About Gun Lake
Located in beautiful Southwest Michigan, Gun Lake is the largest inland lake in this part of the state. Gun Lake is an All Sports Lake with 2680 acres great for boating, excellent fishing (including winter ice fishing), water skiing, tubing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, and Para-Sailing. A State Park and campground adjoin the lake, as well as a small County Park, each offering beach, swimming, facilities, and public boat launches.
Gun Lake is surrounded by 5,200 acre Yankee Springs State Recreation Area offering miles of hiking, biking, horse, and snowmobile trails, as well as public hunting areas. Spring and Fall mushrooming is also popular. Nearby 16,784 acre Barry State Game Area adds to the magic so Gun Lake is part of one the most beautiful and largest natural areas in the lower half of Michigan.
Things to Do
Camping
Yankee Springs State Park Campgrounds reservations DNR https://www.midnrreservations.com
Yankee Springs Recreation Area home site – all campgrounds and trails info https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=511&type=SPRK
Parkside Park – private campground next to the State Park 80+ campsites, full hookups available, modern restrooms/showers
Miller Lake Family Campgrounds
2130 Miller Lake Drive
Hopkins, MI 49348
269-672-7139
Reservations@millerlakecampground.com
Summer Camps for Kids
Camp Manitoulin – located on nearby Barlow Lake and run by YMCA, the camp offers day camps and overnight camps including regular, leadership, and horse camps, for a variety of age groups. https://www.grymca.org/camps/ymca-camp-manitou-lin
Son Life Camp – a Christian camp and retreat center located on Round Lake about 5 mi. west of Gun Lake offers a variety of day and overnight summer camps for age groups from 6-17.
http://www.son-lifecamp.org/retreats
Circle Pines Center – Circle Pines Center teaches peace, social justice, and environmental stewardship through cooperation in work, education, and recreation. 10 min. from Gun Lake. https://www.circlepinescenter.org
Golf Courses
There are 5 golf courses within a 7 mile radius of the lake; 15 within 15 miles. The closest are:
Yankee Springs Golf Course http://playyankeegolf.com
Mullenhurst Golf Course https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Golf-Course—Country-Club/Mullenhurst-Golf-Course-169060746577072/
Orchard Hills Golf Course http://www.orchardhillsgc.com
Gun Ridge Golf Course http://www.gunridgegolf.com
The Legacy at Hastings www.legacyathastings.com
Hiking
Yankee Springs Recreation Area has many miles of maintained hiking trails for walking, mountain biking, horseback riding, Cross Country skiing, and snowmobiling. Check out local landmarks like Grave’s Hill (the highest point in W. Michigan, and the Devil’s Soup Bowl – a giant depression caused by glacial anomaly. Stop at the park office for more information. A Passport or day permit is required. See the map link below for locations.
(insert trail map)
Hidden Pond Preserve – a half-mile of moderate trails through grassland and forest edges, over a stream to a hilltop pond. This restored prairie is part of the SW Michigan Land Conservancy project. A gravel parking lot and no facilities. In the wild on gravel Otis Lake Road only 10 min. from Gun Lake.
Birding
The Thornapple Birding Trail is a great way to find, see, and hear the incredible variety of birds you might expect a wilderness area as large as Barry County to have. This link describes what you can find and provides an interactive map to your birding adventure
Visit an Artisan: Red Clay Pottery
Local gallery features the tableware and sculptural work of potter Christyl Burnett and her daughter Jonah. Visitors to the gallery have the opportunity to see a traditional craftsperson at work in her studio.
Music
Gun Lake Live Summer Concert Series – listen live to local bands every Wed. eve. Memorial Day to Labor Day at Bay Pointe Inn on shore or from your boat. A great party! https://www.baypointeinn.com/gun-lake-live/
Casino
The Gun Lake Casino is 8 miles west of Gun Lake at US 131 Bradley exit. https://gunlakecasino.com
Grand Rapids
is just 25 minutes to the north offering:
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov
The world famous Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (also concerts) https://www.meijergardens.org
Grand Rapids Art Museum https://www.artmuseumgr.org
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum https://www.grcm.org
Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium https://www.grpm.org/planetarium/
VanAndel Grand Rapids Public Museum Center https://www.grpm.org
John Ball Park Zoo https://www.jbzoo.org
West Michigan Whitecaps minor league baseball at Fifth Third Park https://www.milb.com/west-michigan
Battle Creek
is 26 miles away offering:
The amazing Binder Park Zoo https://binderparkzoo.org
The nationally known Gilmore Car Museum is 16 mi. south on the way https://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org
Kalamazoo
is 45 minutes to the south offering:
Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum https://www.airzoo.org
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts https://www.kiarts.org
Western Michigan University Theatre and programs https://www.millerauditorium.com/season-events
Gun Lake Lodging
Bay Pointe Inn – the only hotel on the water or near Gun Lake. Dock slips available.
