Barry County is an area of extensive darying and farming, with crops
including corn for grain, winter wheat, barley, oats and hay. Some
manufacturing also exists. The main geographical feature for Barry
County are its many lakes, which can be found by taking just about
any road out of Hastings. Gun Lake, the largest inland lake in Southern
Michigan, provides plenty of opportunity for all types of recreational
activities The 15,000 acre Barry State Game Area offers excellent
hunting. Historical sites of interest include the Courthouse in
Hastings and the 1880's Striker House, Hastings' most lavish Queen Anne
style residence. Other points of interest include the Bowen’s Mills
Historical site and the dam on the Thornapple River in Middleville.
