Typically, you can think of Pleasant Lake as a very social place. Hankerd Hills and Bartlett’s Resort all came together to create a piece of one of Michigan’s greatest hidden gems. But what is the deeper meaning behind these places, how did Pleasant Lake become the place it is now?
Bartlett’s Resort was built in 1916 when Hugh Bartlett inherited a piece of land from his father, Mortimer, a successful Jackson businessman.
He constructed a two-story dance hall which burned down in 1927 due to it being struck by lightning. It was rebuilt in 1928, but this time, more fun activities such as an arcade, miniature golf, waterslides, and more were added.
During the 1940s and 50s, various large names in music performed at Bartlett’s. Including but not limited to Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and The Supremes.
Many people have said they remember Bartlett’s as a more social setting between the 40s and 60s, and after that, Bartlett’s housed more local, Michigan-based bands.
Hankerd Hills had its grand opening in 1928 by the Hankerd family. Fifty years later, it was taken over by David and Jeanne Kasprzyckis.
When Hankerd Hills Golf Course was first built, there were only nine holes to golf. Now, there are twenty-seven. And when it was first built, it was only the golf course, now there is a clubhouse, a banquet hall, and a patio looking out over the sun.
The next time you stop somewhere on your road trip through Michigan, and you think to yourself, “This town is so beautiful!” You’re probably in Pleasant Lake. Where you can golf, and where you can get social without really knowing anyone. We’re welcome to have you!
