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Westphalia, Michigan

Westphalia is a village in Clinton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 924 at the time of the 2020 census. The village is in Westphalia Township, about 25 mi northwest of Lansing and 55 mi east of Grand Rapids. The village is known for its German and Catholic roots.

History
Westphalia was founded in 1836 by a group of German settlers. It was named after the province of Westphalia in Germany. These settlers were German Catholics who emigrated from the Westphalian cities of Wimbach, Meerhof, and from Hesse, among others, and found the rich soil ideal for farming. Some family members stayed in Detroit, while others moved into the wilderness to clear farmland. The German-Catholic parish was established almost immediately after the settlers arrived. After buying the land at Ionia, Father Anton Kopp traveled to Detroit to visit Bishop Friedrich Reese, and returned to his assigned parish in September 1837, where he celebrated Masses in the homes of the settlers in what is now St. Mary's Parish.

In 2012, the village celebrated its 175th anniversary.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.14 sqmi, of which 1.11 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi (2.63%) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 923 people, 355 households, and 267 families residing in the village. The population density was 831.5 PD/sqmi. There were 364 housing units at an average density of 327.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.2% White, 0.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 355 households, of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.0% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.8% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the village was 39.4 years. 27.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 20.1% were from 45 to 64; and 22.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 876 people, 342 households, and 251 families residing in the village. The population density was 765.7 PD/sqmi. There were 350 housing units at an average density of 305.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.43% White, 0.23% Native American, and 0.34% from two or more races.

There were 342 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $52,500, and the median income for a family was $58,864. Males had a median income of $40,781 versus $31,827 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,112. There are 3.5% of families living below the poverty line and 4.2% of the population, including 4.3% of under eighteens and 9.0% of those over 64.

Education
Westphalia is home to the following schools:

In 2019, Pewamo-Westphalia High School was ranked among the top 15 best high schools in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report, and 615th in the nation.
 * St. Mary Catholic School (K-6)
 * Pewamo-Westphalia Elementary School (K-5)
 * Pewamo-Westphalia Middle/High School (6–12)

Westphalia Cruise-In
The Westphalia Cruise-In is an annual event held by the village of Westphalia every June in conjunction with the Portland Cruisers. Classic cars are displayed on downtown streets. The Cruise in 2018 hosted 1,312 cars.

Light parade and tree lighting
Hosted by the Westphalia Historical Society on the first Saturday of December, a parade goes down Main Street. Each year a person of honor "flips the switch" on the tree. St. Nikolaus joins in as well, in true German tradition in honor of the upcoming feast day. Local businesses open with specialties, treats and fun.

Cemetery walk
Hosted every September by the Westphalia Historical Society in the St. Mary Parish Cemetery, the Village Cemetery Walk is an event where historical members of the community are represented – often by living relatives – in period clothing, incorporate props, and tell stories to attendees as they walk past the deceased's graves.

St. Mary Parish family fest
Traditionally held on the 4th of July, the St. Mary Parish Picnic was officially changed in 2021 to the St. Mary's Fall Family Fest. The two-day festival held across from the church includes a cookout, beanbag tournament, Livestream of the Pewamo-Westphalia football game, bake sale, 5k/5 mile run, craft show, family concert, and evening live music.

In popular culture
On January 26, 2022, the community of Westphalia was spotlighted by the EWTN show "Living Divine Mercy".

Notable people

 * Ardeth Platte, Dominican religious sister and anti-nuclear activist, member of the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame
 * Joseph Rademacher, Catholic Bishop

title: Westphalia, Michigan


text:
Westphalia Township, Michigan

Westphalia Township is a civil township of Clinton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 2,444.

The village of Westphalia is located within the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.59 sqmi, of which 35.52 sqmi is land and 0.07 sqmi, (0.20%) is water.

Westphalia Township is located in western Clinton County and is bordered by Ionia County to the west.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,257 people, 778 households, and 628 families residing in the township. The population density was 63.5 PD/sqmi. There were 790 housing units at an average density of 22.2 per square mile (8.6/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 98.98% White, 0.13% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.04% from other races, and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.22% of the population.

There were 778 households, out of which 39.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.2% were non-families. 17.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $58,966, and the median income for a family was $61,993. Males had a median income of $46,094 versus $30,625 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,491. About 2.5% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Westphalia Township, Michigan


text:
Beaver Creek Township, Michigan

Beaver Creek Township is a civil township of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,515.

