Fennville Michigan

The City Of Fennville, MI

Fennville is a city located in Allegan County, Michigan. At the time of the 2000 census, the population was 1,459 people.
The city is located on M-89, on the northern border of Manlius Township and the southern border of Clyde Township. Saugatuck is seven miles northwest, and Allegan is 13 miles east-southeast.
The Fennville AVA, which encompasses the city and its surrounding area, is known for producing Michigan wine.

History Of Fennville Michigan

Elam Atwater Fenn, an early white settler, built a sawmill near the current community, according to the widely accepted account of how the city came to be known as Fennville. As a result, the settlement became known as “Fenn’s Mill,” and the post office became known as “Fenn’s Mill.” “Mill” was pluralized in some early documents, resulting in “Fenn’s Mills.” Harrison Hutchins and James McCormick built the first road through what would become Fennville in 1837.
In October 1871, the village was destroyed by a fire. Around that time, the paperwork for the newly completed Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad arrived, naming the community’s station “Fennville.” Some at the time (including Hutchins) believed it was due to a clerical error. However, Fenn himself stated that the name change was suggested by and agreed upon by a group of community leaders in conjunction with the construction of the new railroad station. To match the station’s name, the post office was renamed “Fennville.” On February 20, 1889, the community was incorporated as the village of Fennville.

Entertainment In Fennville

Since 1984, Fennville has hosted an annual local event known as the Goose Festival every October. The Goose Festival in Fennville celebrates the abundance of local game and wildlife, focusing on the thousands of Canadian geese that pass through the Allegan State Game Area’s Todd Farm Unit during their seasonal migration.

One of the motivations for establishing the festival was to increase passenger train traffic on the railway that runs through Fennville. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the small town each year to participate in the Goose Festival’s various activities and attractions, which are planned and managed by the Goose Festival’s volunteer-run organization.

Fennville, MI Demographics

• Population: 1,876
• Average Age: 30.7
• Persons Per Household: 2.8
• Average Household Income: $52,850
• Average Home Value: $97,900 
• Average Work Commute: 23.2 min

Public Education In Fennville

The Fennville public schools provide public education from kindergarten to high school graduation. The schools include: 

• Fennville Elementary School (K-5)
• Fennville Middle School (6-8)
• Pearl Alternative/Adult Education School (9-12)
• Fennville High School (9-12)