Alpine Township is located northwest of metropolitan Grand Rapids, Michigan, and encompasses 36 square miles of what is primarily farmland.

Alpine Township's mixture of soils, climate, and terrain make it especially suitable for apple production, among other crops and dairy products. The Township is known as the beginning of "The Ridge" - an area of farmland extending northwest through Ottawa and Kent Counties, east to Belding. "The Ridge" produces 40% of Michigan's apples, as its unique topography and airflow helps to protect crops against frost. Kent County, of which Alpine Township is a part, has the greatest number of apple trees in Michigan.

The most densely populated area of Alpine Township is in the southeastern corner where there are about two square miles that accomodate single-family homes and apartments. The main thoroughfare through the Township is Alpine Avenue (M-37), which extends north and south.

Before early settlers came to what is now Alpine Township, Indians are believed to have lived here. Information from 1838 indicates that there were Ottawan Indian campgrounds that were primarily used, most likely, for the sugar harvest, as sugar maples were abundant in the western area.

Alpine was established by the first settler, Solomon Wright, in 1847 - over 150 years ago. Many early settlers were of German descent. Alpine was so-named because of the pine forest near Cranberry Lake ("All-Pine"). At that time, sawmills were constructed because of the high demand for lumber.

Alpine Township became a chartered township in 1979 under Michigan's Charter Township Act. In 1996, it returned to general law status in order that any attempt at annexation must be presented to the State Boundary Commission.

The Board of Trustees is the legislative body of the Alpine Township. It decides policy; adopts ordinances, resolutions, and plat approvals; manages the General Fund budget; and handles appointments and other business affecting facilities and services. Elections are held for the Board every four years, running parallel with the general election.