Alto, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alto, Michigan
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 Alto, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Alto, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Kent |
| Township | Bowne |
| Elevation | 814 ft (248 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49302
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| Area code(s) | 616 |
| GNIS feature ID | 620029 |
Alto is a small community in Michigan, United States. It's not a city with its own government. Instead, it's part of Bowne Township in Kent County.
Where is Alto Located?
Alto is found near Pratt Lake Creek. It's at the corner of Bancroft Avenue and 60th Street. You can find it just west of M-50, about two miles south of I-96's exit 52.
This community is mostly within Bowne Township. However, it also touches Lowell Township. The ZIP code for Alto is 49302. This ZIP code covers most of Bowne Township. It also includes parts of nearby townships like Lowell, Cascade, and Caledonia. A tiny part of Campbell Township in Ionia County is also included. This small area is around the community of Elmdale.
A Look at Alto's History
Alto was started by David N. Skidmore in 1845. A post office opened there in September 1851. Daniel C McVean was the first person in charge of the mail.
Alto was also a stop on the Detroit, Grand Rapids and Western Railroad. Lucy Skidmore McVean gave Alto its name. She chose "Alto" because it was the highest point along the railroad. This was between the cities of Grand Rapids and Detroit.
Every September, Alto holds its annual Harvest Festival. This fun tradition began in 1970.
Schools in the Alto Area
Public schools in the Alto area are run by Lowell and Caledonia Area Schools. Alto and Caledonia Elementary Schools serve the younger students in Alto. For older students, Lowell High School and Lowell and Caledonia Middle School serve the entire school district.
