The peninsula village of Spring Lake is located just minutes from the coast of Lake Michigan. With a population of just over 2,500 people, Spring Lake is like a smaller version of the next-door city of Grand Haven. "We are blessed with being surrounded by water and the recreational opportunities that come with that," says Brady Selner, the Spring Lake village manager. "And we have a vibrant downtown." Though Spring Lake can get its fair share of tourists flocking to the water in the summer, there's also a sense of year-round community.
Spring Lake is a village surrounded by water.
Spring Lake has a small, but vibrant downtown.
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Summer homes and full-time residents
Spring Lake's median home price is $375,000, which is on par with the Ottawa County average. Smaller ranch homes can start as low as $200,000, and waterside properties range from $700,000 to over $1 million. "There is a mix of summer homes and full-time residences," says Sandi Gentry, a lifelong resident and a Re/Max Realtor with over 30 years of experience in West Michigan. "All the water makes it such a desirable spot." Every home is less than a mile from the water's edge, and some have private docks. Two new developments are estimated to add upwards of 100 rentable units and townhomes, as well as draw in new retail.
Larger homes in Spring Lake can be found along the water.
Older bungalows and Victorians can be found around the center of Spring Lake.
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Breathing in "Pure Michigan" air in Spring Lake
Located on the banks of the namesake Spring Lake and the Grand River and just 3 miles from Lake Michigan, the village's main outdoor attraction is the water. "You can really appreciate the state slogan, 'Pure Michigan,' by breathing in the fresh air here," Gentry says. "It's a beautiful spot with four seasons and something to do all year round." Spring Lake has sandy beaches, several marinas and kayak rental locations on all three sides of the village. Plus, the waterside parks tend to be less crowded with summer tourists than next-door Grand Haven. The village is also known for its network of paved trails, which run along the waterfront and out into rural Ottawa County.
The village government takes great care with their park space, working hard to maintain waterside amphitheaters, children's playgrounds and the seasonal floating docks that allow visitors to visit via boat. Tanglefoot Park was renovated in 2023 to add a community center, fireplaces and splash pad. Mill Park was redone after it suffered flooding damage, and Central Park is next in line for a refresh. "Parks are so instrumental in creating a sense of community and place," Selner says. "People really, really appreciate and get excited about these updates."
Visitors and locals alike can explore several beaches surrounding Spring Lake.
Recreation is a big part of Spring Lake's appeal, with several kayak rental hubs to explore.
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A small downtown with local bars, boutiques and restaurants
Though downtown Spring Lake spans less than a mile, it's filled with cafes, bars and boutiques, all lit in the evening by twinkling string lights. Restaurants range from classic American diners to an upscale steakhouse and speakeasy. "If you are a local or grew up here, you know Stan's Bar,” Selner says. They have a lot of history and play an instrumental role in the community." Downtown is also a designated social district, which means alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed outside.
There aren't many grocery options in Spring Lake, so locals must cross the river into Grand Haven for big-brand grocery stores, a drive that can get backed up by traffic.
Fuel Bar + Refuge is a popular bar in downtown Spring Lake.
Residents in Spring Lake must travel across the river to Grand Haven for larger big-brand grocery options.
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Spring Lakes schools earn an "A" on Niche
Spring Lake Public Schools gets an overall A rating from Niche and is ranked as the second-best district in Ottawa County. There are two elementary schools which go up to fourth grade. Both elementary schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2018. The rest of the district comprises one intermediate school for grades fifth and sixth, one middle and one high school. The village is also home to St. Mary's Catholic School, a private option for elementary-aged children.
Macatawa Bay Middle School is apart of West Ottawa Public Schools, just outside of the Spring lake neighborhood.
Sheldon Woods Elementary School provides many options and programs for all K-5th grade students in the West Ottawa School District.
Students at West Ottawa High School in the West Ottawa School District have the opportunity to select from over 200 courses.
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Holiday events, farmers markets and the annual Heritage Festival
Spring Lake holds events all year round, including a village-wide Easter egg hunt and a cozy Christmas tree lighting. One of the village's largest events is the Spring Lake Heritage Festival, a week-long celebration of the history, local artisans and live music. From June to October, locals also enjoy a weekly farmers market. "We have a very large agricultural industry, so the market is a great way for locals to show their support of our farmers," says Mark Allen, the president of the Chamber of Commerce for Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. "And it provides the community access to fresh fruit and veggies, including individuals on food assistance programs."
Door-to-door transportation and commutes to Grand Rapids
Like Grand Haven and Ferrysburg, Spring Lake is served by the Harbor Transit public transportation system. Harbor Transit functions like a taxi system, with a fleet of shuttles that take residents from wherever they are to wherever they want to go. Riders can prebook their trips in advance. In the summer, the Lakeshore Trolley runs from Spring Lake to the beaches in Grand Haven. By car, Grand Haven is about a mile away across the Beacon Boulevard Bridge. The bridge can occasionally get backed up with traffic, especially in the summer, as tourists pass through Spring Haven on their way to Grand Haven's beaches.
Grand Rapids is 30 miles away for bigger city amenities, typically a 30-minute drive along Interstate 96. State Route 104 runs through Spring Lake and connects directly to I-96. Grand Rapids is known for its large healthcare hub and is home to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which connects nonstop to 34 destinations nationwide.
Many of the area’s largest employers, like the manufacturing companies Shape Corporation or Herman Miller, are a few miles north or south of Spring Lake. The surrounding township also has a thriving agricultural industry, especially known for its blueberry production.
The Harbor Transit offers shuttles to take Spring Lake residents around town.
The Gerald R. Ford International airport is 30 miles away from Spring Lake and offers residents nonstop flights to 34 destinations nationwide.
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Important to know
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services to Spring Lake. Since the village doesn’t have its own police department, there is no specific crime rate data. However, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, crime rates reported by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office are below both the state and national average.
Spring Lake has four distinct seasons, but winter can get frigid and bring high snowfall. According to the National Weather Service, the area receives an annual average of around 70 inches of snow. Overnight parking on village streets and parking lots is prohibited during winter months to allow for snow plowing.
The city has experienced flooding in the past few years, primarily affecting the southwest side of the village. Securing federal loans for homes in designated high-risk areas may require flood insurance.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Shires
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Spring Lake, MI sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Spring Lake, MI over the last 12 months is $444,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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