Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Highland Park Association
On May 10, 1886, the city of Grand Haven leased 60 acres of land to the newly founded and incorporated Highland Park Association for the purpose of establishing a resort community. Most of the 51 original members of the Association were prominent local businessmen; however in its first century of maintaining the park, the Association expanded to include cottage owners from across North America. Their cottages are nestled on Nipissing Age dunes and among hardwood forests characteristic of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.
Side 2
By 1923 the Highland Park Association consisted of over 100 cottages, miles of boardwalk and a hotel. The boardwalks, many of which remain, provide access to the dunes while protecting them. At the park's centennial there were 98 cottages, but, the once stately hotel was destroyed by fire in 1967. This unique environment is a climax dune habitat with a variety of wildflowers, small animals and migratory birds. The biological and geological landscape of Highland Park provides a recreational and educational resource for all visitors.
Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1308.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers . In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.
Location. 43° 2.978′ N, 86° 14.606′ W. Marker is in Grand Haven, Michigan, in Ottawa County. Marker is on Highland Drive, ¼ mile north of Lake Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Haven MI 49417, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Khardomah Lodge / Susan Hill Yerkes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lake Forest Cemetery Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Life Saving Service (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Boardwalk (approx. 0.7 miles away); Escanaba Park (approx. ¾ mile away); Escanaba Memorial Park (approx. ¾ mile away); In Memory of the Coast Guard Men and Women (approx. ¾ mile away); To The Enlisted Men of the United States Coast Guard (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 2, 2015, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.