West Central Region, MI Land for Sale

The West Central region of Michigan is located as described, to the west and middle of the state, bordering Lake Michigan to the west. Grand Rapids is the largest city in the region, but other large cities are Big Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Holland, Mt. Pleasant, Ionia, and Muskegon and Grand Haven on the Lake Michigan coast. The region boasts a number state and county parks, with many campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. There are several higher education institutions in this region, which include Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cornerstone University, Ferris State University, Hope College, Kuyper College and Muskegon Community College.

Mecosta County is located in the northeastern part of Michigan's West Central region. It was named in honor of Chief Mecosta, the leader of the Potawatomi Native American tribe, who traveled the local waterways searching for fish and game; it means "bear cub." The only city in this county is Big Rapids, which is also the county seat, but there are also a number of villages and townships. The county boasts more than 100 lakes, rivers and streams, including the Muskegon River and Little Muskegon River which wind their way through the county. A part of the Manistee National Forest is in this county, and there are also a number of county parks for hiking, boating, canoeing, waterskiing, fishing and "rails-to-trails" opportunities. Some county parks include Brower Park, School Section Lake Veteran's Park, Paris Park and several campgrounds. Ferris State University is located in this county, in Big Rapids, and is known for its specialization in pharmaceutical science.

Mason County is located in the northwest corner of the West Central Michigan region. It borders Lake Michigan to the west. Ludington is the largest city and the county seat. Scottville is another city in Mason County, and there are a number of villages and townships as well. A part of the Manistee National Forest is in this county, and the Pere Marquette River winds its way through some scenic state forest area. The county combines the beauty of Lake Michigan coastline on the western end and prosperous farming communities inland.

Kent County is located in the southern part of Michigan's West Central region. It is named for James Kent, a New York jurist and legal scholar who represented the Michigan Territory in its dispute with Ohio over the Toledo Strip. Grand Rapids is the largest city in this county, and is the second most populated city in the state. Other large cities are Wyoming and Kentwood, but there are several other smaller cities, which include Cedar Springs, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Lowell, Rockford and Walker, as well as many other villages, townships and unincorporated communities. Several rivers run through the county, including the Grand River, Flat River, Thornapple River and Rogue River. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails that run through the county. Kent County is considered to be West Michigan's economic and manufacturing center, with several large companies in a variety of industries headquartered there.