Interesting Information About Plainwell

Plainwell Community Information -- Otsego and Plainwell, known as the Twin Cities, have much to offer both visitors and residents alike. The area has many natural lakes and rivers, recreational parks, several golf courses, two ski resorts, and a variety of annual community events including parades, musical events, craft shows and festivals for every season. The Twin Cities are great shopping destinations boasting many antique and specialty shops as well as restaurants for you to enjoy. Plainwell is an ideal place to live and work. Plainwell offers an exemplary school system, an award winning health care provider, downtown parks, available and affordable housing, and a distinct community with its own industrial, commercial and residential base. With over 4,500 jobs currently supported in Plainwell, companies, firms, and small business owners alike will find that Plainwell provides the needed market, space, and talent needed to succeed. There is a seven acre recreation area with the Plainwell Industrial Park with softball fields.

Plainwell History -- Originally known as The Junction, Plainwell began primarily due to the plank toll roads built between 1852 and 1855 to join Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. These plank roads were used for transportation of supplies, soldiers, and primarily for the stage lines to run more smoothly over the early Indian trails. After the stagelines discontinued their operation, Plainwell remained an important junction, as there were two major railroad lines, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and the Grand Rapids and Indiana, in use. Another important factor in the development of Plainwell was the formation of the Plainwell Water Power Company in 1856. As a result, the millrace was excavated at a horseshoe bend in the Kalamazoo River, surrounding the area with waterways, making the center an island. Plainwell is now often referred to as "The Island City" because of this. 

Michigan Economic
Developers Association
P. O. Box 15096
Lansing, MI 48901-5096
Phone: 517-241-0011
Fax: 517-241-0089

Updated Quarterly