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OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 1

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COME TO OCEANA By Caleb Jackson Oceana All Access Writer

omewhere 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. Oceana is a county that rewards those who ask questions. Much of it 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.

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.” 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. 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.

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Oceana All Access 2026 Published by The Oceana Echo © P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 231-301-8149 theoceanaecho@gmail.com All Access Team: Amanda Dodge, Andy Roberts, Sharon Hallack, Paul Erickson, AnnaMae Bush, Tom Rademacher, Claire Marshall and Caleb Jackson Historical Photos courtesy of the OCH&GS

HART By Sharon Hallack Oceana All Access Writer

he 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 4 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

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

49420 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 fitness 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 OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 5

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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

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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. Those in need of medical assistance can utilize the a Corewell Health urgent care clinic located at 2481 N. 72nd Ave. 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.

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HESPERIA By Claire Marshall Oceana All Access Writer

he 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 founded in 1866 by Daniel Weaver and John P. Cook, and formally incorporated in 1883. 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 8 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

of Hesperides. 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 providing 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 Corpo-

49421 ration (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. In spring 2025, the local high school installed sculptures at the restored pavilion, a welding and reclaimed materials project. Since then, several other art installations have been added to the park and at the dam. 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 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

Hightower Lake. McLaren Lake, just four miles north of town, is an all-sports lake with a public boat launch. 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 OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 9

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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 Sport Shop and Bob’s Drugs. Good eats can be found at Hightower Bar & Grill, Angelo’s & Riccardo’s and Hesperia House. 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, formerly an antique shop, 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.”

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MEARS By Paul Erickson Oceana All Access Writer

wift Lathers published the “Smallest Newspaper in the World” right here in Mears. The header changed with each edition, reflecting the seasons and the news within. The paper was 5-by-7 inches and was usually four pages. Swift founded the paper in 1914 and published it until 1970. 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 & Genealogical 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.” 12 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

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

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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 “aircooled rails.” They also have a Mac Wood’s Dune Scooter. There is much to see in this museum, so plan on taking your time. The newest addition is the Agricultural Barn. There is a large collection of tractors and early implements on display. 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.

There is also a “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. 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. 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. OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 13

NEW ERA By Andy Roberts Oceana All Access Writer

he 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 & 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 and hosts an annual ice cream social in the summer that offers visitors a close look at farm operations. Unsurprisingly, given those top two attractions, 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, is the dealer principal at his family’s Meyers Chevrolet in New Era and was president of the village’s Chamber of Commerce prior to its merger with Shelby’s to become the 14 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

Southern Oceana Area Chamber of Commerce. Meyers 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. “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 an underground tunnel underneath M-20 was recently constructed. Once paired with a new parking lot across the street from the farm, which will be completed in fall 2026, the tunnel will allow safe passage for visitors while avoiding traffic on the road above. 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-a-half downtown business district. Downtown also includes the Arti-

49446 san restaurant, the Trailside Restaurant, the Computer Refinery, 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 Citgo 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 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 purchased the former New Era Elementary and is opening a daycare. The Christian school is home to several

recreational fields that provide visiting and local children alike with wide open spaces to run off summer energy. Across the street from the Christian school is a community baseball field, as well as pickleball and basketball courts. In addition to the Christian school, four churches call New Era home - Bible, Trinity Lutheran, Reformed and Christian Reformed. 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. An annual cherry pie contest in February raises thousands of dollars for use in the community. The village also hosts a farmer’s market on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from June-September. 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 well-kept town.” OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 15

PENTWATER By AnnaMae Bush Oceana All Access Writer

he 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 provide 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-inch 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

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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 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.

49449 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. But events in Pentwater continue throughout the year: the Classic Wooden Boat Show, Oktoberfest (with vintage car show), Christ-

mas in the Village, Winterfest, NY Eve Fireworks, Ice-fishing Contest, Easter on the Green (huge egg-hunt for kids), Brews & Beats Festival, and Start of Summer Party. See the Village or Chamber of Commerce website calendar for details. 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. A significant museum expansion project in 2026 will double the indoor exhibit space, add outdoor exhibit space, provide new interactive displays and activity space for children, and create a dining venue space for special events. It will truly be a family destination spot when completed. 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. OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 17

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. Several historic homes have served as B&Bs. The beautiful grounds of the Carriage House B&B date back to 1870. The original one-room Frenchtown school building built in 1868 still stands. The cemetery just outside of town dates to 1860. 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. Although there are events and festivals throughout the year, 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 an artist community hub. In addition to the five downtown art galleries, the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center is a building across from the school that offers, space, materials and instruction in many art forms: woodcraft, metal craft, stained glass, hand and loom weaving, ceramics, oil and watercolor painting and mixed media. Visitors are welcome to tour the center and meet the artists. “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. 18 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

