The White Lake Area, the West Michigan gem made up of Montague, Whitehall, and surrounding areas, is more than just charming and quaint towns. It’s an active and thriving area where “Live White Lake” is a way of living. Here, whatever your “it” is, is yours for the taking.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or craving some time to relax and unwind, the natural resources of the White Lake Area provide an avenue for you to be whatever kind of adventurer you want to be. The outdoor enthusiasts will love the miles of trails, waterways, and parks. From fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, birding, and even hanging your hammock out in a quiet place, the White Lake Area is it.
Between White Lake, White River, Duck Lake, and Lake Michigan, the White Lake Area is not short on water. There are several great spots to launch a kayak, boat, fish, or go tubing. Launch your own kayak and explore, or get out on the water with even less hassle thanks to local shops. Local places such as Armstrong’s on White Lake, Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery, and WaterDog Outfitters are happy to help if you didn’t bring your gear. Armstrong’s on White Lake has an incredible store front to equip anglers with bait and tackle. Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery offers a relaxing float down White River with canoes, kayaks, rafts, or tube rentals—transportation included. WaterDog Outfitters famously offers a “try it before you buy it” way of doing business, and they also rent out kayaks. WaterDog will transport the kayaks to White River for you, or you can take them out on your own and enjoy a launch of your choosing on White River, White Lake, or Duck Lake.
Looking to get on the water with a little more guidance? The White Lake Area has great charter fishing experiences. Local captains such as Dave’s Fishing Charters, Getaway Fishing Charters, and Third Coast Charters, are all willing to help give you an unforgettable fishing experience. Duneshore Boating & KAC Boat Rentals can help you with your boat rental needs and both offer several different options to choose from so that boating can be for the whole family. For those looking to learn something new, the White Lake Sailing School (for ages 6 and up) holds classes for those interested in learning to sail or improve on their skills.
A trip to the White Lake Area is not complete for an outdoor adventurer without experiencing at least part of the miles and miles of trails. The William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail, also considered a state park, is 23-miles north, beginning in Montague. Stops on your way north such as Country Dairy (with fresh made ice cream and lunch options) make the trek up north go by quickly. The White Lake Pathway includes art sculptures along the way, and turns into the Berry Junction Trail headed south into Muskegon. WaterDog Outfitters, conveniently located on the bike path and across the street from our White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau, offers bike and ebike rentals for those looking to hit the trails. Other great trails can be found at Clear Springs Nature Preserve, Duck Creek Trails, and Duck Lake State Park.
If you’re looking to make your outdoor time a bit more relaxed, the White Lake Area has parks (complete with water views) to help you do just that. Svensson Park in Whitehall is a great spot to hang a hammock and have a picnic. Goodrich Park in Whitehall has a beautiful gazebo, shaded trees, and a playground and splash pad. Montague has stunning Lake Michigan views and sunsets at Meinert County Park and Medbery Park. Medbery Park sits on the channel from White Lake into Lake Michigan, with beach access on Lake Michigan. Meinert County Park is a favorite for both locals and visitors to enjoy bird watching, beach time, and spectacular sunsets.
The less traditional off-roader will love the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, where you can try the wheel luge even in the warm months. If you really want to get your blood pumping, they offer a zip line, including an adaptable one, which means nearly anyone can experience that unique thrill. And who says ice skating is for the winter months? The Muskegon Luge has a special synthetic ice skating rink, meaning it can be enjoyed 12 months a year.
Whatever you decide to do during your stay, the White Lake Area is it. Live White Lake. Explore it. Fish it. Hike it. Bike it. Boat it. Skate it. Experience it. Here, it’s all yours for the taking. White Lake is it. Visit www.whitelake.org to plan a visit, and discover what it means to Live White Lake. •