The township borders the northern coast of Higgins Lake and includes North Higgins Lake State Park. Interstate 75 passes through the township, and the northern terminus of U.S. Route 127 is at Interstate 75 within the township.

Communities

 * Pere Cheney is an uninhabited unincorporated community in the northeastern portion of the township at 44.5775°N, -84.63778°W.
 * Skyline Village is an unincorporated community located near the junction of Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 127 at 44.57111°N, -84.70222°W.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 71.56 sqmi, of which 71.46 sqmi is land and 0.10 sqmi (0.14%) is water.

Beaver Creek Township occupies the southwest corner of Crawford County and is bordered by Kalkaska County to the west and Roscommon County to the south. The township is crossed by Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 127, limited-access highways that join near the northern border of the township. I-75 leads north to Grayling, the Crawford County seat, and to the Straits of Mackinac, while heading southeast to Bay City and Saginaw. US 127 leads south to Mount Pleasant.

Highways

 * (named locally as Old 76 or West Federal Highway)
 * (terminus with Interstate 75)
 * (terminus with Interstate 75)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,486 people, 603 households, and 458 families residing in the township. The population density was 20.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,125 housing units at an average density of 15.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.57% White, 0.20% African American, 0.87% Native American, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 1.35% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.95% of the population.

There were 603 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.2% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.9% were non-families. Of all households, 20.7% were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $36,613, and the median income for a family was $38,690. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $20,938 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,388. About 7.4% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Beaver Creek Township, Michigan


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Frederic Township, Michigan

Frederic Township is a civil township of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,161 at the 2020 census.

Communities

 * Deward is an uninhabited unincorporated community within the township at 44.84056°N, -84.82667°W. Deward was named after lumbering magnate David Ward, whose heirs starting the community when they built a mill in 1901 to exploit that area's vast lumber resources.  A post office opened on June 3, 1901.  The mill operated until 1912, and by 1932, the community was deserted and the post office closed.
 * Frederic is an unincorporated community in the northeast part of the township on the middle branch of the Au Sable River at 44.77861°N, -84.75444°W. The Frederic 49733 ZIP Code serves a very large portion of the surrounding areas. Frederic was settled as a village around 1874 as a stop along the Michigan Central Railroad.  It was originally called Forest, as it was part of Maple Forest Township.  A post office was first established under the name Fredericville on December 17, 1877.  The name was shortened to Frederic on August 4, 1886.
 * Ishaward is an unincorporated community within the northwestern portion of the township at 44.81333°N, -84.83944°W.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 72.02 sqmi, of which 71.40 sqmi is land and 0.62 sqmi (0.86%) is water.

Frederic Township is in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and occupies the northwest corner of Crawford County, bordered by Otsego County to the north and Kalkaska County to the west. The Au Sable River flows southwards through the eastern part of the township, towards Grayling, while the Manistee River flows southwards through the western part of the township, then veers towards the southwest.

Hartwick Pines State Park and the Huron portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests are nearby.

Major highways

 * (passes north–south just east of Frederic Township)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,401 people, 555 households, and 397 families residing in the township. The population density was 19.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,092 housing units at an average density of 15.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.14% White, 0.14% African American, 1.14% Native American, 0.07% Asian, and 1.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.21% of the population.

There were 555 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $31,923, and the median income for a family was $35,250. Males had a median income of $31,058 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,273. About 9.8% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.4% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

Recreation and tourism

 * The headwaters of the Au Sable River are on its eastern border. The Manistee River is on its western border.  Thousands of acres of rolling terrain, including state and national forest, lie in between.
 * Frederic Township is home to numerous outdoor sports such as camping, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and trout fishing. It also offers hundreds of miles of off-road vehicle and snowmobile trails that are accessible from the village.
 * Forbush Corners in Frederic is a world-recognized center for education and training in cross country skiing, and benefits from early and late snow due to a "snow belt micro climate". Accomplished amateur ski racer David Forbush designed, maintains and grooms "one of the finest privately owned systems in the Midwest."

title: Frederic Township, Michigan


text:
Grayling, Michigan

Grayling ( ) is a city and the county seat of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the only incorporated community in Crawford County. The population was 1,884 at the 2010 census. The city is surrounded by Grayling Charter Township, but the two are administered autonomously.

