Pentwater
Come to Play, Return to Stay

Pentwater, Michigan — the village, township and surrounding area — is more than a quintessential, old-fashioned, laid back community with a rich history on the shores of Lake Michigan’s clear waters and sugar-fine sandy beaches. It’s more than an area featuring a 500 acre inland lake fed by a vibrant river. And it’s also more than rows of downtown businesses offering an eclectic mix of shops, places to eat, and a Village Green with a bandstand that’s the centerpiece for many fun events.

To the surprise of many visitors, Pentwater is also a great place to make one’s home and thrive in every season!

Families that have remained here for generations are the community’s foundation, yet they eagerly welcome visitors who choose to make Pentwater their homestead. The locals are quick to offer helpful advice on seemingly everything — or lend a hand in time of need. It’s easy to make new, deep and lasting friendships within this “village family.” There’s always someone who’ll be happy to teach you a new skill or hobby.

Like the TV program “Cheers,” — sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came — Pentwater is that kind of place.

Some of the latest newcomers are professionals who’ve found Pentwater to be a great small town from which to telecommute. Others have chosen to make Pentwater their retirement home. The area’s safe feeling and strong creative appeal have attracted talented people who bring their rich life experiences to engage in the daily give-and-take of our vibrant community.

People stay busy and connected in many ways. We’re big volunteers. There are about a dozen local clubs to join, community service opportunities, morning coffee where folks gather at a local cafe weekdays at “about 10 a.m.,” several artist venues, community friendship center, fine places to worship, local library connected to the state’s e-library system, several nearby fitness facilities, historical society and museum, lifelong learning classes and lectures, and regional kitchen incubator.

It’s an area of good eating. Basic groceries — and more — aren’t far away. Nor are interesting wines and champagnes, deli meats and cheeses, homemade bakery items, fish and meats, spices, and hard-to-find ingredients. There also are plenty of fresh options from local lakes, rivers, forests, orchards and fields: asparagus in May, strawberries in June, cherries in July, blueberries in July-August; corn, tomatoes, plums pears, nectarines and peaches in August; and apples and squash in September. Plus brown and lake trout, salmon, perch, and steelhead fill our lakes and rivers for those fishing from boats or through the ice. And hunters will find plenty of deer, wild turkeys, ducks, and squirrel (kids’ safety training begins here).

The area’s most unique amenity is the 12,000 square foot, fully-equipped Pentwater Artisan Learning Center. Members grow their woodworking, metalworking, painting, pottery, wood carving, and jewelry-making interests to create things for personal use and nonprofit causes. And there’s always someone at the ready who knows how to do something you’d like to learn.

One can enjoy the fabulous outdoors in any season — walking, fishing, hunting, boating, snowshoeing, sailing, swimming, birding, jet/water skiing, a seven mile hiking and cross country ski trail, horseback riding, photography, a paved 22-mile bicycle and snowmobile trail, jogging, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and golf. Additionally, two state parks and two downhill ski resorts are no more than a short drive away.

Pentwater also is proud of its highly-acclaimed K-12 public school where students, parents, teachers and community mentors work together to make it a center of education excellence with the motto “everybody is somebody.”

Whether you just come to play in any season or return to stay, you’ll discover a real Lake Michigan village where good people live and thrive.