Animal Shack is your one stop shop for everything pets!  Fish, birds, reptiles, small animals, dogs & cats - no matter what kind of pets you're into Animal Shack has the quality pets and supplies that you need. 

The Mecosta County Council for the Arts, incorporated in 1976 as a non-profit organization, has as its primary goal the enrichment of the quality of life by bringing the Arts, visual, performing and literary, to the community and schools. Other goals include the sponsorship of programs for opportunities in creative expression.

The Powder Room has the largest selection of Avon Beauty Products in town.  Get the same great Avon Beauty Products that you love without the wait of ordering through the catalog.

Formerly Dunkin Donuts, Bernie's Donuts is still the place to go for the same great donuts and coffee that you've always loved.  Don't forget, it's not just a great place morning people...Bernie's Donuts is also the home of Bernardi's Pizza. 

Looking for great antiques to complete your collection, add a certain style to your home, or just a some great memorabilia from times past?  The Big Rapids Antique Shoppe should be your first stop.  Come in and find some history.   

Big Rapids Copier was formed in 1991 to provide a lower cost, higher quality copy machine sales & service for Big Rapids and surrounding areas. Big Rapids Copiers founders had been working 6 years for a Grand Rapids company when they decided to start a copier sales & service in the Big Rapids area. Big Rapids copier sells both new & low meter, high quality reconditioned digital copiers from 13 copies per minute all the way to 105 copies per minute, most of these copiers also have the option of adding network print, scan and fax options.

Big Rapids copier has always been very proud of our service with quick response times, friendly quality service and loaner machines if nessesary to wait for delayed parts.

More than you imagined, for less than you expect!  Big Rapids Furniture has offered the best selection of appliances and furniture in the mid western Michigan area. We work hard to supply our customers with the quality and variety they expect. Visit our showroom to check out our huge selection of floor coverings, furnishings, electronics, appliances and so much more.

Information About the Housing Program:

*Includes Parkview and Evergreen Village which are income based affordable housing for seniors and families.

* Rent is based on 30% of your adjusted gross income.

* 1 to 6 bedroom apartments.

* Utilities included in rent - gas, electric, water, sewer and garbage disposal.

* Maintenance Included.

* 26 barrier free apartments.

* Appliances included.

* Senior Apartments are carpeted.

* On-Site Police Officer.

* Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

* Resident Council.

* Laundry facilities located in 3 locations.

* Playground equipment in the family section.

* Close to Ferris State University and Public School.

Big Rapids Insurance Agency Inc. specializes in providing personalized insurance coverage that meets the needs of families and businesses.  Whether you need homeowners insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, or renter's insurance, Big Rapids Insurance Agency Inc. has a plan for you.

                                                                               Blue Cow Cafe offers fine dining with an extensive wine and beer list.  Offering an upscale atmoshpere as well as an open air dining area out front.  The perfect destination to celebrate that special event or just enjoy an excellent meal.  Make sure to check the menu often as it changes based on availability of the finest and freshest ingredients available. 

The barber pole out front says it all...Brown's Barber Shop is one of few real barber shops left.  Whether you want a trim to keep your 'do clean or a full on classic flat-top the guys (and gal) at Brown's can cut to your liking.  Stop in for a haircut, trim, or shave.   

Hours:

Mon-Tue 8:00-5:30

Thur-Fri: 8:30-5:30

Sat: 8:00-2:30

Closed Wed. & Sunday

Big Rapids is most fortunate to blend the arts, recreation and culture of larger communities with the family environment of a mid sized town to create an advantageous City in which to live and raise a family. Many of the local amenities come from Ferris State University, a college of over 13,000 students, which is located along the southern edge of town.

Students, professors and educators bring a dimension to the community which encourages acceptance of newcomers and new ideas. The University, known throughout the nation as a training ground for both academic and trade pursuits, drives much of the economic success which thrives here.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway, small wedding, or even a business meeting, the Comstock House’s ambiance is sure to please everyone. We welcome you to enjoy a restful and luxurious night in comfort and wake up to a delicious, unique, gourmet breakfast. Breakfast will be served in the dining room or weather permitting, in the garden.

