![]() ![]() Drinking or bathing in mineral water has long been thought to cure illnesses such as asthma, indigestion, and gout. ![]() After the discovery of a natural mineral spring on Washington Avenue in 1871, Grand Haven added health tourism to its list of attractions. They wanted to replace the dying lumber interests in the Tri-Cities with a new industry using the beautiful beaches and dunes of the area: tourism.Īs a tourist destination, Grand Haven had more than sunsets and sandy beaches. Others were business owners with backgrounds in hotels, dry goods, medicine, and real estate. Some, like Dwight Cutler I and William Savidge, made their fortunes from the lumber industry. Most of the first stockholders of the HPA were wealthy businessmen from the Tri-Cities. The investors built cottages and facilities that improved the entire neighborhood like the Highland Park Hotel and Pavilion. The group leased the land from the City of Grand Haven for 30 years. In 1886, the HPA gathered investors who would plan and build a resort in the dunes just south of downtown Grand Haven. ![]() After locals realized the value of the area, they formed the Highland Park Association (HPA). When Grand Haven extended Lake Avenue in the 1870s, the land where Highland Park now sits was easier to explore and settle. Before Highland Park was created, the dunes were often used for rustic camping with tents. ![]()
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