Kelley and I had always dreamed on having a home near water when we retired. A place where we could sink down solid roots and flourish after many years of working and building a life for our family in the Detroit and the Grand Rapids areas. So, on weekends we’d go exploring. My grandmother’s stories of spending summers on Pickerel Lake brought us up into Newaygo, a place we had never visited. Being my husband was originally from Manton, we had always envisioned building our dream home in the Cadillac area. However, we knew at first hike right where we would transplant.
Pettit Lake Rd was a newly paved road 9.5 miles west of 131 off of M82 and the living community was just being developed. We parked our car as close as we could get on that sunny spring day four years ago. We hiked up the piles of sand to reach the lake. It glistened like a blue gem surrounded in a setting of budding oaks, red-leafed maples, and white pine. Standing on a particularly high hill of sand, we heard one of the most beautiful sounds nature gives. A single loon calling out. We knew at that moment that this was it. After exploring what had once been a Boy Scout then church summer camp- checking out the remnants of buildings and structures, we ventured out into the lake. Rolling up our jeans, we waded into the cool water, sinking our toes in the sandy bottom. My heart swelled as I realized that we had found our future. Driving into city of Newaygo, the charming, small town feel made inspired us. Treating ourselves to ice cream cones (downtown Newaygo near Muskegon River), we strolled to the bridge and watched the river rush underneath.
4 years later: Kelley and I are so happy to be here. Newaygo County has everything we had wanted. Whether we hike, snowshoe, or X-country ski a trail next to the Muskegon river or on the NCT, go kayaking, swimming, or biking, or just sit and appreciate the song of the loon as we sit by a fire, we know our roots are thriving. As we get to meet more people in the area, we find kindred spirits here who love this county’s wilderness and work to keep her beauty for all who are looking for deep, nourished roots.
by Katie Clark
The Dragon Trail Officially Opens
Get ready for a fall adventure on 45 miles of hiking & biking trails outlining Hardy Pond. Wooded trails invite you to explore color from a new perspective with amazing views of the natural beauty of our area. Through partnerships with Newaygo and Mecosta...
Outdoor Family Fun in NewayGo County
Whether you have time for an extended visit, or just a few days to explore, you will find outdoor family fun in every corner of our county. We have assembled some terrific ideas to fill your days with kid-friendly activities that are sure to be a big hit with the...
Experience NewayGo County Summer
There are some many ways to make the most of warm, sunny summer days throughout the Newaygo region. From biking and hiking, to paddling, or exploring the night sky, you’ll find Newaygo County to be the perfect destination for your next northern Michigan adventure....
Explore the Flora & Fauna of Spring
As we begin to emerge from our winter hibernation, the urge to get outdoors for some sunshine and fresh air becomes too much to resist. And why would you want to resist when Newaygo County has so much spring to explore? The warmer temperatures not only beckon us to...
Spring is in Sight!
Spring the NewayGo County Way The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and a spring adventure is just around the corner. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or just want to get out and explore the trails, NewayGo County has just the spot for spring...
Early Winter Getaway
With the busy holiday season behind us, who isn’t ready for some “me time”? Maybe a quiet walk in the woods, casting a line along a rapidly flowing riverbank, or pedaling through the pines can provide the renewal you seek. Newaygo County welcomes all seekers to come...
Trails & Hunting
The splendor of fall color, miles of trails beckoning you to explore, and dark night skies blanketed in stars, NewayGo County’s autumn season welcomes adventurers of every sort to get outdoors, unplug, and reconnect with nature. After an exhilarating day hiking the...
Fall River Exploration
As the summer season begins to wind down, our minds begin to wander to all of the great fall activities before us. Late summer, into early fall, brings the perfect weather for outdoor experiences of every sort. Paddle the waterways, bike The Dragon, fish the river,...
Swing Over to NewayGo!
A round of golf and a cocktail on the patio, sound like the perfect way to spend a summer day in Newaygo County! Throughout the region, you will find great spots for golf, both traditional golf and disc golf, and restaurants offering outdoor dining to help you make...
It’s Dragon Season
Head to Newaygo County, Where Michigan’s Dragon Awaits Wrapped around Hardy Dam Pond, Michigan’s Dragon lies in wait of your arrival for big outdoor adventure. Imagine yourself soaring through the trees on fast and flowing trails that provide both a technically...
Spring Fishing in the Rivers of NewayGo County
River Fishing & Spring Camping Cool, crisp morning air, your first morning cup of coffee brewed by campfire, sunshine sparkling across the river, and a full day laid out in front of you reserved for fishing. Longing for the simplicity of a campsite and a few days...
Trail Time & Hot Toddies
Instead of toiling the winter days away, cooped up indoors, why not venture out for some trail time and toddies? Newaygo County is the perfect destination for such an adventure, and we are going to tell you right where to start! Gear up! First….are you going to...
Fremont Gets Ready to Jingle!
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to the Jingle Mingle Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 12th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Fremont Middle School at 500 Woodrow Street. Organizers say that attendees will find many unique handmade gifts and...
Fall Hikes + Hunting Season
Hike Safely During Hunting Season Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy a nice hike on the trails. Cooler, drier weather, changing leaves, and fewer insects make it one of many people’s favorite hiking seasons. Autumn is a favorite season for other forms of outdoor...
Punch your tag & bring home Thanksgiving dinner!
While the average weight of a fall turkey is below 15 pounds, a bird of that size will consume roughly five pounds of food each week. That doesn’t sound like much but fall turkey flocks’ balloon in size this time of year. On the small side, a flock of just a dozen...
Harvest Fest Returns to Fremont!
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the schedule of events for the 16th Annual Fremont Harvest Festival, slated to be Thursday September 22nd, Friday September 23rd and Saturday 24th. The Fremont Harvest Festival celebrates the rich farming...
Hey Newaygo! Let’s CAN some food!
Fall in Newaygo County is full of rich colors as the trees change from green to reds, yellows, and shades of brown. It also is a wonderful time of discovering the amazing bounty of the fall harvest, presented at local farmer markets and roadside country stands. On...
A legacy of family, hunting & conservation: The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch
Welcome to The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch, an institution with a rich legacy of hunting, family, and conservation. A LEGACY OF FAMILY, HUNTING, & CONSERVATION OUR STORY Established in 2018, The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit...