In general, "West Michigan" often refers to the area bounded by the cities of Muskegon (in the north), Grand Rapids (in the northeast), Kalamazoo–Battle Creek (in the southeast) and St. Joseph–Benton Harbor (in the southwest). However, definitions of the boundaries of the region vary widely; in some contexts, the term "West Michigan" is applied only to the counties of Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa, which together compose the Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon CSA. Other definitions include the Kalamazoo–Battle Creek and Benton Harbor–St. Joseph regions, which can be considered distinct regions or parts of other regions such as Michiana, Southern Michigan, or Southwest Michigan,[1][2][3] the latter according to one definition comprising Berrien County, Cass County, and Van Buren County.[4]
The northern boundary of the region is also poorly defined; the population density, land use, economic and cultural character, and physical geography most often associated with West Michigan fades in northern Muskegon and Kent Counties, however areas as far north as Ludington and White Cloud may be included because of their close economic ties to the cities to the south. Other areas, such as Montcalm County in the northeast corner of the region, are transitional areas that straddle Michigan regions but are sometimes included for classification purposes. Greenville, in Montcalm County's southwest corner, is closely tied economically with Grand Rapids; however, the northeastern corner, around Vestaburg and Edmore, has historically more closely associated with the cities of Mount Pleasant and Alma, which are almost universally reckoned as part of Central Michigan.
In northwest Kent County is Fruit Ridge, which is a prime fruit-growing region; that accounts for 65% of all Michigan apple production.
Municipalities
The following table contains the largest municipalities of West Michigan according to the 2010 Census. This defines the region fairly broadly, but not at its most broadly; if Battle Creek were included, it would be ranked fourth.
Five of the above cities, Wyoming, Kentwood, Portage, Norton Shores, and Walker, are former suburban townships that incorporated in the 1960s in order to prevent annexation by an adjacent city. The presence of these cities in the top ten reflects both the large geographic area of these cities, as well as the long and continuing growth of suburban areas in West Michigan.
^"About the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission". Southwest Michigan Planning Commission [Metropolitan planning organization]. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
^"Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council". www.swmichigan.org. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
^"The Newspaper for Southwest Michigan". The Herald-Palladium. 11 March 2021. p. A1. Retrieved 4 January 2023. [representative sample]
^Knot, Juliana (June 24, 2023). "Smaller and Shrinking: Southwest Michigan population decline spells trouble for region's economy". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
^"Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan". dioceseofgrandrapids.org. Archived from the original on 3 March 2008. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
^"M-46 Endpoint Photos". state-ends.com. Archived from the original on 14 April 2005. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
^"About The West Michigan Tourist Association - WMTA". wmta.org. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Bibliography on Michigan (arranged by counties and regions)
Michigan Geology -- Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University.
Great Lakes Coast Watch
Info Michigan, detailed information on 630 cities
Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, harbors, hunting, resources and more.
List of Museums, other attractions compiled by state government.
Michigan Historic Markers
Michigan's Official Economic Development and Travel Site.
"Historic Light Station Information and Photography: Michigan". United States Coast Guard Historian's Office. Archived from the original on 2017-05-01.
Map of Michigan Lighthouse in PDF Format.
Seeing the Light, Terry Pepper on lighthouses of the Western Great Lakes.