the gardens, you will find a bronze statue of Swift on a walkabout reading his beloved Mears Newz. This beautiful sculpture was commissioned by the
Lathers as a tribute to Swift and his little paper.
Within the gates is the Swedish Church, a beautiful little white chapel that was moved to its present location. Mears had many Swedes from the Lumbering Era, and this little church sits serenely amongst the maple trees and the other exhibits.
The Boynton Cottage, a “Honeymoon” cottage, was moved from the shore of Lake Michigan to Mears by the Society. It is a beautiful little one-room cottage with a loft, having been used for generations by the Boynton family from the Little Point Sable Association.
Trapper Ralph’s Cabin is next door.
Ralph Fenton lived in this little cabin his entire adult life. Ralph trapped furs and hunted the woods around Mears. He could be seen walking with his knapsack and rifle. A very talented trapper, he taught many men the way of the woods and prepared the pelts for fur sales.
The Robinson Building houses a dentist office, a post office, and other exhibits of local interest. This gift from the Ken Robinson family to the Society has rotating exhibits as the need arises, so be sure to visit them.
The main exhibit building is the William R. Lathers Transportation Building. Bill Lathers once operated Bill’s Dune Rides in Silver Lake. Bill used the land his father, Swift, homesteaded to offer rides on specially built dune cars. First cars, then specially modified trucks ferried passengers about the dunes. Bill’s thrill rides were the best, especially if you had the rear-facing seat.
The Transportation Building houses a vast collection of dune cars and vintage automobiles. Bill had a love for our dunes and wanted visitors to see the progression of dune cars. The museum has Flathead Ford mid-engine dune scooters called “Flying Saucers” on display, as well as the more modern “air-cooled rails.” They also have a Mac Wood’s Dune Scooter. The Wood family has supported the Society and played a very rich role in the growth of Mears and Silver Lake. There is much to see in this museum, so plan on taking your time.
New last year is their Agricultural Barn. There is a large collection of tractors and early implements on display. It is a beautiful new red barn, built by the Wm. Lathers Trust for the Society. If you are a John Deere fan, you are in luck. Many other makes are also on display, along with implements and early hit-and-miss engines. This is a fine addition to the Complex, and a dedication took place last year.
The Complex also boasts a newer “Guide by Cell” feature. The Society purchased this service to help tell the story of the exhibits. Dial a main phone number, press the number of the exhibit, and hear a recording made by members of the Society explaining the item one is looking at. This has helped facilitate visitors’ learning and free up volunteers.
One would be remiss if the name of this little village was not explained. Charles Mears was born in Massachusetts in 1814. In 1836, he and his brothers Nathan and Edwin opened a general store in Paw Paw, Mich. A year later, he purchased land near White Lake, built sawmills, and marketed his lumber in Chicago. In 1872, he built a mill at the mouth of Silver Creek. With that, he built a boarding house that still stands. In 1873, he and others platted the village of Mears.
The train from Montague arrived daily in Mears on its way to Pentwater, with a spur to Hart from Mears. By then, Charles Mears was a lumber magnate, a visionary and developer of other platted villages, such as Lincoln and Hamlin in Mason County. At 59, he wed Miss Carolyn A. Middleton, 23, and they made the White House at Silver Lake one of their summer homes. Their daughter, Carrie E. Mears, divested this fortune before her death in 1957 at Pentwater. His mark is left on Oceana County with the creation of Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater.
By Andy Roberts Oceana All Access Writer
The village of New Era has an unusual name, the origins of which seem to have been lost to history. Very much current, though, are the main attractions in New Era, both farms—Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo and Country Dairy.
Both are tourist favorites, Lewis because of its wide-open spaces and dozens of attractions on its farm and Country Dairy because of its popular restaurant on the premises. The Country Dairy farm is well-known for supplying dairy products throughout the area.
Unsurprisingly, given those top two at-
tractions, New Era is an agricultural town, boasting plenty of farmland and a Tri-County Feeds store near downtown as well.
Scott Meyers, a lifelong resident, the dealer principal at his family’s Meyers Chevrolet in New Era and the president of the village’s Chamber of Commerce, said the village was founded in 1872 and its population was “around 570” in the 2020 census. He said he’s never felt the need to leave due to the close-knit nature of the village.
“As I see crazy things happening in the world all over the place...it just feels good to be here,” Meyers said. “Every business in town is up and running. There are no vacancies.”
Lewis, whose annual visitors number in the
six figures, is the area’s most popular attraction - so popular, in fact, that discussions have taken place regarding the installation of an underground tunnel underneath M-20, which would allow safe passage for visitors who have to park across the street due to high traffic.
