The Great State has the most lighthouses in the United States and the largest freshwater system in the world. With boating, fishing, and swimming being popular pastimes for Michiganders, we love all things nautical. The wind plays a vital role in sailing across our powerful lakes, and the world’s largest weathervane is right here in Montague, Michigan.

Where is Montague, Michigan?
Google Maps
Montague, Michigan is a small town located in Muskegon County on White Lake which connects to Lake Michigan.
The adorable town has less than three square miles and a population of fewer than 2,500 people. You’ll be able to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing walk around the quiet and quaint downtown.
Feryal Alayont / Google Reviews
Montague is home to the world’s largest working weathervane, which is located in Ellenwood Park. When you drive around, you can’t miss the massive weathervane dominating the tiny town.
City of Montague / Facebook
The weathervane was created and donated in 1984 by Whitehall Metal Studios and is Montague’s own claim to fame. The hand-forged weathervane is made of steel and aluminum, stands 48 feet tall, and weighs 4,300 pounds. Did we mention that it has a working weather station in its base? Talk about an industrial marvel!

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The ship you see at the top of the weathervane is the Ella Ellenwood schooner which was built in 1869. The ship’s home port was White Lake in Montague, and in 1901 she ran aground eight miles north of Milwaukee, far away from home.
jbowling2005 / TripAdvisor
The ship began to break apart due to powerful wind and waves. In the spring of 1902, a portion of the wooden "Ellenwood" plate had washed up in White Lake Channel by complete chance. The ship had made her way back home after all! The 115-year-old nameplate and a model of the Ellenwood can be found inside Montague city hall.
The maritime weathervane is so popular that you can stay at an Inn just steps away from the monument. The Weathervane Inn is a gorgeous lakeside hotel with upgraded rooms that have a balcony, a whirlpool tub, and a cozy fireplace.
The Weathervane Inn
If you love learning about weather, seeing nautical history, or staying in a picturesque small town, you’ll enjoy visiting the world’s largest weathervane in Montague.
Feryal Alayont / Google Reviews


Let's fly over the beautiful White Lake and the towns of Whitehall and Montague, Michigan in this video from Randy Claypool. Can you spot the world's largest weathervane in Montague?

You can learn more about the world’s largest weathervane and the Ellenwood on the City of Montague website. While visiting, you can book your stay at the Weathervane Inn. Have you seen this giant monument in person? Let us know your thoughts!

Since you’re in the mood for some Great Lake history, check out the history and mystery behind Michigan’s White River Light Station.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Interesting Things About Michigan

Chris Muras | November 21, 2023

What is Michigan known for?
Michigan is known for many things from beautiful natural areas to cute Christmas towns. And even a few other quirky things. Here are some things that Michigan is known for:

  • Mackinac Island Fudge: Mackinac Island is a picturesque island on Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula. It is a charming walkable resort area that is known for, among other things, its handcrafted fudge.
  • Pickles: It may be a strange thing to be known for, but Michiganders sure do love those crunchy, tangy, brined cucumbers. In fact, the Vlasic brand pickle is made right here in Michigan based on the influence of Michigan's Polish immigrant community. Another zesty pickle brand that locals will tell you to stock up on is McClure's Pickles, which are made in Detroit.
  • Carhartt: If any brand represents hard-working Americans (another thing Michigan is known for) it's Carhartt. Based in Dearborn, MI, this company prides itself on representing a resilient, tough work ethic. You can find this iconic brand being sold at another Michigan icon - Ed Rehmann & Sons Clothing.
  • Frankenmuth: Even though we pride ourselves on being tough, there is a softer side to a true Michigander's heart - the love of the holidays. And this Michigan town epitomizes Christmas in every way from the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which looks like it was imported from an old German town, to the Riverside shops all decked out for the holidays. This charming town even has the World's Largest Christmas Store - at least according to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.

Michigan is a pretty swell place to grab a bite to eat. There are some iconic foods that Michigan is known for too. Here is a list of a number of food items you'll fall in love with if you are a true Michigander.

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Featured Addresses
World’s Largest Weathervane and Ellenwood Park, 4574 Dowling St, Montague, MI 49437, USA