Allegan County, Michigan
Allegan County is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Its scenic lakeshore, sandy dunes, and inland countryside give the county a diverse landscape.
Visitors are drawn to the county’s numerous beaches and state parks, with Saugatuck standing out as a popular tourist destination. Known for its arts and cultural scene, waterfront setting, and sand dunes, Saugatuck adds a distinctive character to the region.
Apple orchards and blueberry farms are common across the county, with seasonal pick-your-own experiences offering visitors a chance to enjoy local agriculture. Allegan, the county seat, sits along the banks of the Kalamazoo River and serves as an important community center.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Allegan County |
| County Seat | Allegan |
| Etymology | Believed to be derived from a Native American word, but the exact meaning is unknown. |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Allegan, Holland (part), Saugatuck, Plainwell, Otsego, Fennville, Douglas, Wayland, Hopkins |
| Interstates and Highways | I-196, US 31, M-40, M-89, M-222 |
| FIPS Code | 26-005 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,833 square miles (Land: 825 sq mi, Water: 1,008 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ottawa County (North), Kent County (Northeast), Barry County (East), Kalamazoo County (Southeast), Van Buren County (South) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Michigan |
| Coordinates | 42.5218° N, 85.8665° W |
| Major Landmarks | Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Oval Beach, Allegan State Game Area, Gun Lake |
| Population | Approximately 121,500 |
PHYSICAL MAP
Allegan County Topographic Map
Allegan County features a varied landscape of low hills, flat farmland, and winding rivers. Forests are more common in the western areas, while open agricultural fields dominate much of the central county. Elevations remain generally gentle, although the terrain becomes more varied near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Use our topographic map and zoom tool to explore the county’s terrain and elevation changes in greater detail.
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Allegan County Road Map
Although much of Allegan County is rural, an extensive network of major roads provides convenient connections across the region. U.S. Route 131 runs through the eastern portion of the county, while M-40 provides an important north-south route connecting smaller communities. These major highways make it easier to travel throughout the county and reach surrounding areas. Explore the transportation network with our road map and zoom tool.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Allegan County Satellite Map
Our Allegan County satellite map highlights a landscape of agricultural fields, forests, and Lake Michigan along the western edge. The Kalamazoo River winds through the county and stands out clearly from above, while smaller communities appear as compact developed areas surrounded by rural land. The street patterns of local towns are also easy to distinguish in the satellite imagery.
OUTLINE MAP
Allegan County Blank Map
Allegan County has a broad, roughly rectangular shape, with its western boundary following the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The county does not share any state borders, with Lake Michigan forming the entire western edge. While most of the county’s boundaries are relatively straight, the lakeshore creates a naturally curved outline along the west.
Michigan County Maps
Michigan County Map
From Motown to moose sightings, Michigan’s 83 counties offer an impressive mix of urban energy, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. Detroit celebrates its legendary Motown music heritage, while Ann Arbor brings a lively college-town atmosphere shaped by the University of Michigan. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the forests of the Upper Peninsula, the Mitten State delivers a diverse landscape filled with history, culture, and scenic attractions.