My Town Destination: Lowell, MI Kent County
Trip Type: Day Trip
Date of Visit: 1/24/19
Town Ambassador/Contact: Liz Baker Phone: (616) 897-9161
One of the first things you notice when you come into Lowell is it’s beautiful setting on the river; gorgeous in winter as well as fair weather. The town only has a population of a little more than 3,700 but it has a great mix of locally owned businesses, recreation, and manufacturing all within its main areas of downtown. The eye opening Show Boat and the local feel given by places like the Five and Dime and Gary’s Meat Market, make your first instinct a need to explore.
Unique Businesses in Beautiful Historic Buildings
A fantastic place to visit for an experience you can only get in Lowell is Ability Weavers. Founded by Eric and Beryl Bartkus, Ability Weavers is a nonprofit, and all the proceeds from its products go to the mission of giving opportunities to people with all abilities. Visitors can enter Ability Weavers right off Main Street, and can purchase items made on the looms such as rugs, and table runners just to name a few. I would recommend calling ahead and scheduling a class to create your very own treasure to take home from Lowell!
Timeless Charm
The best part about walking around downtown Lowell is its timeless charm. You can stop and and get just about anything you desire at the five-and-dime, including popcorn and penny candy. And you can walk along the riverfront and have a wonderful dinner at Flat River Grill. If you’re in the mood for beer and barbecue, stop in at Main Street BBQ. Make sure to try the locally made Painted Turtle Cider and the nachos! Lowell’s eclectic shops also include Euphoria Boutique, Chimera Design Fine Jewelry, and don’t forget to grab coffee at the Sweet Seasons Bakery and Cafe.
Recreation Within Steps of Town
Lowell has some very special destinations in regard to recreation. The headquarters for the North Country Trail is located right on Main Street. The North Country Trail stretches 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota, and Lowell is located right in the middle. The North Country Trail makes Lowell a hikers paradise. If you take Riverwalk Plaza past the Show Boat and the Chamber of Commerce you can pick up the trail!
Lowell is also in the center of the 125 mile Michigan Rail Trail. Connecting you with great hiking, biking, and other trail activities. Read more about
The Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail here.
Parks and Agriculture
Another great spot for recreation is Fallasburg Park. Fallasburg includes great amenities beyond nature trails including: it’s historical covered bridge, historical village, great covered picnic structures, and disc golf. Still located in Kent County, you can also check out Millennium Park offering a beach park and boating.
The Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center is a great place to learn about Lowell’s outdoors. Run by the Lowell Area Schools, stop by to see the community gardens, or go snow shoeing through its forests and prairies!
Lowell Loves History and the Arts
Lowell is home to wonderful Cultural and Fine Arts, and has a museum housed in an important historical home. Read more about the Lowell Area Historical Association and the importance of the Graham Home to Lowell here. While in the museum take time to learn about the history of the Show Boat, and Lowell’s interesting background in the fur trading and milling industries. Want to see the history of Lowell on foot? Pick up a brochure for the historic walking tour, great pictures and descriptions!
The Arts are clearly visible in Lowell. Just walking down main street you can stop in at Lowell Arts, offering everything from classes, exhibitions and festivals! The Fallasburg Arts Festival is very important to the community, and is cerebrating 50 years. You can also visit Rogue River Artisans online to see when to catch one of their huge vendor shows!
MTT Antique and Market Finds
Great Antique Shops and Farmers Markets are familiar sights in small towns. This can also include Thrift Shops, Local Eats, and the like! Here are some great MTT Antique and Market Finds from Lowell.
Red Barn Consignments & Antiques
MTT Referral
My Town Today has started a referral section of each article. It’s based on the fun of visiting a town, and finding out what town the majority of its citizens would recommend for My Town to visit next.
The referral for this entry is: Lake Odessa, MI. Stay tuned for My Town Today to pop up there soon.
Lowell Photo Gallery Here: