Known for rural living with a small-town charm, the downtown Mattawan area features boutique shops and local restaurants. If you are looking for some fun, attend a tour of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, take a scenic hike on many of the trails, visit a local farmer's market, or enjoy a refreshing glass of wine near the beautiful vineyards of Cody Kresta Winery.
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Mattawan Consolidated Schools is a growing school district located west of Kalamazoo and Portage, Michigan. Mattawan High School is ranked 113rd within Michigan where students can take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. Students receive a rigorous academic experience, with approximately 3,800 students and a total of five schools in the district.
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Enjoy affordable housing with low taxes, safe neighborhoods, and historical trails and parks. This suburb of Kalamazoo is located south with over 50,000 residents. Portage has a rich history and first earned the name "Celery City" in the 1880's. At Celery Flats Park, explore walking trails and restored buildings that highlight the importance of the celery industry in Kalamazoo County. With a thriving commercial section, hundreds of acres of parks, miles of bike paths, and an abundance of lakes, Portage is great for those who want to live just outside the city.
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The future learns here at award-winning Portage Public Schools with approximately 8,647 students in fourteen different schools. Portage public schools offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities including the arts, athletics, science, forensics, and debate. The district participates in the county-wide Education for Employment (EFE) and Education for the Arts (EFA) programs. EFE and EFA students have a range of opportunities open to them, including school-based, business-based, arts/technology-based, and cooperative education classes.
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With the Central Business District and Central City, Kalamazoo’s downtown is Southwest Michigan’s regional center and county seat. Downtown Kalamazoo is committed to investment growth with over 1,000 businesses. With a thriving entertainment and restaurant scene, explore the Kalamazoo river by kayaking, rafting, or paddling down it, take the Kal-Haven trail to downtown South Haven, attend an art class at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, buy tickets to see a show at the Farmers Alley Theatre, or enjoy tapas-style small plates at WL Social House.
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In Southwestern Michigan, Kalamazoo Public Schools consists of 24 schools, 17 elementary, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools. Graduates are eligible to receive scholarships through the Kalamazoo Promise. This scholarship program is funded by anonymous donors, providing 100% post-secondary tuition and fee assistance for EVERY graduating student meeting attendance and residency requirements. Kalamazoo has a population of approximately 75,000 and home to major pharmaceutical companies, medical science, and craft beer industries. Offering a variety of cultural attractions including museums, theaters, an award-winning community theater, festivals, visual arts, and so much more.
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Located along M89 and 131 north of Kalamazoo just minutes from Otsego, Plainwell has a historic downtown. With immense small-town charm, the city features local favorites and regional draws like Plainwell Ice Cream and Olde Mill Brewing Company. Plainwell is just a short drive from major metropolitan areas like Kalamazoo.
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​Plainwell Community Schools has six school buildings including three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and one alternative education building. Plainwell Community Schools offer three learning options: In-Person, one hundred percent Virtual and Hybrid (learn from home, with an option to have partial in-person learning opportunities). There are approximately 2,800 students enrolled each year.
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