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Muskegon County, Michigan

57 topographic sheets cover 32 settlements here, and 14 properties are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Research this county

From the record

14 National Register listings published here, 1 of them a National Historic Landmark.

Sources: the National Register database, National Park Service

Michigan within the United States
Muskegon County within Michigan

What the record shows

  • 352 topographic sheet readings cover the county's settlements.
  • 14 properties here are on the National Register of Historic Places: 9 buildings, 4 structures and 1 district.
  • 4 of the 14 listings were added during the 1970s.
  • The Geographic Names Information System records 32 populated places in this county; 32 are covered by at least one topographic sheet.

Places on the National Register

14

Every property in this county listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the year it was listed and the federal nomination document.

Photograph PropertyType ListedReference
Amazon Hosiery Millbuilding198282002857
Central Fire Stationbuilding199999000341
Charles H. Hackley Housebuilding197070000282
Horatio N. Hovey Housebuilding198383000887
Hume Housebuilding197272000646
Lewis, John C. and Augusta (Covell), Housebuilding201010001027
C.W. Marsh Company Buildingbuilding2025100012321
Muskegon Historic Districtdistrict197272000647
Muskegon South Breakwater Lightstructure200606001026
Muskegon South Pierhead Lightstructure200606000036
Muskegon YMCA Buildingbuilding198282002858
Navigation Structures at White Lake Harborstructure200000000535
U.S.S. SILVERSIDESstructure197272000453
Union Depotbuilding200000001489

Wildfire, 1992 to 2020

288 fires

Every wildfire the federal occurrence database records inside this county: 288 of them, burning about 1,678 acres. 9 started naturally and 34 were recorded as arson. Each settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it.

Reported cause Fires
Missing data/not specified/undetermined79
Equipment and vehicle use76
Debris and open burning36
Arson/incendiarism34
Recreation and ceremony27
Misuse of fire by a minor15
Natural9
Smoking6
Railroad operations and maintenance3
Power generation/transmission/distribution2
Other causes1

The five largest, by the area the report gives. Three of them were set deliberately.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
14 April 2003Arson/incendiarism276 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesMUSKEGON
2 April 2010Power generation/transmission/distribution175 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesMUSKEGON 05
8 May 1994Arson/incendiarism152 acresMichigan Department of Natural Resourcesnot named
10 April 1996Arson/incendiarism60 acresMichigan Department of Natural Resourcesnot named
1 May 1992Debris and open burning49 acresMichigan Department of Natural Resourcesnot named
20 July 2013Power generation/transmission/distribution44 acresMichigan Department of Natural ResourcesMUSKEGON 03
20 May 2016Debris and open burning43 acresMichigan Department of Natural Resourcesnot named
21 April 2007Debris and open burning32 acresMichigan Department of Natural Resourcesnot named

Every settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it - see the settlement index below.

Storms, 1956 to 2025

60 of 240 shown

The NOAA Storm Events Database holds 240 reports for this county, causing no deaths, 5 injuries and about $43,170,200 in recorded property damage. Each settlement page carries the reports that name it.

Kind of event Reports
Thunderstorm Wind150
Hail66
Flash Flood9
Tornado8
Flood2
Seiche1
Waterspout1
Lightning1
Heavy Rain1
Funnel Cloud1

