Growing Together
Located just 21 minutes south east of downtown Grand Rapids, Gaines Charter Township is a diverse, dynamic community which places a high value on family life, good moral standards, a sense of community and a desire to enrich the lives of all its residents.
The first settler in this Township was Alexander Clark, in the spring of 1837. The following fall he was joined by Alexander L. Bouck and his son Andrew, Renssalaer Mesnard, Foster Kelley, Charles Kelley, and Joseph Blain. At the time, Gaines was nothing more than 36 square miles of wilderness; hardly appealing to the civilized eye. Yet to the hardy, enterprising pioneers; the forests, abundant supply of fresh water and wild life possessed a charm that was irresistible.
As settlers arrived and the heavy forests began to disappear, the land was found to be one of the richest agricultural tracts in the area, and to this day it is still considered one of the best in the county. In 1846 the area was officially organized under the name of Gaines. Today we are situated near three major highways; and within two miles
to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Traveling our well maintained streets, you will find major chain retailers, four parks, two trail systems, two golf courses, restaurants, a multi screen movie theater, banks/credit unions, portions of three public school districts, charter schools and a diverse group of churches.
Even as we grow (1.94% growth rate aS OF 2026), we keep sight of our heritage. The Gaines Charter Township Historical Society works diligently to develop awareness of local history and to preserve it for future generations.