About Allendale Charter Township

Allendale Charter Township, located in Ottawa County, is a place of abundant natural beauty where the rich history of the past meets the dynamic growth of the future. Allendale is a place of shared memories where people come together to live, work, and play. Allendale is conveniently located between the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and the bustling city of Grand Rapids. We're one of the fastest-growing townships in the region but continue to maintain the family-friendly, rural character that the community knows and loves.

Quality education is a big deal in Allendale and can be found in both public and private settings. Allendale Public Schools rank among the highest performing schools in the State of Michigan. Allendale schools have received an 8 out of 10 ratings for academic excellence by GreatSchools.org, a national non-profit. A unique feature of our school systems is the ability to partner with schools and businesses throughout the Ottawa area to offer an innovative approach to learning.

Grand Valley State University is the fastest-growing university in the United States, both in population and physical size, as the university is continually building more facilities. The university is also ranked as one of the top up-and-coming schools in the Midwest. The university enrolls a total of just under 25,000 students on the Allendale campus and two campuses in the surrounding area, and offers over 200 areas of study, making it the largest university in the Grand Rapids region.

Township Services

 

History of Allendale

"Before European settlers arrived to what is now Allendale, it belonged to the Chippewa People.  In the early 1800's, the first European settler to set foot in Allendale was Pierre Constant.  He was a fur trader and explorer that worked for the British Fur Company.  Pierre found his way to what is now Allendale by way of the Grand River from Lake Michigan.  He traveled up the Grand River to Trader's Creek, where the Creek meets the River.  Here he established a trading post to purchase furs from the Native Americans.  Later in the 1830's, important events occurred that transitioned the area from fur trading to the timber industry.  With Michigan joining the union in 1837 and a series of Indian Treaties that caused them to lose their land, this area of Michigan became an attractive location for investors due to the large supply of available timber.  Once the land was logged, it was available for sale at higher prices and easier to settle." (Information provided by 'Allendale Township: 150 Years by the Allendale Historical Society').