Separated from Montague by White Lake, the City of Whitehall, Michigan is connected to its neighbor by the Whitehall-Montague (Camelback) Bridge, along US Business Highway 31.
US-31 touches the northernmost part of the city but is otherwise east of the city limits. Other routes to and from the city include Benson Road, Simonelli Road, White Lake Drive, Zeller Road, and South Shore Drive.
Cities and villages within twenty-five miles of Whitehall include Montague, Lakewood Club, Rothbury, New Era, North Muskegon, Muskegon, Shelby, Muskegon Heights, Roosevelt Park, Norton Shores, Hart, Fremont, and Fruitport.
Situated on the shores of the extreme northern end of White Lake, through which the White River flows before emptying into Lake Michigan, Whitehall is only five miles from Lake Michigan, which is connected to White Lake by a dredged canal. On its way to Lake Michigan, the White River runs between the two cities. Several small creeks also flow into White Lake, including Bush Creek, Millpond Creek, Wildcat Creek, and other unnamed streams.
Whitehall's peak population was 3,027 in 1990, and its population at the time of the 2020 census was 2,909.
The city operates its own police department, which includes a school resource officer who is assigned to the Whitehall District Schools during the school year, and maintains an office in the high school. Fire protection is provided by the White Lake Fire Authority, which is a joint partnership between Whitehall, Whitehall Township, and Fruitland Township.
The Whitehall Public School District includes Shoreline Elementary School (PK), Helen Ealy Elementary School (3-5), Whitehall Middle School (6-8), and Whitehall High School (9-12).
Single-family residential homes in Whitehall are primarily older homes on small lots, with small setbacks on the front and side. Its single-family residential area surrounds the downtown district in the core of the city, the historic area of the former Mears Village, and some newer developments in the south.
Whitehall does not have many multi-family residential properties, and they are limited to duplexes and small apartment developments, mostly in the northern part of the city.
The city core has a traditional downtown commercial layout, with buildings built right up to the sidewalk, several storefronts in most of the buildings, and parking in the rear. Many of its downtown commercial buildings were built before World War II. The city core extends along East Colby Street, from East Hanson Street to East Spring Stree, and from North Thompson Street to South Division Street.
Whitehall also has some scattered neighborhood commercial buildings, as well as general commercial buildings serving travelers on US-31.
Industrial land areas in Whitehall, are mostly concentrated in its industrial park in the southeastern part of the city.
City parks, many of them situated near the lake or waterways, include Covell Park, Funnell Field, Gee Park, Goodrich Park, Lion's Park, Mill Pond Park, Norman Park, Slocum Park, Svennson Park, and Veteran's Memorial Park. Goodrich Park includes the White Lake Municipal Marina, with its 50-slip marina, as well as picnic areas, playground equipment, and bicycle and pedestrian paths.
Built in 1875, the White River Light sits on a narrow peninsula of land separating Lake Michigan from White Lake. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1960, and acquired by Fruitland Township, which opened it as a museum in 1970. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase or view the original Fourth Order Fresnel lens.
Whitehall hosts a number of activities and events throughout the year, many of which are joint endeavors with Montague, including its 4th of July parade from downtown Whitehall to downtown Montague, the White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival in Goodrich Park, FetchFest, the White Lake Chamber Music Festival, a Christmas parade from downtown Whitehall to downtown Montague, and Cruz'in, which is a parade and display of classic cars.
Platted by Charles Mears, a mill owner, and Giles B. Slocum in 1859, the community was first named Mears. On June 23, 1862, a post office was established with that name, and Albert Mears, Charles' brother, was the first postmaster. The settlement was incorporated as a village in 1867, at which time its name was changed to Whitehall, a reference to the lake, and the post office took that name on April 1 of that year. Whitehall became a city in 1942.
The focal point of this portion of our guide is the City of Whitehall, Michigan, and appropriate topics include governmental facilities within the city, and local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, entertainment venues, and recreational opportunities in Whitehall.
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Recommended Resources
Officially incorporated as a city in 1943, the city is located on White Lake, in northern Muskegon County, about five miles from Lake Michigan. The official municipal website includes a profile and demographics for the city, a citizen's guide and dashboard, ordinances, council meeting agendas and minutes, and access to other reports, forms, and other documents. Departmental and administrative contacts, and a guide to local schools, parks, facilities, and services are included.
https://cityofwhitehall.org/
Located in the Theater District of Whitehall, Michigan, the year-round B&B is near several attractions, including the historic Howmet Theater. Offering a suite on the first floor, as well as three second-floor guest rooms, each of which are highlighted here, with photographs, descriptions, features, amenities, and online bookings. Full breakfasts are provided, along with 24/7 coffee and tea service, and a Tesla charging station. Directions, policies, and a blog are featured.
https://cocoacottage.com/
Specializing in strong coffee and food, the restaurant is located on East Colby Street in Whitehall, Michigan. Directions, a map showing its location, its current hours of operation, telephone number, and an email address are provided, along with an online form for donations and sponsorship inquiries. Its menu may be viewed online or downloaded in PDF format, and orders may be placed online through a third-party application, gift cards may be purchased, and a rewards program is available.
https://colbysbrew.com/
Built by John C. Lewis in 1878, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been renovated to be much like it was back then. Serving as a bed and breakfast guest facility, its rooms feature large private bathrooms, high ceilings, and large original windows, while the common areas include a parlor, library, dining room, and bistro, while breakfast is served each morning, Thursday-Sunday. Additionally, a guest house may be available as a private vacation cottage.
https://thelewishousemi.com/
Housed in a former (1876) church building in Whitehall, Michigan, the back half of the building is being turned into a resident, while the front portion, with an auditorium, social hall, commercial kitchen, and game zone, is being transformed into an event center for community and Christian gatherings, concerts, conferences, classes, banquets, youth groups, weddings, and other activities. A gallery of photographs is featured, along with a calendar of events and contacts.
https://oldchapel.center
White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Representing and advocating for the interests of businesses in the White Lake area, as well as promoting the region for tourism, contacts and membership information are offered here, along with guides and maps, a history of the White Lake area, a gallery of photographs, and seasonal highlights. Other resources include area webcams, and a directory of things to do, places to stay, places to eat, and services in the area surrounding White Lake. Chamber and community events are posted on the site.
https://www.whitelake.org/
The White Lake area hosts four chartered Boy Scouts of America (BSA) units, which include two Cub Scout Packs (ages 7-11), a Boy Scout Troop (ages 11-18), and a Venturing Crew (ages 14-21), encompassing a ten-mile radius that includes Montague, Twin Lake, and Whitehall, Michigan. Troop 1048, Venturing 2048, and Pack 4045 are featured here, including calendars, leadership, awards and advancements, photographs, contacts, and other resources. Also included is an introduction to Scouting.
https://www.whitelakescouting.org/