Norton Shores, Michigan
Norton Shores is a city in Muskegon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 23,994 at the 2010 census. Overview Norton Shores is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Muskegon County. The community of 22,527 residents encompasses over including Mona Lake and Black Lake as well as Hoffmaster State Park. Norton Shores is a suburban environment with a balance of industrial and commercial development. It has also led the county in residential construction permits for the past five years. The city offers educational opportunities from the Mona Shores Public Schools to Muskegon Community College, Baker College and Grand Valley State University. History The Ojibwe, Bodewadmi and Odawa Native Americans for hundreds of years occupied the wilds of Western Michigan. When European immigrants arrived they found openings in the forest made by the Native Americans, which were used to raise food. Norton Township was originally organized in 1845 by settlers of the village of Mill Point (now Spring Lake). The township was named in honor of Col. Amos Norton, a Canadian patriot who was implicated in the rebellion of 1837. Norton Township was part of Ottawa County and also included the Townships of Fruitport and Sullivan.