Paw Paw Lake

The Illusion of Seclusion

A popular resort since the late 1800s, Paw Paw Lake is a natural freshwater lake in Southwest Michigan.

While it holds the illusion of being nestled deep in the countryside, the lake sits just 25 miles away from Warren Dunes State Park and two hours away from Chicago.

Back in the Day

The 891-acre lake and the surrounding area--the town of Coloma--first began growing in the 1820s when it was settled by farmers and lumbermen, there to take advantage of Paw Paw River for milling grain and running sawmills.

By 1895, Chicago newspapers were prophesying the future success of Paw Paw Lake as a popular resort, and by the turn of the century, 50 hotels and 10 dance pavilions were built along the lake's shore.

Summertime Getaway

Every summer is jam-packed with activities.

The local yacht club offers sailing and boating safety classes as well as children's classroom activities and weekly potlucks.

The nearby town of Coloma has Deer Forest, an exotic animal park popular among the kids, while the adults may enjoy the Lake Michigan Wine Trail.

Add in camping, hiking, golfing and fishing, and Paw Paw Lake starts to look like the ideal plan for a summer away.

What's on the Agenda?

Several fishing tournaments are held here throughout the year, and Paw Paw Lake has produced several award-winning fish: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Longnose Gar to name a few.

The events calendar is full year-round with happenings like Concerts on the Lake, 5k walks and runs and Southwest Michigan's premier event, the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival.

Coloma's Glad-Peach Festival includes festivities like peach baking contests, car shows and a 10k run, all in celebration of the two main local crops.

Explore Lake Michigan's Shore

Whether staying for a weekend or planting permanent roots, Paw Paw Lake welcomes all with open arms to come enjoy the hot, lazy summer days.