Facility Overview

Situated in the heart of rural Mecosta County along Michigan's bustling recreation corridor, the parking facility at 8930 11 Mile Rd serves Fox Marine Lakeside (formerly Lakeside Motor Sports & Marine). Configured as an expansive, open-air surface parking lot, this rural commercial facility provides generous turnaround space tailored specifically to handle vehicular traffic of all sizes. The perimeter and staging zones are built without low-hanging ceiling obstructions or parking decks, offering unlimited vertical clearance. As a result, standard sedans, large heavy-duty pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, conversion vans, campers, and haulers pulling wide boat trailers or utility rigs can maneuver and park without clearance constraints.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The facility is strategically positioned along 11 Mile Road (M-20), serving as a crucial marine, recreation, and commercial junction between Big Rapids and Mount Pleasant. It sits just minutes from renowned central Michigan waterways and attractions:

• Canadian Lakes Recreation Community: Located roughly 5 to 7 minutes southwest, offering scenic private lakes, beaches, and championship golf courses such as The Highlands and The Royal.
• School Section Lake Veteran's Park: Approximately 2.5 miles northwest, featuring public beach access, picnic pavilions, camping facilities, and boating launches.
• Lake Mecosta & Blue Lake: Located within a short 5-minute drive, popular regional fishing and watersport destinations.
• Martiny Lake State Game Area: Situated approximately 10 minutes to the north, offering expansive wildlife areas, hunting grounds, and tranquil waterways.
• Ferris State University & Downtown Big Rapids: Located around 15 miles to the west along M-20, home to Jim Wink Arena, Top Taggart Field, and extensive university athletics.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via multiple wide curb cuts directly off 11 Mile Road (M-20), allowing seamless entry even when towing oversized boats or utility trailers. The wide apron ensures clear sightlines when entering or rejoining highway traffic, minimizing congestion during peak weekend and holiday boating hours. Regional vehicular transit relies heavily on state highway M-20, which connects directly to US-131 to the west (for travel toward Grand Rapids and Cadillac) and US-127 to the east near Mount Pleasant. Rural transit in the surrounding area is supported on-call by the Mecosta-Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA) dial-a-ride service.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Expansive Open-Air Surface Lot: Broad layout designed for smooth vehicle maneuvers, backing, and trailer navigation without vertical clearance restrictions.
• Trailer & Heavy-Duty Friendly: Ample apron depth accommodating long tow rigs, pickup-boat combinations, and recreational vehicles.
• Complimentary Visitor Parking: Free dedicated on-site parking for customers, showroom visitors, and marine service clients.
• Direct M-20 Highway Frontage: Clear roadside signage with fast, seamless ingress and egress.
• Exterior Security & Perimeter Lighting: Commercial-grade outdoor lighting across display areas and customer bays for added safety during morning and evening visits.
• ADA Accessible Stalls: Designated accessible parking bays situated adjacent to the primary entrance and showroom office.

Ideal For

• Boaters & Water Enthusiasts: Visitors picking up, dropping off, or servicing pontoons, fishing boats, and personal watercraft for nearby Mecosta County lakes.
• Outdoor Travelers & Campers: Vacationers towing watercraft and recreation gear between Canadian Lakes, local state game reserves, and county parks.
• Local Business Patrons: Customers purchasing marine parts, outboards, and watersports equipment from Fox Marine Lakeside.
• Large Vehicle Drivers: Contractors, dual-axle pickups, and oversized haulers requiring open turning space and easy ground-level highway access.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Observe Facility Hours: Operating hours run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; the facility is closed on Sundays.
• Mind Summer Weekend Influx: Peak customer traffic aligns with Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings during late spring and summer lake seasons. Plan ahead to secure swift service.
• Swing Wide with Long Loads: While curb cuts are wide, drivers with dual-axle trailers should slow down appropriately when turning from M-20 to ensure plenty of room for wide turning radiuses.
• Winter Driving Caution: Snow and ice are common across Mecosta County in winter months; stay mindful of seasonal plowed snowbanks along perimeter stalls.