Walloon Lake

For over 120 years, Walloon has been a place where many of the icons of American business and their families have summered. It is the place where Ernest Hemingway spent his summers as a youth. The lake’s rolling hills and clear, beautiful waters have always been the center of its attraction. My family has a century-long history of enjoying the unique lifestyle Walloon Lake has to offer. For over 120 years, Walloon Lake has been a place where many of the icons of American business and their families have summered. It is the place where Ernest Hemingway spent his summers as a youth. The lake’s rolling hills and clear, spring-fed waters have always been the center of its attraction.

Welcome to the latest edition of Welcome to Walloon by Wally Kidd. As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we are proud to share stories, insights, and perspectives rooted in the Walloon Lake area in northern Michigan. This issue looks at the people, places, and traditions that shape life around the lake, from the Village of Walloon Lake to the surrounding shorelines and nearby communities. In the pages ahead, you will find local history, community voices and reflections on what it means to call Walloon Lake home, then and now.


Click here for the 2026 Welcome to Walloon


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A NEW ERA FOR WALLOON’S BELOVED GENERAL STORE

by Lauren Macintyre

Wallooners cherish their traditions…and for many, those halcyon days growing up around the Village are among the most special. 

Memories of the General Store, in particular, evoke a delightful sense of nostalgia…an old wooden store with a magical, marble-topped soda fountain with the tastiest ice cream and chocolate syrup around…a place to buy penny candy or the celebrated Al-Meda chocolates…the spot where young Wallooners would pick up favorite comic books or their parents’ newspaper…later the deli with the famous Wallooner and Pink Loon sandwiches.

Over the years, the General Store has encompassed many different names, many different proprietors, and even a number of…

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The Walloon Fourth of July traditions continue!

Coming to your mailbox soon, "Preserving Walloon" shares the many traditions that keep our lake protected, as well as, an update regarding Walloon's red hot real estate market. Be safe and have a happy 4th!

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Located along the shores of Indian Garden Road, this unique find offers up 100 feet of prime, Walloon Lake frontage. Savor life on a protected cove, out of the wind and waves; all while appreciating a fantastic Walloon sunrise! The unique setting consists of a flat level lot just steps from the water's edge. The home while charming and ready to enjoy now, it is just waiting to be updated with your personal touches.

Inside, the main foyer welcomes you and draws you into the large family room with its towering glass windows. Enjoy views of the North’s favorite lake, its trees, and sky while sitting around the fireplace. The convenience of the main floor master bedroom and bath can’t be overlooked.
No stairs here at the end of your day on the…

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“My wife and I have known Wally Kidd for a number of years and have been working with him to find the perfect cottage for our multigenerational family on Walloon Lake. We received a call from Wally in early November letting us know that he thought he might have a cottage for us. We immediately made arrangements to fly to Northern Michigan to view the cottage. He was right, we made an offer that day. Wally, Lauren, and the rest of his team were beyond helpful in working through some of the challenges and various issues that presented themselves during Covid. Not least of which was that our principal residence is in the Kansas City metro area and everything had to been done virtually. We could not have been more pleased with Wally and his team…

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7851 Indian Garden Rd. sold before listed on Walloon Lake, and it's no wonder why. Every once in a while a truly unique piece of real estate comes available that encompasses all the treasures Northern Michigan has to offer. That slice of Northern Michigan paradise can be found here on the prestigious stretch of Indian Garden South on Walloon Lake.

A picturesque, spring-fed brook runs the length of this parcel, and its 164 feet of sandy bottom Walloon Lake frontage adds to the serenity & privacy of this comfortable move-in ready home. An open floor plan greets you as you enter into the main living area and a classic fieldstone fireplace is at the center of it all. The dining room, recently updated kitchen, lakeside den, and main floor master suite…

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3203 TOWNSEND ROAD on WALLOON LAKE SOLD BEFORE IT WAS LISTED ON WALLOON LAKE BY WALLY KIDD

This charming Walloon Lake home sits on 151 feet of frontage on the azure blue waters of the west arm. The wooded lot offers privacy, while the short level walk to the water's edge ends with a fantastic sandy lake bottom. A well thought out open floor plan with large windows and a main floor master make this home perfect for get-togethers. Recent updates include; furnace, range, water softener, water heater, and security system. Sit around the fireplace and catch up on the day’s adventures or enjoy the fresh Up North air on the lakeside deck.

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Try not to fall in love with this Northern Michigan gem. A prestigious address off Shadow Trails, which is known as Walloon's "quiet side" of the lake. One hundred seventy-five feet of prime, sandy, Walloon Lake frontage. Enjoy a private setting just steps away from the pristine blue waters of Walloon Lake, Michigan.

This beautiful 1970’s home is a diamond in the ruff. Tall windows allow for natural light and outstanding views of Walloon Lake. Three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a detached garage, wood floors, and a beautiful deck to watch the Walloon Lake sunsets. Boasting over 2,100 square feet, there’s plenty of space to entertain, make this into your permanent residence or just a family vacation home in Northern Michigan.

Call Wally Kidd today…

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Wally Kidd Welcome to Walloon Holiday 2019

In this issue of Welcome to Walloon, we reminisce about one of Walloon’s favorite pastimes, fishing. I also share with you a look at another passion of all of ours, Walloon Lake real estate. In the following pages, you will see my collection of the lake’s finest properties currently offered for sale. Inventory is as low on the lake now, as it has been in recent memory. Because of this, values are strong, and in many cases continue to move upwards. I am honored that so many Wallooners have called on me to handle the sale and purchase of their family’s cherished properties. They recognize that my authentic marketing, work ethic, industry knowledge, and proven sales record have made me Walloon’s go-to realtor.

I would like to take this opportunity to…

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Wally Kidd fishing Walloon LakeBefore Twitter and Instagram, fishing was a popular pastime on Walloon lake. You could almost say that modern-day Walloon is what it is because of fishing. The fact is, that in the late 1800’s the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad was looking for a way to remain profitable.  To do this they had to transition from hauling lumber to the south to bringing tourists to the North. The railroad touted the clear waters and exceptional fishing on our beautiful lake and in turn, the railroad branded itself as “The Fishing Line.” The generations before us were all too familiar with our exceptional fishing. 

In this issue, you’ll see a vintage copy of The Fisherman Magazine that my father had saved. It’s a nostalgic look back at fishing and of 1950’s Walloon (the…

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