What to do in Plainwell, Otsego, Allegan and Fennville with Kids
What’s in between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids?
Head north on 131 and you’ll find multiple welcoming communities including Allegan, Fennville, Otsego and Plainwell.
While they began with paper mills and sawmills, these areas have transformed into unique cities with historical significance and recreational activities, enticing many families from both Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo to relocate here.
The communities north of Kalamazoo have many fun, family experiences to offer:
HISTORY: Allegan is well known for its historical business district. The “Old Iron Bridge” was built in 1886 and still stands today, thanks to continual preservation efforts.
FUN: Head to Riverfront Plaza and zoom across the river with a 600-foot zip line from Allegan Event.
FOOD: Plainwell offers two delicious ice cream options: Plainwell Ice Cream Co. and Dean’s Ice Cream. We recommend both.
OUTDOORS: Allegan Game State Area offers 50,000 acres to explore, including two campgrounds and over 20 miles of hiking trails.
Demographics
Head north of Kalamazoo and you will find an abundance of outdoor activities: splash pads, kayaking, skiing and zip-lining are just a few options in these communities.
Life in Plainwell
Why people love to live here:
Family favorite Sherwood Park is nestled between two ice cream shops within walking distance: Plainwell Ice Cream Co and Dean’s Ice Cream.
Thurl Cook Park is the ultimate sledding spot for winter, featuring a 100-foot lighted hill.
You should know:
Plainwell is known as the “Island City” due to a power canal diverting a portion of the Kalamazoo River around downtown Plainwell.
Food giant Tyson Foods has a meat processing plant in Plainwell.
Plainwell
Population: 3,842
Schools:
Plainwell Community Schools
Known For:
» Plainwell Ice Cream
» Dean’s Ice Cream
» Tyson Foods
Life in Otsego
Why people love to live here:
Bittersweet Ski Resort and its 350 foot vertical draws skiers and snowboarders from all over the Kalamazoo area annually.
You should know:
Founded in 1831, Otsego was originally named Pine Creek. Its current name was assigned four years later.
The Otsego volunteer fire department started in 1866 and is still in operation today.
Life in Allegan
Why people love to live here:
The Allegan County Fair is the largest in Michigan, hosting a massive agricultural and entertainment event since 1852.
You should know:
Pharmaceutical company Perrigo is headquartered in Allegan since its inception in 1887.
The Allegan Community Players is the oldest theatre company in Michigan.
Allegan
Population: 5,068
Schools:
Allegan Public Schools
Known For:
» Perrigo
» Second Street Bridge
» Allegan County Fair
Life in Fennville
Why people love to live here:
The Forever Curious Museum supports imaginative play with a vet clinic, fire truck exhibit and STEAM challenges.
You should know:
Fennville’s name is attributed to early settler Elam Atwater Fenn, who built a sawmill in the area.
Fennville is part of the American Vinicultural Area or AVA, a designated wine-grape growing region.
Fennville
Population: 1,446
Schools:
Fennville Public Schools
Known For:
» Goose Festival
» Forever Curious Museum
» Crane Orchards
Things to Do
Climb the Walls at Allegan Event
Allegan Event
439 River St, Allegan MI 49010
Allegan Event is packed with indoor adventures: ropes courses, vertical slides, free fall jumps and rock walls are just some of their attractions to try. After your adrenaline rush, take a break with their new arcade area, featuring virtual reality gaming.
Looking for more adventure? A five-minute drive takes you to their outdoor, 600-foot zip line that allows you to zoom across the river.
Allegan Event Trip Planner »
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin at Crane Orchards
Crane Orchards
6054 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
Crane Orchards has a little bit of everything: u-pick fruit (peaches and cherries in the summer; apples and pumpkins in the fall), fall activities (hayrides, corn maze) plus a pie pantry and restaurant.
You can also rent their spacious lakefront luxury home on the shoreline of Hutchins Lake.
Get Ready to Deck the Halls at Leber Christmas Tree Farm
Leber Christmas Tree Farm
2439 36th St, Allegan, MI 49010
A family tradition for over 100 years, the Leber Christmas Tree Farm is passionate about its firs and spruce trees. All trees remain planted and growing until purchased to take home and decorate.
Take a wagon ride to select your perfect tree and stop in the heated gift shop for coffee or hot cocoa before you head home.
Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Annual Goose Festival
Goose Festival
Fennville, MI 49408
This annual in Fennville promotes area game and wildlife, as thousands of Canadian geese pass through the Allegan State Game Area during migration.Â
For over thirty years, the weekend-long event includes a carnival, car show, parade, fun run, cornhole tournament and live music.
Go Kayaking
Plainwell Kayak Company
211 N Main St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Plainwell Kayak Company features 1,2, and 3 hour Kalamazoo River trips or they can transport you to a local lake. Families can opt for either single or tandem kayaks.Â
Furry family members are welcome here too: dogs can join you during kayak trips as long as you provide a canine life jacket.
Explore Your Artistic Side at Express Yourself Art Barn
Express Yourself Art Barn
6459 130th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
This drop-in art barn welcomes all talents and ages to create projects in a variety of media: painting, beads, mosaics and glass fusing are all options here.
Pay a flat fee for the studio and a small fee for your project and get started! They have staff on-site to help you create your masterpiece.
Go Sledding at Thurl Cook Park
Thurl Cook Park
Oak Street & Glenview Circle, Plainwell, MI 49080
This 5-acre park features a 100 ft lighted sledding hill, a dog park, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, and covered picnic tables.
Eat Macarons at Island City Coffee House
Island City Coffee House
118 E Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Opened in 2019, Island City Coffee House makes its own macarons on-site in a vast variety of flavors. These melt in your mouth treats also adorn their delicious cakes.
Beyond macarons, this shop offers specialty coffees and tea, boba tea, smoothies and a variety of baked goods including scones and muffins.
Listen to Live Music at the Allegan County Fair
Allegan County Fair
150 Allegan Co Fair Dr, Allegan, MI 49010
With 115 acres of land and over 38,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, the Allegan County Fair is no small feat. This massive event is held annually since 1852 and hosts a full week’s worth of events.
Visitors can watch a parade, rodeo, tractor pulls, live music, monster trucks, and an extensive set of agricultural and livestock events.
Hit the Slopes at Bittersweet Ski Resort
Bittersweet Ski Resort
600 River Rd, Otsego, MI 49078
Bittersweet Ski Resort offers 20 runs of skiing fun and a 350 foot vertical. Beginners can ride the “Wondercarpet” (think moving sidewalk) to the tops of the hill, rather than a chairlift. They also teach ski school, race camps, private and group lessons.
Don’t have your own equipment? Don’t worry- they offer rentals on skis, snowboards and helmets.
Pretend Play at Forever Curious Children’s Museum
Forever Curious Children’s Museum
202 E Main St, Fennville, MI 49408
There is no shortage of pretend play at the Forever Curious Children’s Museum in Fennville. Your child can be a fireman, vet, artist and architect all within on the same day! Be sure to also explore the rock wall, inner tube bouncer and bubble table.
Cool off in the Perrigo Splash Pad
Perrigo Splash Pad
189 Riverfront Plz, Allegan, MI 49010
Take a seat in the rainbow-colored chairs as the kids run and play through the long pad full of fountains and squirting water. This splash pad opened in 2019 as an addition to the Allegan Riverfront Boardwalk.
Go for a Swim at Allegan Aquatic Center
Allegan Aquatic Center
1560 M-40, Allegan, MI 49010
Allegan Aquatic Center offers aquatic fun for all ages. The smaller, warmer pool includes a small slide, lazy river and basketball hoop, perfectly sized for younger swimmers. The larger, second pool features diving boards and an inflatable obstacle course for the big kids.
This facility also teaches swimming classes and is available for hosting birthday parties or other events.
Grab a Scoop of Plainwell Ice Cream
Plainwell Ice Cream Co
621 E Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Open since 1978 by Art and Judy Gaylord, this now third-generation family-owned shop makes their own ice cream in house and offers over 60 varieties of dairy deliciousness.
Have a Picnic at Dumont Lake Park
Dumont Lake Park
2417Â 31st St, Allegan, MI 49010
Dumont Lake Park is home to 550 feet of beach with a playground, restrooms, boat launch, and many picnic tables. This 18.6-acre park is also a favorite spot for fishing and features a watercraft/boat launch facility.
Grab Some Fresh Produce from Brookside Farms
Brookside Farms
1475 116th Ave, Otsego, MI 49078
Stop here for delicious food from this family-run farm.
The Fritz family has been farming since 1876 and offers three retail/u-pick locations in Gobles, Paw Paw, and Otsego/Martin.
Cover photo image courtesy of Positively Allegan
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