The city is located in the middle of the Northern Michigan region at the junctions of Interstate 75, U.S. Route 127, M-72, and M-93. Grayling is well known for hosting the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon in July of every year since 1947. The city is named after the Grayling species of fish once abundant in the Au Sable River, although the species has been extirpated in Michigan since 1936. There have been many attempts to bring Grayling back to the area but none have been successful.

History
Michael Shoat Hartwick was Grayling's first settler. On the west side of the railroad tracks, he built a log hotel. The railroad platted out 40 acres (where Grayling now stands), naming it "Crawford". Fish swimming in the river were identified as grayling, and it is said that the residents preferred the name "Grayling" to the name "Crawford," and renamed the area after the fish.

Grayling's access to two major rivers (Au Sable River and Manistee River), and the presence of the vast forest around it, made it important in the lumber era. Logs were floated down the rivers to the lakes.

Grayling had other names through the years. It was called "AuSable", "Forest", "Crawford Station", and during the lumbering era "Milltown".

The Arctic grayling that had inhabited much of Northern Michigan was eventually wiped out. The logging practice of using river beds to move logs in the springtime destroyed the breeding grounds for these fish. Before they could recover, non-native sport fish such as brook trout were introduced in the 1890s and competed with the grayling for food.

The Grayling Fish Hatchery was founded in 1914 by timber baron Rasmus Hanson (1846–1927). He hoped to restore the grayling to the Au Sable River system; ironically, its disappearance was caused, at least in part, by the massive habitat destruction caused by logging, which was the source of Mr. Hanson's and other lumber barons' immense wealth. Other famous contributors to the initial costs of the hatchery included Henry Ford, Edsel Ford, and Thomas Edison. The grayling became extinct in Michigan. Nevertheless, the hatchery continued to play an important role in natural resource conservation. In 1926, it was sold to the state of Michigan. It continued to be operated as a fish hatchery and tourist attraction until the mid-1960s. In 1995, Michigan sold the property to Crawford County. It is being operated by a privately owned fish farm, although continues to be open to the public during the summer.

An important person in the history of Grayling is Rasmus Hanson. Hanson was born in 1846 in Denmark and emigrated to the United States some time later. At age 16 he began working in the lumber field. Two years later, E. N. Salling, Nelson Michelson, and he organized the first Salling-Hanson Company. After nearly 50 years of service, the Salling Hanson Company had shut down its operation in January 1927. He was a successful entrepreneur and created many businesses in Northern Michigan. Along with being one of three lumber barons of Northern Michigan, Hanson owned the Michigan Sugar Company and the Bay City Sugar Company. In 1916, he donated 13,826 acres of cut-over land in Crawford County to the state of Michigan for use as a forest game preserve and military reservation. This land became the first state-owned game preserve. The area south of Lake Margrethe (named in honor of Hanson's wife, Margrethe) continues to be used as a National Guard base that serves Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana guards. Since 1947, Grayling has been the starting point of the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, which is held every year on the last weekend of July. This is the longest nonstop canoe race in North America.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.04 sqmi, of which 2.01 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi (1.47%) is water.
 * The middle branch of the Au Sable River passes through the city.
 * According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.04 sqmi, of which 2.01 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water.
 * The city is near Lake Margrethe.
 * Hartwick Pines State Park is just 7 mi north and northeast of Grayling.
 * The Huron portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests is about the same distance due east.
 * North Down River Road is east of the city along the Au Sable River, which runs parallel to it. It is a designated National Scenic Byway for the 23 mi that go into Oscoda. The Lumberman's Monument is located along the byway.
 * An oilfield is located about 4 mi south of M-93 on Military Road.

Geographic features

 * Much of the area sits on the "Grayling outwash plain", a unique habitat named for the city.