Services Provided:

• Preventive Dentistry  -  fluorides, sealants, early diagnosis of dental problems
• Restorative Dentistry  -  enjoy whiter, stronger teeth
• Cosmetic Dentistry  -  bleaching, bonding, veneers...enjoy a great looking smile!
• Endodontics (root canal therapy)  -  save teeth you thought were hopeless
• Prosthetics  -  crowns, bridges, partial and complete dentures...enjoy a confidant smile!
• TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment  -  enjoy relaxed muscles and bite
• Emergency Treatment  -  we'll get you out of discomfort efficiently
• Oral Conscious Sedation  -  experience a comfortable, anxiety-free dental appointment

From dream to design, Different By Design can handle all your design and printing needs.  Shirts, banners, vinyl graphics, stickers, and so much more.  Bring your ideas in and we'll design the image and turn it into apparel, signs, or whatever else you'd like.

Featuring the finest in dresses, gowns, and everything in bridal apparel, Eugenia's Bridal should be your first and only stop to dress up your most special of days.  Eugenia's also offers a full selection of tuxedo rental to make sure that he looks just as stunning as her.  Come in today to find the right style for the bride & groom and entire wedding party.

Fairman's Apparel specializes in women's clothing at reasonable prices. Our sizes range from 2-18, in petites and regular. Our clothing lines include Woolrich, Tribal, Multiples, Keren Hart, Willow and many more. We also carry Brighton jewelry and Spanx. Our hours are M-F 10:00am-5:30pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm, closed Sunday. 

Why Chiropractic?  A healthy functioning nervous system allows the body to heal and regulate naturally and safely without drugs or surgery.

Family Chiropractics Health Center offers chiropractics and all the associated services:  Torque release, Neural Organizational Technique, Massage Therapy, Custom Orthotics, Hydro Massage, and Migun.

     Through adjustments, education, promotion, and dedication we will help our patients achieve optimal health, maximizing the body's innate ability to heal itself. 

The Ferris campus offers big-university opportunities and amenities combined with small-town safety and comfort. The campus is within easy walking distance of downtown Big Rapids with its restaurants, shops, movie theater, art gallery and municipal park. Bicyclists, hikers and in-line skaters have easy access to the White Pine Trail, Michigan''s longest rails to trails project.

At Fifth Third, we believe in strenghtning communities by creating opportunities for our neighbors and suppliers.  Proudly providing banking services for 5.8 million customers,  we understand that earning your trust is key to our financial strength.

Don't think you'll ever reach your fitness goals?  That's what one client thought until she discovered Kettlebells at Fit Rx.  Find out how you too can get Leaner, Stronger, & Better!

Looking for a carpenter with an eye for the finer things in life?  You've found it with Girard Fine Carpentry.   We offer high quality cabinetry, supplies, and materials with clean and professional installation.  Call today and let us design and build your dreams!

Hours: By Appointment

For more than 100 years, JCPenney has been serving American consumers by building our business on timeless values. That is our history. That is our future. Since James Cash Penney opened his first Golden Rule Store in 1902, our goal has been "to serve the public, as nearly as we can, to its complete satisfaction." Here in Big Rapids, JCPenney's has been a cornerstone in the downtown area that fulfills that reputation. Whether you are looking for apparel for yourself or your family, the superb customer service from "smiling faces you know" will make your shopping experienceone you'll want to remember. JCPenney is the nation's largest catalog merchant of general merchandise, and jcpenney.com is one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, both easily accessed at the Big Rapids' JCPenney store at 125 S. Michigan Ave. It's all inside! JCPenney is a contributor to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a charitable organization committed to providing children with high quality after school programs to help them reach their full potential. Since James Cash Penney opened his first Golden Rule Store in 1902, our goal has been "to serve the public, as nearly as we can, to its complete satisfaction." By valuing our customers, associates, communities, investors, products, and services, JCPenney has become one of the most trusted retailers in America.