Lake Michigan

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Masten Rd

Ty nd all R

Taylor Rd

Porter Rd

Ruth Dr

Maple Island Ave

2 00th Ave

188th Ave

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136th Ave

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176th Ave

168th Ave

140th Ave

156th Ave

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126th Ave

128th Ave

Campbell Rd

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Cabana Rd

126th Ave

120th Ave

Van Wagoner Ave

Maple Island Ave

OCEANA COUNTY 204th Ave

198th Ave

200th Ave

198th Ave

192nd Ave

160th Ave

Maple Island Ave

Van Wagoner Ave

204th Ave

182nd Ave

186th Ave

164th Ave

Cook St

S Division St

OCEANA COUNTY

194th Ave

Bra ton

174th Ave

NEWAYGO COUNTY

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172nd Ave

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160th Ave

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OCEANA COUNTY

MUSKEGON COUNTY

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State

Primary Road

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200th Ave

180th Ave

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184th Ave

Schow Rd

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190th Ave

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140th Ave

136th Ave 128th Ave

122nd Ave

108th Ave 104th Ave

110 th Ave

80th Ave

3 rd St

Oceana Dr

70th Ave

72nd Ave

192nd Ave

144th Ave

126th Ave

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116th Ave 112th Ave

100th Ave 100th Ave 102nd Ave

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Indian Bay Rd

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Garfield Rd

Cleveland Rd

Roosevelt Rd

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McKinley Rd

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60th Ave

56th Ave

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Chase Rd

136th Ave

St Sta te

68th Ave

64th Ave 60th Ave

56th Ave 50th Ave

Hawley Rd

SAINT HUBERTS

48 th Ave

Ada

Garfield Rd

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44th Ave

38t h Ave

2 Mile Rd

Loop Rd

40th Ave

Baker Rd

Grant Rd Fish Rd

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38th Ave

1 04th Ave

88th Ave

94th Ave

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Star Hill Dr

Oceana Dr

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72 nd Ave

56th Ave

54th Ave

88th Ave

ill C Ca rg 58th Ave

52nd Ave

48th Ave

44th Ave

36th Ave

104th Ave

State St S State St

Young Rd

72nd Ave

66th Ave Unknown

48th Ave

40th Ave 40th Ave

34th Ave

28th Ave

112th Ave

112th Ave 96th Ave

68th Ave

72nd Ave 68th Ave

64th Ave

56th Ave

52nd Ave

40th Ave

44th Ave 36th Ave

32nd Ave

28th Ave

24th Ave

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104th Ave

96th Ave

92nd Ave

Oceana Dr

k Cree

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48th Ave

40th Ave

34th Ave

24th Ave

108th Ave

Wayne Rd

60th Ave

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34th Ave

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14th Ave

176th Ave

Cr ee k 72nd Ave

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18th Ave

16th Ave

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OCEANA COUNTY

MUSKEGON COUNTY

Loop Rd

Kent Rd

Rd Webster Rd

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Park Rd

4 Mile Rd

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W h i te R

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Garfield Rd

Yale Rd

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Baker Rd

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Clay Rd

Winston Rd

White River Twp

Lee Rd

Winston Rd

Flower Creek Rd

San d

Polk St

Hazel Rd

Scout Rd

Woodrow Ave

Yonkers Rd

FERRY Fish Rd

Cleveland Rd

Wilke Rd

Webster Rd

An ch or R

Tahoe T rl

McLaren Lake

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Johnson Rd

Pike Rd

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Filmore Rd

Buchanan Rd

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Pierce Rd

Garfield Rd

Park Rd

Cleveland Rd

Pierce Rd

Grant S

Taylor Rd Taylor Rd

176th Ave

Warren Rd

n Cr eek

W Hayes Rd

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Clay Banks Twp

Scout Rd

k ree

Fish Rd

Arthur Rd

Park Rd

Park Lake

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Yale Rd

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Woodrow Rd

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Fox Rd

Baseline Rd

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Polk Rd

Leavitt Twp

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Stony Lake Rd

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Stone Rd

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Hazel Rd

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Grant Rd

Hazel Rd

Harrison Rd

Deer Rd

Taylor Rd

Shelby Rd

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Hayes

Tyler Rd

Fox Rd

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Clock Rd

Polk Rd

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Duck Rd

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Warren Rd

1st St

Wren Rd

Tyler Rd

Gilbert Lake

Harrison Rd

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Filmore Rd

WALKERVILLE

Clock Rd Amber Rd

Tyler Rd

Polk Rd Polk Rd

Harrison Rd

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Buchanan Rd

Kelly St

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Baker Rd

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Buchanan Rd

Pierce Rd

STONY LAKE

Buchanan Rd

Colfax Twp

Angel Rd

Baseline Rd

Buchanan Rd

Meadow Dr

Madison Rd

Badger C re

Van Buren Rd

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Weaver Rd

Apache Dr

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Wolf Rd

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Jackson Rd

Lever Rd

Fox Rd

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School Section Lake

Eagle Rd

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Fox Rd

Scout Rd

Jackson Rd

Johnson St

B a s e line

Tyler Rd

Taylor Rd

Filmore Rd Duck Rd

W ood

Van Buren Rd

Ave 96th

Hazel Rd

WEARE

Lever Rd

31 £ ¤ k

Jefferson Ave

Minke Rd

Polk Rd

Madison Rd

Crystal Twp

Monroe Rd

