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Photo by Michigan DNR
Visit Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater
West Michigan has a variety of wonderful state parks, and Pentwater is home to one of them…Charles Mears State Park.
Named after lumber baron Charles Mears, the 50-acre park is located just north of Pentwater along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The History of the Charles Mears State Park
Charles Mears was known as the “Christopher Columbus of the West Coast,” due to the fact he operated 15 mills and built five harbors along the western coast of Michigan. In order to aid his lumber business, Mears dug a wide channel for the Pentwater River going to Lake Michigan. In 1955, he built his saw mill, as well as a nearby store and boarding house for his laborers.
Originally called Middlesex, the area became known as Pentwater in 1867 when the village was created. Mears had built a long pier into Lake Michigan so that large boats could haul lumber from Pentwater to his Chicago yards. Charles Mears died in 1895, but his legacy lives on. In 1923, Mears’ daughter Carrie deeded 600 feet of beach to the state of Michigan. This land was the beginning of what would become the present Charles Mears State Park.
Features
Charles Mears State Park offers 175 paved campsite lots and a nice sandy beach along Lake Michigan, adjacent to the North Pierhead Light. Now available is a rentable pop-up camper, much more affordable than the former park manager’s quarters. There is a one mile interpretive trail for hiking, and a sand dune called Old Baldy that provides a spectacular view of Lake Michigan.
Visitors can enjoy a playground (which has new equipment that was added in 2012), picnic shelter, great fishing, and even a metal detecting area. The park also has an accessible walkway by the concession stand, making it easier for people in wheelchairs or those with strollers and coolers on wheels. A new concessionaire will be on site this year, the same one that operated the Ludington State Park concessions the last several years.
About Pentwater
The charming village of Pentwater is known for its quaint shops, art galleries, and the wonderful Village Green, venue for many outdoor concerts and art fairs. Side streets feature beautiful Victorian homes and colorful, blooming gardens. Watch the sailboats as they glide in and out of the marina, and just relax as the Lake Michigan breezes cool you.
Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater is one of Michigan’s premier state parks, with rich, historical significance.
For more information on the Charles Mears State Park:
(231) 869-2051
400 West Lowell St.
Pentwater MI, 49449
Experience Pentwater
Festivals & Events in Pentwater
The village of Pentwater, Michigan has beautiful beaches and fun shops to explore. They also host many festivals and events all year.
Pentwater Pierhead Lights
The North and South Pierhead Lights are located in Pentwater along Lake Michigan and are rare pier range light systems along the Great Lakes.
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing on the Pentwater Pathway
Get some fresh air and exercise during those cold winter months when you hit the Pentwater Pathway for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Oceana County Information
A county that grew during the lumber era, Oceana County is home to Hart, Hesperia, Mears, New Era, Pentwater, Rothbury, Shelby, & Walkerville.
The Pentwater Historical Society Museum
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
The Pentwater River
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
Contact Pentwater for Travel Info
Thinking about visiting Pentwater? Here is contact info for the tourism bureau, and to request a travel guide.