Cities and Towns in Newaygo County, Michigan
Founded in 1840, Newaygo County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Newaygo County was formed from parts of Mackinac County and Oceana County. The city of White Cloud is the county seat. With FIPS code of 123, Newaygo County has a population of 50,296 and area of 861 square miles (2,230 km²).
List of all cities in Newaygo County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bitely, MI | 49309 | 231 |
| Brohman, MI | 49312 | 231 |
| Croton, MI | 49337 | 231 |
| Fremont, MI | 49412 | 231 |
| Fremont, MI | 49413 | 231 |
| Gerber Products Inc, MI | 49413 | 231 |
| Grant, MI | 49327 | 231 |
| Newaygo, MI | 49337 | 231 |
| White Cloud, MI | 49349 | 231 |
| Woodland Park, MI | 49309 | 231 |
Major Cities and Towns in Newaygo County, Michigan
Fremont
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.51 square miles
- Population: 4,081 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49412
- Latitude: 43.4672° N
- Longitude: 85.9425° W
City Location and History
Fremont is located in the southeastern part of Newaygo County, approximately 40 miles north of Grand Rapids. Founded in 1855, the city was originally named “Robinson’s Prairie” before being renamed in honor of John C. Fremont, the American explorer and politician. Fremont’s development was spurred by agriculture, particularly fruit farming, which remains a significant part of the local economy. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Gerber Products Company, one of the world’s leading producers of baby food. The Gerber family began their business in Fremont in 1927, and the city’s identity has since been closely tied to its agricultural and food production heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fremont Public Schools serves the community, with Fremont High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Gerber Memorial Park, a tribute to the city’s connection to the Gerber baby food brand. The Fremont Lake Park offers residents and visitors opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing, with beautiful views of Fremont Lake. The city also hosts the National Baby Food Festival every summer, celebrating its history with Gerber through parades, entertainment, and family activities. Fremont’s downtown area features local shops, restaurants, and historical buildings that reflect the city’s small-town charm.
Newaygo
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.79 square miles
- Population: 2,232 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49337
- Latitude: 43.4192° N
- Longitude: 85.7992° W
City Location and History
Newaygo is located along the Muskegon River in the central part of Newaygo County. The city was established in the mid-19th century and named after Chief Nuwagon of the local Native American population. Its early growth was driven by the logging industry, which relied on the river to transport timber downstream. After the decline of logging, Newaygo transitioned into a quiet residential community known for its outdoor recreation, especially related to the Muskegon River, which attracts fishermen, kayakers, and nature enthusiasts. The city’s scenic location amidst rolling hills and forests makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Newaygo Public Schools serves the city, with Newaygo High School as the main educational institution. Landmarks in Newaygo include the Muskegon River, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and tubing. Newaygo State Park, located nearby, provides hiking trails and camping spots. The annual Logging Festival celebrates the area’s logging heritage with parades, contests, and family activities. Downtown Newaygo features charming shops and restaurants, with many buildings showcasing the city’s historic architecture. The surrounding area is popular for hunting, hiking, and exploring the beauty of Michigan’s forests and lakes.
Grant
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.08 square miles
- Population: 872 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49327
- Latitude: 43.3367° N
- Longitude: 85.8122° W
City Location and History
Grant is located in the southeastern part of Newaygo County, about 30 miles north of Grand Rapids. Founded in 1882, the town was named after President Ulysses S. Grant. It grew as a farming community, with local agriculture focusing on fruits and vegetables, particularly asparagus, for which the region became well known. Over time, Grant remained a small, rural town with a tight-knit community, maintaining its agricultural roots while benefiting from its proximity to larger cities like Grand Rapids. Today, Grant serves as a residential hub with a strong sense of local pride and community spirit.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grant Public Schools serves the area, with Grant High School being the primary educational institution. The town’s main landmark is the annual Grant Asparagus Festival, which celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with parades, cooking contests, and live entertainment. Nearby Hess Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking, adding to the town’s appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Grant also features several parks and green spaces, such as the Grant Community Park, which hosts various sports events and family activities throughout the year. The town’s close proximity to both rural farmland and city amenities makes it an attractive place for residents who enjoy a slower pace of life.
White Cloud
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.10 square miles
- Population: 1,272 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49349
- Latitude: 43.5733° N
- Longitude: 85.7744° W
City Location and History
White Cloud is the county seat of Newaygo County, located in the northern part of the county along the White River. The town was founded in the late 19th century during Michigan’s logging boom, with the river providing a crucial transportation route for lumber. The name White Cloud is believed to have been inspired by the white clouds of smoke that often billowed from the town’s sawmills. After the decline of the logging industry, White Cloud transitioned into a small, rural community, with agriculture and outdoor recreation becoming key parts of the local economy. Its location near the Manistee National Forest makes it a gateway to nature and adventure.
Major Schools and Landmarks
White Cloud Public Schools serves the town, with White Cloud High School being the main educational institution. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the White River, which offers excellent fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. The proximity to Manistee National Forest allows for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, hunting, and camping. The annual Trail Town Celebration highlights White Cloud’s connection to the North Country National Scenic Trail, a major hiking route that passes near the town. The White Cloud County Park provides additional recreation with its picnic areas, playgrounds, and access to the river. White Cloud’s quiet, rural atmosphere and natural beauty make it an appealing destination for those looking to escape city life.
Hesperia
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.23 square miles
- Population: 954 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49421
- Latitude: 43.5650° N
- Longitude: 86.0372° W
City Location and History
Hesperia is a small village located on the eastern edge of Oceana County, but part of the village extends into Newaygo County. Founded in the mid-19th century, Hesperia developed as a small agricultural town, with farming and logging driving the local economy. The village is situated along the White River, which provided a vital source of water for both agriculture and milling operations. Over time, Hesperia has grown into a quiet, rural community known for its peaceful riverside setting and its focus on outdoor recreation, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hesperia Community Schools serves the area, with Hesperia High School being the main educational institution. The village’s major landmarks include the Hesperia Dam on the White River, which is a popular fishing spot, particularly for steelhead and salmon. The nearby Manistee National Forest provides extensive opportunities for hiking, hunting, and camping. The White River is also popular for canoeing and kayaking, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to the area. Hesperia’s annual Heritage Day Festival celebrates the village’s history and rural culture with parades, craft fairs, and family-friendly activities, drawing visitors from across the region.
Howard City
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.25 square miles
- Population: 1,808 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49329
- Latitude: 43.3964° N
- Longitude: 85.4672° W
City Location and History
Howard City is located at the southern tip of Newaygo County, near the border with Montcalm County. Established in 1868, the village grew as a result of the expanding lumber industry and its location along the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. Howard City thrived as a lumber town before transitioning to agriculture and small manufacturing in the 20th century. Today, Howard City is a quiet residential community that serves as a gateway between rural Newaygo County and the more urban areas of central Michigan.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Howard City is part of the Tri County Area Schools district, with Tri County High School serving the area’s students. Major landmarks include the Howard City Plaza and nearby Ensley Park, which provide spaces for community gatherings and recreational activities. The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail, passes through Howard City, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. The village hosts several community events throughout the year, including an annual Harvest Festival that celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with parades, music, and local vendors. The peaceful setting and strong community spirit make Howard City a desirable place to live.
