Murray Lake (Michigan)

Murray Lake
Location	Kent County, Michigan
Coordinates	43°02′27″N 85°22′48″W / 43.0408°N 85.3801°W / 43.0408; -85.3801Coordinates: 43°02′27″N 85°22′48″W / 43.0408°N 85.3801°W / 43.0408; -85.3801
Basin countries	United States

Murray Lake is a naturally formed lake about 9 miles away from the town of Lowell, Michigan. Murray Lake is the third largest lake in Kent County, lying in the northwest corner of the county officially in Grattan Township.

History

The lake used to have an island until a landbridge (now called Causeway Drive) built to reach was built in the 1950s. A man by the name of John Murray bought the property east of Lally Road for farming, including the island. Every year when the lake froze over he would bring the cows to the island from his farm on the mainland. He later began selling the property after Causeway Drive was built. The lake is named in his honor.

The Murray Lake Association was created after murray sold the land and they were in charge to keep the lakes ecosystem from collapsing. The association is currently run by Alan Rumbaugh, they sponsor events such as the annual chili cook-off, 4th of July boat parade and Christmas decorating contest. Murray Lake elementary was opened in 2004 just 1/2 mile from the lake. Kropf Orchard operations were at Murray lake from when it started although the company is starting to collapse. In 2007 the Murray Lake marina was sold to a man who offered to put up condos on Lally Road. After hesitation, the offer was accepted and construction is expected to begin in 2008.