The natural beauty of Lake Macatawa with its channel to Lake Michigan has long drawn citizen interest in water sports, and early on the many resorts drew summer folk from Chicago, St. Louis, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and the nearby Holland environs to a “golden age” of enjoyment. Steamboat excursions from Chicago, South Haven and Saugatuck to the Holland resorts were popular, and summer activities began about July 4. In 1899 the interurban began running from Grand Rapids, along 8th St. in Holland six miles to Jenison Park and Macatawa and then later to Saugatuck. Reports of early boating activities have been found in archival news reports.
Macatawa Bay Yacht Club has not only endured but flourished through many historical events including two World Wars and the Great historic Depression. On July 5, 1963 a fire destroyed the original Clubhouse, and the grand opening of our third and current clubhouse came on that same date 51 years later in 2014. The entire upstairs represents the history of Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, including a 50-year-old fully restored mahogany bar donated by the late Hollis Baker of Baker Furniture that resembles the stern of a ship and is the highlight of the Crow's Nest area. A ship's wheel is suspended from an alcove just inside the entrance, a trophy case sits on the stairway landing and historic photos adorn the staircase walls leading to the upper level.
In 2024, Macatawa Bay Yacht Club proudly celebrates 125 years of boating, sailing, fostering camaraderie, and creating cherished memories with family and friends.
Family. Friends. Boats. Water.
125 Years - Together.