Climate
This climatic region has large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Grayling has a humid continental climate, Dfb on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,884 people, 764 households, and 419 families residing in the city. The population density was 937.3 PD/sqmi. There were 890 housing units at an average density of 442.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 0.7% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 764 households, of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.9% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.2% were non-families. 37.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 38.6 years. 23.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.9% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 20.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,952 people, 828 households, and 481 families residing in the city. The population density was 972.1 PD/sqmi. There were 895 housing units at an average density of 445.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.88% White, 0.51% African American, 0.87% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 828 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.4% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% were non-families. 38.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 70.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,250, and the median income for a family was $29,850. Males had a median income of $29,167 versus $20,060 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,089. About 21.6% of families and 21.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.5% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

Historical sites and local events
The area is proud of its history, and has preserved landmarks, which it uses for historical events, including reenactments.
 * Crawford County Historical Museum: Located in downtown's restored railroad depot, the museum offers a nostalgic look at the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly the lumbering era. The depot was saved from demolition by a community effort. The grounds also include a caboose, a military building dedicated to Camp Grayling and local ex-military personnel, a trapper's cabin, and an old-fashioned fire station.
 * Wellington Farm Park is a 60 acre, non-profit living history museum It is dedicated to interpretation of farm life during the Great Depression. Many farming activities are conducted daily with vintage equipment, tools, and methods. The park has many historical buildings including a blacksmith shop, farm market, gristmill, pavilion, sawmill, and summer kitchen. A nature trail is there. Several events are hosted throughout the summer and fall, including "Dairy Days", "Tractor & Engine Show", "Punkin-Chunkin", Halloween Hayrides, and numerous weekend activities. The farm is located on Military Road West of I-75.
 * Lake Margrethe is an important attraction of Camp Grayling, and was named after the wife of Rasmus Hanson. It is a favorite fishing and recreation lake for soldiers in their off-duty hours, but also has much use from area residents, campers, and tourists, who access it from the state forest campground located at the lake's northwest corner.
 * A number of recurring events occur in the area. A calendar is available.
 * Grayling is the starting point for the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, which runs 120 mi from Grayling to Oscoda. It is one of three marathon races that constitute canoe racing's Triple Crown. The race is always held the last full weekend in July during the town's annual AuSable River Festival.
 * Hartwick Pines State Park – the location of one of the few remaining old growth eastern white pine forests – has events throughout the year. Particularly notable are "cross country skiing by lantern light" on numerous dates throughout the winter.
 * Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts, located at the Kirtland Community College in Roscommon, Michigan, hosts many visiting performers, including regular visits from The Second City traveling ensemble.
 * In 1884 The Grayling Hospital, a forty-patient hospital was built. It was destroyed by fire a little over a year later on January 28, 1886. The hospital largely cared for lumber and mill workers injured on the job. In 1911, the Sisters of Mercy opened Mercy Hospital in Grayling, Michigan. The hospital was built by logging barons as a tribute to the lumbermen of Michigan. The hospital held 30 beds and remained for 48 years. In 1956, construction of the new hospital began which had accommodation for 48 people. Construction was finished in 1958. In 1970, the long-term care unit was added to the hospital which had 40 beds. In 2015, the hospital was sold, and the name of the hospital was changed to Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital.

Parks and recreation

 * Grayling is noted as the "Canoe Capital of the World". Several canoe liveries operate on the Au Sable River in Grayling; Carlisle's Canoe, Penrods Resort, and Borchers Canoe & Kayak, the Manistee River is located just west of Grayling.
 * Cross-country skiing is an important opportunity in Grayling, which has two of the top-rated cross-country venues in Michigan, namely Hartwick Pines State Park Trails and Mason Tract Pathway. Forbush Corners in nearby Frederic, Michigan, is a world-recognized center for education and training in cross-country skiing, and benefits from early and late snow due to a snow-belt microclimate. Accomplished amateur ski racer David Forbush designed, maintains, and grooms "one of the finest privately owned systems in the Midwest."
 * The grayling are gone, but the rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout remain. Grayling is a hotbed of fly fishing and angling on the edge of some world-class streams, rivers, and lakes. Particularly notable are two nearby rivers which parallel each other: the Au Sable River, which runs east to Lake Huron and the Manistee River, which runs West to Lake Michigan. Trout abound, driven to a feeding frenzy by prolific and multiple insect hatches.
 * As is true in the rest of Michigan, white-tailed deer hunting is locally considered to be a 'sacrament' and the firearms deer opener (November 15) its 'holy day of obligation.' With 70% of Crawford County owned by federal and state government, and open to the public, it is a popular hunting destination.
 * Snow shoeing and snow mobile riding are activities that fit right into the local weather and topography.
 * Hanson Hills was the first downhill ski area in Michigan. It opened in 1929. It also is a 1000-acre sports park. Being the second downhill ski area to open in the Midwest. It offers a variety of activities throughout the summer and winter. In the summer they offer disc golf, 3D archery, mountain bike and hiking trails. In the winter they have downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoe trails and over 35 km of Nordic Ski Trails. Lessons are provided for skiing and snowboarding. They also have a diversity of trails and slopes with different levels of difficulty. A top Mount Franklin where guests use as a tubing hill, lies the smallest cemetery. This cemetery holds the graves of Pfc. John A. Conroy of Company D (died August 1927) and Pvt. George A. Laine of Company A (died July 14, 1939), from Michigan's storied 125th Infantry Regiment. In 1958 the two headstones had been updated for both graves.
 * Michigan Shore to Shore Riding & Hiking Trail passes through Grayling. It runs from Empire to Oscoda, and points north and south. It is a 500 mi interconnected system of trails.
 * Kirtland's warbler has its habitat in the area.
 * Grayling was home to Fred Bear and Bear Archery Company from 1947 to 1978 when a labor strike prompted both to relocate to Gainesville, Florida.

