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Ada, MI

Frequently asked questions

Ada, MI

Ada Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,388 at the 2020 census. 

The majority of the township is included in the Forest Hills census-designated place, which is used only for statistical purposes. Ada Township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) east of the city of Grand Rapids. The township is the corporate home of Alticor and its subsidiary companies Amway North America and Amway.

At the turn of the 19th century, the land that would become Ada was a village of the Grand River Band of Ottawa, led by Nebawnaygezhick.

During the early colonial settlement of Michigan, Rix Robinson, the first permanent colonial settler of Kent County, married Sebequay ("River Woman"), the sister of Nebawnaygezhick, at Ada. In 1821, Robinson purchased a former French-Canadian trading post at the junction of the Grand and Thornapple rivers from Madeline La Framboise, on behalf of John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company. Land north of the Grand River was not available for purchase by European-American settlers until after the United States signed the 1836 Treaty of Washington with regional tribes. Following the treaty, Robinson purchased hundreds of acres around the mouth of the Thornapple for the Ottawa to continue living on.

Lucius Lyon, an early settler, first visited Robinson's settlement in 1826. Convinced that the land would become valuable, Lyon purchased large tracts from early settlers. He oversaw the development of the land, including the construction of a sawmill. Both Lyon and Robinson are considered the founders of Ada.

There are conflicting reports concerning when the township was organized. Information provided by the township website indicates that Robinson was elected as the township's first supervisor. However, other sources indicate it was organized on April 2, 1838, and that Sydney Smith was elected the first supervisor and that Robinson was the second, elected in 1841 and again in 1844. The village was named after Sydney Smith's daughter, Ada Smith, who was the first non-Native American child born in the village.

The Ada Covered Bridge was constructed across the Thornapple in 1867. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the few covered bridges that remain standing in the state.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 37.11 square miles (96.11 km2), of which 36.04 square miles (93.34 km2) is land and 1.06 square miles (2.75 km2) (2.86%) is water. The Grand River and the Thornapple River pass through the township.

Ada places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Ethos Day Spa provides a tranquil retreat with massages, facials, and holistic therapies. YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids offers 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training programs, and a variety of group classes. The Higher Haven hosts yoga and Pilates classes, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Banner Chiropractic focuses on spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness with a range of chiropractic services. Orangetheory Fitness promotes high-intensity interval training in a supportive group environment. Snap Fitness features modern equipment, personal training, and diverse group fitness classes. 

Top Sites in Ada, MI are Roselle Park, Seidman Park, Carl Creek Crossing Preserve
 

Population: 14,388 (2020). ZIP Code: 49301. Area code: 616. Elevation: 758 ft (231 m). Area: 37.11 sq mi (96.11 km2).

FAQs

What is Ada, MI is known for?

Ada Township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) east of the city of Grand Rapids. The township is the corporate home of Alticor and its subsidiary companies Amway North America and Amway. Ada, also known as Ada Village, is an unincorporated community within the township.

Is Ada, MI a good place to live?

Ada, Michigan, stands out as a gem in the real estate market, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and a vibrant community spirit. Whether you're looking for a place to start a family, a peaceful retreat, or a community to grow old in, Ada presents a compelling proposition. With its diverse range of homes for sale, exceptional quality of life, and proximity to Grand Rapids, Ada is not just a place to live—it's a place to belong. Explore Ada, Michigan, and discover why so many have chosen to call this enchanting township home. 

How did Ada, MI get its name?

Both the township and village settlement were named for Ada Smith, the daughter of the first postmaster. The settlement was given a station on the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad (later part of the Detroit, Grand Haven, and Milwaukee Railway). A plat was recorded in 1857.

Sources

Wikipedia - Ada, Michigan

Ada Township

Ada Village

Grhomes

Roselle Park

Seidman Park

Carl Creek Crossing Preserve

Ethos Day Spa

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

The Higher Haven

Banner Chiropractic

Orangetheory Fitness

Snap Fitness

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