Newaygo County was named after Chippewa Indian Chief: Naw-wa-goo, one of the signers of the Treaty of Saginaw in 1812. The county has over 230 natural lakes and over 350 miles of rivers and streams. Three huge dams were built after the turn of the century: Croton, Hardy and Newaygo. Croton and Hardy Dams remain today, with Hardy the largest earthen dam east of the Mississippi.
Croton Dam, Muskegon River
Capable of producing 8,850 kilowatts, two units began operating in 1907. Croton became the first facility in the world to transmit electricity at more than 110,000 volts and prompted a visit from Dr. Charles Steinmetz, the “wizard” of General Electric, who conducted electrical tests on the transmission line in 1908. Two more generating units were added in 1915.
Croton was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 16, 1979.
Hardy Dam and Pond, Muskegon River
Hardy Hydro reservoir offers excellent fishing and one of the company’s best nature trails. The three-mile unpaved path parallels the Muskegon River and contains 26 different trees with identification plaques. The trail area is home to wild turkeys, grouse and bald eagles as well as beaver, mink and otter.
The nearly 4,000 acre Hardy Hydro pond features five major parks that offer some 2,000 campsites, as well as the marina and boat launching facilities that are available in numerous locations on the pond.
At Croton Hydro, salmon, steel head, rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, bass, perch and other pan fish await anglers. In the Rogers Hydro reservoir, northern pike congregate.
Boat launches and rentals, campgrounds, picnic sites, hiking trails and swimming areas are located around all three sites.
With a generating capacity of 30,000 kilowatts, Hardy is the largest electricity producing hydro on the river. Construction was completed in 1931, making it the last hydro to be built by the company.
It is named for George E. Hardy, a financial partner with Anton Hodenpyl. Together, they oversaw the holding company (Commonwealth and Southern) that Consumers was part of from 1910 through the 1920s. Hardy was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on Dec. 1, 1997. The plant is honored for its impressive Spanish Colonial architecture.
Hardy’s five large community parks make it a recreation destination for thousands each summer. They include the Newaygo State Park , the Newaygo County Sandy Beach Park, Big Prairie Township Ox Bow and Big Bend Parks, and the Mecosta County Brower Park.
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This website and information is provided courtesy of the Croton-Hardy Business Alliance, the mission of the Croton-Hardy Business Alliance is to promote the growth of our businesses while exposing the beauty of the area, preserving the past, protecting the future and maintaining our community.