New Era has access to Lake Michigan through nearby Stony Lake as well as access to US-31 just a couple of miles down from the intersection with M-20. As Meyers noted, several businesses are located in the area. In addition to the tourist attractions, the Chevrolet dealership highlights the block-and-ahalf downtown business district. Downtown also includes the Artisan restaurant, the Trailside Restaurant, the Computer Refin-
ery, Veltman Hardware, Tri-County Feed, a Wesco station and more. A former Huntington Bank building is now the corporate headquarters of Rivers Ace Hardware, which owns stores in nearby Shelby, Rothbury and Whitehall. There’s also more growth potential possible.
“The corner just north of town, at M-20 and Oceana Drive, will potentially be a nice growth area too for business,” Meyers said; a new McCormick’s station and a Dollar General store both opened in that area in recent years. That corner is also home to the headquarters for Hometown Pharmacy. They own dozens of pharmacies across Michigan and in other states and employ a number of area residents. Another major employer in New
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Era is Burnette Foods, a locally and nationally sourced distributor of fruits and vegetables.
Education holds significant importance in New Era, particularly at New Era Christian School, a K-8 institution that has grown to such an extent that Meyers reported discussions about future expansion.
The Christian school is home to several recreational fields, said longtime area resident Alan VanDuinen. That provides visiting and local children alike with wide open spaces to run off summer energy.
“The (biggest) thing I can think of to highlight would be the ball field, basketball courts and pickleball courts by the Christian school, as far as recreation,” VanDuinen said. “There are people who use that.”
Across the street from the Christian school is a community baseball field, as well as pickleball and basketball courts. The village housed a public elementary school in the Shelby district until one was built in Shelby. The building’s future use is still being discussed - Shelby’s school district posted a solicitation for public feedback online in November 2024but Meyers said he’s hopeful a fruitful, community-focused use can be found for it.
In addition to the Christian school, four churches call New Era home - Bible, Trinity Lutheran, Reformed and Christian Reformed.
“As far as I know, every one of them is healthy too,” Meyers said.
The area hosts several popular events each year, the biggest of which, Meyers said, is the Fall Fest, which takes place Sept. 20 this year. The festival includes an arts and crafts fair and a number of kids activities, including a bounce house, entertainment from local musicians, an antique car show and more. Annual events surrounding Easter, Halloween and Christmas also dot the village’s calendar, and it’s hosted a Memorial Day parade as long as Meyers can remember. An annual cherry pie contest in February raises thousands of dollars for use in the community.
That community atmosphere adds to the draw of New Era, Meyers said.
“Having lived here my whole life, it’s a great place to live,” Meyers said. “It’s safe, a wellkept town.”
• APRIL 19 - SL SAND DUNES EASTER EGG HUNT
• APRIL 19 - EASTER ON PENTWATER VILLAGE GREEN
• APRIL 19 - NEW ERA EASTER EGG HUNT
• APRIL 26 - RIDE FOR THE RANCH
• MAY 3 - BREWS & BEATS FESTIVAL
• MAY 10 - HART HILLS BIKE RACE
• MAY 16 & 17 - THRIFT & GIFT CRAWL
• MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY
• MAY 29-JUNE 1 - SL SAND DUNES JEEP INVASION
• JUNE 13 - ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL KICK-OFF PARTY
• JUNE 13-15 - NATIONAL ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL
• JUNE 14 - NAF CAR SHOW
• JUNE 14 - PENTWATER GARAGE SALES
• JUNE 21 - COUNTRY DAIRY SUPER SOCIAL
• JUNE 21-22 - PENTWATER SPRING FEST CRAFT SHOW
• JUNE 28 - HART COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
• JULY 2 - HART SPARKS
• JULY 3 - PENTWATER FIREWORKS
• JULY 4 - THUNDER OVER THE DUNES
• J ULY 6 - STONY LAKE SPARKLER 5K
• JULY 11-12 - GLOW BASH WEEKEND
• JULY 11-12 - SHELBY CHAINSAW CARVING FESTIVAL
• JULY 18-19 - HEROES ON THE DUNES
• JULY 26 - MEARS CRAFT FAIR
• AUG. 1-2 - BRONCO TAKEOVER
• AUG. 14-17 - PENTWATER HOMECOMING
• AUG. 16 - SHELBY FRUIT FESTIVAL
• AUG. 18-23 - OCEANA COUNTY FAIR
• AUG. 22-23 - PENTWATER ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALE
• SEPT. 5-6 - SL SAND DUNES APPLE & BBQ FESTIVAL
• SEPT. 20 - NEW ERA FALL FESTIVAL
• SEPT. 25 - PENTWATER HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
• SEPT. 27-28 PENTWATER FALL FEST
• OCT. 3 - GOLDEN FAIR PARADE
• OCT. 4 - HART ART WALK
• OCT. 4 - RIDE H.O.M.E. BIKE EVENT
• OCT. 11 - PENTWATER OKTOBERFEST
• OCT. 12 - STOUT STUMBLE 5K
• OCT. 26 - PENTWATER SPOOKTACULAR
• NOV. 1-30 - HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE SL SAND DUNES
• NOV. 8 - VETERAN’S DAY 5K
• NOV. 28 - HART LIGHTED PARADE & TREE LIGHTING
• NOV. 29 - SANTA ON PENTWATER VILLAGE GREEN
• DEC. 6 - PENTWATER BAND CRAFT FAIR
• DEC. 15-MARCH 15 - FAT BIKING ON SL SAND DUNES
By AnnaMae Bush Oceana All Access Writer
The heart of Pentwater Township is the quaint Village of Pentwater, cozily nestled around the north and south sides of Pentwater Lake. The waters of Pentwater River flow through the scenic marshes south of Longbridge Road to form Pentwater Lake, which then flows into Lake Michigan by way of a navigable channel. A municipal marina provides overnight accommodations for Lake Michigan boaters, and a kayak trail between Hart and Pentwater on the Pentwater River provides morning or afternoon adventures for kayakers.
