A visit to the historic White River Light Station is the perfect centerpiece for a day or weekend exploring Michigan’s beautiful White Lake area. Nestled between the charming downtowns of Whitehall and Montague, the region offers outdoor adventures, local dining, art, shopping, family attractions, and unique experiences, making it easy to extend your lighthouse visit into a memorable getaway.
Start with a Visit to White River Light Station
Before setting off to explore the area, spend time discovering one of Michigan’s most picturesque lighthouse destinations. At White River Light Station, you can climb the tower, tour the museum, and enjoy views of Lake Michigan and the White Lake channel. You’ll also learn about the maritime history that shaped the region.
Once you’ve explored the lighthouse, you’ll find plenty more to experience nearby.
Plan Where You’ll Eat
The White Lake area has an excellent dining scene, with options ranging from casual eateries to cozy cafés and breweries. Whether you’re looking for breakfast before your lighthouse visit, lunch overlooking the water, dinner downtown, or a sweet treat afterward, you’ll find plenty of choices.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Breakfast cafés and coffee shops
- Casual lunch spots and delis
- Breweries and pubs
- Ice cream shops and bakeries
- Family-friendly dining options
Both Whitehall and Montague offer walkable downtown dining districts, making it easy to grab a meal while exploring the area. Find a list of restaurants here.
Explore by Foot or Bike
One of the best ways to experience White Lake is on the trail system connecting the two communities.
Hart-Montague State Trail Park
The scenic W.F. Memorial Hart-Montague Trail is one of Michigan’s most popular paved trails. It offers miles of beautiful bike riding and walking opportunities through forests, wetlands, and small towns.
Berry Junction Trail
The Berry Junction Trail connects Muskegon to Whitehall and Montague. This trail is ideal for both walkers and cyclists and offers easy access to shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions in both downtowns.
Rent Bikes or Kayaks
While the trails are great for biking, White Lake is ideal for kayaking. Enjoy a leisurely paddle around the lake or venture down the channel to Lake Michigan.
Need equipment? WaterDog Outfitters offers bike and kayak rentals.
Take a Historic Walking Tour
History enthusiasts can continue their exploration beyond the lighthouse with self-guided walking tours in both Whitehall and Montague.
These tours feature historic homes, commercial buildings, and stories that helped shape the White Lake area. Walking tour maps are available through the chamber and offer a wonderful way to experience the communities at your own pace.
Visit Local Museums
History lovers should stop by the Caboose Museum and Meinhardi Museum, located at the chamber office.
These walk-through museums provide fascinating glimpses into local railroad, business, and community history.
Enjoy the Downtown Social Districts
For visitors 21 and older, both Whitehall and Montague feature designated social districts where guests can purchase beverages from participating establishments and enjoy them while strolling designated downtown areas.
The social districts create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying an evening downtown while browsing shops, attending events, or meeting friends.
Experience Local Arts & Culture
Arts Council of White Lake
Located in downtown Whitehall, the ACWL Nuveen Center offers rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists. Admission is free, and the gift shop showcases work from more than 40 local artists.
Dune Grass Gallery
Located in downtown Montague, the Dune Grass Gallery features artwork, handcrafted gifts, and creations from talented local artists. It’s a wonderful stop for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Public Art
As you travel between Whitehall and Montague, keep an eye out for the Art Walk sculptures displayed along the trail system. These outdoor art installations showcase local creativity and provide great photo opportunities.
Click here for a map highlighting sculpture locations.
Shop the Downtowns
Both Whitehall and Montague offer inviting downtown shopping districts filled with:
- Boutiques
- Bookstores
- Gift shops
- Antique stores
- Home décor shops
- Specialty retailers
The walkable downtowns make it easy to spend an afternoon browsing and discovering local treasures.
Enjoy Area Parks
Duck Lake State Park
Just a short drive from the light station, Duck Lake State Park offers beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, dunes, swimming, hiking, and excellent opportunities to enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty. Pack a picnic lunch and spend time in the great outdoors.
Goodrich Park
Families will appreciate Goodrich Park in Whitehall, which features a popular playground and splash pad for children during the summer season.
World’s Largest Working Weathervane
No White Lake visit is complete without a photo at the World’s Largest Working Weathervane. Standing 48 feet tall, this local landmark has become one of the area’s most recognizable attractions.
Extend Your Adventure North
If you’re looking to turn your lighthouse visit into a full weekend getaway, several family-friendly attractions are located just north of White Lake.
Country Dairy
Take a farm tour of Country Dairy, meet the animals, and enjoy fresh milk, cheese, sandwiches, and some of the area’s best ice cream.
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
A family destination, Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo features farm animals, play areas, seasonal activities, and plenty of hands-on fun for children.
Double JJ Resort
Offering lodging, horseback riding, golf, water attractions, and family activities, Double JJ Resort is a great option for visitors wanting to spend multiple days exploring the region.
Make White River Light Station Part of a Full White Lake Experience
While White River Light Station is reason enough to visit the White Lake area, the surrounding communities offer enough dining, recreation, shopping, art, and outdoor activities to fill an entire weekend. Whether you’re climbing the lighthouse tower, biking between Montague and Whitehall, enjoying local cuisine, or watching a sunset over Lake Michigan, you’ll quickly discover why the White Lake area is one of West Michigan’s hidden gems. We hope to see you there!
