It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes, without legal status as a municipality.

An 1894 Chicago newspaper article was the catalyst in making the shore a resort area, and a rail line extension from nearby Coloma in 1896 started the building boom.

[5][6] The nearby Deer Forest animal park in Coloma Township opened at the end of the heyday of the resort area.

[10] It closed permanently at the end of that season[11] and animals were dispersed to various other locations.

The cities of Watervliet and Coloma touch the CDP at its southeast and southwest corners, respectively.

27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.