Allegan County Overview
Allegan County is located in the southwestern part of Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan. Established in 1831, the county is known for its picturesque landscapes, which include forests, farmlands, and lakes. Allegan County is bordered by Ottawa County to the north, Kent County to the northeast, Barry County to the east, and Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties to the south. Lake Michigan borders the county to the west, providing numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and beach activities.
The county has a population of approximately 120,000 residents. The economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism playing key roles. The county seat is Allegan, a small city known for its historical charm. Allegan County is home to several tourist destinations, including the resort towns of Saugatuck and Douglas, popular for their art galleries, beaches, and vibrant community.
- County Seat: Allegan
- Number of Cities and Towns: 8
- Major School Districts: Allegan Public Schools, Saugatuck Public Schools, Hamilton Community Schools, Wayland Union Schools
Allegan
Allegan Overview
Allegan, the county seat of Allegan County, is located in the central part of the county along the Kalamazoo River. Founded in 1833, Allegan developed as an important lumbering town in the 19th century due to its location on the river, which provided access for transportation and trade. Today, Allegan is known for its historic downtown, which features many preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Allegan County Courthouse. The town is also home to a thriving arts community and hosts several annual festivals.
Allegan experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Major landmarks in the town include the Allegan Dam, which offers scenic views of the Kalamazoo River, and the Allegan County Fairgrounds, home to one of the largest county fairs in Michigan.
- Population: 5,079
- Population Density: 1,228 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 49010
- Road Network: U.S. Route 131, M-40, M-89
- Nearest Airports: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (40 miles)
- Libraries: Allegan District Library
- Hospitals: Allegan General Hospital
Schools in Allegan
Allegan is served by the Allegan Public Schools district. Dawson Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 300 students and provides a strong foundation in early literacy, math, and science. L.E. White Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 400 students, offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including athletics and arts. Allegan High School (grades 9-12) enrolls about 700 students and offers advanced placement courses, vocational training, and a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, theater, and clubs. The schools in Allegan emphasize academic achievement and community involvement, fostering a supportive environment for students.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck Overview
Saugatuck is a small, vibrant city located along the shores of Lake Michigan in the northwestern part of Allegan County. Originally founded as a lumber town in the mid-19th century, Saugatuck later became a popular summer resort destination. Today, it is known for its thriving arts community, charming downtown, and picturesque beaches. The city is bordered by Saugatuck Dunes State Park and the Kalamazoo River, offering a wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and beachcombing.
Saugatuck experiences a moderate climate due to its proximity to Lake Michigan, with cool summers and mild winters. The city’s key landmarks include Oval Beach, ranked as one of the best beaches in the country, and the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, the last hand-cranked ferry of its kind in the U.S.
- Population: 925
- Population Density: 655 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 49453
- Road Network: Interstate 196, Blue Star Highway
- Nearest Airports: Muskegon County Airport (45 miles), Gerald R. Ford International Airport (50 miles)
- Libraries: Saugatuck-Douglas District Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Holland (Holland Hospital)
Schools in Saugatuck
Saugatuck is part of the Saugatuck Public Schools district. Douglas Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 250 students and emphasizes a curriculum that combines academic excellence with creativity and innovation. Saugatuck Middle School (grades 6-8) has about 200 students, offering a range of subjects and extracurricular activities such as sports and arts. Saugatuck High School (grades 9-12) serves approximately 250 students, offering advanced placement courses, a strong arts program, and various extracurricular activities. The district is known for its small class sizes and individualized attention, making it a popular choice for families in the area.
Holland (Portion in Allegan County)
Holland Overview
Holland is a city that straddles both Allegan and Ottawa counties, with a significant portion located in Ottawa County. Founded in 1847 by Dutch settlers, Holland is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its Dutch traditions. The city is famous for its annual Tulip Time Festival, which celebrates Holland’s ties to the Netherlands with parades, performances, and beautiful tulip displays. The Allegan County portion of Holland is primarily residential, with a focus on suburban living.
Holland has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers, moderated by Lake Michigan. Major landmarks include Windmill Island Gardens, which features an authentic Dutch windmill, and Holland State Park, a popular spot for swimming, camping, and hiking.
- Population: 33,216 (entire city, portion in Allegan County)
- Population Density: 1,445 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 49423
- Road Network: Interstate 196, U.S. Route 31
- Nearest Airports: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (35 miles)
- Libraries: Herrick District Library
- Hospitals: Holland Hospital
Schools in Holland
The portion of Holland in Allegan County is served by Holland Public Schools. Holland East K-7 Campus provides elementary and middle school education for approximately 450 students, with a focus on core academic subjects and enrichment programs. Holland High School (grades 9-12) serves around 1,200 students and offers a wide variety of advanced placement courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The schools in Holland are known for their commitment to diversity and inclusion, with programs that support academic excellence and personal growth for all students.
Wayland
Wayland Overview
Wayland is a small city located in the northeastern part of Allegan County. Founded in the mid-19th century as a farming community, Wayland has grown into a small urban center with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The city is bordered by Gun Lake to the northeast, which offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Wayland has experienced significant growth in recent years due to its proximity to Grand Rapids.
Wayland experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Major landmarks in the city include the Wayland Union School District’s athletic fields and the Yankee Springs Recreation Area, located just outside the city.
- Population: 4,179
- Population Density: 1,048 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 49348
- Road Network: U.S. Route 131, M-179
- Nearest Airports: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (20 miles)
- Libraries: Henika District Library
- Hospitals: Spectrum Health Pennock (nearby in Hastings)
Schools in Wayland
Wayland is served by the Wayland Union Schools district. Pine Street Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 500 students, offering a strong foundation in literacy, math, and science, along with enrichment programs like art and music. Wayland Union Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 600 students, with a curriculum designed to foster academic achievement and personal growth. Wayland Union High School (grades 9-12) has around 1,100 students, offering a variety of advanced placement courses, vocational training, and extracurricular activities. The district is known for its strong community involvement and commitment to student success.
Plainwell
Plainwell Overview
Plainwell is a small city located in the southeastern part of Allegan County, near the Kalamazoo River. Founded in the mid-19th century, Plainwell developed as a paper mill town, but today it is known for its small-town charm and rich history. The city is surrounded by farmland and scenic rivers, making it a quiet residential community. Plainwell’s downtown district features historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, attracting both residents and visitors.
Plainwell experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasons, including cold winters and warm summers. Major landmarks include the Plainwell Ice Cream Company, a local favorite, and the Plainwell Paper Mill, which is a reminder of the town’s industrial past.
- Population: 3,804
- Population Density: 1,600 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 49080
- Road Network: U.S. Route 131, M-89
- Nearest Airports: Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (25 miles)
- Libraries: Ransom District Library
- Hospitals: Ascension Borgess Hospital (nearby in Kalamazoo)
Schools in Plainwell
Plainwell is served by the Plainwell Community Schools district. Gilkey Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 400 students and emphasizes early academic development through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Plainwell Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 500 students and provides a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and music. Plainwell High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 800 students and offers advanced placement courses, career and technical education, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The district is committed to fostering both academic success and personal growth, with strong community support.