Gun Lake Protective Association |
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.
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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=SPRKParkside Park - private campground next to the State Park 80+ campsites, full hookups available, modern restrooms/showers https://www.facebook.com/GunLakeParksidePark Miller Lake Family Campgrounds |
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-linSon 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 |
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| 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. https://swmlc.org/project/hidden-pond-preserve/ |
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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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. https://www.baypointeinn.com/woods/ 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. https://www.baypointeinn.com/wedding-venues/ 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. https://gunlakecommunitychurch.org Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church - five miles from Gun Lake. https://sscmparish.org/mass-times 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. See also: https://www.gunlakebusiness.com/glba-business-advertising-program/church-directory/ |
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| 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. https://www.tcsupermarkets.com/about-gunlake.php Gun Lake Pharmacy - located in Town and Country Market, inside or drive thru service (269) 672-7774 TOM’S on Gun Lake 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. https://www.watersedgefloral.com 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. L |
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| Hunting/Fishing A Sportsman’s Attic - gear and apparel for hunting and fishing including guns, ammo, archery, rods, tackle and bait. See also Gun Lake Business Association Directory https://www.gunlakebusiness.com/business-directory/ 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 https://www.gunlakecottagerentals.com/2020_reservations-covid-19 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. http://www.chicagopointresort.com |
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| 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 |
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Gun Lake Restaurants and Dining |
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Bay Pointe Bar and Grille - Fine dining on the water, excellent drinks, the chef creates an ever-changing and delightful menu. Outdoor patio. https://www.baypointeinn.com/eats/ Sand Bar Grille - Fun casual with patio dining and bar near State Park. Great Friday night fish and shrimp all you can eat. https://www.facebook.com/SandBarandGrillGunLake/?ref=ts 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 Kloosterman’s Sports Tap Bar & Grille 12 Beers on Tap, Premium Sports, Friendly Staff and the Best Original Fried Chicken around! 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. https://www.menupix.com/michigan/restaurants/380340078/Lakeside-Pizzeria-Shelbyville-MI 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 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. https://yankee-bills-wood-fired-saloon.business.site 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 PICKELBALL
Thirsty Buddy Yankee Springs Township Park Yankee Springs Township Park |