The lake, covering over 430 acres and
reaching 50 feet in depth, is an all-sport lake with three marinas and a large no-wake zone. It accommodates safe swimming, a variety of water sports, and excellent fishing for over a dozen species of fish, both large and pansized. A 20-year record 15” perch was caught in the 2025 ice fishing tournament! The annual summer-long Youth Fishing Contest is open to visiting youths 15 and younger to enter their catch. Trophies are awarded for the largest fish in multiple species. Many features support fishing for folks of all ages and abilities: several Lake Michigan fishing charters operating from the Village Marina, an accessible fishing platform on Longbridge Road, three public boat launches (one on the river), channel seating and a public fish
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cleaning station. Twice-weekly sailboat races offer colorful views for spectators.
Pentwater has hosted a weeklong ensign national regatta twice. It is also a popular overnight stop for participants in the annual Chicago-Mackinac sailboat race on their return to Chicago. The event is celebrated with local residents who enjoy food, live music and dancing at the Pentwater Yacht Club.
Charles Mears State Park (175 campsites) is located on the north side of the village on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is a popular camping destination because it is within walking distance of downtown Pentwater, where campers can find mini-golf and favorite places to eat and shop. The beach has an accessible path to the water’s edge. The Hill
& Hollow Campground (200 campsites, limited cabins), close to AJ’s Family Fun Center on Business 31, is another popular camping spot with access to Lake Michigan.
Fast food restaurants and big box stores do not exist in this town. Small family-owned ice cream parlors, restaurants, boutique shops and multiple art galleries inhabit the main street and side streets. Cosmic Candy specializes in treats from years past and contemporary flavors of popcorn to satisfy kids of all ages. Storybook Village is an award-winning children’s bookstore with regular children’s activities in the Imagination Theater. Art lovers can enjoy a family-friendly Sculpture Walk developed over several years by the Pentwater Arts Council.
The Village Green downtown bustles with activities all summer long. It hosts Farmers’ Market booths twice a week, Art and Craft Fairs three times a summer and free Civic Band Concerts every Thursday night. It also offers occasional movie nights with a big screen and popcorn. Since 2024, the sole factory building in town has been home to the Fiesta Grande tortilla chip company, whose chips and salsa are distributed nationally.
Pentwater also boasts an impressive Historical Museum with knowledgeable docents and recordings for self-guided tours. The museum permanently displays a detailed 104” long, built-to-scale replica of the former presidential yacht, the Sequoia, which made two visits to Pentwater when it was in operation. Channel Lane Park on the north side of the channel offers free parking, picnic tables, and restrooms with no requirement for state park stickers. The Pentwater Township Library and beautiful Park Place community center share a parking lot adjacent to the Community Garden.
Originally populated by Native Americans, Pentwater was founded in 1867 by Charles Mears. The town grew when wealthy Chicago businessmen initiated a lumber industry, a brick factory, a fruit canning plant, a shingle mill and a furniture factory. The Eldred Shingle Mill, the largest shingle mill in the state and possibly the country, burned down in 1872 and was not rebuilt.
Although fires in 1889 and 1920 destroyed many original buildings, the village still has many historic homes and brick buildings dating from the 1800s. The original one-room Frenchtown school building built in 1868 still stands. The cemetery just outside of town dates to 1860. Of special note is The Hexagon House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1870 and located on three beautifully landscaped acres, offering a unique place to celebrate memorable occasions.
