LAKE COUNTY
County Offices
800 Tenth Street
Baldwin 231-745-6231
http://www.lakecounty-michigan.com/
Chamber of Commerce
895 Michigan Avenue
Baldwin 231-745-4331
https://lakecountymichigan.com/
Beautiful Lake County provides a four-season recreational wonderland for residents and visitors, with nearly half of the county land preserved in state and federal holdings. Sparsely populated, the county is home to the leading community of Baldwin with first-rate lakefront water sports and such unique small villages as historic Idlewild.
Services
Quality educational opportunities are available in Lake County, underlined by a strong public school system and extending to the West Shore Community College. WSCC provides an affordable launch on a four-year degree program, associate degrees, and certifications but also works with local industries to offer vocational education and on-the-job training. Ferris State University is approximately 40 miles away in Big Rapids, drawing students to a small-town setting and “big school” advantages. More than 170 degrees are offered in the colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Arts & Sciences, Business, Education & Human Services, Optometry, Pharmacy, Professional & Technological Studies, and Engineering Technology. Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City and Grand Valley State University in Allendale are both about 65 miles away. Grand Rapids adds several opportunities for higher education including campuses for the private institutions of Aquinas College and Calvin College.
State-of-the-art healthcare is available just minutes from home in three hospitals. Spectrum Health offers Reed City Hospital, a 25-bed acute-care community hospital that features a newly renovated emergency department, advanced imaging, a regional cancer treatment centers, and an award-winning 65-bed skilled nursing facility. Gerber Memorial Health Services provides a 77-bed community hospital in Fremont, the only hospital in Newaygo County. Gerber Memorial continues to be regarded among the “Top 100 Hospitals” in the nation and is among an elite group to receive the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Hospital Setting and the Emergency Department. Baldwin is home to a comprehensive Family Health Care organization and skilled professionals in private practice who can meet most routine needs right in Lake County.
Lifestyle
Small towns, strong community spirit, spectacular natural resources, and a progressive attitude toward continued development are all hallmarks of Lake County. Residents and visitors enjoy four seasons of outstanding outdoor adventures including hiking, nature study, bird watching, swimming, boating, water sports, camping, cross country skiing, all-terrain and off-roading, and snowmobiling—even dogsledding. The Trail Riders Snowmobile Association and the Iron’s Tourist Association groom more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails that connect to other trails leading into surrounding counties. Hunting and fishing are common pastimes in this pristine area with thousands of acres of protected land. In fact, the Pere Marquette River is internationally known for its excellent trout and salmon fishing and for some of West Michigan’s most scenic canoe trips. Another famous landmark, the North Country National Scenic Trail, is second only to the Appalachian Trail in its popularity and threads its way through Lake County.
Lake County features one-of-a-kind retail shops and antiques for those who enjoy hidden treasures. Each year, Michigan’s Longest Yard Sale stretches between Lake and Newaygo counties along the M-37 highway, offering 75 miles of antiques, crafts, rummage items, and delicious food from vendors. Historic Idlewild is a focal point of tourism development for the county, originally developed in the Great Depression era as an exclusive resort for African Americans. Colorful events dot the annual calendar including Baldwin’s Blessing of the Bikes, the Flea Roast & Ox Market, Luther Days, Idlewild’s Music Fest, Troutarama, and the Salmon Run 5K and 10K events. The Blessing of the Bikes began in 1972 with four motorcycles gathered at St. Ann Catholic Church. Today, the event draws thousands of bikers to Lake County for the “safe and happy riding season” blessing. The housing options in Lake County are as diverse as the terrain, blending historic and older properties with fine new construction graced by a country setting. For the best of city and country pleasures, discover panoramic Lake County.
