River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County is made up of the former Croton-Hardy Business Alliance, Grant Area, Newaygo Area and White Cloud Area Chambers of Commerce.  We are home to  three unspoiled rivers, two immense dams, and dozens of pristine lakes spoiling residents and visitors with endless choices to paddle, boat, fish, sail, hike, shop, live and work alongside nature.

We see water on our daily commute to the office, and because of terrific broadband infrastructure, many of us simply skip the commute altogether and just look outside.  We have dinner out on waterfront restaurant decks and take sunset walks on hiking paths that only deer enjoyed just about 150 years ago.  It’s why we’re home to international sports competitions, world class fly fishing, and one of the best tourism destinations in Michigan.  It’s also why so many who first come as visitors now make this area their home.  We are also just a short drive from as much big city life as you like: Provided of course, you want to leave us at all… River Country Naturally!

The Right Place is a single source for business success in West Michigan. They are a private, non-profit economic development organization that has led West Michigan’s economic growth for over 30 years.They provide business growth assistance to both local and international companies including site location services, connections to regional supply chain and service providers, regional business tours, consultation on state and local business incentives, and more.

Welcome to the picturesque community of Hesperia, Michigan. Our town is situated on the border of Oceana and Newaygo Counties, along the beautiful White River, where you will find some of the best salmon and rainbow trout fishing in Michigan. Enjoy a stroll down our main street, stop in and visit the local shops, walk along the riverside boardwalk and watch the fish jump next to the dam, take a swim in the Millpond, or enjoy a quiet walk out on the islands. The more adventurous can take a canoe or kayak trip down the river, camp and fish along the river’s edge, put in your own boat or hire a river guide. Hunting can be found almost year round and winter sports abound as well, with snowmobiling and ice fishing on one of the many lakes in the area.

There are two local stories of how Hesperia received its name. The first was that it was an Indian name for “beautiful gardens”, since the area was once home Indian tribes in the area. The second was that it was named from Hesperides in Greek Mythology, meaning “blissful garden”, located in the western part of Greece. Either way, We are definitely in West Michigan and it may be more beautiful here. In 1856 Booth Perry settled in the area, followed shortly thereafter by Pat McFarland and Alex McLaren (McLaren lake is named after him). The village of Hesperia was platted in 1866 by Daniel Weaver and John Cook, who built a sawmill and general store. The town officially became a village in 1883.

The Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the 4th of July Hesperia Family FunFest on Independence Day, with live bands & street dancing, parade, tractor & horse pulls, canoe race, beer tent, fireworks, and more.

Come and visit us soon! Camp, swim, kayak, hunt, fish, shop, play, and relax!

The mission of the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts is to be a creative force and community resource providing cultural experiences for Newaygo County and surrounding areas.

The opening of the $7 million dollar facility in July 2002 was a fulfillment of a dream that began with Dan and Dorothy Gerber. Scotti Merrill, the Gerber’s daughter, and long-time family friend Ted Johnson spearheaded the effort by forming the Art Center for Newaygo County, a non-profit organization dedicated to planning, building, and maintaining the Dogwood Center. Through grants from the Fremont Area Community Foundation and very generous gifts from community members, the Dogwood Center now is an incredible cultural venue and resource for the entire area.

37 North is the NCTC official outdoor gear partner. 

Dragon Adventures Base Camp is a 23 Acre Adventure Base Camp in the Hardy Dam Area. We have been big supporters of the Dragon Trail installation and wanted to create a space for the adventure community to grow around one of our favorite trails! The Hardy Dam area doesn’t just offer some top-notch mountain biking through the Dragon Trail, it is also an area known for boating, hiking, and fishing, making this a huge adventure hub.

We desire to create a space where adventurers can gather and share their stories. A hub where adventurers can join together for a day on the trail or water. A place where families and friends can create new adventure memories for themselves. We have found that some of the best conversations happen around shared activities where strangers leave with new friends.

We are so excited to see how Dragon Adventures Base Camp and help facilitate adventure and community in the Newaygo area. Go like our Facebook page to stay updated on developments!