By Michelle Sheridan, Contributing Writer
Come and explore this timeless beauty, nestled along the west shoreline of lower Michigan. This charming area includes the cities of Montague and Whitehall on the eastern shore of White Lake. Located 15 minutes north of Muskegon off US31 the White Lake area offers so much for everyone from all walks of life.
White Lake is surrounded by beautiful hiking and biking trails in the warmer seasons and 175 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the winter months. Lake Michigan is close by with beautiful beaches, fishing and relaxation. If fishing is your sport then White Lake is your inland lake of choice, it is seven miles long and one mile wide and at its deepest point it is 71 feet. You will find a variety of fish, anything from Bluegill, many varieties of Trout and Bass, Chinook Salmon, Walleye and Pike. In case you need any marine services Armstrong’s on White Lake, is a full service retail store which also offers boat rentals too. Johnson’s Great Outdoors is also close by offering a wide array of hunting and fishing gear. If you’re into kayaking, paddle boarding or camping in general, make sure to stop in at WaterDog Outfitters. This comprehensive outdoor recreational store, with a “try it before you buy it” philosophy offers many choices in rentals and sales.
As we move into fall and winter, the smell of bonfires and cool nights has everyone thinking of color tours, pumpkins and stretching out those last opportunities to hit the trails with what ever your choice of ORV might be. If you have smaller children the Pumpkin Express is a great way to keep the kids entertained. It includes a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, play areas and walking trails, located at Weesies Brothers Garden Centers & Landscaping.
Once the snow has made it’s way in, you have the choice of 3 beautifully maintained snowmobile trails, the Fred Meijer Berry Junction, the White Lake Pathway, and the William Field-Hart Montague Trail. Each year the White Lake Area Chamber prints a Snowmobile Map that is available for free in their office, as well as a down loadable PDF, go to www.whitelake.org for more information.
While you’re out riding stop in at several convenient eateries along the way offering a wide range of menu choices such as Oh Brothers, Jimmy’s Pub, The Book Nook & Java Shop, North Grove Brewers, Big John’s, Pekadill’s, Bone Ends, the Gnarly Heifer, the Homestead Restaurant & Bakery and Gary’s.
With so much to do and see an overnight stay is recommended and there are many choices such as Montgomery Inn & Suites, Weathervane Inn, Maple Tree Inn, Comfort Inn, the Loft on Colby (VRBO), or The Lewis House (B&B). If camping is more your style or choice here are few local campgrounds Karner Blue Campground, Mainers Park and Pines Campground,
Pioneer Park, Trailway Campground and White River Campground.
The White Lake area offers year-round activities such as outdoor music, a local community theater and of course unique shopping. Locally there are so many other things to do too, such as the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, Michigan Adventure, cross-country skiing & snow shoeing at Anderson Woods Nature Preserve or Duck Creek Natural Area.
Now you know what an extraordinary place the White Lake Area is, with friendly smiles, beautiful scenery and many new memories to tuck away then pull out later and share with family and friends. White Lake will definitely be an annual destination point for years to come.
The Chamber Depot (124 W. Hanson St. in Whitehall) is right along the trail, so it makes a great spot to stop for photos, and our Depot has area maps, brochures, etc. The office is open Monday-Friday from 9am-3:00pm