Hopkins is located in eastern Allegan County, about 5 miles west of US-131. This is a small agricultural town that also functions as an adjunct community to the greater Grand Rapids metro area. Its quaint atmosphere includes two parks, an active elevator (situated on Bear Creek), several stores and small businesses.

This town was named after Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence: an early settler to the area, R. C. Round, gave it this name, as he was a great grandson of Martha Hopkins Round, sister to Stephen. Its first settler, John Hoffmaster, came here in 1854, and became the town "stationmaster." The railroad eventually came to the area in 1874, assuring its longevity.