Explore the Hidden Gems of Allegan
with our Expert Recommendations
Are you a traveler who loves to experience old-fashioned communities, quaint shops, and farmers’ markets surrounded by gorgeous countryside vistas? You’ll find this and so much more in Michigan’s southwest town of Allegan. At the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association, we have connections, and why we have created this Comprehensive Guide to the Best Things to Do, Places to Dine, Shopping, Activities, and Accommodations in Allegan, MI. We love talking to our innkeepers about the best places to dine, explore, and shop. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway to Southwest Michigan that’s close to the tourist destinations of Saugatuck, Holland, and Grand Rapids, Allegan is the perfect choice!
What we like about Allegan
The city is in the midst of farm country with flower farms, wineries, apple orchards, and large farms that support local restaurants. These scenic views make perfect day trips to Lake Michigan beaches, the Art Coast of Saugatuck, and Holland’s fun festivals and events. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway that’s close to tourist destinations, Allegan is the perfect choice! Check out this previous article that talks about the Quiet Side of the Art Coast of Michigan.
Want to learn something unique about Allegan? It’s in a town previously frequented by Al Capone to hide from the authorities and to have his gang get medical care at the hospital by using the river and going through the hospital’s tunnels.
Downtown Allegan hosts various events showcased throughout the year, including live music on the Allegan Riverfront, community festivals, and food truck rallies. Larger events include the Allegan Antiques Market and the Allegan State Fair.
When to go
Allegan is a beautiful year-round destination and visitors can enjoy all that each season has to offer. Spring brings daffodils and fresh plantings. Stop by a local farm stand and taste fresh strawberries and blueberries that were just picked- you’ll be amazed at the flavors. Summer is the most popular and could include ziplining over the Kalamazoo River, alfresco dining, and days at the beach. Michigan Bed and Breakfasts fill up every summer, so be sure to reserve your room well in advance. Fall time is extra special too, and includes the largest country Fair in September. Experiencing fall colors and stopping by an orchard to pick your apples is a fun way to see the countryside around Allegan. November brings colder days, fewer tourists, romantic fires to relax by, and holiday shopping.
Where to stay
We recommend the Innisfree Estate in Pullman if you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing bed and breakfast near Allegan. This historic inn offers ten guest suites with elegant furnishings and fine linens, surrounded by tranquil gardens and wineries. It also has an outdoor pool, on-site spa, and wine cellar for wine tasting.
Where to eat
Allegan and Area offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of our MichBnB innkeeper’s favorites that are close by:
For Early Drinks before Dinner:
- Tantricks Brewing Company in Allegan
Higher end:
- Obstacle No. 1 in Holland
- Four Roses Cafe (Plainview, in farm country)
- The Butler (Saugatuck, overlooking a bay)
- Poquito Spanish and Latin Kitchen in Holland
- Skoda Chophouse (Wayland’s Gun Lake Casino)
Moderate Price:
- Wally’s Bar & Grill (Saugatuck)
- Seventy-Six (Holland)
Low-Cost:
- Vitale’s (serve pizza, including cauliflower crusted and flavored crusting, bruschetta, cannoli’s – Allegan)
Other options within 45 minutes.
Early drinks: Lumber Baron Bar (Grand Rapids, high-end beer, whiskey, and fireplace), IDC (has a secret entry door like a speakeasy, outdoors – Grand Rapids) Higher-end (all in Grand Rapids): The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang’s Restaurant, Sanchez’s (Tapas), Tupelo Honey (Louisianan Southern Cuisine), Monsoon (Vietnamese – Grand Rapids), Moderate: Chez Olga (Haitian cuisine – Grand Rapids), Gaslight Kitchen Asian Cuisine (East Grand Rapids), HopCat (unique local MI American fare – Grand Rapids), Olive’s (eclectic menu – East Grand Rapids) Fun places: Mojo’s Dueling Bar & Piano Restaurant (Grand Rapids), The BOB (Grand Rapids), Max’s South Seas Hideaway After-drinks/Dessert Drinks – Ding Tea (Tawianese Boba drinks – Grand Rapids)
Experience Allegan like a local
To experience Allegan like a local, we asked the innkeepers at Inisfree for their favorite things to do in Allegan, which are highlighted below:
Best things to do:
- Allegan Antiques Market: This market is great for finding unique and vintage items. The vendors are friendly and knowledgeable.
- Wild West Ranch: This ranch offers horseback riding tours and equestrian trails. It has many varieties of horses in beautiful colors and various sizes. During wintertime, they also offer romantic sleigh rides through the woods.
- Lake Allegan: It’s special and has a picturesque drive to the park.
Best Cultural Attractions:
- Top Broadway shows in Grand Rapids Devos Center
- Grand Rapids Ballet
- Dutch culture is prominent in West MI – Tulip Festival (in May), Windmill Island Gardens, Nelis’ Dutch Village Museums.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens Outdoor Summer concert series, immersive Butterfly experience in May
- Gerald R. Ford Museum Grand Rapids is home to President Ford; this museum has an immersive replica of the Oval Office as it was in his day and the Cabinet Room.
- Grand Rapids Museum Has an elegant walk-through replica of downtown in the 1800s
- John Ball Zoo
- The ArtPrize: An international art contest that will be displayed in various locations, including restaurants, parks, and public spaces throughout Grand Rapids, in September. The public can vote on their favorite art piece, and then a judging panel determines the top 3.
Best shopping:
- Hathaway Cottage & Gifts: Allegan- A local boutique that carries Brighton jewelry and handbags, Thymes lotions, fragrances, and home line products (Nia, the innkeeper/owner at Jade owner “loves the Thymes Magnolia Willow countertop spray.. It smells AMAZING and WORKS!!!”), home decor, accessories, Willow Tree sculptures, apparel, baby/kids items, and drinkware!
- Allegan Antiques Market: Allegan- Open the last Sunday of every month, May to September. This market is a great place to find unique and vintage items.
- Twin Flame Lavender Farm: Allegan- Offers a variety of lavender products.
- Something Sweet: Allegan- This store offers a great selection of chocolates, candies, and other small gifts.
Best activities:
- Bittersweet Ski Resort: This resort offers skiing and snowboarding. It’s a great place to enjoy winter sports.
- Allegan County Historical Society: This museum offers a variety of exhibits, and all items in it are from the immediate area. The docent was knowledgeable and friendly.
- Summer Swimming: Lake Allegan, known for its clear water and nice sand, and Littlejohn Park Lake with 113 acres of wooded, natural public land with a pretty swimming breach, grills, a picnic table, a nature trail, and ADA accessible walkway.
Best place to stay
Imagine having a homemade breakfast served to you on this beautiful porch. 
The Inisfree is quality-assured and inspected by the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association, so you can rest assured that all the details are top-notch. Make your reservations today at the Inisfree Estate, and the rest of the details will fall into place.
