The colorful history of Lakeside Inn goes back to February 28, 1855 when William Barnhart bought the property from the United States government. The property was initially purchased so Mr. Barnhart could build a mill. Part of the property’s long historied past includes a summer resort under the name of "Fernwood" and some years later was purchased by the Lewis Family who lived there in the summers and built other family homes; a retreat house for Catholic nuns and priests from the Chicago area, tennis courts, etc. In 1857, George Rogers, who built the Long Point Lumber Mill, bought the land from Barnhart and built a steam power lumber mill. The atlas of 1877 shows a group of buildings clustered about the sawmill of that day including a store, office, blacksmith shop, carpenter shop and a boarding house. Part of the main building of Lakeside Inn is the original general store built in the late 1870's. After the lumbering era declined, the White Lake area looked to tourism to boost the economy. The transition from the lumbering era to the popularity of the White Lake area as a major resort destination began in the 1880's. At that time steamers and trains were making regular trips to the area and bringing with them a ready supply of people who wanted to spend their summers out of the heat of the cities and into the coolness of the Michigan summers. Though owners have changed several times, The Lakeside Inn continues to be known for fine, fun lodging and great food. For many long time White Lakers, the Lakeside Inn is a tradition.