Plainwell

Plainwell began primarily due to the plank toll roads build between 1852 and 1855 to join Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. These plank roads were used for transporation of supplies, soldiers, and primarily for the state 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. Today, Plainwell, is a charming and thriving community. Approximately 3,800 residents whom are proud of its unique history and status as a "hometown" where residents hope to grow up, raise families, and retire.