List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Kent County facts for kids

Location of Kent County in Michigan

Kent County, Michigan, is home to many special places called Michigan State Historic Sites. These sites are important because they help us remember and learn about Michigan's past. They could be old buildings, bridges, or even places where important events happened. When a site has a little dagger symbol (†) next to its name, it means it's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is another list of places that are important to the history of the whole country! Let's explore some of these cool historic spots in Kent County.

Historic Bridges and Structures

Kent County has some amazing old bridges and buildings that tell stories of how people lived and traveled long ago.

Ada Covered Bridge

The Ada Covered Bridge† is a beautiful old wooden bridge that crosses the Thornapple River in Ada. It was built a long time ago and is one of the few covered bridges left in Michigan. Imagine horse-drawn carriages going through it! It became a historic site in 1969.

Fallasburg Covered Bridge

Another fantastic covered bridge is the Fallasburg Covered Bridge† near Lowell. It crosses the Flat River and is part of a historic area called Fallasburg Pioneer Village. This bridge was recognized as historic in 1959.

Sixth Street Bridge

In Grand Rapids, you can find the Sixth Street Bridge†. This bridge goes over the big Grand River. It's a very important bridge because of how it was built and its role in connecting parts of the city. It was listed as a historic site in 1976.

Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Culvert

The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Culvert in Rockford is a cool example of old railroad engineering. It's a tunnel-like structure that allowed the railroad to cross over water or a dip in the land. This site became historic in 1996.

Important Homes and Buildings

Many historic sites are old homes or important buildings where people lived, worked, or gathered.

President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. Boyhood Home

Did you know a U.S. President grew up in Grand Rapids? The President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. Boyhood Home† was where Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, lived as a boy. This house on Union Avenue SE is a special place to learn about his early life. It was made a historic site in 1994.

Meyer May House

The Meyer May House in Grand Rapids is a famous house designed by a very well-known architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a great example of his unique style of building. This house became a historic site in 1986.

Ladies' Literary Club

The Ladies' Literary Club† building in Grand Rapids is a beautiful place where women gathered to learn and share ideas. It shows how important education and community were for women in the past. It was recognized as a historic site in 1971.

The Castle

Known as The Castle, this unique building on Cherry Street SE in Grand Rapids looks like a real castle! It's an interesting piece of architecture and became a historic site in 1979.

Pantlind Hotel

The Pantlind Hotel in Grand Rapids, now part of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, is a grand old building that has hosted many important guests over the years. It's a landmark in the city's downtown area. It was listed as a historic site in 1977.

Schools and Community Places

Many historic sites are old schools or community buildings that were central to people's lives.

Little Red Schoolhouse

The Little Red Schoolhouse in Rockford is a classic example of a one-room schoolhouse. Imagine all the kids from different grades learning together in one room! It became a historic site in 1966.

Central High School

Central High School in Grand Rapids is an important educational building with a long history. Many students have passed through its halls over the years. It was listed as a historic site in 1997.

Bowne Township District No. 1 School

The Bowne Township District No. 1 School in Alto is another example of an early school building. These old schools remind us how education has changed over time. It became a historic site in 1999.

Alpine Township Hall

Township halls like the Alpine Township Hall in Alpine were important places for local government and community meetings. This one became a historic site in 1987.

Other Interesting Sites

Kent County has many other unique historic sites that tell different parts of its story.

126th Infantry Informational Designation

The 126th Infantry Informational Designation in Wyoming marks a spot related to a famous military group from Michigan. It helps us remember their service and history. This site was recognized in 1992.

Furniture Industry Informational Designation

Grand Rapids was once known as "Furniture City" because of its huge furniture industry. The Furniture Industry Informational Designation at the Grand Rapids Public Museum celebrates this important part of the city's past. It became a historic site in 1957.

Meijer Thrifty Acres

The first Meijer Thrifty Acres store on 28th Street SE in Grand Rapids is a historic site because it represents the beginning of a very popular chain of stores. It changed how people shopped for groceries and other items. This site was listed in 2015.

Valley City Milling Company Informational Designation

The Valley City Milling Company Informational Designation in Grand Rapids tells the story of an important milling company. Mills were vital for turning grains into flour and other products. This site became historic in 1983.

Aquinas College Informational Designation

Aquinas College in Grand Rapids is a historic site that recognizes the long history of this college. Colleges are important places for learning and growing. It was recognized in 1962.