Located on the sugar sand shores of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Grand River, Grand Haven is an active resort town and the epicenter of West Michigan's Water Wonderland. Grand Haven State Park is regularly rated one of the nation's top beaches. And the city features more than 100 miles of bike trail, 2 Great Lakes lighthouses, a busy waterfront boardwalk, and an extensive fleet of charter fishing boats. The city has felt the pain of Michigan's deindustrialization. But the community also is acting aggressively to reinvest in the urban core, leverage traditional assets such as a distinct quality of life, and position itself to compete in the 21st century. With the Big Lake on the front doorstep, it's hard to imagine anything but success.
Every cottage at Grand Haven's Highland Park has a story. This week's excerpt of Karen Lowe's book about the historic cottage association explores a man wrongfully accused and a local artist.
When Karen Lowe first saw the Ship's Lantern cottage it was love at first sight. She bought the house, contents and all, which included several historical books about the Highland Park Cottage Association. She has delved into the history of the cottages in her book, including this excerpt.
April brings shopping, farm animals, spring break fun, dance, library events, theater, music, and several planet-friendly Earth Day activities.
The state’s “You Can In Michigan” campaign is helping a cutting-edge Grand Haven auto parts manufacturer to thrive. The plan is to help West Michigan employers in filling more than 1,500 good-paying job openings in advanced manufacturing and IT.
Among the many colorful residents of Highland Park was Capt. Jack Walker, who operated a bath house and kept a tame bear to entertain visitors, among other amusements.
A grant for pilot transportation programs will make it easier for people to spend time at Momentum Centers in Holland and Grand Haven.
The second story in the Highland Park series looks at the original investors who put their money to work to help make the historic cottage association possible.
Karen Lowe's book details the nearly 140-year history of Highland Park in Grand Haven. In this eight-part series, we'll get a peak at the past with excerpts from The Historic Cottages of Highland Park.
In 2023, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council awarded $110,600 in grants to area organizations for youth-focused programs.
Chris Petras relates how he came to document the actions of 20 men of the 126th Infantry/Regiment, 32nd “Red Arrow” Division WWI that earned them Purple Hearts. Petras was honored as the Tri-Cities Historical Museum's 2023 Historian of the Year for his efforts.
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