Gould City serves as the population center for Newton Township, where about 170 households are located. It was founded in 1886 by Samuel Stites, a grocer and lumberman, who named it for another lumberman. It was also a station on the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad. A post office was established in September 1888.
In the center of town, the Newton Township Historical Society Museum is open in the summer on Thursdays from 10 am until 2 pm or by appointment.
Looking for recreation? The Old School Park offer day-use amenities for families, including a pavilion for picnics. Scott’s Point Park and Milakokia Lake State Forest allow for overnight camping. Scott’s point lies along the shores of Lake Michigan, and is the closest view of the abandoned lighthouse on Squaw Island and the Beaver Island Archipelago from the Northern Shore of Lake Michigan, which can be seen on a clear day. Milakokia Lake State Forest has inland boat and fishing access and a rustic campground, with vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump, 35 sites for tent and small trailer use, some of which can accommodate 40-ft vehicle/trailer.