Pentwater Township has 1,600 registered voters, half of whom live in the village, and twice that many homes due to vacation and rental homes. The village has a year-round population of about 500 people that swells
to several times that many summer residents who own vacation homes or who rent cottages and camp at the state park.
There are events and festivals throughout the year, but the event that draws the most participation by far is Homecoming, the second weekend in August. It is called Homecoming because it draws three and four generations of families to their family-owned homes for four days of family fun that culminates in a wildly popular parade and fireworks. It is also one of several events that clearly displays Pentwater residents’ strong but friendly rivalry between U of M and MSU fans.
“Pentwater is simply one of the best places to visit with your family. The beach, the shops and downtown establishments, the recreational opportunities, the ice cream and weekly civic band concerts create unique memories. We can’t wait to come back every summer.” (a summer camper at Mears State Park).
For additional information, explore pentwaterhistoricalsociety.org or pentwatervillage. org.
By Andy Roberts Oceana All Access Writer
Rothbury is a small area, but still offers a loteven if you’re not visiting for the annual Electric Forest music festival, which brings 40,000 to 50,000 visitors to the Double JJ Resort and Lucky Lake Campground each June to witness one of the biggest parties of the summer.
Rothbury, in its current name, dates to 1879, when a post office in the village took the name. The name ultimately ended up being applied to the entire village, which was previously known as Malta and Greenwood. It covers just under 3.5 square miles in Grant Township, and as of the 2020 census, it had a population of 462.
The village is home to a stop on the William Field Hart-Montague Trail, which provides miles of
paved bicycle riding among beautiful West Michigan scenery. The trail connects to other trails going south to Muskegon, giving riding enthusiasts of all skill levels an option to flex their muscles.
The stop includes a small park with a playground, as well as basketball hoops and tennis courts. The park has a plaque dedicating it to Glen Squires (1890-1968), a community leader who championed sports and other activities for young people in the area.
“There was a group of people who donated the land for the park attached to the village hall and the Squires family was one of them,” Carol Witzke, former village clerk, said.
According to current Grant Township trustee Joan Brooks, the land donation was made in response to the village’s desire to have a kids’ area for young residents.
Czarny Park, just down the road on Winston Road, next to a building that once housed a school, includes baseball fields and more open space to explore. The village was approved for a state grant in 2024 for funds that will help modernize the park.
The village’s most well-known attraction is the aforementioned Double JJ Resort, which offers horseback riding, an indoor and outdoor water park, Thoroughbred Golf Course and other amenities on its over 1,000 acres of property. The origins of the current name come from the Jack and Jill Ranch, which opened in 1937. It was started by George Storm as a place for young adults to camp and vacation outdoors together. The resort maintains the same old west dude ranch-style motif that has been a hallmark since its inception.
Those looking for a quieter time in the small vil-
lage can take a long walk; much of the village is walkable, with tranquil neighborhoods and plentiful sidewalks. There’s also a dock on 80th Avenue that offers a chance to fish.
The village is home to four locally owned businesses: Rivers Ace Hardware, Rico’s Tamales, Danny’z Rothbury Tavern and the Rothbury Shop. There is also a Wesco gas station and a Dollar General for convenience.
Just north of Rothbury is a community center, which can be rented for private celebrations, and right next door to that is the Grant Township Hall. Like several other Grant Townships nationwide, including at least 11 others in Michigan, the township was named for former president Ulysses S. Grant, who was very popular at the time many municipalities were being named in the latter part of the 1800s.
By Amanda Dodge Oceana All Access Writer
Travel to the land “where the north begins and the fine fruit grows.” For almost 100 years, Shelby has welcomed visitors with this slogan at the south end of the village in central Oceana County. It is an area full of the bountiful goodness of apples, cherries, peaches, asparagus and more.
Though Shelby may be a somewhat common name for tiny towns and cities alike, it should not be confused with Shelby Township on the east side of the state. As much as that is a bustling metropolis, Oceana County’s Shelby is a family-friendly village
and township with parks, schools, shops, churches and sidewalks wide enough for people to stop and say hello to each other each day.
Originally, Shelby was named Churchill’s Corners in 1866 after its first postmaster, Walter H. Churchill. Just a few years later, it was platted as Barnett to connect the town to the railroad in 1872. According to “Michigan Place Names,” by Walter Romig, Barnett was a brakeman who ultimately failed to pay the agreed-upon recording fees for the new name. The next year, the adjacent area was platted as Shelby, and the two were incorporated together under the latter in 1885.
