HESPERIA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Welcome to the picturesque community of Hesperia, Michigan. Our town is situated on the border of Oceana and Newaygo Counties, along the beautiful White River where you will find some of the best salmon and rainbow trout fishing in Michigan. Enjoy a stroll down our main street, stop in and visit the local shops, walk along the riverside boardwalk and watch the fish jump next to the dam, take a swim in the Millpond, or enjoy a quiet walk out to the gazebo on the island. The more adventurous can rent a canoe or kayak for a trip down the river, camp and fish along the river's edge, put in your own boat or hire a river guide. Hunting can be found almost year round and winter sports abound as well with snowmobiling and ice fishing.

There are two local stories of how Hesperia received its name. The first was that it was an Indian name for "beautiful gardens", since the area was once home Indian tribes. The second was that it was named from Hesperides in Greek Mythology, meaning "blissful garden", located in the western part of Greece. Either way, We are definitely in West Michigan and it may be more beautiful here. In 1856 Booth Perry settled in the area, followed shortly thereafter by Pat McFarland and Alex McLaren (McLaren lake is named after him). The village of Hesperia was platted in 1866 and a sawmill and general store were built by John Cook and Dan Weaver. The town officially became a village in 1883.

The Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors two annual events in Hesperia. The 4th of July Family FunFest on Independence Day, with live bands & street dancing, parade, tractor & horse pulls, canoe race, beer tent, fireworks, and more; and the annual Salmon Festival with fishing contests, Pie Baking and Chili Cookoffs, beer tent, and fireworks near the second weekend of September.

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