Allegan, city in Michigan, United States
Allegan is a small city in southwest Michigan that sits beside the Kalamazoo River and is known for its preserved historic buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The downtown features a riverfront with walkways, shops, restaurants, and cafes, while the 1908 Regent Theatre with its Art Deco style and the 1914 Carnegie Library with Craftsman design are notable landmarks.
The town grew from a pioneer settlement on the Kalamazoo River and expanded through the founding of the Perrigo Company in the 1800s, which became a major employer. The Allegan County Fair, held on the same grounds since 1852, is one of the state's oldest and largest fairs and reflects the region's agricultural roots.
The name Allegan comes from the Potawatomi language and means "fire". The town showcases its creative side through local artisans who carve decoys and weave fabrics, plus regular art festivals and exhibitions that happen throughout the year.
Riverfront Park with a splash pad, large outdoor fireplace, and stage is ideal for families and hosts events year-round. The area also has mountain bike trails, a skate park, disc golf at Jaycee Park, pickleball courts, and walkable downtown shops and restaurants.
The Allegan County Fair was named by USA Today as Michigan's most popular fair and draws tens of thousands of visitors. The grounds transform on the last Sunday of each month from May to September into a market with over 400 antique vendors spread across 115 acres, the state's largest antique show.
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