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Winter Rd

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Lake Rd

Deer Rd

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Silver Lake

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Madison

Creek Rd

Jackson Rd

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Taylor Rd

SMITH CORNERS

Monroe Rd

Golden Twp

Upper Silver Lake

120th Ave

Stiles Rd

72nd Ave

62nd Ave

d 88th Ave

52nd Ave

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Rd mett Ham

Hogan Rd

96th St

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Eagle Rd

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Washington Rd

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Hammett Rd

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Thistle Rd

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FRENCH TOWN

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Logan Twp

OCEANA COUNTY

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66th Ave

80th Ave

Rd Fron tage

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MASON COUNTY

Washington Rd

Av 148th

Hogan Rd

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Rive r Rd

B ra n c h St

PENTWATER 6th St

Jackson Rd

Washington Rd

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Jefferson Rd

2nd St

SLongbridge

Beard Rd

Washington Rd

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88th Ave

N Hancock St

Morton Rd

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Park St

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Riverton Twp

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Washington Rd

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OCEANA COUNTY Summit Twp

Local Road Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, v17a

OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 19

ROTHBURY By Andy Roberts Oceana All Access Writer

othbury is a small area, but still offers a lot - even 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 con20 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

nects 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

49452

that will help modernize the park, with work slated to begin in fall 2026. 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 ranchstyle motif that has been a hallmark since its inception. For those with a need for speed, the Winston Speedway, located just west of US-31, was recently purchased by local businesspeople Andrew and Crystal Heykoop. The new owners have beefed up speedway offerings, and Friday and Saturday night races offer a look at some of the fastest racing the

county can offer. Those looking for a quieter time in the small village 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. OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 21

SHELBY By Amanda Dodge Oceana All Access Writer

onsider a trip to the land “where the north begins and the fine fruit grows.” For over 150 years, Shelby has welcomed visitors and locals to central Oceana County. It is an area full of the bountiful goodness of apples, cherries, peaches, asparagus and friendly folks who understand the true meaning of community. Though Shelby may be a somewhat common name for small 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 beautiful 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

22 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

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 Tribute 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.” Currently, the village and township are undergoing significant infrastructure changes through the driving force of private investment. Those who have helped shape Shelby into what it is today are looking for and have found ways to give back to keep this community vibrant into the future and beyond. A new slogan for Shelby could be “Where private investment meets community development.” Downtown Shelby is currently being transformed through a comprehensive streetscape project that will enhance the visual appeal of this part of the village and offer new

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opportunities for residents and visitors alike. These include: two gateway arches at each end of the downtown business area; street trees in curbed beds; stamped concrete accents; barrier-free parking upgrades; bicycle racks; upgraded street lighting and pole banners; crosswalk enhancements; a mid-block crossing with ADA access ramps, benches, trash receptacles and landscaping; bumpouts with a plaza space, tables and landscaping for outdoor dining and more. At the north end of the downtown, a new private development consisting of three commercial units and nine studio apartments will also be completed this summer. Along with enhancing the downtown, a recreation-based mindset is another thing at the forefront for both the village and 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 Park on Buchanan Road near 72nd Avenue. Both were completed in 2024, with the addition of the 63,000 square-foot Tiger Athletic Center, which opened this year at the township park. This state-of-the-art facility offers a

number of recreational pursuits for all ages and abilities to enjoy. The 36-acre agriculture-themed township park is known for its whimsical art, which includes an enormous yellow duck sporting sunglasses, a small red pig, a mushroom and a turtle, but that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all that the park has to offer. There are pickleball and basketball courts, a large pavilion with tables and barbecue grills, a grain bin that was converted into a gazebo, a fitness center, three walking trails, soccer fields, baseball fields, bleachers, concession stands, and amphitheater with stone seating, a new dog park and more. For small children there is a story walk, and a trike riding track, where these youngsters can learn to ride in a safe environment. Trikes are provided, and the track has a fruit stand, road signs, a gas pump and a miniature ATM. The two expansive, ADA-accessible playgrounds there also offer music-making stations. There are wayfinding signs in English and Spanish and maps help one navigate the park’s numerous elements. The park is directly connected to the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail YOUR TICKET TO SHELBY CONTINUES ON PAGE 30

OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 23

SILVER LAKE By Claire Marshall Oceana All Access Writer

f you 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. 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 24 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

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. Mac Woods Dune Rides, a mainstay of the area since 1930, will even take you up the dunes on a private trail in one of their signature vehicles. Allow a tour guide to speed through winding turns while keeping 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. The dunes may change, but the landmark of Little Sable Point lighthouse – warning ships of treacherous waters since 1874 – has remained a steadfast icon. 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,

49436

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.” After an extensive restoration, the lighthouse reopened to the public in 2006 as 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 this landmark. And 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!” 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. OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 25

STONY LAKE 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. 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 blue26 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

gill 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. 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, 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

49455 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 drivethrough. 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 warm, comforting hug.” OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 27

WALKERVILLE By Sharon Hallack Oceana All Access Writer

ituated on the very east side of Oceana County, Walkerville may feel small, but its residents have settled there for just that reason. 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 off-road riding just a few miles from the village proper. 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, basket28 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

ball hoops and a covered picnic area. Continuing east down Main, the Lake-Osceola State 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 1900’s 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. 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 year-round library, sports programming and a robotics team. The Walkerville (School) Boosters, a group of dedicated

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community members, provides classroom support as well as many fun activities for school children 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, there are two dollar stores and another historic business, the KwikMart gas station and convenience store. The KwikMart recently underwent a massive renovation and is able to offer this small village and its visitors not only a place to gather, but a place to pick up what is needed before heading out to explore this beautiful and secluded part of the county. Two churches are also located within the village; the Walkerville United Methodist Church on Main Street and the Walkerville Wesleyan Church south of the four-way stop on South Hamon Street. Both offer weekly services and a chance to gather and worship, as well as participate in local events and service projects.

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 everything from technology support, mini-storage, and a maple sugarbush to 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. OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026 • 29

SHELBY

CONTINUED

State Park, affectionately known as the “Rail Trail,” and there is a bike repair station next to the pavilion. The Rail Trail offers picturesque views of Oceana County and access to Shelby’s downtown businesses. A trip north from the township park along the Rail Trail will bring one just three blocks away from the aforementioned Getty Park. Along with its large playground, some of the additional hallmarks of Getty Park, which is located near Shelby Public Schools, are its splash pad, pavilion with picnic tables and a fireplace, basketball courts, benches, and the many trees providing shade on a hot summer’s day. The village hosts movie nights and multiple events throughout the year at Getty Park. Last summer, the village was home to the brand new Chainsaw Carving Festival in July which brought carvers from far and wide to show off their talents. The event included food vendors, a craft fair and kids activities, and culminated in the auction of the pieces that were created onsite. This year, that event has expanded to include CarvePrize, where carvings were on display throughout the village and residents and visitors alike had the opportunity to vote on their favorites. Similar to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, there were cash prizes awarded. In August, the township will be bringing back its very popular Fruit Festival at the Shelby Township Park. Hundreds turn out to enjoy a wide array of local flavor and family fun, which includes live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, free carnival rides, games, special attractions, live music, car show, pie auction and more. Community support is growing for these events, and that is having a ripple effect on how much bigger they get each year. Shelby also has a number of ways for people to get involved, including the Shelby Optimist Club, Shelby Rotary Club and the new Southern Oceana Chamber of Commerce all of which support many worthy causes. The Ladder Community Center right outside downtown is always buzzing with events and 30 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2026

offers opportunities to listen to and play music, jigsaw puzzle competitions, adult hours, an after-school program, knitting group, Bible studies for men and women, Pit Stops for Men, worship services and more. Shelby is also home to the only hospital in Oceana County, and it was recently named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. Trinity Health Shelby Hospital is located near the downtown and offers an emergency room, inpatient and outpatient care, a lab and more. It has also 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 new school is located near Shelby High School on Oceana Drive. The bond the school received to build the school also provided needed security and aesthetic updates to both the high school and middle school. In terms of housing, across from the new elementary school is the Shelby Acres Development, which is entering Phase III this year of its multi-phase plan. The development will contain over 80 homes, and they will all be located within the Village of Shelby limits and served by village water, sewer, DPW and police services. Another 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, 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.

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