Military
Camp Grayling is a Michigan National Guard training facility located near the city. It is the largest National Guard training base in the United States. Through the year, around 10,000 troops train at the base, and it generates an estimated $20 million in local economic activity. The Guard base sits on land originally donated by Rasmus Hanson and is the nation's largest National Guard training site and the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. The 147,000 acre are used for year-round training with participation by active and reserve components of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.

Government
The city levies an income tax of 1% on residents and 0.5% on nonresidents. Grayling is the smallest municipality in Michigan to collect such a tax.

Education
The Crawford AuSable School District is the primary school district for the county, serving the city of Grayling and the nearby community. The district consists of one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school, which serve about 1600 students. In 2013, Grayling High School was ranked at 1503 on Newsweek's America's best high school rating, which rated the top 2000 public high schools in the US based on graduation rate, college acceptance rate, AP tests taken per student, average AP scores, number of students enrolled in AP courses, and average SAT/ACT scores. In 2014, the National Association of State Boards of Education named the district as the top performing rural school district in Michigan.

Media

 * The Crawford County Avalanche is the newspaper of record for Crawford County, and is published in Grayling, Michigan.

Major highways
Grayling is 4 mi north of the confluence of two major north–south freeways: I-75 and US 127, and the junction with M-72, an east–west cross-peninsular state highway route.

 * passes to the east the city and connects with the Mackinac Bridge to the north and Saginaw and Detroit to the south
 * is a loop route running through Grayling. It follows the former route of US 27, in part.
 * ends south of Grayling and continues southerly toward Clare and Lansing.
 * passes through the city and is one of three state highway routes that runs east–west across the entire lower peninsula, from Empire on Lake Michigan to Grayling and east to Harrisville on Lake Huron.
 * is an 11 mi route connecting the main gate of Michigan Army National Guard's Camp Grayling, 4 mi southwest of Grayling, with Hartwick Pines State Park, 7 mi northeast of Grayling.
 * begins at BL I-75/M-93 on the northern edge of the city and continues toward Mio.

Bus travel

 * Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between St. Ignace and East Lansing, Michigan.

Notable people

 * Jim Harrison, writer and poet, author of Legends of the Fall, was born in Grayling.
 * Norman Z. McLeod, director of films such as Horse Feathers and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, was born in Grayling.
 * Edward Hartwick, famous soldier and personal friend of Theodore Roosevelt graduated from Grayling High School.
 * Fred Bear, founder of Bear Archery, expanded his company during 30 years in Grayling.

title: Grayling, Michigan


text:
Grayling Charter Township, Michigan

Grayling Charter Township is a charter township of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,642 as of the 2020 census, down from 5,827 at the 2010 census. The city of Grayling is surrounded by Grayling Charter Township, but both are administered autonomously.