In the history room of the Shelby Area District Library, there is a Certificate of Trib-
ute celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Village of Shelby that states, “The village of Shelby was named for frontier soldier and first governor of Kentucky, Isaac Shelby, who with his Kentucky Rangers helped reclaim Detroit from the British in the War of 1812, earning him acclaim with the residents of Michigan.”
Lifelong resident, veteran and former Shelby Village Council President Paul Inglis was happy to share why he lives in and loves this place. “Since I retired as Oceana County Administrator in November 2008, I have occasionally been asked why I would continue to live in the Village of Shelby rather than relocate to a more ‘upscale’ community. From my perspective, the answer has
always been an easy one.
“I was born and raised in Shelby, attended Shelby Public Schools, and was fortunate enough to experience the joys and rewards of living in what was once a busy and thriving small town wherein everyone understood the true meaning of community.
“After my graduation from Alma College, I attended Wayne State University Law School but was soon drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam. It was never my intention to return to Shelby after four years of college and two years of military service. Initially, I planned to return to law school and assumed that I would move on to a larger community to practice law.”
Inglis added that once he returned from
Vietnam, the appeal of small town life triumphed over the more big city path he had previously been on. “In the fall of 1970, I made a significant life-changing decision to return to the Village of Shelby, whereby I felt that I could have a greater sense of fulfillment by immersing myself in the community in a number of impactful ways... It has always been instilled in me by my parents, teachers and religious leaders that we have an obligation to offer our time, talent and treasure to make life better for others. As a result, because of my memories of the collective community energy that kept the Village of Shelby so vibrant for so many years, I made it my own personal crusade to become an advocate for the village and the surrounding area.”
With that mentality, Inglis began four decades of leadership within the Shelby Recreation Club, which is still going strong to this very day. “Through a great deal of persistence and spirited effort…dedicated volunteers provided and supported soccer, swimming and baseball/softball programs for thousands of youths. The local parents and community leaders stepped up to volunteer in several capacities in order to provide and maintain fun and competitive recreation opportunities for our young people.”
A recreation-based mindset is another thing at the forefront for both the village and Shelby Township, with the former working hard to upgrade Getty Park with uniform playground equipment for children of all abilities to enjoy, and the latter creating the Shelby Township Community Park on Buchanan Road near 72nd Avenue. Both were completed last year. “Oceana County and the Shelby community will become a destination for travelers and visitors looking for opportunities to remain active and healthy,” Inglis noted.
This summer, the village will host a brand new Chainsaw Carving Festival set for July 11-12; and the township is bringing back its very popular Fruit Festival on August 16.
Shelby also has a number of ways for locals to get involved, including the Shelby Optimist Club, of which Inglis has been a member for 50 years, and the Shelby Rotary
Club. Both support many worthy causes.
Shelby is also home to the only hospital in Oceana County. Trinity Health Lakeshore Hospital is located near downtown and offers an emergency room, inpatient and outpatient care, a lab and more. It has recently gone through a number of upgrades to better serve the community.
One of the newest additions to the village is Shelby Elementary School, which is part of Shelby Public Schools. The school opened in January 2024 for students in grades K–5 and combined Thomas Read Elementary and New Era Elementary under one roof. The state-of-the-art facility is located near Shelby High School on Oceana Drive.
“Shelby students have had the opportunity to obtain an excellent elementary, middle school and high school education because Shelby Public Schools has some of the finest educators, school facilities and technology making it a desirable option for parents to consider when choosing a school for their children,” Inglis said.
In terms of housing, “the new Shelby Acres Development is a vision come true for Earl and Linda Peterson and will provide dozens of families an affordable place to live and work and form new and busy neighborhoods. The development will contain 82 homes for sale, and they will all be located within the Village of Shelby limits and served by village water, sewer, DPW and
police services,” Inglis said, adding that the village has made a number of improvements to its own streets and water mains.
A unique feature of Shelby is its Industrial Park, which includes a number of manufacturing businesses of various types, including custom furniture, custom clothing and custom machine equipment.
Any visitor to Shelby, though, would be remiss not to spend some time in its downtown. With a pizza place, bank, government offices, a bakery, post office, mini mall, Love INC resale shop, pharmacy and antique store dotting the east side of Michigan Avenue to restaurants, a salon, a grocery store, a real estate agency and more on the west side, there is a lot to see and do. There is also a lovely pocket park to relax and enjoy one’s lunch in the shade. Directly behind the downtown is the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park, affectionately known as the “Rail Trail.”
“Shelby will survive and continue to prosper if its citizens, community leaders and public officials do not become individually centered and, if we are not consumed by social media,” Inglis said. “If we all make the effort, we can engage our neighbors in a communal society wherein we all look out for each other. That can be a powerful and meaningful way to make our community shine once more.”
