Laketon Township is a rural escape between three lakes
Laketon Township is appropriately named as its bordered by Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake. The three lakes draw beachgoers and boaters from all over West Michigan. Along with water adventures, the township’s woodsy landscape attracts those looking to feel more connected to Earth, while still close to the city of Musekgon. “Laketon Township is for people who are looking for a more country atmosphere, where they can slow down and enjoy nature,” says Cathy Nyboer, a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate and a native of West Michigan.
Wooded lots and subdivisions offer a wide range of homes
Straight wooded roads run anywhere from 1 to 5 miles through the township. Though some homes are closer to the street, many are privately tucked away by mature trees on acres of land. Ranch-style, split-level and Colonial Revival houses are common and range from around $140,000 to $370,000, depending on the size of the house and property. Some of these homes are also in subdivisions on the east side of the township, which offers a more suburban feel. They feature modern ranch-style and New Traditional houses ranging from $400,000 to $550,000. Waterfront properties along the three lakes don’t sell often. In recent years, two upscale homes facing Bear Lake sold for $950,000 and $1 million. No houses sold by Muskegon Lake or Lake Michigan.
92% of residents in Laketon Township are homeowners. The CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Rocket Scholars Foundation supports students at Reeths-Puffer High
Students may attend Reeths-Puffer Elementary School, which receives a B grade from Niche. They’ll go on to Reeths-Puffer Intermediate School, graded a B-minus, followed by Reeths-Puffer Middle School and Reeths-Puffer High School, both graded a B. The high school runs the Rocket Scholars Foundation, which provides scholarships for students with high academic achievements.
Boating, fishing and dune hiking are popular activities
Mullally Park is a traditional green space with a playground and several athletic fields used by local leagues. The township is home to Muskegon State Park, which offers more than 1,200 acres of nature to explore. It features 3 miles of sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan and another beach on the Muskegon Lake side. “Muskegon Lake gets pretty crazy if the weather is nice,” Nyboer says. “A lot of people will actually go over to Muskegon Lake Park by the beach and there’s a regular gathering of boats on the weekend. They’ll drop anchor and just enjoy the water and sun, and probably some beverages.” Locals also visit the state park to run along Scenic Drive, hike the sand dunes and have fun at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. The sports complex is home to one of the very few ice luge tracks in the country. It’s also a popular summer destination for ziplining through the woods and rock climbing.
Bear Lake and Muskegon Lake have public boat ramps available. Locals can also keep their boats docked at the Pointe Marine Association in the channel between the two lakes. Another channel runs from Muskegon Lake to the open waters of Lake Michigan. “There’s incredible fishing on all three lakes,” Nyboer says. “We see the same people at the boat launch all the time going out to catch salmon or fishing for walleye at night.”
Stores and restaurants on North Whitehall Road
Most of the township’s stores and restaurants are on the township’s east side along North Whitehall Road. The Handsome Hobo serves artisan thin-crust and deep dish pizza inside and out on the sandy patio. The same owner runs Hobo’s Tavern right next door, where diners can hang out on the same patio, but over ribs, fried fish and other tavern dishes. At Coney Land, locals eat hot dogs, burritos, ice cream and other comfort foods outside, while kids play on the restaurant’s playground. For groceries and other essentials, shoppers can head to DG Market, drive about 10 minutes to Meijer or 20 minutes to the dozens of big-box retailers in Muskegon.
Burning Food Festival and other events in Muskegon
Locals head to Muskegon to celebrate community events. Burning Foot Festival is one of the biggest events of the year, featuring live music, local art and craft beer. The Michigan Irish Music Festival also draws big crowds for a weekend of Celtic music, dancing and food at Heritage Landing. The Muskegon Museum of Art hosts the annual Festival of Trees with several holiday displays and live music.
East side subdivisions are closer to Muskegon and major roads
Those who live in the east side subdivisions are about 10 minutes from Muskegon. It’s about a 20-minute drive for those who live closer to Lake Michigan. It’s about the same distance to access U.S. 31, which runs up and down the Michigan’s west coast. Muskegon County Airport is about 20 to 30 minutes away and offers flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is about an hour away in Grand Rapids.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
