HISTORIC MICHIGAN: Park Lake Resort in Bath (Early 1900’s)

In the 1890's, Park Lake in Bath became one of THE places to go for summer recreation. Many folks in the Lansing area traveled on Lansing's public tram system out to Bath for boating, swimming, fishing and having picnics.

Because it was so popular, it was expanded in the early 1920's to include the Park Lake Dance Hall - built on pilings right over the water - which brought in many of the big music acts of the time, including Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. Once the Dance Hall's popularity spread, more & more people began showing up, including riff-raff...and during the 1930's the hall caught fire and was destroyed. Some folks feel some trouble-makers may have accidentally caused the fire while others claim it was burned down for the insurance, or simply carelessness & neglect on the part of employees.

Currently, Kathy's Pier Delight sits on the beach near the dance hall's former location, while the Park Lake Beach picnic shelter sits at one end of the land where the old dance hall used to stand.

The old resort and pavilion are gone but you can still enjoy ice cream, the beach, picnicking, boating and swimming at Park Lake beach....and now that summer is coming to a close, you can still enjoy the park, as ice fishing contests will be held once winter sets in!

EMBRACE MICHIGAN'S (and your town's) HISTORY!
There is so much to see and do Here!