Gowen, Michigan is situated along the Flat River, southeast of Horton Lake and east of Little Horton Lake, in the central Lower Peninsula.
As an unincorporated community, Gowen does not have clearly defined borders but the populated place known as Gowen can be easily determined on a map. It is in east-center Montcalm Township, in Montcalm County, at its border with Kent County to the east. The only other named place in Montcalm Township is Turk Lake, to the northeast, although its postal address is Greenville, in Eureka Township, south of Montcalm Township. The Gowen post office serves northwestern Montcalm Township, a large portion of eastern Spencer Township, a small area of southern Pine Township, and a small area in northeast Oakfield Township in Kent County
The main route through Gowan is 19 Mile Road, which becomes Sidney Road as it moves east into Montcalm Township. South Johnson Road passes through the village from the north, follows Sidney Road to the east, crossing the Flat River, then continues south. Other routes include Evergreen Road. Sidney Road connects with M-91 in the center of the township.
While Gowen is centered in the area north of Sidney Road and east of South Johnson Road, the populated area has extended to form a neighborhood along Perch Lake to the south, and development can be found north, along South Johnson Road, particularly in the vicinity of Brookside Golf Course.
Incorporated cities and villages within twenty miles of Gowen include Greenville, Stanton, Sheridan, Cedar Springs, Pierson, Belding, Sand Lake, Lakeview, and Howard City.
Like many Michigan communities, Gowen was a lumbering town. Settled in 1947, it was first known as Gregor's Mills, for a local sawmill, although the first building in the area was Worden's Mills, which later housed a school and some businesses. Later, the settlement became known as Kaywood.
Danish and Norwegian immigrants began settling in the community in the 1850s. August Rasmussen was among the first Danish pioneers, and the Reverend Ole Amble came from Norway to found several Lutheran churches in the area.
Gowen took its current name from Colonel James Gowen, who came to the community from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and platted the town in 1871. A post office was established on March 4, 1872, with Samuel N. Peck as the first postmaster. Primarily a lumber town, Gowen had a couple of sawmills, a couple of shingle mills, and a planing mill. The Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western Railroad opened a station there, which later became part of the Pere Marquette line.
A string of fires and the demise of the lumber industry led several of its residents to move on, and Gowen was never incorporated as a village. Today, the community is mostly residential, although the river and its lakes attract people to the area, particularly in the summer months.
The focus of this guide is on the community known as Gowen, Michigan. Appropriate resources include websites representing individuals, businesses, industries, churches, organizations, attractions, events, and recreational opportunities in Gowen.
 
 
Recommended Resources
Bat Pro Wildlife & Pest Control
Based in Gowen, the company provides residential and commercial services in a large area of West-Central Michigan, offering the removal, restoration, and prevention of bats, critters, pests, and unwanted wildlife. Its site includes tips, advice, and information about several specific pests, as well as their services regarding them. Wildlife damage, suggestions for prevention, and Bat Pro's home restoration services are included. Its address, phone number, email, and contact form are posted.
https://thebatpro.com/
Locally owned and operated for more than fifty years, the golf course is in northern Gowen, Michigan. Its address is posted, its location is shown on a map, and its business hours are included, with contacts. Membership levels and rates are displayed and may be purchased online, along with gift cards and other golf packages. Day and evening leagues are highlighted, and golf outings may be booked online. A calendar of events is presented, and its on-site restaurant is discussed.
https://www.brooksidegolf.com/
Founded in 1957 by the Grand Valley Camp Association of the Lutheran Laymen's League, the children's camp continues to serve its original purpose as a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association. Located on Halfmile Lake, southwest of Gowen, Michigan, its schedule of summer camps, family camps, and retreats is published on its site, and information on supporting its mission is included.
https://www.campconcordia.org/
The Gowen, Michigan church began as the First Baptist Church of Gowen and was built in 1891 on land deeded to the church by James Gowen the previous year. Currently an independent Christian congregation, the church meets at its facilities on Pine Street, one of only a few buildings remaining from the original town. Its history, a statement of beliefs, news, and a schedule of upcoming events, and an overview of its family ministries and activities are put forth.
https://www.gowenbible.org/
Located in Gowen, Michigan, the veteran-owned store is has a Federal Firearms License (FFL), and is an authorized retailer for Great Lakes Firearms & Ammunition. With access to a large selection of firearms and accessories, JAGA can assist those who need to have a firearm transferred or shipped. Its regular hours of operation and location are posted, and they offer flexible after-hour and weekend appointments. Concealed carry classes, raffles, and other events are featured.
https://www.jagaarmory.com/