Croton Pond

I Love the Croton Pond.

Croton Pond is hardly a pond. Webster defines a pond as “a body of water usually smaller than a lake”. Webster also defines a pond as “an artificially confined body of water”. The body of water behind a dam is termed a pond, but many would consider it a lake. Croton Pond is actually the backwaters of the historic Croton Dam, where the Little Muskegon flows into the mighty Muskegon River

Croton Dam was built in 1907, down river from the nearby Hardy Dam built in 1931. Hardy Dam, another Michigan Historical site, is one of the largest earthen dams in the United States.

Along the miles and miles of waterfront, you will see many seasonal homes as well as many year round homes. You can find everything from a forty year old mobile home to high end year round home, all enjoying the Muskegon River frontage. Many good values can be found on the pond. It is easy to get to , just a few miles off exit # 118 on US 131.

The 1300 plus acres of surface water provides opportunities from fishing to jet skis, pontoons to swimming. There is truly something for everyone. Fishermen report salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, bass, perch and other pan fish to be plentiful in this body of water.

Croton is a small resort community and is home to a number of retirees as well as waterfront homeowners, both seasonal and year round. Croton is home to a bank, grocery, a number of resorts and mom and pop restaurants. The best restaurant, in our opinion, is the Red Anchor Inn right on Croton Drive. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, the meals are never disappointing. Be sure to ask about the special of the day!

Above the dam on the west side, you can find a boat launch, parking, restrooms and a boat dock maintained by Consumers Power.

Below the dam, the cold water released by the dam is ideal for and is a favorite strathe of water for fishermen.

Access to the Muskegon below the dam is the Croton Dam Township Park and boat launch.

In the past I have written about some of the properties owned by Consumers Power Company and I have often been critical of the upkeep of their grounds. Not so for the Rogers Dam, Hardy Dam and the Croton Dam along the Muskegon River all operated by Consumers Power. I have found that these properties are attractive and well maintained.