FENNVILLE, MICHIGAN
Fennville, Michigan with a population of only 2000 citizens or so, is one of the hidden secrets in Southwest Michigan. The real estate market is bustling from rural areas to the lakeshore, you will find farms, cabins in the woods, and beautiful beachfront homes to choose from. The area has a wide range of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities to choose from, and the people are friendly as can be. The area has become more attractive over the years as its small-town charm is bringing folks from all over the country. Explore the charm of the Fennville, MI area with these top five favorites: Allegan State Game Area, Fenn Valley Vineyards, Pier Cove Beach, West Side County Park, and Crane Orchards, offering fantastic spots to visit. If you have any questions about real estate or things to do, don't hesitate to call us at any time. We are here to help!
1. Allegan State Game Area
The Allegan State Game Area has been one of my favorite places to go check out the wildlife, especially the birds, geese, and deer. The area covers over 55,000 sq acres of woods, streams, lakes, pine forests, and miles of hiking trails. I have hiked and snowmobiled in most of the area over the past 50 plus years. The deer seem to know it’s a safe area on the western portion of the game area as you can see large groups in that area. And on occasion you will see the bird watching enthusiasts along 118th street looking for some of the migrating birds that stop in the area. Years ago, my dad and I saw what we were told was a Ferruginous Hawk by a bird watcher who had been looking for the Hawk. Now I have never heard of that but did a little research and found that they are common out west, but very rare in this area. Has anyone else seen the Ferruginous Hawk?
2. Fenn Valley Vineyards
If you are looking for a cool place to enjoy some premium wines and learn about wine making or take an extended tour through the vineyards, then this place is for you. Fenn Valley Vineyards is a 240-acre farm established in Fennville, Michigan for just over 50 years. It has remained a must-visit for both wine novices and experts alike. Their slogan “The Lake Effect Everyone Loves” is in reference to the narrow band along the lakeshore that allows for cold tender grape varieties to be successfully grown. The Lake Effect is the moderating effect that Lake Michigan has on the climate of West Michigan. And the best part about it is that you don’t have to travel to Napa Valley for wine country, it’s right here in Fennville!
3. Pier Cove Beach
Pier Cove Beach is a sliver of public beach along Lakeshore Drive and 123rd street with limited parking with just 10 spots. During the summer months, these spots are typically claimed by 8 am on most days. Besides being a great spot to enjoy the lake and beach, it's a great walking beach to look for cool rocks and beach glass. With historical significance, Pier Cove Beach spans only about 75 feet, surveyed in 1839. The village of Pier Cove was once hailed as “the busiest port between St. Joseph and Muskegon”. It was once a bustling community and a major point for lumber and fruit distribution, with ships departing daily carrying tanbark and cordwood to Chicago and Milwaukee. I spent a good portion of my childhood chasing tadpoles and frogs in the stream there
4. West Side County Park
West Side County Park, formerly Allegan County Park, is nestled in Fennville’s “Gold Coast”. An area of a half mile or so that features some of Fennville’s most expensive real estate. This 11-acre park features a ball field, swings, restrooms, and one of the nicest beaches in SW Michigan. Back in 1970 or so there used to be a small cabin that sold refreshments, they were the best root beer popsicles ever!
5. Crane Orchards
Crane Orchards is a must visit during Michigan’s apple season from mid-August to mid-October. This 200-acre farm got its roots when H.H. Hutchins planted the beginning of Crane Orchards. It has several hundred feet of lakefront on Hutchins Lake, which was aptly named after H.H. Today it features over 20 varieties of apples, 10 varieties of peaches, and sweet cherries too! In the fall there are hayrides, and a corn maze that can turn you around in circles. Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant also has some of the best pies, and the apple cider donuts, well a whole dozen can disappear quickly in our house. Visit the u-pick orchard in June for cherries, in July anticipate the start of u-pick peaches and come October for a delightful fall experience.
- Written by Kevin Cozzie
Discover these great attractions and more with a home in Fennville, Michigan. With over 30 years of real estate expertise, the Andrea Crossman Group is dedicated to assisting you in finding your dream home. Contact us here or call 616-218-0267 to get started today! Click here to view all homes for sale in Fennville, Michigan.
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