20 Attractions to Explore Near Hess Lake

Nestled in the heart of Newaygo County, lies the serene and picturesque Brooks Lake. This hidden gem boasts crystal clear water perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. With its lush trees and peaceful surroundings, it's the ideal spot for a quiet weekend getaway or a family vacation. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a nature lover's paradise. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Brooks Lake has something for everyone.

Pickerel Lake, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. With crystal clear waters and picturesque surroundings, it is the perfect destination for fishing, swimming, boating or just lounging on the beach. The lake is home to a variety of fish species including walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, making it a dream spot for fishing enthusiasts. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, Pickerel Lake also offers great hiking trails and camping sites.

The Croton Dam Pond is a beautiful natural attraction that draws in visitors from all around. With its tranquil waters and stunning scenery, it's the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature. This man-made lake provides not only breathtaking views but also endless opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. The dam itself also serves as an impressive engineering feat, able to hold back the impressive flow of the Muskegon River.

Hardy Dam Pond is a picturesque spot for outdoor enthusiasts to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area. This 3,400-acre pond is a man-made reservoir created by the Hardy Dam on the Muskegon River. Visitors can fish for walleye, northern pike, and bass, as well as enjoy water sports like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The area is surrounded by lush forests, making it an ideal spot for camping and hiking.

Howard Christensen Nature Center offers a space for individuals to explore the wonders of nature. With 589 acres open for exploration, Howard Christensen Nature Center includes trails, a rope bridge, meadows, and streams. The park features miles of trails that are open year round offering stunning views of wetlands, forests, and wild flowers. There are also educational programs offered seasonally that include topics such as gardening, birding tours, stargazing events and more.

Branstrom Park is a beautiful spot located in Newaygo County. This picturesque park is situated along the shores of the Big Muskegon River and is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park covers over 200 acres and offers a range of activities for all ages, from hiking and biking trails to fishing and picnic areas. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, or explore the various forests and grasslands that make up the park.

Fremont Lake Park is a hidden gem located in Newaygo County, Michigan. This serene and picturesque park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. From fishing and boating to hiking and camping, there's something for everyone at Fremont Lake. The lake itself is a pristine body of water, perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun on a hot summer day. In addition, the park features a sandy beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a volleyball court.

Robinson Lake, is a hidden gem of the Midwest. With its crystal-clear waters and tranquil surroundings, it's no wonder why this place is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Robinson Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing and kayaking. Its peaceful environment also makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or yoga session on the shore. If you're looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Robinson Lake is definitely worth a visit.

Fremont Lake, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This picturesque lake spans over 790 acres and boasts crystal-clear water that glistens in the sunlight. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, with an abundance of bass, pike, and bluegill swimming in its depths. Swimming, boating, and kayaking are also popular activities amongst visitors. The waterfront features a sandy beach with plenty of room for sunbathing or building sandcastles.

Hardy Dam Pond is beloved for its activities and easy access for visitors of all ages. On the lake, fishing is a common pastime with plenty of bass, bluegill and crappie for the taking. Recreational boating can be enjoyed by kayak or electric motor boats. There are two boat launches available for use. A refreshing beach area means families can enjoy sunbathing or swimming on a hot summer’s day. A disc golf course provides added fun.

Nestled in the heart of Newaygo County, Michigan lies the picturesque Lake White Cloud. Offering breathtaking views and crystal-clear water, this lake is a favorite destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, providing an ideal setting for hiking and camping. With its serene beauty and abundance of activities, Lake White Cloud has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination.

Nestled in the charming county of Newaygo, Michigan lies the tranquil Newaygo State Park. The park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with a picturesque lake, winding river and serene wooded trails. Whether you're looking for a challenging hiking adventure or a peaceful day of fishing, Newaygo State Park has it all. Picnic areas and playgrounds are also available for family fun while RV camping and rustic cabin rentals offer overnight accommodations.

Whitefish Lake is the perfect destination for visitors looking to have an unforgettable time surrounded by nature. This picturesque lake boasts crystal clear waters and a sandy shoreline with plenty of opportunities to relax in its natural surroundings. Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddling are activities that can be found here as well as numerous trails for hiking and biking. The area also offers rental cabins along the lakefront.

Long Lake Park is a beautiful destination for outdoor fun. With well-maintained hiking trails, a large lake for swimming and fishing, picnic facilities, and plenty of open space, it's the ideal spot for a family day out or a romantic evening. The park also boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including migratory birds and multiple species of fish. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while learning more about nature and local wildlife.

Brower Park is a great destination for those seeking the outdoors. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, visitors can explore the wooded trails, quiet streams and clear lakes. Activities include fishing from boats or shore plus walking, biking and jogging trails. There is a picnic area under mature trees making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or simply enjoying lunch outside. For those looking for more adventure, try geocaching to discover hidden treasures around nature’s wonders.

Twin Lake Park is the perfect escape for nature lovers seeking a refreshing change of scenery. This remarkable park boasts two lakes, diverse plant life, and a collection of well-maintained trails. Whether you're looking to fish, paddle a kayak or just take in stunning views of nature, Twin Lake Park offers something for everyone. You'll be enchanted by the serene surroundings as you stroll along the walking paths or take in the beauty of the lakefront.

Benton Lake is a beautiful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake, spanning over 100 acres, is home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching, as the lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a habitat for many bird species. The lake is a part of the Muskegon River Watershed and is an important source of water for the surrounding communities.

Wahlfield Park, is a great destination features trails and wide open areas for hiking and biking; a pond stocked with trout for fishing; and play areas for children. Sports enthusiasts can use nearby soccer fields and baseball diamonds. Visitors can also camp out beneath the stars from one of the park's 14 campsites or enjoy an outdoor picnic at one of the Pavilion shelters. Whether it be a day trip to take in nature's beauty or a weekend getaway with family and friends.

Rogers Dam is a small, hydroelectric dam Constructed in 1890, it was one of the first commercial dams in Michigan and still produces clean energy today. With two six-foot intake pipes, the dam supplies a total of 1 megawatt of power to local customers by moving water from the lower part of the Muskegon River to Coon Lake. The 27-acre Rogers Dam property also hosts multiple recreational amenities such as an easy access fishing pier and boat launch, double track mountain bike trails.

Garden Club Park spanning 20 acres of land, it is well-known for its beautiful foliage and towering trees that can be admired from the winding park trails. There are multiple outdoor activities available at the park including basketball and tennis courts, a children's playground, and picnic areas. Visitors that prefer more tranquil activities can wander through the butterfly garden or along the pond meditation path. It's easy to spend an entire day marveling at this stunning park.