Bay Pointe Woods – a new addition by Bay Pointe across the road from Bay Pointe Hotel includes well appointed ‘cottages’. a large meeting center for weddings and retreats, and beautifully landscaped grounds. A short walk to Terrace Grille.
Bay Pointe – Michigan Lake Vacations – Gun Lake Resort
Gun Lake Motel – seasonal. Basic motel lodging.
2710 Patterson Rd, Wayland, MI 49348 Phone: (269) 792-2028
Additional lodging, hotels, restaurants, and bars are available in nearby Hastings and Wayland (15 min.)
Weddings and Retreats
Bay Pointe Inn is a well known destination wedding venue located right on the lake with newly expanded facilities to handle more and larger weddings outdoor by the lake or indoor. It can also host family or corporate retreats and gatherings.
Long Lake Outdoor Center located in Yankee Springs Recreation Area a half mile from Gun Lake has a large meeting/dining lodge (capacity 120), rustic cabins, and places to camp. It can host weddings, family retreats, church groups, corporate retreats or other gatherings in a secluded rustic setting. The whole camp can be rented or individual cabins.
Historic Bowens Mills provides an indoor/outdoor venue for weddings and large gatherings. Its location on a historic working grist and cider mill complete with water wheel, barn, and Belgian horses makes it a unique place to visit or host an event. Located 10 min. north of Gun Lake.
Son Life Camp – a Christian camp and retreat center located on Round Lake about 5 mi. west of Gun Lake hosts weddings at its outdoor chapel by the lake and also does church groups and retreats.
http://www.son-lifecamp.org/retreats
Churches and Worship
Gun Lake Chapel – guest pastors and music change every week during summer seasonal worship. Gun Lake tradition for decades. 2901 S. Patterson Rd. by Premier Boating. http://www.gunlakechapel.org/schedule/
Gun Lake Community Church – non-denominational contemporary worship located on Gun Lake Rd. east of McDonalds. Large friendly church.
Gun Lake Community Church | Gun | 12200w M-179, Wayland, MI, USA
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church – five miles from Gun Lake.
Mass Times – SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish – Wayland, MI
Thornapple Valley Church – large popular down-to-earth contemporary worship church with terrific music and great programs for kids in the country outside Hastings 15 min. from Gun Lake.
HOME | Thornapple Valley Church
See also: https://www.gunlakebusiness.com/glba-business-advertising-program/church-directory/
Airports
Gerald R Ford Airport Grand Rapids 25 miles from the lake
Kalamazoo Airport 50 minutes away
Detroit Airport 150 mi.
Chicago Airport 175 mi.
A small local airport is available in Hastings 13 mi.
Shopping Banking Pharmacy Flowers/Gifts
Town and Country Market – full-service grocery and pharmacy, bakery, deli, meat. Behind United Bank just off Patterson Rd on 124th Ave.
Gun Lake Pharmacy – located in Town and Country Market, inside or drive thru service (269) 672-7774
TOM’S on Gun Lake
11080 Gun Lake Rd
269-795-9491
Tomsmarket.biz
United Bank – Full service branch and ATM on Patterson Rd. across from Allegan County Park/Launch https://www.unitedbank4u.com
Apparel, Flowers, Gifts
The Waters Edge Floral and Gift on Patterson Rd. west side of lake. Flower arrangements for take home or delivery and gifts.
Gabby’s Unique Decor – Lake oriented eclectic home decor, apparel, memorabilia, gifts, and more – a variety of vendor booths in one shop located across from the cemetery and in front of Curly Cone on M179.
Hunting/Fishing
A Sportsman’s Attic – gear and apparel for hunting and fishing including guns, ammo, archery, rods, tackle and bait.
A Sportsman’s Attic – Gun Lake Business Association
See also Gun Lake Business Association Directory
Business Categories – Gun Lake Business Association
Cities close for shopping are Wayland (10mi NW), and Hastings (10mi E).
