Allegan County, Michigan, is home to the city of Allegan, which spans over both shores of the Kalamazoo River. The word Allegan means “ Lake of the Algonquins”. When Elisha Ely arrived on the scene in 1833, he sent word to his hometown of Rochester, New York. He said, “send settlers”. Ely realized, that with the river providing water power, and the Indian trails making the spot accessible, and the open corridor to Lake Michigan, this was an ideal location for a town. In the 1980s, the citizens of Allegan began a movement to preserve historic sites in their city. This was sparked by the restoration of the Second Street Bridge—a one-lane bridge built in 1886. Anyone visiting the area will want to make this one of their destinations. The town is also undergoing a facelift in the downtown area, and has received recognition by the state of Michigan for its preservation efforts. Part of the restoration has been an art-deco movie theater, which is a wonderful place to visit. There are also antique shops, historic tours, golf courses, and ski resorts. Allegan County offers Michigan’s largest County Fair each year, and don’t forget to stop by the Farmer’s market before heading for home!