By Claire Marshall Oceana All Access Writer
Ifyou were to stand in the middle of the main thoroughfare through Silver Lake in the heat of July - immersed in the sound of revving motors and delighted families, smelling exhaust and sugary, syrupy drinks and fried foods - you’d never believe cacophony was anything other than the town’s natural state. In reality, outside of the summer rush, Silver Lake is a perennial postcard picture characterized by rolling fields colored either vivid green, crisp greys and stark whites, or rich sepia tones, depending on the season. As you near town, golden mountains of sand leave visitors speechless, wondering if they’ve been
somehow transported to a foreign country or science-fiction set piece.
The dunes in question, an ancient souvenir courtesy of the last Ice Age, cover nearly 3,000 acres, with almost 1,900 accessible for public use. The origins of Sand Dunes State Park are a tad more recent, starting in 1920 when Carrie E. Mears – daughter of lumber baron Charles Mears – donated 25 acres of dunes on the eastern side of Silver Lake for a recreational park. In 1926, 900 more acres, granted by the federal government, joined the land donated by Mears. Come about 20 years later, in 1949, the land officially became Sand Dunes State Park, merging with Silver Lake State Park three years later to become the retreat enjoyed by over a million locals and
visitors annually.
Silver Lake is a destination full of possibilities, with attractions and activities to please the whole family. The main draw to Silver Lake, and the reason for its notoriety, is the almost century-old pastime of dune rides. Some dedicated thrill-seekers spend their off-season customizing and modifying their vehicles to get them dune-ready for opening day. For those independent travelers who wish to conquer the dunes themselves, there is no shortage of businesses that rent ATVs and dune buggies. Not looking for a thrill as much as a tour of the dunes and their rich history? Mac Woods Dune Rides, a mainstay of the area since 1930, will take you up the dunes on a private trail in one of their signature vehicles. Allow a tour guide
you informed on all things Silver Lake. And Michigan history indeed thrives in every facet of Silver Lake, from the town to the motes of sand themselves. The sand deposits that make up the dunes are considered to be one of the largest living dunes in the state. Living dunes are those that shift, slowly but gradually, over the centuries, “migrating” as if they were organic creatures. Though, to use the word ‘living’ is a bit ironic, considering the amount of dune dwellers’ homes that have been swallowed up by the ever-changing hills of sand. Alongside several homes, the dunes have claimed an apple orchard and a cemetery as well.
The dunes may change, but the landmark
of Little Sable Point lighthouse – warning ships of treacherous waters since 1874 – has remained a steadfast icon despite over 150 years of storms, erosion, and technological advancements rendering it and its crews obsolete. During the latter half of the last century, the lighthouse stood empty and fell into disrepair after the conversion of an oil-fueled light to electricity left it unmanned. Wishing to see Little Sable Point restored and reopened for the public, a number of local Silver Lakers banded together to bring this dream to fruition, slowly but surely revitalizing this piece of Michigan history.
For Maureen and Carl Wiegand, long-time and steadfast volunteers, there’s no questioning the lighthouse’s importance in their lives. “Our first date was at the lighthouse. Even though I’d grown up here, that was the first time I’d ever visited,” recalls Maureen.
Carl, on the other hand, had known the lighthouse when it was still operational. As a young boy, he’d helped carry oil up the 130 steps to the lantern room and even helped repair the
roof, a feat he “would’ve only done at that age. Any older I would’ve been smarter.”
When the lighthouse reopened to the public in 2006, it became a main attraction in Silver Lake and one of the most popular lighthouses in the area. Now with a paved walkway between the dunes, anyone can visit the lighthouse that has transfixed both locals and visitors alike with its picturesque beauty and fascinating history.
Speaking of history, how about a little something for lovers of classic rock n’ roll?
Val-Du Lakes resort - the name taken from the combination of the 100-acre property’s best features: valleys, dunes, and lakes - was founded in the 1930s by African American schoolteachers Moses Davis and his wife, Beulah Thompson. The resort became a popular destination for Black tourists, much like the well-known Idlewilde in nearby Lake County, advertised as “the most charming farm resort in all this famous resort region!”
From
Mary Smith Owner mary@northwindconstruction.com
Ryan Smith Estimator/Manager ryan@northwindconstruction.com
But by the late 70s, the Davis family had sold the resort, and a new crowd had come to ValDu Lakes for stronger stuff than rest and relaxation. They gathered in droves from 1970 to 1990 to hear major acts perform. Artists such as Aerosmith, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Guns n’ Roses and Stevie Ray Vaughan entertained audiences before Val-Du resort exited stage left on the music business. Concerts made a short resurgence in 2011 when a lineup headlined by country music stars Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich made an appearance. Now, visitors to Val-Du Lakes will find a revitalizing retreat not unlike what was always intended at the resort’s inception.