The most serious of them, by death, then injury, then recorded damage. The accounts are quoted exactly as the forecast office filed them.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
May 1998Thunderstorm WindMontague2 hurt, $24,210,000Michigan State Police EMD Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $2,458,958 in public damage costs, 42 homes destroyed, 1805 homes damaged, 5 businesses destroyed, and 73 businesses damaged. Two injuries were reported. Total public and private costs have been estimated at $24,205,908 according to FEMA and local media reports. Numerous local roads were closed during the day of May 31st for tree and debris removal. Approximately 50% of the city of Whitehall was left without water service and 50,000 customers were left without power in Muskegon County. The Muskegon Chronicle reported 5 large transmission towers were toppled northeast of the city of Muskegon. These towers carried high voltage electricity and were designed to withstand sustained 90 mph winds and gusts to 110 mph. The Muskegon Chronicle also reported severe crop damage to fruit trees (including apple, cherry, and peach) in the southeast part of Muskegon County. Estimated crop damage was $5.0 Million. Severe tree damage was reported in Muskegon State Park, Hoffmaster State Park, and Duck Lake State Park, all bordering Lake Michigan. Muskegon County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Muskegon County, making federal disaster assistance available.
August 2002Thunderstorm WindNorton Shrs2 hurt, $10,000An isolated severe thunderstorm blew down a tree in Norton Shores. The tree fell down on and injured two people who were taking a walk through woods near Lake Michigan. Law enforcement in Fruitport reported that several tree limbs and power lines were blown down.
June 2008Thunderstorm WindMichillinda1 hurtA sixteen inch diameter branch fell on a truck and resulted in minor injuries.
May 2020FloodMontague Arpt$6,000,000Many roads across Muskegon county were flooded and there were also numerous reports of flooded basements. 67 homes sustained major damage and 3 homes incurred minor damage.
April 2013FloodWhitehall$5,000,000Heavy rain caused significant flooding on rivers and streams across Muskegon county.
August 2009Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$2,000,000A peak wind gust of 61 mph was recorded at the Muskegon airport. Wind gusts of at least 75 mph were estimated based on damage across far southern Muskegon county in the Fruitport area, where hundreds of trees and numerous power lines were blown down. The entire village was left without power.
April 2014Thunderstorm WindMuskegon Hgts$1,000,000Numerous trees were blown down in and near Muskegon. Numerous windows were blown out of area homes and businesses. 30,000 people in and near Muskegon lost power. Wind gusts with severe storms were estimated at up to 85 mph. A 60 mph wind gust was measured at the Muskegon airport.
May 1998Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$1,000,000Widespread wind damage occurred in the Muskegon metropolitan area including the cities of Muskegon, North Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Norton Shores and Laketon, Muskegon, and Fruitport Townships. Many large trees, utility poles, and power lines were downed by sustained 60 to 80 mph winds (estimated) over a 10 to 15 minute period. Overall, an estimated 900 power lines were downed in the Muskegon area which left approximately 54,000 homes and businesses without power, affecting approximately a third of all Muskegon County residents. Most structural damage to homes and businesses was caused by fallen trees and utility poles. An estimated 500 homes and 30 businesses sustained minor to moderate damage. Most area schools and many area businesses were closed on Friday, May 29th. An estimated 27,000 people were still without power as of late in the day, Saturday, May 30th. Despite the widespread damage, no injuries were reported.
April 2020HailWhitehall$500,000Hail up to one and three quarters inches in diameter was reported near Whitehall.
May 2001Flash FloodMuskegon$500,000no account filed
June 2024Thunderstorm WindWhitehall$250,000Wind gusts to near 70 mph downed numerous trees and power lines and caused considerable damage.
June 2024Thunderstorm Wind(Mkg)Muskegon Arpt$250,000A peak wind gust to 71 mph was recorded at the Muskegon airport ASOS. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down.
November 2013Thunderstorm WindMuskegon Lake$200,000A severe thunderstorm produced a measured wind gust of 62 mph at the Muskegon GLERL site. There were several reports of downed trees and power lines across Muskegon county. In Canada Corners, seven light poles were blown down and several large trees were snapped or uprooted at Moss Ridge golf course.
August 2000Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$150,000no account filed
August 2009Thunderstorm WindNorton Shrs$100,000Hundreds of trees were blown down in Fruitport. Approximately one dozen homes were heavily damaged by falling trees. Extensive damage to utilities was reported with numerous lines and poles snapped in Fruitport. Scattered trees were blown down over the far southern part of the county from the Lake Michigan coastline to the Kent county border.
February 2001Flash FloodCountywide$100,000no account filed
May 2000Flash FloodCountywide$100,000no account filed
September 2021Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$50,000Severe storms resulted in several reports of wind damage.
November 2020Thunderstorm WindFruitport$50,000Multiple trees were blown down across eastern Muskegon county.
July 2019Thunderstorm Wind(Mkg)Muskegon Arpt$50,000A 56 knot gust was recorded at the Muskegon county airport.
June 2016Thunderstorm WindNorton Shrs$50,000A 63 mph wind gust was measured at the Muskegon ASOS station and there were several reports of trees blown down in and near Muskegon. Several trees were blown down in Muskegon state park as well as east of the park and near Cloverville.
June 2014Thunderstorm WindWhitehall$50,000The media reported that a large tree fell on a house and that multiple trees were blown down in Whitehall.
November 2013Tornado (EF0)Trent$50,000A severe thunderstorm produced multiple brief EF-0 tornadoes along a more than 50 mile path from Muskegon county northeast through Newaygo county into Mecosta county. The tornadoes were on the ground for very short periods of time. Mostly tree damage was incurred but there was also damage to several buildings and fences.
September 2010Thunderstorm WindMichillinda$50,000An NWS storm survey revealed only spotty tree damage near Duck Lake state park and Muskegon. A 76 mph wind gust was measured at the Muskegon GLERL field station.
April 1994Thunderstorm Windnot stated$50,000Winds were measured at 50 knots at Muskegon County Airport. A portion of the roof of a movie theater was torn off. The theater was evacuated, and no one was injured. Menominee County Menominee,24,1543EST,,,0,0,0,0,Hail (1.0)
April 2001HailFruitport$50,000no account filed
May 2000HailTwin Lake$50,000no account filed
May 2000Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$50,000no account filed
July 2020Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$40,000Several trees were blown down near the intersection of Merrill Avenue and Fourth Street which also damaged several homes in that area.
July 1998LightningMuskegon$40,000The Muskegon Chronicle reported lightning strikes caused 2 separate fires in the area and resulted in power outages affecting 7,500 people in the Muskegon service area. A house fire at 2862 Evanston Avenue in Muskegon Township was caused by a lightning strike. The fire burned the attic and damage was estimated at $40,000. Lightning was also the cause of a fire at an 18-unit storage building at Boxer Store and Lock in Egelston Township. The sheet metal and wood frame building and all of its contents were completely destroyed. A damage estimate for this fire was not available.
June 2000Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$40,000no account filed
May 2004Thunderstorm WindCloverville$30,000Numerous large tree limbs were blown down in Cloverville and Norton Shores.
July 2005Thunderstorm WindFruitport$30,000no account filed
August 2019HailTwin Lake$25,000A public report of hail up to one and three quarters inches in diamter was received from near Twin Lake.
April 2015Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$25,000An outbuilding was blown down near the LC Walker arena along with some downed power lines in Muskegon.
August 2015Thunderstorm WindNorth Muskegon$25,000Several large trees were blown down across portions of Muskegon county.
August 2007Thunderstorm WindDalton$25,000Fully grown oak trees were blown down on some houses in Fruitland and Dalton townships. Some trees were reported to be eighteen inches in diameter. Measured 63 mph wind gusts were recorded at the Muskegon GLERL site and in Norton Shores.
August 2004Thunderstorm WindWhitehall$25,000A tree was blown down onto a mobile home and numerous tree limbs and power lines were blown down in Whitehall.
July 2003HailMuskegon$25,000Three quarters inch hail was reported in Muskegon.
August 2003HailMuskegon$25,000One and three quarters inch diameter hail was reported in Muskegon township, and three quarters inch diameter hail was reported in Lakewood Club.
October 2006Thunderstorm WindNorton Shrs$25,000no account filed
May 2001Flash FloodCountywide$25,000no account filed
May 2001Thunderstorm WindMuskegon$25,000no account filed
May 2001HailCountywide$25,000no account filed
May 2001HailWhitehall$25,000no account filed
May 2001Flash FloodCountywide$25,000no account filed
May 2001HailCountywide$25,000no account filed
May 2001Flash FloodCountywide$25,000no account filed
August 2000Thunderstorm WindRavenna$25,000no account filed
September 1965Tornado (F2)not stated$25,000no account filed
July 2023Thunderstorm WindTrent$20,000An emergency manager reported that an isolated severe storm blew down several old barns.
June 2007Thunderstorm WindNorton Shrs$20,000Numerous trees and power lines were blown down in Norton Shores.
October 2002Thunderstorm WindRoosevelt Park$20,000Numerous trees were blown down near the intersection of Roosevelt and Summit streets by thunderstorm wind gusts, as reported by local law enforcement.
May 1998SeicheWabaningo$20,000The tug boat Stephen M. Asher sunk in White Lake Channel, just north of Wabaningo between Lake Michigan and White Lake, at approximately 5:15 am EDT due to a seiche created by the derecho moving across Lake Michigan. The crew reported a storm surge swept through the channel into White Lake as the derecho moved onshore. As the storm passed, the water rushed back out of White Lake through the channel, reaching the top of the channel walls. The tug boat, floating against a barge, rolled on its side and sank. No crew members were injured. The company which owns the tug boat estimated repairs would cost $20,000.
May 1998Thunderstorm WindFruitport$20,000Several trees and power lines downed in Fruitport. Airline Road area was especially hard-hit.
June 2020Thunderstorm WindRavenna$15,000Several trees were blown down across southern Muskegon county.
August 2018Thunderstorm WindMuskegon Lake$15,000Several trees and power lines were blown down across portions of Muskegon county.
August 2015Thunderstorm WindSlocum$15,000An amateur radio operator reported multiple trees and power lines were blown down at the Crockey Creek campground.
July 2006Thunderstorm WindMontague$15,000Several large trees were blown down in Montague.
May 2004HailLakewood Club$15,000Law enforcement one mile south of Lakewood Club reported three quarters inch diameter hail.

