Our History
History Preserved with a Modern Destination
Nestled on the south shores of Gun Lake, Bay Pointe boasts a rich and storied history, deeply intertwined with the lake’s legacy as a cherished retreat for generations. What began as a family's beloved lakeside getaway has transformed into a premier resort destination, blending its historic charm with modern luxury. Through thoughtful restoration and innovation, Bay Pointe continues to honor its past while offering an elevated experience for today’s guests. Bay Pointe proudly stands as a testament to timeless beauty, where tradition meets contemporary comfort on the water’s edge.
1800's
Gun Lake was a Fishing Haven
In the 1800s, Gun Lake was known as a fishing haven for anglers from the Midwest. The lake and surrounding forests made the area a sportsmen’s paradise for the Ottawa, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (commonly referred to as the Gun Lake Tribe), and Chippewa Indians. A recognized leader of the Ottawa Indians of Southern Michigan was the brave and powerful Chief Noonday, whose name remains on Gun Lake area roads and trails as a testament to his strength and character.
1895
Gun Lake Becomes Vacation Destination
In 1895, as many as 5,000 people traveling by horse and carriage attended a 5-day farmer’s picnic, setting up camps around the lake, celebrating with endless music and square dancing while traveling back and forth by steamboat to Gun Lake’s earliest resorts. Steamboats on the lake offered moonlight cruises, sparking many new courtships.
1899
Farm and Lake Land Is Purchased
Austin H. and Frankie Dwight purchased the site of the current Bay Pointe in 1899. These former Chicago residents, far too familiar with the fast pace of the windy city, longed for serenity. When the Dwight’s found the peace and tranquility they were searching for on 350 acres surrounding Gun Lake, they decided to build their summer home. In 1902, the Dwight’s started building their dream home, which came to be known as the “Dwight Villa”.
1906
The Dwight Villa is Complete
In 1906 the Dwight’s summer retreat was completed on this picturesque site. The two and half story 6000 sq. ft. home was designed in Colonial Revival style, featured a full-length porch and natural exterior of granite, local cobblestone and wood shingles with a massive fieldstone fireplace. The exterior stone was repurposed to build our existing seawall. Since the couple loved to entertain, they built an enormous living room designed to accommodate in grand style. The Dwight’s threw lavish parties and dances and hosted musical performances on the lake. The Dwight Villa was the entertainment center of Gun Lake. Today, Bay Pointe continues this local tradition of celebrations, entertainment and hospitality.
Sweeping lawns, curving driveways, hedges, walnut trees and evergreens adorned the property, along with flowering plants in mass. Mr. Dwight’s hobby was cultivating the Dahlias which dominated the gardens. At one time, it was said he had over two hundred different varieties. Today Bay Pointe showcases extraordinary gardens with walking paths intimate sitting areas and water and fire features.
After the Dwight’s passing, this house once revered for its grace and charm stood empty for 30 years.
1978
Roy & Jackie Martin Purchase the Historic Dwight Villa
After the Dwight’s passing, this house once revered for its grace and charm stood empty for 30 years. In 1978, Roy and Jackie Martin purchased the neglected property then being run as a campground. After a complete renovation of the landmark home, they opened Bay Pointe Restaurant in 1983 filled with fine furnishings from the Dwight Era. By 1984, this architectural showpiece was admitted to both the State and Federal Registry of Historic Buildings for its importance in American history and culture.
Bay Pointe Restaurant hosted hundreds of weddings, meetings and special events until 2003 when Roy & Jackie decided to sell their historical restaurant and retire.
*Photo credit: - National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form: Austin H.- and Frankie A. Dwight Summer House, August 1984
November 2003
Mike and Patti Powers Purchase the Bay Pointe Restaurant
Long time Gun Lake residents Mike & Patti Powers purchased the landmark Bay Pointe Restaurant from Roy & Jackie Martin in November 2003. Shortly after on Dec. 26th they held an auction garnering a high level of interest from over 1000 local residents, antique dealers and collectors from the Midwest seeking interesting memorabilia from the historic Dwight Villa and Bay Pointe Restaurant.
After the auction was complete, Mike & Patti started demolition of the old Dwight Villa to repurpose the land into what is now known as Bay Pointe Resort.
November 2004
Welcome to the New Bay Pointe Inn and Restaurant
On November 8, 2004, the new Bay Pointe Inn and Restaurant opened for business. The new Bay Pointe Resort offered a reimagined Bay Pointe Restaurant and an all-new, Bay Pointe Inn, providing over 39 rooms and suites.
Mike & Patti's dream to develop an inspiring Gun Lake resort that was a memorable vacation destination and entertainment venue became a reality. They recognized and honored the history of the landmark property but introduced lodging, extraordinary farm to table cuisine, refreshing craft cocktails a desirable wine list and year-round entertainment combined with all the amenities today’s savvy travelers desire.
June 2019
Bay Pointe Resort Expands
Since opening; Bay Pointe's award-winning property has evolved with several expansions. Bay Pointe Resort now encompasses 375 ft. of Gun Lake frontage on 30 wooded acres offering exceptional lakefront dining, 39 spectacular guest rooms and suites, an indoor pool, and the historical BoatHouse Villa.
In June 2019, Bay Pointe completed its new Lakefront Pavilion, new Bay Pointe Woods compound showcasing private cottages and a modern equestrian designed event venue. Bay Pointe offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, meetings, special events and entertainment surrounded by peace and tranquility.
2025
Bay Pointe Resort Thrives as a Family Owned and Operated Business
Bay Pointe Resort has a rich history rooted in the beauty of Gun Lake and remains proudly family-owned and operated to this day, ensuring its legacy of hospitality continues for generations to come.
As one of West Michigan’s top resorts and a premier event venue in the Midwest, Bay Pointe blends its historic charm with modern elegance, offering an unparalleled experience for guests and event hosts alike.
Committed to excellence, the resort upholds Mike's tradition of "Maintaining innovation and quality in the products we sell, the services we provide, and the way we treat our associates is the cornerstone of our success."
With a dedicated management team that values employee empowerment and continuous improvement, Bay Pointe fosters a culture where every team member plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service. At Bay Pointe, every guest experience is a priority, and every associate is recognized as a key contributor to the resort’s continued success.