Kaleva Today

KALEVA is located in the center of Manistee County. Ten miles from Lake Michigan, 25 miles from the National Music Camp at Interlochen, 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 antiseptic 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. You need to see deer racing and jumping for cover with white tails flagging their departure. And wait until you view the frenzy of giant Salmon spawning in our streams under a canopy of Fall color.

Enjoyment of the national pastime is provided for in the Summer with baseball and softball leagues on our diamonds. The youngsters play T-ball.

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 Village of Kaleva was founded by Finnish immigrants in 1900. Many streets still have quaint sounding Finnish names - a challenge to pronunciation and a source of uniqueness to the visitor. The names where taken from the Finnish National Epic "The Kalevala."

The office and home of the village's first doctor, Dr. W. E. Coates who came to Kaleva in 1911 still exists in an excellent state of repair. Well kept homes and yards with lovely flower gardens attest to the conservative, caring influence of Kaleva's Finnish heritage. All the Village streets but one sport paved and curbed surfaces keeping things neat and orderly looking. Few villages of Kaleva's size can boast of this amenity.

We are well blessed, for a community of about 500, with diversified commercial establishments. We have our own branch bank, post office, retail stores, restaurants, beauty shops and gas stations. Our own dentist and doctor are cherished assets. A farm supply store provides for the agricultural endeavors outside the Village. The County Road Commision operates a satellite garage in the Village. Fire protection needs are provided for by an excellent volunteer fire department.

Diversified farming has existed in the area for many years. Farmers grow fruit, potatoes and vegetables. More recently, oil exploration and production activity has taken place in the Salina Niagran Formation. Kaleva is positioned exactly above it. This activity has provided many jobs. The industrial park is located just off all season county roads 669 and 598. Imagine driving five minutes to your own plant--or even walking. No bumper to bumper grid lock in Kaleva. The park at the north edge of the Village is connected by a paved and curbed street to each of the county roads. A water system supplies the park in which three industries are currently located. We have just enough room for your plant and a skilled work force to operate it.

Yes we have school spirit and a fine educational system as well. There is an elementary school in the village and junior and senior high is located five miles away. The high school band does a rousing good job at parades and Memorial Day Services.

Our spiritual needs are met with a Baptist and Lutheran church in the village and a catholic church ten miles away.