Spring Lake Township offers both waterfront and peaceful living
Spring Lake Township sits on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan and is bordered on the south by the Grand River. Located in Ottawa County, this community is just minutes from Grand Haven and 30 miles from Grand Rapids, making it a convenient location for those seeking both quiet and accessibility. Within the township, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the community’s scenic waterfronts and extensive nature trails, while families are drawn to the local school systems and youth sports programs. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Housing ranges from 1900s builds to contemporary waterfront homes
Surrounded by lakes and rivers, the township is covered by trees and woodlands, with meandering roads that often end in neighborhood cul-de-sacs. Houses here are as diverse as the landscape. Properties from the 1900s range from split-levels, Colonial Revivals and garrison homes to Cape Cods and ranch-style houses, while most 21st-century builds feature New Traditional design. Although homes in newer subdivisions may have smaller yards, most houses sit on comfortably sized lots with open lawns and mature greens.
Single-family properties can go from $220,000 to $600,000. Waterfront homes with private docks start around $600,000 and can reach $1.3 million, while larger waterside mansions can top between $1.4 million and $2.7 million. Duplexes sell between $300,000 and $400,000. Condominium units typically go from $150,000 to $250,000, and stand-alone condos are from $300,000 to approximately $750,000. Properties in designated flood zones may require flood insurance.
Outdoor and water recreation at local parks and Lake Michigan
Rycenga Park features sports fields, nature trails and playgrounds, and local youth and sports leagues often practice and host tournaments here. Black Lake Park has a launch site for kayaking, while the Grand River and Lake Michigan offer more opportunities for water recreation. In addition to having an 18-hole disc golf course, the community has a 12-mile bike path for nonmotorized recreational use. The private Spring Lake Country Club features a championship course, facilities for tennis, pickleball and fitness, as well as a club restaurant.
Reputable school systems serve the township
The township is served by both Grand Haven Area Public Schools and Spring Lake Public Schools. Those attending Grand Haven schools may attend Lake Hills Elementary School, which gets an A grade from Niche. White Pines Intermediate School, Lakeshore Middle School and Grand Haven High School all earn an A-minus. Spring Lake schools include Jeffers Elementary; Spring Lake Intermediate School, which covers fifth and sixth grades; and Spring Lake Middle School, all of which have an A. Spring Lake High School gets an A-minus, offering sports teams for soccer, lacrosse, swimming, golf and tennis.
Local dining and grocery options are in nearby villages and cities
While few businesses are in the township, local establishments are often in Spring Lake’s village center or in the neighboring cities of Ferrysburg and Grand Haven. With a homey atmosphere in the village center, Village Baker is a staple spot for baked goods and classic comfort food. The Arboreal Inn serves elevated American fare in a white tablecloth setting, providing fine dining to the community for over 40 years. Grocery options in the surrounding areas include Leppinks Food Centers and Orchard Markets. About 5 miles south, Grand Haven has Walmart and Meijer.
Distance to Grand Haven and Grand Rapids
U.S. Route 31 and Michigan Route 104 pass through the township, and Interstate 96 is east of the community. Grand Haven, a larger city in the region, is about 5 miles south, and Grand Rapids is approximately 30 miles away. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is 40 miles east, and Muskegon County Airport is 10 miles away, offering direct flights to and from Chicago. Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital is just south of the area in Grand Haven.
Events and festivals in both township and village of Spring Lake
The annual Spring Lake Heritage Festival usually takes place at Mill Point Park in June, with live music and local food vendors. The park also hosts Music at the Point, a weekly summer concert series. A waterfront event, the Spring Lake Wooden and Classic Boat Show has live entertainment and vessel displays on both water and land.
