Explore Plainwell
Plainwell is known as "The Island City" because you cannot enter downtown from any direction without first crossing a bridge. The Kalamazoo River and the Plainwell Millrace form an island around the original town plat, giving Plainwell a beautiful, natural and unique setting. It is a vibrant community, ideally situated between the metropolitan areas of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. You will find our downtown to be the home of quaint shops, unique restaurants and some of the best ice cream in Southwest Michigan.
As you plan your visit, include one or all of the parks, which offer a variety of recreational activities. Stroll along the Riverwalk trail that circles the downtown and connects to three parks. Rent a kayak from Fannie Pell Park, enjoy the Dog Park, or play on one of the 5 pickleball courts in Thurl Cook Park.
Enjoy a picnic, watch the river roll by, or put your canoe or kayak in the waters of the mighty Kalamazoo River at Fannie Pell, Sherwood or Darrow Parks. Take the kids to the playgrounds at Hicks, Kenyon, Sherwood or Thurl Cook Parks. Gather the team for a game of softball, catch or soccer at Kenyon Park. Taste the many flavors of Plainwell with a treat from Plainwell Ice Cream or Dean's Ice Cream while strolling the Riverwalk Park, and you'll see why Plainwell is ranked one of the Seven Wonders of Southwest Michigan!
More to see: downtown Plainwell and Plainwell on Pure Michigan.
Reservations
Reservations are available online for a park pavilion in any of our parks or the gazebo in Fannie Pell Park for a special celebration (family reunion, wedding, birthday party), and for Kenyon Park field rentals.
Who looks after the parks
The City parks are planned and maintained in a cooperative effort between the Department of Public Works and the Parks and Trees Commission. Contact Parks and Trees at dpw@plainwell.org. If you are interested in being a board member, contact the Plainwell City Clerk, 211 N. Main Street, Plainwell, Michigan 49080, or apply to serve.
Our parks
Bandshell Park
205 Anderson Street
On the shores of the Kalamazoo River, the Bandshell Park is used for summer concerts as well as other special events.
Darrow Park
607 Hicks Street
A small park, .37 acres in size, on the west bank of the Kalamazoo River. Darrow Park features picnic tables and access to the adjacent Gilkey Elementary Environmental Lab and nature trail.
Fannie Pell Park
211 N. Main St.
Located north of downtown, where the Mill Race and Kalamazoo rivers meet. Fannie Pell Park is a one acre landscaped park at the northern end of the Central Business District on Main Street. The park contains a gazebo (frequently used for weddings), picnic tables, a canoe and kayak landing, and the City Hall entrance.
Hicks Park
101 Allegan Street
Located downtown on West Bridge Street. Hicks Park is the oldest park in the city, dating back to 1903, and was named after Joseph Hicks, Plainwell's first mayor. This beautifully landscaped one acre park is in the Central Business District, and offers accessible walkways with seating, picnic tables, grills and a children's playground.
Kenyon Park
929 Lincoln Parkway
A 31.5 acre regional park that serves the recreational needs of the City of Plainwell and its neighboring cities and townships. The park features three softball fields, soccer fields, a picnic pavilion and restrooms. While the restrooms are locked, a $25 refundable deposit entitles key usage for one week. Contact City Hall at 269-685-6821 to reserve.
River Walk Park
Connects Hicks Park and Sherwood Park
This .62 mile linear park, made up of boardwalks and concrete walkways, follows the Mill Race in Hicks Park through Pell Park and continues along the Kalamazoo River under Main St. to the trestle bridge and across to Sherwood Park. Along the way you will find a band shell and fishing platform.
Sherwood Park
121 N. Sherwood
This 3 acre park is on the east bank of the river and includes a playground, seating area with tables and benches, drinking fountain, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts and an ice rink during the winter. The Veterans Memorial is at the north end of the park.
Thurl Cook Park
Upper, 652 Glenview Circle; Lower, 201 Oak St.
Accessible from Oak Street or the south end of Glenview Circle, this 5 acre park is a few blocks northeast of Sherwood Park. It features a 100 ft lighted sledding hill, a dog park, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, sheltered picnic tables, and a restroom facility.
