List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Newaygo County Facts for Kids

Location of Newaygo County in Michigan

Welcome to Newaygo County, Michigan! This page is all about the special places here that have been named Michigan State Historic Sites. These are important spots that tell us about Michigan's past. Some of these places are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important to the whole country! We'll mark those with a little cross symbol (†).

Discovering Newaygo County's Historic Sites
- Buildings That Tell Stories
- Important Industrial and Engineering Sites
Images for kids
See also

Discovering Newaygo County's Historic Sites

Newaygo County is full of interesting history, and many places have been officially recognized as important historic sites. These sites help us remember and learn about the people, buildings, and events that shaped this area. From old schools to powerful dams, each site has a story to tell.

Buildings That Tell Stories

Many historic sites are old buildings that were once very important to the community. Even if some are gone now, their stories live on.

Big Prairie Grange No. 935 Hall (No longer standing): This hall was located at 1968 Elm Avenue in Big Prairie. It was listed as a historic site on March 28, 1985. A "Grange" was a local meeting place for farmers to gather and support each other.
Birch Grove School: You can find this old school at 3962 North Felch, near Five Mile Road, in White Cloud. It became a historic site on October 2, 1980. Imagine learning your ABCs here long ago!
Croton Congregational Church: This church is on the southeast corner of Croton-Hardy Drive and Division Street in Croton. It was recognized as a historic site on January 22, 1987. Churches were often central to community life.
Cornelius Gerber Cottage: Located at 6480 West Cottage Grove in Fremont, this cottage was listed on October 23, 1979. It's a great example of older homes in the area.
Grand Rapids, Newaygo, and Lake Shore Railroad Company Depot and Water Tower: This historic train station and water tower are east of Front Street between Lincoln and Pine streets in Grant. They were listed on June 10, 1980. Train depots were once busy hubs for travel and trade.
Lilley District No. 5 School: This school is at the northeast corner of Bingham and Main. It was added to the list on July 15, 1999.
Oak Grove District No. 3 Schoolhouse: Found at 6382 East 80th, near Newaygo, this schoolhouse became a historic site on June 30, 1988.
Saint Mark's Episcopal Church: This church is at 30 Justice Street in Newaygo. It was listed on September 21, 1983.
Daniel Weaver House: This house is on the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Cook Street in Hesperia. It was recognized on September 26, 1987.
John F. Woods Residence: You can find this home at 59 Bridge Street in Newaygo. It became a historic site on June 10, 1980.

Important Industrial and Engineering Sites

Newaygo County also has historic sites that show how people used technology and natural resources to build the area.

Croton Hydroelectric Dam Commemorative Designation†: This important dam is on Croton Dam Road in Croton. It was listed on August 16, 1979. Dams like this use water power to create electricity!
Ensley Windmill Tower: Located at 4634 South Luce Avenue in Fremont, this windmill tower was listed on July 26, 1978. Windmills were used to pump water or grind grain.
Hardy Hydroelectric Plant†: This powerful plant is at 6928 East 36th Street near Newaygo. It was recognized in 2004. Like the Croton Dam, it helps provide power.
Penoyer's Sawmill: You can find the site of this sawmill near the M-37 bridge on Penoyer Creek in Newaygo. It was listed on August 22, 1985. Sawmills were vital for turning trees into lumber to build homes and towns.