Bowne Township is the least populated area in Kent County
Bowne Township is located in the rural southeast corner of Kent County, the least populated of the county’s townships. Although it’s only 25 minutes from Grand Rapids, Bowne feels worlds apart from the bustling city. “We have always been primarily a farming community, and we will always remember that, even as development pushes this way,” says township clerk Karen Hendrick. Bowne Township’s homes tend to have acres of land in between them, and the only community hub is Alto — a village so small that it doesn’t have a stoplight. “There’s a close-knit feeling here,” Hendrick says. “There are people who play games every week at the library, there are knitting circles, and I know one group of ladies who have been getting together for a cup of coffee every Monday since the late 1950s.” The area’s CAP Index Crime Score is a 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score compared to the national average of 4.
Alto is the main town in Bowne Township, providing a bar, post office, and library.
Bowne Township only has a population of around 3000 over 36 square miles.
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Homes through the decades sit on large plots of land
Bowne Township was first settled in the early 1800s, and modern construction is still happening today, so there are homes from a variety of decades. Most construction is clustered around the small community of Alto, and some empty lots are still open for development. “There’s always a house or two going up, and we are ready for that,” Hendrick says. “Our biggest goal is to maintain a balance between development and preservation so that our farm operations can remain active.”
In the price range from $250,000 to $400,000, there are typically older ranch styles or new construction with small yards. From $400,000 to $650,000, homes are freshly renovated or entirely brand new, and many come with more than 2 acres of land. A few properties in the $700,000 to $1 million range are custom-built estates with private driveways. All homes use private septic systems and well water. Broadband coverage can be limited. “One of the only downsides to living here is that we don’t have very good internet,” Hendrick says. “The library has hotspots that residents can check out.”
Many of the smaller homes in Bowne Township are ranch-style near downtown Alto.
Most of the homes in Bowne Township are farmhouses on acres of land between farmland.
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Wrestling and renovations at Lowell Area Schools
Bowne Township is split between several school districts, but the majority of homes are zoned for Lowell Area Schools. Alto Elementary is located within the township and gets an A grade from Niche. From there, kids can head north to Lowell Middle and Lowell High, both rated A-minus. The high school is known for its standout wrestling team, which has been the reigning state champions for more than 10 years straight. In 2024, voters approved a $104 million bond for the district, which will go towards various renovations, including an expanded arts wing in the high school.
Students from Alto and Bowne Township often attend Lowell Middle School.
Alto Elementary serves local families in Alto, Michigan near Bowne Township.
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Rural attractions include fishing spots and a family-run zoo
There’s a small playground in Alto, but most of Bowne Township’s green space has a more rural feel. Nature preserves have hiking trails, and the Coldwater River County Park is a popular fishing spot. Golfers can head out onto the greens at the nearby Saskatoon Golf Course or Tyler Creek Golf Course, which turns into a campground when the sun goes down. A few family farms are open to the public with produce stands or petting zoos. One of Bowne Township's most notable attractions is the Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, a zoo and wildlife conservation center. “It’s an amazing attraction for visitors, and those of us who live get to drive by on a daily basis and catch a glimpse of rhinos or zebras,” Hendrick says.
Visitors of Boulder Ridge Zoo, in Bowne Township, can feed giraffes and goats.
The Flat River and the Grand River provide tons of water activities for Bowne Township.
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Small town community in Alto
The community of Alto is small, but it functions as a hub for the township. The Alto Branch of the Kent District Library has regular events like book clubs or kids’ story times and partners with community organizations to plan holiday celebrations. One of the town's biggest events is the Alto Harvest Festival and Car Show, which has a petting zoo, local vendors and live music.
The Alto Bar was featured in Grand Rapids Magazine for having the best bourbon selection in West Michigan. On Friday nights, the sleepy community fills up with visitors coming into town for the bar's steak dinner special. It’s nearly impossible to snag a seat without a reservation on those evenings. In the summer, the Ice Cream Caboose opens for business, offering soft-serve ice cream out of a real train caboose. But for a large grocery store or a walkable downtown, locals must drive 7 miles into Lowell, which has a Meijer.
Several classic rural churches dot the rolling farmland landscape of Bowne Township.
The Kent District Library has a branch in downtown Alto, centralized in Bowne Township.
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Interstate 96 connects right into the heart of Grand Rapids
For big city amenities, like major hospitals, upscale shopping and sports games, Grand Rapids is a 20-mile drive. The city is accessible by hopping on Interstate 96 just north of the township. “We are able to live in the country and still be 25 minutes from the Van Andel Arena,” Hendrick says. “Someone who lives in the city might take 25 minutes to get across town, but we can do it just as quickly because the expressway is right there.”
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is located on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, just 15 miles from Bowne Township. Lansing is also 50 miles west, about an hour-long drive.
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