Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== Blendon Township ====== {{:places:blendon_township.jpg?400|Blendon Township, Michigan}} **Blendon Township** is a civil township in [[counties:ottawa_county|Ottawa County]], Michigan. Located in eastern Ottawa County between [[places:allendale|Allendale]], [[places:zeeland|Zeeland]], and [[places:hudsonville|Hudsonville]], the township is a primarily rural and residential community known for its agricultural heritage, Dutch-American roots, and growing population. As of the 2020 Census, the township had a population of 7,081 residents. Blendon Township combines farmland, rural neighborhoods, churches, and open spaces while remaining closely connected to the economic centers of West Michigan. --- ===== Quick Facts ===== ^ Attribute ^ Information ^ | County | [[counties:ottawa_county|Ottawa County]] | | Region | West Michigan | | Government Type | Civil Township | | Organized | 1854 | | Population (2020 Census) | 7,081 | | Population (2025 Estimate) | Approximately 7,600 | | Land Area | 36.4 square miles | | Major Communities | Borculo, Blendon, Bauer | | Known For | Agriculture, Dutch Heritage, Rural Character | Population estimates indicate steady growth since 2020. --- ===== History ===== Blendon Township was surveyed in 1833 and officially organized in 1854. The township was named after the **Blendon Lumber Company**, which owned substantial timber holdings in the area during the nineteenth century. Early settlement focused on: * Agriculture * Lumber production * Religious communities * Small-scale commerce Dutch immigrants played a significant role in the township's development, particularly in communities such as Borculo, which was founded by settlers from the Netherlands. Throughout much of its history, Blendon Township remained a farming community. In recent decades, residential growth associated with the Grand Rapids metropolitan area has increased the township's population while preserving much of its rural landscape. --- ===== Geography ===== Blendon Township occupies approximately 36 square miles in eastern Ottawa County. Nearly all of the township consists of land area, with very little surface water. Major geographic features include: * Agricultural farmland * Rural residential areas * Forest remnants * Wetlands * Small streams and drainage corridors The township lies approximately 15 miles west of [[places:grand_rapids|Grand Rapids]] and serves as a transition area between urban growth and rural West Michigan. --- ===== Communities ===== Blendon Township contains several historic unincorporated communities. Notable communities include: * [[places:blendon|Blendon]] * [[places:borculo|Borculo]] * [[places:bauer|Bauer]] * [[places:north_blendon|North Blendon]] Borculo is particularly notable for its Dutch heritage and was named after the town of Borculo in the Netherlands. The township borders: * [[places:allendale_charter_township|Allendale Charter Township]] * [[places:georgetown_charter_township|Georgetown Charter Township]] * [[places:zeeland_charter_township|Zeeland Charter Township]] * [[places:holland_charter_township|Holland Charter Township]] * [[places:olive_township|Olive Township]] * [[places:jamestown_charter_township|Jamestown Charter Township]] --- ===== Population ===== Blendon Township has experienced sustained growth during the twenty-first century. ^ Year ^ Population ^ | 2000 | 5,721 | | 2010 | 5,772 | | 2020 | 7,081 | | 2025 Estimate | Approximately 7,600 | This growth reflects continued residential development throughout eastern Ottawa County. --- ===== Economy ===== The township's economy is supported by: * Agriculture * Construction * Professional services * Manufacturing * Small business * Regional commerce Many residents commute to nearby employment centers in: * [[places:grand_rapids|Grand Rapids]] * [[places:holland|Holland]] * [[places:zeeland|Zeeland]] * [[places:allendale|Allendale]] Household incomes are above both state and national averages, reflecting the strength of the regional economy. --- ===== Agriculture ===== Agriculture remains a defining feature of Blendon Township. Major agricultural activities include: * Corn production * Soybean farming * Dairy operations * Specialty crops * Fruit production Large portions of the township remain dedicated to farming, helping preserve its rural character. --- ===== Education ===== Educational services are provided through several districts, including: * [[education:allendale_public_schools|Allendale Public Schools]] * [[education:hudsonville_public_schools|Hudsonville Public Schools]] * [[education:zeeland_public_schools|Zeeland Public Schools]] Nearby higher education opportunities include: * [[education:grand_valley_state_university|Grand Valley State University]] located in neighboring Allendale Township. --- ===== Recreation ===== Popular recreational activities include: * Hiking * Cycling * Hunting * Fishing * Community sports * Wildlife observation The township's rural landscape provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation throughout the year. --- ===== Transportation ===== No major highways pass directly through Blendon Township, although the township benefits from nearby access to: * [[transportation:i_196|Interstate 196]] * Lake Michigan Drive corridor * Chicago Drive corridor * County road network These routes provide convenient access to: * [[places:grand_rapids|Grand Rapids]] * [[places:holland|Holland]] * [[places:grand_haven|Grand Haven]] --- ===== Government ===== Blendon Township operates under Michigan's general law township structure. Township services include: * Public administration * Planning and zoning * Property assessment * Public works * Community development Township offices are located within the community and serve residents throughout the township. --- ===== Culture ===== Blendon Township is known for: * Dutch-American heritage * Agricultural traditions * Rural landscapes * Community churches * Family-oriented neighborhoods The township remains one of Ottawa County's most rural communities while continuing to experience steady residential growth. --- ===== Notable Landmarks ===== * [[places:borculo|Borculo]] * Blendon Township Hall * Historic Dutch settlements * Agricultural districts * Rural church communities --- ===== See Also ===== * [[places:allendale_charter_township|Allendale Charter Township]] * [[places:georgetown_charter_township|Georgetown Charter Township]] * [[places:zeeland|Zeeland]] * [[places:hudsonville|Hudsonville]] * [[counties:ottawa_county|Ottawa County]] * [[education:grand_valley_state_university|Grand Valley State University]] --- ===== References ===== * United States Census Bureau * Blendon Township Government History * Ottawa County Records * Census Reporter Demographic Profiles * Michigan Place Names, Walter Romig {{tag>places blendon_township ottawa_county west_michigan borculo agriculture dutch_heritage rural_communities}} places/blendon_township.txt Last modified: 2026/06/01 11:38by admin