About Macatawa
Key landmarks in Macatawa include the Macatawa Park, which offers beach access and picnic areas, and the historic Macatawa Yacht Club, established, which is a hub for sailing and boating activities. The nearby neighborhood of Lakewood offers a mix of residential homes and seasonal cottages, contributing to the area’s charm and appeal for both year-round and seasonal residents. Historically, Macatawa has been a popular destination for tourism since the late 19th century, particularly If you need summer retreats along the lake. The local economy has traditionally relied on tourism, with many businesses catering to visitors during the summer months, which significantly boosts the community's economic activity.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Macatawa
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office
Search for inmates currently booked at the Ottawa County Jail. Request official crash, criminal, or service reports from the Sheriff’s Records Unit.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Macatawa
Court records
The Circuit Court section of the Clerk's Office handles the filing of new civil, domestic, and criminal cases and maintains all of the existing case files for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. All documents filed with the court are put on the computer system daily.
🔗 https://www.macombgov.org/departments/clerk-register-deeds/court-records
🏠 Property & Public Records in Macatawa
Ottawa County Register of Deeds
Property records for Macatawa, Michigan are maintained by the Ottawa County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Ottawa County, including Macatawa.
Public Records & Services in Macatawa
About Macatawa — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Ottawa County Jail in West Olive is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within county boundaries. When someone is booked, the facility processes them through fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. The public can search for current inmates using the online lookup service. Visitation at the facility requires advance appointments and strict adherence to security protocols. Michigan's bond and bail procedures allow detainees to be released pending trial, with specific processes managed through Ottawa County's judicial system.
Arrest Records
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records for Ottawa County. These records contain details about the arrest circumstances, charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Anyone seeking arrest records can request them through the Sheriff's Office, though a formal request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act is typically required. The records provide information about both the arrest itself and any legal proceedings that followed.
Criminal Records
Ottawa County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Michigan State Police provides additional resources for residents seeking criminal history reports, so that Ottawa County residents have access to necessary public safety information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Macatawa, Michigan, are managed by the Ottawa County Clerk's Office. Residents can obtain birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses by visiting the clerk's office or by submitting a request online at https://www.miottawa.org/Clerk/vitals.htm. The office is provides timely and efficient service to the Macatawa community.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Macatawa, Michigan, are maintained by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Anyone looking for information about registered companies, trade names, or professional licenses can search the LARA website at https://www.michigan.gov/lara. The Ottawa County Clerk's Office also maintains certain local business records, including assumed names and business licenses, providing a secondary resource for those researching local commercial activity.
Economy & Demographics
Macatawa, Michigan, has a diverse economy that includes tourism, retail, and recreational industries. The community is home to numerous small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and outdoor recreation providers. Economic data and business records for Macatawa can be found through the Ottawa County Economic Development Office, located at 12220 Fillmore St, West Olive, MI 49460, and online at https://www.miottawa.org/EcoDev/.
Elections & Voter Records
Residents of Macatawa cast their ballots in elections administered by the Ottawa County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 12220 Fillmore Street, Suite 130, West Olive, MI 49460, phone (616) 994-4512, website www.miottawa.org/clerk. Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/vote or through the Secretary of State's office. Same-day voter registration is available through Election Day at the clerk's office or any polling place with proof of residency. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Michigan residents.
As an unincorporated community, Macatawa does not hold its own municipal elections. Instead, residents vote in Park Township elections for Township Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer, and four Trustee positions. Park Township board members serve four-year terms, with elections held in even-numbered years during the November general election. Local voters also participate in Ottawa County elections for County Commissioners representing District 5, which includes Park Township, as well as Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Prosecutor. The U.S. Ottawa County voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote and entering their name and birth date, or by contacting the Ottawa County Clerk. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting, allowing residents to request absentee ballots online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at the Ottawa County Clerk's office. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. The Friday before Election Day, though voters can request and submit an absent voter ballot in person at the clerk's office until 8 p.m. On Election Day. Election records that are public in Michigan include voter registration lists, available to political parties and candidates under MCL 168.522, along with campaign finance reports searchable at www.michigan.gov/campaign. Candidate filings and petitions, precinct-level election results, and pollbook information are also public. The Ottawa County Clerk publishes detailed election results by precinct on their website following certification. Ballot proposals and local ballot questions are published in advance through Ottawa County's Sample Ballot lookup tool, and the Michigan Secretary of State provides a statewide ballot initiative tracker at www.michigan.gov/sos.
Public Records Resources for Macatawa, Michigan
Official government websites for Macatawa, Michigan and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Michigan Business Entity SearchSearch for a business entity licensed to do business in Michigan.
- Michigan CourtsSearch for the appropriate county or district court in Michigan.
- Michigan Birth RecordsRequest birth records from the State of Michigan Vital Records Office.
- Michigan Archived Death Records SearchLookup Michigan death records from the 19th century by accessing the MI Genealogical Death Indexing System.
- Michigan Teacher LookupSearch for a teacher's credential status with the Michigan Department of Education.
- Michigan Marriage SearchFind a marriage record or request a copy of a marriage certificate issued in Michigan from the Vital Records office.
- Michigan State Foreclosed Real Property SearchSearch the state treasurer listings of State Foreclosed Land Auctions for Michigan.
- Michigan Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status from the office of the state treasurer.
Nearby Cities in Ottawa County, Michigan
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain vital records in Macatawa, Michigan?
Vital records for Macatawa, Ottawa County, Michigan including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Michigan Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Ottawa County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
How do I find public school records in Macatawa, Michigan?
Public schools in Macatawa, Ottawa County, Michigan are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Michigan Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
How do I access crime data and statistics for Macatawa, Michigan?
Crime data for Macatawa, Ottawa County, Michigan is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.
How do I access public library records in Macatawa, Michigan?
The Macatawa Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Ottawa County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
Where can I get fingerprinting services in Macatawa, Michigan?
Fingerprinting services for Macatawa, Michigan residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Ottawa County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
How do I register to vote in Macatawa, Michigan?
To register to vote in Macatawa, Michigan, residents can register online through the Michigan Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Ottawa County elections office. Michigan requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Michigan Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Macatawa, contact the Ottawa County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Macatawa, Michigan?
Property records for Macatawa, Michigan are maintained by the City of Macatawa Assessor and the Ottawa County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Ottawa County, including parcels in Macatawa. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Ottawa County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Michigan counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Ottawa County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Macatawa, Michigan?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Macatawa, Michigan residents are available through both county and state offices. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Lansing, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Michigan. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Ottawa County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Ottawa County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.