Kaleva, Michigan

Founded by Finnish settlers, this Northwest Michigan village offers the quality of life that is vanishing all too rapidly in today's society. Life is slower, savored more fully, lived close to nature. Founded by Finnish immigrants in 1900, Kaleva has many streets with quaint sounding Finnish names - a challenge to pronunciation and a source of uniqueness to the visitor. The names were taken from the national mythology of Finland - "The Kalevala".

The history of Kaleva began before it was founded in 1900, however. The biggest part of the Village of Kaleva was once part of a land grant, first issues in 1847.

Click here to read more about the history of Kaleva, including articles and information about the infamous Kaleva Bank robbery and more.

The Village

Kaleva is located in the center of Manistee County. Ten miles from Lake Michigan, 25 miles from the National Music Camp at Interlochen, eight (8) miles from Crystal Mountain Resort, 20 to 45 miles from larger cities for shopping, hospitals and healthcare.

We enjoy all four seasons of climate from the sparkling beauty of winter, to the renewal of spring, the warmth of summer and the blazing glory of colors in the fall. Activities such as skiing, ice fishing, golfing, swimming, and hunting are right outside our back door. There are miles of trails through the majestic natural resource that is the Manistee National Forest...there for all to enjoy. And wait until you view the frenzy of giant Salmon spawning in our streams under a canopy of fall color.

Click here to visit the Village of Kaleva website.

The Community

Simple homes and yards with lovely flower gardens attest to the conservative, caring influence of Kaleva's residents. This small community of about 500 people is blessed with diversified commercial establishments. We have our own branch bank, post office, retail stores, restaurants, beauty shops and gas station. A farm supply store and lumber yard provide for the agricultural and construction endeavors outside the Village. Fire protection needs are provided for by an excellent volunteer fire department.

Diversified farming and oil exploration and production have been the core of Kaleva’s economy for many years. Farmers grow fruit, potatoes and vegetables. The village owns an industrial park in a Renaissance Zone with paved streets, municipal water, and reliable electrical and broadband service. Imagine driving five minutes to your own plant - or even walking.

Our spiritual needs are met with a Baptist and Lutheran church in the village and other denominations in nearby Brethren, Marilla, Onekama, and Copemish. Active service clubs and committees reflect the personality of a community and Kaleva is no exception. The Lions Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post, the Kaleva Beautification Team, the Kaleva Historical Society, and the Kaleva Relay for Life Team are always there for the things that need doing. The children of Kaleva attend school at the Kaleva Norman Dickson schools in Brethren, five miles south of Kaleva.

Where to Stay

Our roadside park is a popular spot providing overnight camping. Many community gatherings are held here during warm weather. The aroma of charcoal smoke finds friends and neighbors and organizations sharing fun and food piled on brightly covered tables. You'll find families here picnicking and holding family reunions with the kids playing and running freely about.

The closest lodging is Inn at the Alpine-Budget Host in Bear Lake (8.6 miles), Bella-Vista Inn in Bear Lake (11 miles), and Crystal Mountain Resort (11 miles) of Thompsonville. A little further west are accommodations in the Village of Onekama and south in the city of Manistee. There are also many campgrounds in the surrounding area, including the Manistee National Forest camp sites.