Circling back to downtown Silver Lake, don’t forget to browse the endless amount of shops that line the streets of downtown Silver Lake. Grab some good food, explore what the stores have to offer, and maybe check in to one of several campgrounds and hotels if you’re looking for more than a day’s worth of fun.
No matter what your definition of the perfect getaway may be, Silver Lakes is sure to offer what you seek, from the thrills of the dunes to the beauty of the lakeshore, with plenty of spots to dine and shop in between.
By Tom Rademacher Oceana All Access Writer
Ask anyone in the know, and they’ll agree that Stony Lake in southwest Oceana County is as much a state of mind as it is a dot on the map.
Call it an elixir or a special sauce, but any way you slice it, Stony Lake elicits a timeless feel reminiscent of the way that life on a small inland lake used to be and arguably ought to remain.
Think cozy cabins and cottages with breezy porches sprinkled around the shoreline. Nights defined by campfires and marshmallows amid pastel sunsets. And being lulled to sleep against the backdrop of wind-whipped whitecaps and the call of everything from crickets
to common loons.
It’s as if E.B. White himself were staring at Stony Lake when he wrote his essay “Once More To The Lake” in 1941: “Summertime, oh summertime, pattern of life indelible, the fade proof lake, the woods unshatterable, the pasture with the sweet fern…summer without end; this was the background, and the life along the shore was the design, the cottages with their…tiny docks with the flagpole and the American flag floating against the white clouds in the blue sky, the little paths over the roots of the trees leading from camp to camp…”
Located where M-20 dead-ends to the west into Scenic Drive, Stony Lake (SL) lures with everything from a handful of proud businesses to a gem of a golf course to a smattering of summer camps that draw youngsters from all
around the world.
The lake itself measures 282 acres, is about 43 feet at its deepest, and is listed as the 399th largest lake in Michigan. It offers good to excellent fishing, boasting everything from bluegill to bass to perch to pike to trout. Some 200 dwellings rim its shoreline.
The main catalyst for promoting and preserving SL rests with the Stony Lake Property Owners Association, which sponsors more than a half-dozen annual events designed to celebrate community.
“We host a picnic in the park, weekend sailboat races, a Fourth of July fishing tournament, a boat parade, an ice cream social, the popular Stony Lake Sparkler 5K Run, a kayak poker run and many other ways to meet your neighbors,” says Sharon Zoller, a cottager who also serves
as Benona Township Deputy Clerk.
“Stony Lake is such a friendly place,” she says. “Whether you are fishing, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming or just floating on a pontoon boat, there are always people to meet and visit.”
Golf? It’s just up the road, where Benona Shores Golf Course offers an 18-hole par 60 challenge that is recently under new ownership by Jason Wenk, and always presenting in sterling condition. Claybanks Pottery is just a few miles south of the lake. And within whistling distance of the lake itself is the Stony Lake Market, Stony Lake Cutlery – and two popular eateries – the legendary Stony Lake Inn, and Farmhouse Kitchen & Market, the latter being part of the Benona Golf Course enterprise.
The Stony Lake Inn is famous for its lake
perch, deep-fried asparagus in season, certified Angus beef products and cozy atmosphere. The Farmhouse is the latest iteration of a restaurant located along Benona Golf Course’s 17th fairway, and features a prominent chef who offers fine farm-to-table fare. The brisket is a fave.
For tools, hardware, lumber, household goods, traditional and recreational fuel, limited groceries and much more, there’s the Stony Lake Depot - formerly Keehne Hardware.
If you’re seeking a relaxing way to spend part of the day, you can float your way from Stony Lake to Lake Michigan on Stony Creek, a meandering trip that can take either side of an hour, depending on conditions. Stony Lake itself boasts a swimming area complete with docks and a small grassy beach, located at the northwest corner of the lake. A boat launch for Stony Lake is located in Stony Lake County Park on the south side of the lake, via Stony Lake Road.
There are no hotels in Stony Lake proper, but you can score a campsite at Claybanks Township Park to the south or Stony Haven Campground & Cabins to the east.
Where the creek empties into the Big Lake is the Benona Township beach or “Oval” as the locals call it, with a boat ramp, limited parking, a portable toilet, and boardwalk for fishing or just plain sightseeing.
A few miles to the east, you’ll find horseback riding options at Stony Lake Stables. And depending on the season, there are fruit, vegetable and firewood stands located along Stony Lake Road, Scenic Drive and pop-ups elsewhere.