Joy Tree Yoga Center was created to provide a joyful space for the community to connect with themselves, each other, and the world through Yoga!  Yoga allows you to summon strenght and flexibility of the body, bring focus and calm to the mind, and balance and love to the spirit. Here at Joy Tree Yoga Center we also have a passion for the environment. We strive to cultivate an attitude of eco-friendly business and life practices by donating a portion of our proceeds to environmental organizations.

Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC is located in the back of Schuberg Insurance Agency and we are ready to help with all of your real estate needs. Randy Ostrander is a full time/full service Realtor(R) serving both Big Rapids and all of West Central Michigan. We even work weekends so we can be there to help you, no matter when your schedule allows. Whether buying or selling, no matter if its your first home or your retirement home, let us help today. Come and experience "Real Estate...The Way It Should Be!!!

We at Lake-Osceola State bank are a full-service bank dedicated to the communities we serve.  We provide competitive products and services including a convenient, user-friendly Online Banking Service.  At Lake-Osceola State Bank, we believe that our responsibility goes beyond our customers and into our communities.   We dedicate time and energy volunteering and assisting the area in many different ways.  Stop by Lake-Osceola State Bank today and see for yourself.  Lake-Osceola State Bank, Customer Care-Community Support.

Living Water Christian Resource Center, Inc. is an independently owned Christian bookstore. Books, Bibles, music, videos, gifts, church and wedding supplies are provided to the customer.

Store Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Dennis Love is a broker/owner and professional salesperson with many years of real estate experience specializing in properties in the Big Rapids and surrounding areas.  I have the experience, knowledge, and kind of caring attitude to help you with one of the biggest decisions in your life in reaching your real estate goals.  I help sellers obtain premium prices and I find homes for buyers in their area of choice and affordability. By educationg my clients through each phase of selling and buying property, buyers and sellers alike are confident that they have made a sound decision.

Martz and Shapley is the only full service pharmacy located in Downtown Big Rapids. We offer in-town delivery, Carlton Cards and Russell Stovers Candies. We are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 7:00 and Saturday 9:00 - 5:00.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary network dedicated to promoting the quality of life through economic, educational and cultural development of Mecosta County.  Find out more through the Mecosta County Alliance page.

Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit us at our website at www.mecostacounty.com

Come discover Mecosta County and the Greater Big Rapids Area
At the Mecosta County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau we have an abundant supply of brochures and fliers to cover the numerous attractions, activities, facilities and services available in our area.

If you can't find the information you are looking for on our web site please feel free to contact us directly at 1-800-229-4-FUN or e-mail us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it !

Phone:  231.796.7640 or 888.229.4FUN

Fax:     231.796.0832

Web:    www.bigrapids.org

E-mail:   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  for inquiries

The Mohnke family has been helping families deal with loss for over thirty years. Together we share the belief that our passion and love for funeral service will assist us in delivering exceptional care to each family we are privileged to serve.

Natural Beauty Salon and Day Spa offers every service you'll need to let your inner beauty show on the outside.  We offer spa services including masage, facials, manucures, and pedicures.  Our salon services include styling and cuts, color, deep conditioning, and cosmetics.  Let our experts help you to feel Naturally Beautiful.

Nisbett-Fairman Residences is a 47 unit senior community for those age 55 and older. We are located in the center of Downtown Big Rapids, close to shopping, dining, and other personal services. The recently renovated buildings date back to the 1880's and now feature central air conditioning, dishwashers and full size washers and dryers in each apartment. Residents enjoy the use of the Home Theater Room, Game Room, Computer Center and Community Room. The Residences are designed to be affordable Senior housing, so some income limits may apply. Call 231-796-4609 for details.

Testing Occupational Research and Assessment has developed comprehensive written and performance evaluations for both public and private sector customers since 1987.

Training Occupational Research and Assessment has developed, coordinated and/or conducted thousands of hours of competency-based training.

Research Occupational Research and Assessment offers a variety of training and assessment related research services. Complete job and task assessments, work sampling and validation studies.

