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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. 

 

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

https://www.facebook.com/GunLakeParksidePark


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


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/




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


https://www.barrycounty.org/departments_and_officials/advisory_boards_and_commissions/parks_and_recreation/thornapple-birding-trail.php



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.

http://redclaypottery.com




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.

https://www.baypointeinn.com

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.

https://longlakeoutdoorcenter.com

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.

http://www.bowensmills.com

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.  

https://www.tvcweb.org

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.

https://www.tcsupermarkets.com/about-gunlake.php

Gun Lake Pharmacy - located in Town and Country Market, inside or drive thru service (269) 672-7774 

Sam’s Gourmet Food Store - well stocked liquor, party store, assorted groceries and sundries, homemade brats and wonderful homemade donuts made fresh and warm Sat. and Sun. mornings - get there early in season. on Gun Lake Rd. just east of State Park.  269-795-9491 

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. 

https://www.gabbys.co

Lake and Surf Shack - Cool beachwear and accessories located next to Froggy’s and Lakeside Pizza. https://www.facebook.com/LakeandSurfShack/





Hunting/Fishing

A Sportsman’s Attic - gear and apparel for hunting and fishing including guns, ammo, archery, rods, tackle and bait.

https://asportsmansattic.com

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




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




Terrace Grille at Bay Pointe Inn - 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.

https://www.curleycone.com

The Blue Wagyu - Interesting upscale menu featuring local wagyu beef, located on a golf course a few miles from the lake.

http://the-bluewagyu.com/index.php/kitchen/

Freda’s Fish Fry - Dine in, take out wide variety of fried fish and seafood. Gator bites and gizzards are favorites too.

https://www.facebook.com/FredasFF/

Circle Inn - Diner atmosphere breakfast and lunch with a view of the lake.

https://www.facebook.com/Circle-Inn-Restaurant-165991324928/

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/

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

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

Froggy’s Ice Cream - Located right next to Lakeside Pizza get ice cream right off your boat. A sand beach play area in front is fun for kids.

http://thelandingongunlake.com/#x-section-6

Gun Lake Pit Stop - M179 near State Park, take out and delivery up to 8 miles

https://www.facebook.com/GunLakePitStop/

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


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