Fennville, Michigan is a small lakeshore market, about 2,000 residents, where inventory ranges from working farms to beachfront estates. Buyers are drawn here for the same reasons the town has stayed under the radar: less competition than Saugatuck or Holland, and a real mix of property types along the shoreline. Here's what shapes the local market and lifestyle, from the Gold Coast waterfront to the vineyard and orchard land nearby. If you have questions about a specific property or the Fennville market, call us anytime.
1. Allegan State Game Area
The Allegan State Game Area has been one of my favorite places to go check out the wildlife, especially the birds, geese, and deer. The area covers over 55,000 sq acres of woods, streams, lakes, pine forests, and miles of hiking trails. The deer seem to know it’s a safe area on the western portion of the game area as you can see large groups in that area. And on occasion you will see the bird watching enthusiasts along 118th street looking for some of the migrating birds that stop in the area. Years ago, my dad and I saw what we were told was a Ferruginous Hawk by a bird watcher who had been looking for the Hawk.
2. Fenn Valley Vineyards
If you are looking for a cool place to enjoy some premium wines and learn about wine making or take an extended tour through the vineyards, then this place is for you. Fenn Valley Vineyards is a 240-acre farm established in Fennville, Michigan for just over 50 years. It has remained a must-visit for both wine novices and experts alike. Their slogan “The Lake Effect Everyone Loves” is in reference to the narrow band along the lakeshore that allows for cold tender grape varieties to be successfully grown. The Lake Effect is the moderating effect that Lake Michigan has on the climate of West Michigan. And the best part about it is that you don’t have to travel to Napa Valley for wine country, it’s right here in Fennville!
3. Pier Cove Beach
Pier Cove Beach is a sliver of public beach along Lakeshore Drive and 123rd street with limited parking with just 10 spots. During the summer months, these spots are typically claimed by 8 am on most days. Besides being a great spot to enjoy the lake and beach, it's a great walking beach to look for cool rocks and beach glass. With historical significance, Pier Cove Beach spans only about 75 feet, surveyed in 1839. The village of Pier Cove was once hailed as “the busiest port between St. Joseph and Muskegon”. It was once a bustling community and a major point for lumber and fruit distribution, with ships departing daily carrying tanbark and cordwood to Chicago and Milwaukee.
4. West Side County Park
West Side County Park, formerly Allegan County Park, sits inside Fennville's "Gold Coast", a half-mile stretch that carries some of the town's most expensive real estate. The 11-acre park itself has a ball field, swings, restrooms, and one of the better beaches in Southwest Michigan, and its presence is part of why Gold Coast lots hold value: buyers get walkable public beach access without giving up privacy on their own lot.
5. Crane Orchards
Crane Orchards is a must visit during Michigan’s apple season from mid-August to mid-October. This 200-acre farm got its roots when H.H. Hutchins planted the beginning of Crane Orchards. It has several hundred feet of lakefront on Hutchins Lake, which was aptly named after H.H. Today it features over 20 varieties of apples, 10 varieties of peaches, and sweet cherries too! Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant also has some of the best pies, and the apple cider donuts, well a whole dozen can disappear quickly in our house. Visit the u-pick orchard in June for cherries, in July anticipate the start of u-pick peaches and come October for a delightful fall experience.
- Written by Kevin Cozzie
If Fennville's mix of farmland, orchards, and Lake Michigan waterfront sounds like your market, the Andrea Crossman Group has over 30 years of experience here. Contact us or call (616) 218-0267, or browse current homes for sale in Fennville.
