Gun Plain Township offers country living just outside of Plainwell
Gun Plain Township is a community in Allegan County, about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. “We are an agricultural community and there’s lots of farming and farmland,” says Michael VanDenBerg, supervisor of Gun Plain Township. “People go to the adjacent city of Plainwell for things like public parks and community events, but our taxes are lower, so that’s why many people choose to live in town.” The township offers country living and a steady housing stock, while its proximity to Plainwell gives residents access to dining, shopping, public parks, schools and health centers. The area has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
From country homes to subdivisions in Gun Plain Township
Built from the late 1800s to the present day, houses in Gun Plain Township have a diverse price range and styles. Subdivision homes, usually closer to the city of Plainwell, are grouped into small clusters of communities. With open lawns, natural greenery and long driveways, the properties are typically ranch-style homes, Colonial Revival, split-level or New Traditional architecture. Options farther out are either cabins tucked in the woods or houses sitting on acres of country terrain or open farmland. Home prices go from $160,000 to approximately $450,000, depending on age and lot size. “Properties around Lake Doster are going to be between $500,000 and $1 million, and the other areas are likely to average around $250,000,” VanDenBerg says. “Subdivision houses with smaller half-acre to three-quarters-acre lots will include water and sewer serviced by the township. And houses that are out in the country with over 10 acres of land use their own well and septic tank systems.” Manufactured or mobile homes are likely between $120,000 and $200,000.
Multiple public school districts serve the township
The community is served by several school districts, including Plainwell, Martin and Delton Kellogg. Those attending Plainwell Community Schools may go to Gilkey Elementary School, which has a B-plus grade from Niche. Starr Elementary School and Plainwell Middle School both get a B-minus. Students may continue to Plainwell High School, which rates a B and offers dual enrollment courses as well as arts programs in graphic and interior design.
Residents visit Plainwell for parks and outdoor recreation
“Gun Plain does not have any public parks, and residents go to the Plainwell parks in the city,” VanDenBerg says. “Within the township, we’ve widened our roads so people can walk or bike along the wider paths.” In Plainwell, Kenyon Park has comprehensive sports facilities for softball and soccer, and Sherwood Park offers basketball courts, play areas and walkways that wind through open green fields. Those into water recreation can canoe or kayak along the Kalamazoo River at Fannie Pell Park, or residents can take a walk and take in views of the water at Riverwalk Park. Lake Doster Golf Club has an 18-hole course open to the public. Members can go to events like men’s, women’s and couples’ leagues, club championship games and social gatherings.
Shopping and dining options are nearby in Plainwell and Olsego
Businesses such as Walmart and Meijer, restaurants and national franchise fast-food places are concentrated along Highway 43, between Plainwell and Olsego. “It’s where people go for most of their [shopping] needs,” VanDenBerg says. “Everyone calls it the strip.” Located in Olsego, Casa Real is a popular Mexican restaurant with authentic eats and margaritas. In Plainwell, Old Mill Brewpub & Grill is housed in a former buckwheat flour mill, which was once the largest in the country and is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Four Roses Café serves elevated American fare and is on North 10th Street.
Festivals and other celebrations in Allegan County
Residents often attend events organized by neighboring communities. The Plainwell Days Festival features live music, family friendly activities and games, arts and crafts, a parade as well as a car and tractor show. Plainwell Art Hop is a summer event where local artists set up booths downtown, and Olsego has the Creative Arts Festival.
Less than 45 miles to Grand Rapids and the airport
U.S. Route 131 and Michigan Highway 43 pass through the township. Grand Rapids is about 40 miles north, and Gerald R. Ford International Airport is approximately 30 miles away. Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital is in Plainwell, about 5 miles away.