Cottage and Marine Rentals and Services
Cottages, homes, cabins, and condos on the lake seasonal rentals
Gun Lake Rentals – cottages for rent on Gun Lake.
Home to Go – cottages for rent on Gun Lake
Chicago Point Resort – a prime location with 1,000’ water frontage, the resort has weekly cabin rentals, dock space, swimming, nice common areas.
Watercraft for Rent
Gun Lake Rentals on Patterson Rd. – rent pontoons, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards https://gunlakerentals.com
Matteson Marine on Marsh Rd. – rent pontoons https://www.mattesonmarine.com/make-a-rental-reservation–xrentals
Marinas and Marine Services
Matteson Marine – full service marina offering boat sales, parts, service, rental, and storage as well as sales and install of docks and sales/install/removal/storage of lifts on south side of the lake. On the lake for generations. https://www.mattesonmarine.com
Premier Boating – full service boating business with sales, service, parts, and storage on Patterson Rd. https://premierboating.com
Harrisons Gun Lake Marine and Kawasaki – full service marine offering sales, service, parts, and storage of boats, jet-skis, ATVs as well as sales of docks and lifts. Only jet-ski dealer and servicer on the lake. Also only place to fill propane tanks nearby. On M179 (Chief Noonday Rd.) east of McDonalds. https://harrisonsgunlake.com
Gun Lake Restaurants and Dining
Bay Pointe Bar and Grille – Fine dining on the water, excellent drinks, the chef creates an ever-changing and delightful menu. Outdoor patio.
Sand Bar Grille – Fun casual with patio dining and bar near State Park. Great Friday night fish and shrimp all you can eat.
Curley Cone – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, fresh bakery, and of course ice cream and other sweet treats, dine in or drive thru, old-time diner atmosphere.
Four Roses Cafe We are a casual, fine dining cafe with a focus on fresh, flavorful dishes and outstanding service. 633 10th Street Plainwell, MI 490980 269-685-1077 www.fourrosescafe.com
Gun Lake Cocina – 11114 Gun Lake Rd. just east of the State Park, breakfast and Friday night fish fry, recently doing some smoked brisket/pork/ribs on Sat. nights – call ahead days/hours vary 269-795-7083 https://www.facebook.com/GunLakeCocina/
Judd’s Bar & Grill- Gun Lake in Wayland MI. Appetizers, Burgers, Pizza, Fresh Blue Gill, Pasta, Desserts, Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Live Music, 269-397-1202
Juddsbarandgrille.com
Kloosterman’s Sports Tap Bar & Grille 12 Beers on Tap, Premium Sports, Friendly Staff and the Best Original Fried Chicken around!
201 S Jefferson St., Hastings 2 69-945-9940 https://kloostermanssportstapbarandgrill.com/
Kloostermanssportstapbarandgrill.com
Lakeside Pizzeria – On the lake south side, dine-in, take out, can pick up from your boat at the dock – go in or they might bring it out to you.
Russo’s Pizzeria Bar & Grille at Gun Lake 2688 S. Patterson Rd Wayland, MI 49348, 269-397-1008 Russo’s Italian Restaurant in Gun Lake, Michigan with a vision to provide meaningful service and delicious dining.
Thirsty Buddy Thirsty Buddy, a unique dining experience for all offering a swanky indoor lounge, four season deck, an outdoor patio. 12850 M-179 Suite #2 Wayland, MI 49348 269-397-1210
Thirstybuddygunlake.com
Yankee Bill’s Saloon – just a few miles east down M179 from the lake in the country Yankee Bill’s features wood fired pizza, house smoked meats and bbq, craft beers. Outdoor patio. Ask the owner the story of Yankee Bill.
Hungry Howies– located at the Marathon gas station near the State Park
https://www.hungryhowies.com/menu-categories call 269-795-3250 local
McDonald’s – located at the BP gas station corner of Patterson Rd. and M179
Walldorff Brew Pub is a great place to enjoy American food, craft brews, and wood-fired pizzas in one of America’s Top 100 Best Small Towns
105 East State St. Hastings, MI 49508 269-945-4400
Pickleball
Thirsty Buddy
Yankee Springs Township Park
Yankee Springs Township Park
1659-1705 Parker Dr
Wayland, MI