Allegan County | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Michigan | |
 Michigan's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 42°35′N 85°54′W / 42.59°N 85.9°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| Founded | established 1831 organized 1835[1] |
| Seat | Allegan |
| Largest city | Holland |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,833 sq mi (4,750 km2) |
| • Land | 825 sq mi (2,140 km2) |
| • Water | 1,008 sq mi (2,610 km2) 55% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 120,502 |
• Estimate (2023) | 121,939  |
| • Density | 66/sq mi (25/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 4th |
| Website | http://www.allegancounty.org |
Allegan County (/ˈæləɡən/ AL-ə-gən) is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 120,502.[2] The county seat is Allegan.[3] The name was coined by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft to sound like a Native American word.[1] Allegan County comprises the Holland, Michigan Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Grand Rapids–Kentwood–Muskegon Combined Statistical Area. It is primarily an agricultural area that is rapidly becoming urbanized as the population centers of Grand Rapids on the northeast and Kalamazoo to the southeast expand into Allegan County.
The county has long been a regional tourist draw, particularly the Tulip Time Festival in Holland and the area along Lake Michigan. The Lake Michigan shoreline has long been a popular place for vacation homes, and that development continues, especially around Saugatuck and Douglas. Another draw is Allegan State Game Area, a 45,000 acres (180 km2) forest attracting campers, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and hunters. Allegan County contains Saugatuck Dunes State Park with trails through scenic dunes and a swimming beach on Lake Michigan. The county also contains Pier Cove Park, a public beach with Lake Michigan access. Lake Allegan is a popular destination.[4]
- ^ a b "Bibliography on Allegan County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "Exploring Lake Allegan". Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.