Cover image: Positively Allegan
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. Read on for some favorite things to do in Plainwell and surrounding areas:
In this Article
Plainwell MI Area Snapshot
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: Zoom down the 100ft sledding hill at Thurl Cook Park in Plainwell.
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.
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.
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.
Population: 3,842
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.
Population: 4,066
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.
Population: 5,068
Life in Fennville
Why people love to live here:
The Goose Festival is a long-standing tradition in Fennville for over thirty years. The weekend-long event features a carnival, car show, parade, fun run, cornhole tournament and live music.
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.
Population: 1,446
Things to Do in Plainwell MI & Nearby Cities
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.
1 – Climb the Walls at Allegan Event
Allegan Event
439 River St, Allegan MI 49010
Allegan Event is packed with indoor adventures: ropes courses, rock walls, an arcade and indoor zip rails provide fun for the entire family. You can also rent the entire 13,000 square feet for parties or company events!
2 – 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 across the street, owned by their cousins.
3 – 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.
4 – 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.
For over thirty years, the weekend-long event includes a carnival, car show, parade, fun run, cornhole tournament and live music.
5 – Go Kayaking
Plainwell Kayak Company
211 N Main St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Plainwell Kayak Company offers 1-, 2-, and 3-hour Kalamazoo River trips, or it can transport you to a local lake. Families can opt for single or tandem kayaks.
Furry family members are welcome here too: dogs can join you during kayak trips as long as you provide a canine life jacket.
6 – 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.
7 – 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.
8 – Grab A Bite To Eat From Bloom Eatery
Bloom Eatery
137 N Main St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Open Wednesday through Sunday, Bloom is a cheerful spot for breakfast, lunch, and coffee in the heart of Plainwell. Bonus: they serve breakfast all day!
9 – 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.
10 – 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.
11 – 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.
12 – 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.
13 – 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.
14 – Or Pick your Frozen Favorite from Dean’s Ice Cream
Dean’s Ice Cream
307 N Sherwood Ave, Plainwell, MI 49080
Open since 1916, Dean’s also makes their own ice cream and serves up food including hamburgers, chili dogs and hot pretzels.
15 – Have a Picnic at Dumont Lake Park
Dumont Lake Park
2417 31st St, Allegan, MI 49010
Dumont Lake Park has 550 feet of beach, a playground, restrooms, a 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.
16 – 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.
17 – Take a Spooky Stroll in Plainwell
Scarecrow/Harvest Stroll
Downtown Plainwell MI
The annual Scarecrow/Harvest Stroll takes place annually in Downtown Plainwell, offering a fun competition for local businesses to decorate their storefronts in October. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorites.
18 – Visit the New MI Grounds Coffee House, Eatery & Play Cafe
MI Grounds
124 E. Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Pronounced MY-grounds, this is a cozy spot for delicious food and coffee — with or without kids! If you’re planning on utilizing the Play Cafe, reservations are recommended as spots are limited to 10 children per session.
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