Take Me to Hart - Think Dunes - Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Take Me to Hart

General News|March 19th, 2023

Take Me to Hart

The charming City of Hart is located along the shores of the all-sport Hart Lake, just 7 miles from Silver Lake.  Its historic downtown is a great place for shopping, eating, and entertainment after a day on the dunes.

Foodie & Market Stops

If you’re a foodie, you’ve come to the right place with 13 family-owned restaurants featuring anything from a great burger paired with a hand-crafted brew to truly authentic Mexican food.  When you’re finished eating, take an adult beverage “to-go” from a participating restaurant downtown and sip and shop for a bargain within in the Social District – downtown Hart has FIVE thrift shops to explore.

people enjoying a beer together

Art is Coming to Hart

Get your photo with a 24-ft tin man sculpture holding a huge heart in the Hart Commons Parking lot in Downtown (arriving in June).  This sculpture was commissioned by Bill Secunda, a five-time Art Prize artist/sculptor in an effort to help the tin man… “find his Hart”

This piece is one of many to come.  Hart is working to build a permanent collection of public art that demonstrates artistic excellence, enhances their cultural identity, inspires civic pride, and serves to broaden their understanding of and day-to-day experiences with art.  The

Bill Secund with the 24-foot tin man sculpture for Hart

MORE ART:

Dale and Gail’s Music and Art Gallery – Located in an old movie theater in Hart, Dale & Gale’s Music and Art Gallery features the art of Gail Ziegler in a first-floor gallery. The gallery is also home to an authentic pipe organ that is played by Gail’s husband Dale, a talent that he has grown since the age of 10. The entire space is a testament to the talents of this couple and is a truly unique stop when visiting Hart.

Historic Hart – Hart Historic District Museum and Village is located just blocks from Downtown Hart. This village invites guests to tour the historical buildings and museum that will take you on a journey 150 years into the past. Tour a restored 19th-century church, one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, Chief Cobmoosa’s house, Hart Train Station, an original grist, flour mill, and windmill. Learn all about the Hart Historic District at:  www.harthistoricdistrict.com

Historic Hart District

The first European settlers came to what is now Hart Township in 1855-56; the township itself was established in 1860. You will find many of the original historic homes and buildings still stand throughout Hart. Learn about the history of these significant structures at: www.takemetohart.org/history

Hart is also home to the longest-running county fair in the State of Michigan celebrating its 151st year. The Oceana County Fair was first held in 1871 and is an annual event that is takes place for 5 days in August and features everything you love about a county fair. Learn all about this year’s event at: oceanacountyfair.com/

Take to the Trails 

Whether you are a casual day hiker or a more intense biker, Hart has a trail for you. In addition to all of the other things we love about Hart, it is also home to the Hart-Montague Trail. This trail is an accessible, paved, 22.5-mile trail covering 225 acres that passes through rural, forested lands, featuring scenic overlooks and picnic areas located along the route. Spring is the perfect time to pack up the bikes and plan a family ride and picnic along the trail.

Hart Montague bike trail

Extend Your Stay

In Hart, Dunes Express Inn and Suites, Gateway Motel and the John Gurney Park welcome you to extend your stay with year-round accommodations providing a cozy spot to rest up for another day of exploration.

If you’re looking for the friendlies people, in a quaint small town, close to EVERYTHING…. visit Hart.  We think you will find it as charming as we do!

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