Step back in time with a visit to The Old Pioneer Store and Emporium, where you can enjoy the nostalgia of a 1800's ice cream parlor serving caramel corn and host of other confections being made daily in our candy kitchen. You'll love the huge assortment of Kilwins Chocolate our store offers...by the piece or by the pound your chocolate cravings will be satisfied! Our huge gift shop is the peoples choice for the best gift shop in Mecosta County. We have over 3,000 square feet of the finest gifts available. Everything is displayed on antiques from the Big Rapids area. We are open 7 days a week and evenings! We take all major credit cards and gift wrap free!

Patterson's Flowers has been serving the area for over 50 years! We provide fresh flowers from the world''s finest growers, blooming plants from the green houses of West Michigan's premier growers. Patterson's is proud to offer wonderful gifts, cards, balloons, plush animals, fruit and gourmet baskets in our downtown Big Rapids location. We also offer gourmet chocolate and homemade fudge, local delivery and world wide delivery with our FTD and Teleflora partners. Patterson's Flowers, 216 Maple Street, 231-796-8683.

Sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothies, coffees, pastries, and more...Pepper's Cafe & Deli has what your tastebuds need!  Stop in on the way to work or join us for lunch.  Pepper's also offers delivery if you're too busy to make it in, as well as catering for any event.  Don't forget about Music in the Pocket Park righ outside every Friday afternoon!

Folk, funk, rock, or country - Quinn's has the gear for you.  Acoustic and electric guitars, drums, sound and dj equipment, lighting and more!  Whether you're getting your first guitar or updating your church's sound system we take time to fire it up and instruct you on every aspect .  Quinn's Music emphasizes a fun, relaxed family atmosphere that is customer service oriented. Any music store can sell products at a good price, but if you don't get educated with today's music scene and technologies you can't make your high-tech equipment work to its full potential.

At Rogers Jewelers, you’ll find the largest selection of bridal and fine diamond jewelry in the area. We also offer a great selection of fine colored stone jewelry, watches, clocks and other giftware. Whatever the occasion, Rogers Jewelers can help you find the perfect piece of jewelry or gift item.  We pride ourselves at being a full-service jewelry store, with on-site jewelry and watch repair. We invite you to visit our store soon! 

The mission of the Schuberg Agency is to protect the financial security of our policyholders through our commitment to continued education, promptness of service, and accuracy of work. Our success, both today and in the future, is based on our integrity, professionalism, and the caring manner in which we do business.

 Schuberg's Bar and Grill has everthing a great bar should - great food and drinks, local pub atmoshpere, and live music frequently.  Full lunch and dinner menu.  And if you like burgers, you'll definitely want to try the famous Schuburger  

Snyder's Market offers the finest in meats and more.  Pork, steaks, brats, or deli style sliced meat.  Come in and choose from the display, have us special order it the way you want it, or have us cater your event.  We also offer a selection of fantastic sandwiches & soup for lunchtime.  Make sure to check the sign out front - if you see your name you get free lunch!

The Pioneer Group is a privately held publishing, printing and communications firm headquartered in Big Rapids, Michigan, serving and with offices throughout West Central Michigan. Holdings include, newspapers, shopping guides, telephone directorie, commercial printing and internet services. The Pioneer, a 6-day a week daily newspaper covering Big Rapids and news from throughout the region is the company's flagship publication.

Step into The Sole for good old fashioned service.  We are trained to measure and fit you into our extensive line of comfort shoes.  Some of our shoe lines include Merrell, Dansko, Naot, Naturalizer, S.A.S., Brooks, Ahnu, and Irish Setter.  We also carry a wide variety of  "Life is Good" shirts and caps along with "SmartWool" socks.  Tread downtown to The Sole and experience the quality for yourself.

Vin de Marche features a wide selection of wine, specialty beer, gourmet foods, Caldrea, wine gifts, cards, and art.  If you're looking for a fine wine or gourmet ingredient Vin de Marche has what you need.  Located in the back of Blue Cow Cafe (but feel free to use either entrance).