If you’re looking for sophisticated commerce, urban culture and things to do after dark, Stony Lake is probably part of your drive-through. But if you savor life at its own pace, well, maybe Vicki Davey says it as well as anyone: “I was driving with my sister the other day, and we came around the west side of the lake, and I said, ‘The thing I love best about Stony Lake is how so much of it never changes.’”
Indeed, Stony Lake is a throwback, and nobody who lives or vacations there apologizes for it. Says Davey, who has lived all over the U.S. but calls Stony Lake home, “It’s like a
hug.”
By Sharon Hallack Oceana All Access Writer
Situated on the very east side of Oceana County, Walkerville may look like a sleepy little village, but its residents are a hardy lot, and Walkerville Public Schools have produced some great athletes, professionals and families. Residents living “way out” here appreciate and love the quiet countryside. Visitors and locals alike enjoy camping at numerous secluded campgrounds located on beautiful inland lakes, as well as fishing, hunting, hiking, and offroad riding just a few miles from the village proper.
In 1868, Fayette Walker moved to Leavitt
Township from Warsaw, New York and felt it was a good place to start a village. Walkerville is known as one of the oldest settlements of the county, and many Oceana County residents today are able to trace their family roots back to this historic town.
As people moved to the area, businesses opened, and the village began to prosper. Increased lumbering of the abundant pine, hemlock and cedar brought lumber camps and eventually necessitated the need for railroads. There were many ups and downs as the little village expanded. Fire was a constant threat and has changed the landscape many times over the past 140 years. When the railroad left town, it left a void that would take some time and ingenuity to
fill.
From the “Welcome to Walkerville” on the west side of the village by the cemetery to the four-way stop on the east side of the village, Walkerville is full of history. As you enter downtown from the west, one of the oldest surviving businesses, Walkerville Well Drilling, can be seen on your right. Across the street you’ll find a charming village park with nice bath facilities, featuring children’s play structures, a pickleball court, basketball hoops and a covered picnic area. Continuing east down Main, the local bank is located on the south side of the street, with the Walkerville Fire Department located just behind it on East Street, along with the post office on Laurel Street.
The historic Pioneer House Museum, also located on the south side of Main Street, was originally built in the 1900s and moved to its present location in the early 1990s. The museum is full of one-of-a-kind artifacts and documents connected to the history, businesses and people of the Walkerville area. It is open by appointment throughout the summer months (see advertisement for contact information).
Across from the museum, you’ll see the Walkerville Public Schools, where 250 of the area’s kindergarten through 12th grade students spend their days from September to June. Along with a caring and competent staff providing regular academic instruction, the school offers auxiliary services, a
• VISIT THE PIONEER HOUSE MUSEUM
Located on East Main Street, Walkerville
(Open by appointment May to October, call or text 231-923-9613)
• THE HURON-NATIONAL FOREST WALKINSHAW BIRD AND WETLANDS SANCUTARY
Fox Road and 198th Avenue, 4.5 miles SE of Walkerville
• THE WALKERVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
145 E. Lathrop Street, Walkerville For hours, please visit walkervillewildcats.com/our-school/library
year-around library, sports programming and robotics team. The Walkerville (School) Boosters, a group of dedicated community members, provides classroom support as well as many fun activities for schoolchildren and families throughout the school year. Whether hosting regular spirit activities, fundraisers, or their annual Community Gingerbread House or Carnival Night, the Walkerville Boosters work hard providing extras for everyone.
At the four-way stop, two dollar stores and another historic business, the Kwik Mart gas station convenience store offers just what is needed before heading out to explore this beautiful and secluded part of the county.
Two active churches are also located within the village; the Walkerville United Methodist Church and the Walkerville Wesleyan Church both offering weekly services and a chance to gather and worship, as well as participate in local events and service projects throughout the village and around the world.
For outdoor lovers, the Walkerville area has a lot to offer. The area’s sandhill cranes and many other species call Walkinshaw Wetlands home, which are a part of the Huron/Manistee National Forest. Located on 198th Avenue about four miles south and east of town, follow 176th Avenue South out of the village and watch for the large Forest Service sign on the north side of the road.
Several small businesses are located adjacent to the village and adjoining townships, providing locals and visitors alike with technology support, mini-storage, a maple sugarbush, a sawmill, trucking and landscaping services. Additionally, several agricultural production operations and processing facilities provide jobs for many area residents.
Once in Walkerville, you are just a short drive from Branch, Crystal Valley, and Bitely. The Village of Walkerville extends a warm welcome to all. Here you’ll find a slower pace and a friendly community, with plenty to offer those looking to get away from it all.
