Welcome to the City of Hart
The charming City of Hart is located along the shores of the all-sport Hart Lake, just miles from Lake Michigan. Its historic downtown is an excellent place for shopping, eating, and entertainment. In addition, Hart is home to Michigan’s first rail-trail that spans 23 miles south, used year-round by bicyclists, snowmobilers, runners, and walkers.
While many enjoy this area as a vacation destination, it is also known for its thriving business climate with companies whose products are marketed locally and globally. Hart welcomes new residents, businesses, and year-round visitors with a team of professionals ready to help you every step of the way.
If you’ve dreamed of a friendly place to raise your family that offers an active outdoor lifestyle, rich history, great schools, and good jobs... Hart is a place you can call "home."
Nichole Kleiner Selected to Lead the City of Hart as the New City Manager
HART, MI - The Hart City Council is pleased to announce the selection of Nichole Kleiner as the next City Manager following a comprehensive executive search process.
After several weeks of candidate evaluations, community engagement, and on-site interviews, the City Council unanimously identified Kleiner as the best fit to lead the organization and advance Hart’s vision for growth and collaboration.
“Nichole has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the City of Hart and the people who call it home,” said Mayor Amanda Klotz. “Her proven leadership, deep understanding of our community, and commitment to collaboration make her an outstanding choice to guide us into the future.”
Kleiner has served as Hart’s Interim City Manager since August 2025 and previously held the position of Economic and Community Development Director. With nearly two decades of experience in local government, she has successfully managed multi-million-dollar grant projects and fostered strong relationships with local businesses, residents, and regional partners. Her leadership was instrumental in Hart’s partnership with West Shore Community College to establish Oceana County’s first higher education campus, a milestone achievement for the region.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community I care deeply about,” said Kleiner. “Hart is a special place with incredible potential. I look forward to working with the City Council, staff, and residents to build on the progress we’ve made and shape a future we can all be proud of.”
The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment led by Double Haul Solutions (DHS), which included candidate outreach, preliminary screenings, and community-informed evaluations.
The City Council extends its appreciation to all candidates and community members who participated in the selection process. Contract negotiations with Ms. Kleiner are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Energy Rebates for Residential Customers
The Energy Smart Residential Energy Efficiency Program helps qualifying Michigan residents, like you, make energy-efficient choices for your home by offering a free virtual assessment, along with rebates for qualifying energy-saving products or equipment.
LEARN MORE HERE
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Public meeting agendas and public hearing information will be posted at least 18-hours prior to the meeting. You can find the information under the "Connect" menu tab above or the link below.
Printed meeting packets are available upon request at Hart City Hall.
Visit Online:
Public Meeting Calendar/Schedule
Past Public Meeting Packets & Minutes
Upcoming Public Meeting Agendas/Packets
Discover John Gurney Park
Plan a stay or visit John Gurney Park and Campground, walking distance from downtown Hart, situated on a picturesque bluff that follows the eastern shoreline of Hart Lake. The campground offers sites ranging from rustic to full hookup, nightly to seasonal, a camp store, playground, boat lodge, bike rentals, activity pillion, a picnic arbor, and numerous outdoor sports amenities.
Visit Online:
John Gurney Park & Campground Website
Historic District Village & Museum
Hart Historic District Museum and Village is located on the edge of Chippewa Creek just blocks from Downtown Hart. This village invites guests to tour the historical buildings and numerous old-time attractions throughout the museum that will take you on a journey 150 years into the past. Tour a restored 19th-century church, one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, Chief Cobmoosa’s house, Hart Train Station, an original grist, flour mill, and windmill. In the mill, watch the animated doll display in action. The church basement houses the extensive and unique “Seymour Rider Indian Artifacts Collection”, a must-see for antique Indian and history buffs. During the month of December, the Historic District is adorned with old-time streetscape holiday decorations.
Visit Online:
Historic District Village & Museum
Every Picture Tells a Story
Safe Routes to School Project Information
The city of Hart is working on a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, primarily focused on extending the Hart-Montague bike trail to 72nd Ave. This is part of a larger state and national effort to encourage walking and biking to school through infrastructure improvements, education, and community engagement. The trail extension is in the final stages, with construction hopeful in 2026.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
- Goal: To make it safer and more convenient for students to walk or bike to school.
- Key Initiative: Extending the Hart-Montague bike trail to 72nd Ave.
- Status: The project began in 2018 and is in its final stages, with easement work nearly complete.
- Timeline: Construction is hoped to begin in 2026.
- Engineering: Implementing physical changes to the environment, such as improving crosswalks.
- Encouragement: Using programs and incentives to motivate students to walk and bike.
- Education: Teaching students, parents, and other motorists about safety skills.
- Engagement: Involving students, families, schools, and the community in the planning process.
- Once completed, the extended trail will provide a safer route for students and the community.
- The project is supported by a federal grant and is part of Michigan's statewide Safe Routes to School initiative.
- We hope to see the Friends of the Pentwater Hart Trail meet their fundraising goal to be able to connect a paved path from Pentwater to the new Safe Routes to School path in Hart for a continuous path from Pentwater, to Hart, to Montague.
- For more information contact City Manager, Nichole Kleiner at nkleiner
@cityofhart.org or (231) 873-3546
Download a File:
Public Hearing Notice - Nov 3rd 5:30 - 7:00 PM (MS Word)
SRTS Engineered Drawing Set (PDF)
Visit Online:
Pentwater Hart Trail Website
Discover the Hart-Montague Trail
Hart is proud to be known for the William Field Hart-Montague Trail State Park - the first paved rail-trail spanning 22 miles south to Montague, Michigan with picnic areas and scenic outlooks along the way. It is utilized year-round by outdoor and recreation enthusiasts.
The City of Hart marks the north end of the trail, providing easy access and plenty of amenities. The trail was once a Grand Rapids to Pentwater railroad line dating back to 1872.
Find convenient free parking at our trail access point with refreshments and food nearby. Check the links below for trail information and maps, courtesy of Michigan Trails Magazine and website.
Download a File:
Bike Trail Map (PDF)
Visit Online:
Hart-Montague Trail Information Page
Hart-Montague Trail Map
Google Map, City of Hart
Watch Our Video
City of Hart
407 State St. Map
Hart, Michigan 49420
Phone: 231-873-2488
Fax: 231-873-0100
City Manager: 231-873-3546
Clerk: 231-923-0012
Accounts Payable: 231-923-3810
Utilities: 231-923-3837
Hart Police Department: 231-923-0696
or 231-923-0851
Central Dispatch: 231-869-5858.
Hours:
8:00a to 5:00p, Monday-Friday
