This truly is a magical place.
Nestled on the banks of the Muskegon River in Newaygo County rests the nostalgic town of
Newaygo, MI. The historic district of this town still features all of the old world charm and design;
restored vintage buildings, bustling mom & pop storefronts, a century old train bridge that spans the
river- still in regular use, riverfront parks and walking paths, and a quaint museum that tells the whole
story in detail. Here, there are happy people- some local, some passing through, enjoying river floats,
nighttime walks, shopping, or eating at one of the many downtown establishments. The cafe’, the
brewery, the saloon, Sportsmen’s, or the Gala Gourmet: A Kitchen Shoppe,- you’ll find a warm
greeting, cozy atmosphere, and incredible drink and food menus at any one of them. This truly is a
magical place.
On a hot summer day, the river park near the old rail bridge is busy with good people relaxing in
the shallows of the river. River boats run up river taking fishing enthusiasts to their favorite fishing
holes while tube and canoe pros float down the river lazily, masterfully. Take a break from the river and
grab some ice cream as you stroll through the farmer’s market on your way to open mic night at the
Cafe’, open mic poetry night at the bookstore, or an artist opening at the gallery. This truly is a magical
place.
Before heading up town, stop at the base of the M37 hill. Still in sight of the iconic downtown
mill; that lumbering gentle giant that looks over the town and provides an odd feeling of safety and
assurance, there is a trail- Marshall Trail. This trail is unlike any trail, anywhere. It is a hidden gem that
even some locals don’t know about. You begin at a small parking lot with a headboard of wild flowers,
flowering trees, bumble bees, benches and a small path throughout. In the midst of this garden, there is
a perfectly sculpted bronze memorial statue of the fallen officer whom the trail pays tribute. Marshall
trail begins on the edge of a forest: to your left, the hill rises steeply 100’ up, adorned with trees too
large to fit your arms around. To your right, the ground falls away steeply 100’ down to a rocky rushing
stream below. The trail is cut neatly in to the side of the hill as it winds carefully down to the stream
level. On each side of the stream, the hill climbs steeply. Massive trees create a canopy that light
struggles to break through- creating a soft glow of greens and yellows accented by light pillars casting
shimmering magic off of the dozen or so waterfalls. The moss covered fallen trees and wildflower
undergrowth paint this world in hues of pinks and whites. Not a house, garage, car, or hint of worry in
sight throughout most of the trail. The only sounds are the song birds that dart playfully among the
trees, the rustle of care free squirrels, and the roaring of the stream over rocks and falls. This truly is a
magical place.
As you head up the hill, heading south on the old M37 highway you’ll come upon all the
conveniences of the modern world entwined and harmonious with the home grown locally owned
businesses. A packed mom and pop restaurant serving up farm fresh breakfasts directly next door to our
local McDonalds. Two separate grocery stores, each offering relatively different products, each an asset
to the community. They know you by name at the Hardware store, even if you’ve only been there once.
The flower shop is flourishing while the tree services has something to offer year ‘round. This is a town
that is comfortable with its identity and confident in who it is. It boasts a unique fashion sense that is
often an original and eclectic blend of Goodwill meets Neiman Marcus with a hint of renaissance
festival. It is art. Real estate is really starting to boom as out-of-towners look to escape from the big
cities like Grand Rapids; only 40 minutes south, or Muskegon; 30 minutes west- Newaygo is the
logical conclusion. This truly is a magical place.
– by Gabe Schillman
