Montague—Historic Waterfront & Downtown Green Spaces
At the heart of Montague sits Ellenwood Park, a downtown gathering space shaped like a classic town square. It features the World’s Largest Weathervane, a towering sculpture of the schooner Ella Ellenwood, built in Saginaw in 1869 and central to the town’s lumber heritage. The weathervane, which stands 48 feet tall and weighs over two tons, has become one of the city’s most recognized landmarks. The schooner’s story adds to the park’s charm—after the vessel ran aground near Milwaukee in 1901, its nameplate drifted across Lake Michigan and washed ashore in White Lake the following spring. It was later preserved and is now displayed in Montague City Hall.
Not far from downtown, Maple Grove Park—often referred to locally as Maple Beach—offers public access to White Lake. This popular spot provides a swimming area, picnic tables, and a sandy shoreline, making it a favorite for summer recreation. These downtown parks highlight Montague’s strong connection to its maritime history while serving as active community gathering spaces today.
Montague Township—Nature Preserve & Sports Complex
Just outside the city, Clear Springs Nature Preserve offers both history and natural beauty. The land once hosted a trading post in the mid-1800s, later became the property of U.S. Senator Thomas W. Ferry, and eventually transformed into a public preserve. Today, visitors can explore 2.6 miles of forested trails that pass by a quiet pond, with benches and interpretive signs providing educational stops. The preserve offers a peaceful place for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the outdoors.
Nearby, the Montague Township Park & Sports Complex is a lively hub for community activities. Located at Hancock and Whitbeck Roads, it features basketball and tennis courts, volleyball areas, shuffleboard, softball fields, a playground, and covered picnic pavilions. The combination of the preserve and the sports complex ensures that the township offers spaces for both quiet reflection and active play.
Whitehall—Waterfront Parks & Riverfront Amenities
In Whitehall, the park system makes full use of its scenic setting along White Lake and the White River. Goodrich Park, located beside the Municipal Marina, is one of the city’s most visited green spaces. With its playground, open grassy areas, and beautiful lake views, it is a favorite for community events and casual visits alike.
Other notable parks include Covell Park, Lions Park, Svensson Park, and Funnell Field. These spaces provide boat launches for non-motorized watercraft, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths along the shoreline. The diversity of amenities allows residents and visitors to enjoy everything from active recreation to peaceful waterfront strolls. Together, these parks reflect Whitehall’s commitment to maintaining public access to its natural resources.
Interconnected by Trail—Hart–Montague Trail State Park
Connecting Montague and Whitehall is the William Field Memorial Hart–Montague Trail State Park, a 22-mile paved path that follows the route of a former railroad. This was one of Michigan’s first major Rails-to-Trails projects, officially opening in 1991 and later receiving state park designation in 1996. The trail offers a scenic route through farmland, forests, and small towns, and serves cyclists, runners, walkers, and cross-country skiers. It provides an easy and enjoyable way to travel between the two communities while connecting directly to many of their parks, waterfronts, and downtown areas.
