Ada Farmers' Market

Nestled near the convergence of the Grand and Thornapple Rivers several miles east of Grand Rapids lies Ada Township. Here, natural scenic beauty mingles with progressive business, excellent medical, educational and cultural facilities to create an ideal place to live, work and play. Ada's scenic beauty includes gently rolling woodland terrain, meandering rivers, lush meadows, several working farmlands, and a historic Village. Ada was founded in 1821 by fur trader Rix Robinson. The first land purchase was made in 1833, and the first plat was recorded in 857. A post office was established in 1837. Both the township and the settlement were named on behalf of Ada Smith, the daughter of the first postmaster. The early community featured a train station on the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad (later part of the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee Railway). Over the years, Ada Township has strived to retain much of the rural charm and pristine natural beauty that originally attracted many of the community’s 10,000-plus residents to the area. Throughout the community, signs of Ada’s rural heritage still exist, including rambling farm houses and stately horse ranches on unpaved natural beauty roads, traditional neighborhoods, a historic village, and an open landscape. Ada Township’s Master Plan allows for planned growth that preserves steep wooded slopes, open space and protects invaluable natural resources such as our waterways.