Baldwin
Village Hall
231-745-3587
https://villageofbaldwin.org/
Chamber of Commerce
231-745-4331
https://lakecountymichigan.com/
The largest community in Lake County serves as the county seat, ideally located at the junction of M-37 and US Highway 10. The village grew up along the Baldwin River, just three miles north of its convergence with the Pere Marquette River, which offers Michigan’s premier canoeing and kayaking experience. More than a dozen lakes are available within five minutes of the city limits, which defines Baldwin as a water-sport destination. The town is the center of activity for many of the resorts and cottages in the area, offering everything from sports shops to gifts and antiques. The community welcomes throngs of visitors to celebrations like the summer Troutarama and the popular Blessing of the Bikes each May. Outdoor jazz concerts, golf courses, colorful annual events, a strong community spirit, and exceptional recreational amenities will keep Baldwin at the apex of growth and development in Lake County for decades to come.
Chase Township
Township Hall
231-832-3018
Chamber of Commerce
231-745-4331
https://lakecountymichigan.com/
The village of Chase is the unincorporated hub of Chase Township, claiming a rich history that began in 1862. In fact, Chase was the original county seat until 1882 when the people from Baldwin allegedly “stole” the county records. Like much of Lake County, the village was once a bustling logging town with many sawmills. Today, this picturesque township offers a pleasing mix of small farms and residential development, the latter on the rise due to close proximity to Big Rapids. The community maintains a small library in the old schoolhouse, including a history room with artifacts and documents. The township hall is located on the headwaters of the Pere Marquette River, which is internationally famous for kayaking and canoeing through scenic landscapes. The township is situated in the southeastern section of the county, bordering Osceola County to the east and Mecosta County to the south. The township is bisected by US Highway 10 to the north, ensuring quick commutes to regional destinations.
Idlewild, Yates Township
Town Hall
231-745-3940
Chamber of Commerce
231-745-4331
https://lakecountymichigan.com/
The vacation and retirement community of Idlewild in Yates township is located near the southeastern border of the county. Idlewild claims a unique history, one of only a few resorts in the nation where African Americans were allowed to vacation and purchase property prior to the Civil Rights Movement. The village was well-known from the early 1900s through the mid-1960s as an active, year-round community that drew top entertainers and professionals from across America. At its peak, it was the most popular resort in the Midwest, attracting as many as 25,000 visitors in the summer season for camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and evening entertainment. Idlewild surrounds the lake it was named for and features the headwaters of the spectacular Pere Marquette River. Approximately half of the township is preserved in the Manistee National Forest. The opening up of resorts to African Americans in the 1960s ended Idlewild’s boomtown days, but the community continues to attract vacationers and retirees and those interested in its importance as a national heritage landmark.
Irons, Elk Township
Town Hall
231-266-5983
Chamber of Commerce
231-745-4331
https://lakecountymichigan.com/
Like many of the small villages that dot Lake County, Irons was influenced the Civil War, the logging of the great white pine forests, and immigrating farmers from Europe. The unincorporated village also served as a railroad stop during part of its history. Today, Irons and Elk Township are primarily known as a destination for those who enjoy snowmobiling and driving off-terrain vehicles. The Iroins Area Tourist Association groom more than 120 miles of trails in summer and winter, creating a year-round playground for sports enthusiasts. The Little Manistee and Lincoln Hills Trails are regularly graded each summer to ensure an outstanding off-road experience. Irons is also famous as the host of the famous Flea Roast, which transforms the downtown district into a colorful array of live bands, amusement rides, competitive tournaments, and a dazzling fireworks display
Luther, Ellsworth Township
Town Hall
231-797-0005
Chamber of Commerce
231-745-4331
https://lakecountymichigan.com/
The historic village of Luther was established in 1880 by a sawmill firm and was later named after one of the mill’s founders. In spite of its rural character and small size, the village has survived through the decades and serves primarily as a tourist community today. Residents enjoy the convenience of a local school, a post office, a community building, and limited retail and service development. The Little Manistee River flows through the town, forming a pond near the dam that is ideal for brown trout fishing. The Pine River flows about four miles to the north and offers several canoe landings that are adjacent to the town. Many of Luther’s residents have lived in the community for generations, so community pride runs high. The village offers a fascinating historical museum run by local families. Canoe enthusiasts, anglers, and those seeking a quiet cottage retreat will find a warm and welcoming stop in this charming village.
