American settlers first moved into the area around 1830, with many arriving from New York and New England.

The Coldwater chain of lakes also has an outlet called the Sauk River, which flows from its north end (near Quincy) and then through the south side of the city of Coldwater.

Both combine to form a series of shallow, connected lakes on the city's west side.

[9] Under the Köppen climate classification Coldwater has a humid continental climate that is borderline between categories Dfa (hot summer) and Dfb (long, warm summer).

National Weather Service records show that average January temperatures are a maximum of 30.9 °F (−0.6 °C) and a minimum of 15.9 °F (−8.9 °C).

A blizzard that month included 17.0 inches (43 cm) of snow on January 26, 1978.

32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[16][17] The Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater was built in 1882; it is the second-oldest theater in Michigan.

[19] The Little River Railroad offers rides behind a 1911-built steam locomotive, departing from the city's historic 1883 depot.

Coldwater has radio stations WTVB and WNWN, whose studios are located south of town on Business Loop 69 that are part of the Kalamazoo radio area.

Coldwater public bus transportation is provided by Branch Area Transit Authority (BATA).

Coldwater has an east–west railroad, but this is essentially a relic of one that led to Chicago and Detroit.