Mines and quarries

11 recorded

The Survey's mineral resources record lists 11 workings inside this county. 5 still produce and 6 are closed or unrecorded. Each settlement page carries the workings within five miles of it.

Commodity Workings
Silica4
Sand and Gravel, Construction3
Fire Clay (Refractory)2
Titanium1
Titanium, Metal1

The least common of them first, because a county's hundredth gravel pit says nothing its first ten did not.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
Howmet Corp--Whitehall, Mich.TitaniumPast Producer
Whitehall Plant TiTitanium, MetalPlant1992
Muskegon Brick Co Clay PitFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer
Whitehall Clay PitFire Clay (Refractory)Past Producer
Miller PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer
Whitehall PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer
Yerington Construction Co. PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer
Lincoln Avenue SiteSilicaProducerSedimentary
Mccormick PitSilicaPast Producer
Nugent PitSilicaProducer
Sherman Boulevard SiteSilicaProducerSedimentary

Every populated place in the county

32

Named settlements recorded in the Geographic Names Information System, each with the topographic sheets covering it. Villages, hamlets and abandoned places alike. Each is shown with the nearest named watercourse or landform and the survey quadrangle it falls on.

Provenance

  • Topographic sheets. USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, county index, measured from the bulk metadata.
  • Fire insurance maps. Library of Congress Sanborn collection, faceted to this county.
  • Photographs. Each place queried individually against the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs search.
  • Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.