Communities

 * Babbits Resort is an unincorporated community along the Au Sable River at 44.6675°N, -84.61278°W.
 * Bucks is an unincorporated community located within the township at 44.74806°N, -84.57°W. Bucks was settled by the Holloway Bucks family in 1870.  Originally called Buck's Hill, it became a stop along the Michigan Central Railroad in 1889.  It was then known as Buck's Crossing and served as a residency and stopover for the railroad builders.  The name was later shorterned to Bucks.  The community contains no more structures or residents, and it is now part of Camp Grayling.
 * Collens Landing is an unincorporated community along the eastern shores of Lake Margrethe at 44.645°N, -84.77139°W.
 * Danish Landing is an unincorporated community along the northeastern shores of Lake Margrethe at 44.6575°N, -84.78°W.
 * Five Corners is an unincorporated community located along M-72 in the southeast portion of the township at 44.63694°N, -84.52833°W.
 * Lake Margrethe is an unincorporated community located along the eastern shores of Lake Margrethe just south of the community of Collens Landing at 44.64167°N, -84.77028°W.
 * Louis Cabin Landing is an unincorporated community located along the Au Sable River at 44.665°N, -84.63667°W.
 * McIntyre Landing is an unincorporated community along the northernmost shores of Lake Margrethe at 44.665°N, -84.80833°W.
 * Rasmus is an unincorporated community located within Camp Grayling at 44.63°N, -84.775°W. Rasmus Hanson founded the community in 1914 along the shores of Lake Margrethe, which he named after his wife Margrethe.  It became a stop along the Michigan Central Railroad as part of Camp Hanson, which later became Camp Grayling.
 * Wildwood is an unincorporated community located along F-32 in the eastern portion of the township at 44.68472°N, -84.54639°W.

History
The township was named for the grayling fish that lived in the Au Sable River.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 174.40 sqmi, of which 170.40 sqmi is land and 4.00 sqmi (2.29%) is water. Grayling Township is the second-largest charter township by land area in the state of Michigan (after Ironwood Township) and also the largest municipality by land area in the Lower Peninsula.

Grayling Township occupies a large area in the center of Crawford County and extends west to the border with Kalkaska County. The city of Grayling is located southwest of the township center, along Interstate 75, which serves the township with five exits. Camp Grayling, the main training facility for the Michigan National Guard, occupies all of the township west of the city of Grayling.

The Au Sable River flows west to east across the center of the township, joined by its East Branch from the north, while Lake Margrethe is in the western part of the township within Camp Grayling. Hartwick Pines State Park is also located within Grayling Township.

Major highways

 * (named locally as Hartwick Pines Road)
 * (named locally as Hartwick Pines Road)
 * (named locally as Hartwick Pines Road)
 * (named locally as Hartwick Pines Road)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,516 people, 2,420 households, and 1,802 families residing in the township. The population density was 38.1 PD/sqmi. There were 3,945 housing units at an average density of 23.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.83% White, 3.04% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 2,420 households, out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.5% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $34,690, and the median income for a family was $37,963. Males had a median income of $30,973 versus $22,857 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,355. About 9.1% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.4% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Grayling Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Lovells Township, Michigan

Lovells Township is a civil township of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 567 at the 2020 census.

Communities

 * Lovells is an unincorporated community in the township on the North Branch of the Au Sable River at 44.80306°N, -84.48194°W. Originally part of Maple Forest Township until Lovells Township was established in 1912, Lovells began as a station along the Michigan Central Railroad in 1889.  A post office operated in Lovell from February 8, 1909 until September 15, 1936.  Built in 1916, the Douglas House is located within Lovell.  The community is home to the annual Lovells Bridge Walk event.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 101.73 sqmi, of which 100.55 sqmi is land and 1.18 sqmi (1.16%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 578 people, 283 households, and 179 families residing in the township. The population density was 5.7 PD/sqmi. There were 932 housing units at an average density of 9.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.31% White, 0.52% Native American, and 0.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.35% of the population.

There were 283 households, out of which 17.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.48.

In the township the population was spread out, with 15.4% under the age of 18, 2.9% from 18 to 24, 20.2% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 29.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $31,023, and the median income for a family was $37,000. Males had a median income of $37,813 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,401. About 1.7% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lovells Township, Michigan


text:
Maple Forest Township, Michigan

Maple Forest Township is a civil township of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 598 at the 2020 census.

The township was named from groves of maple trees within its borders.

Communities

 * Forbush Corner is an unincorporated community in the southwestern portion of the township at 44.78556°N, -84.70639°W.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 35.59 sqmi, of which 35.30 sqmi is land and 0.29 sqmi (0.81%) is water.

Maple Forest Township is located in northern Crawford County and is bordered by Otsego County to the north. Interstate 75 runs north–south across the west side of the township, providing access at Exit 264.

Major highways

 * runs through the western portion of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 498 people, 201 households, and 156 families residing in the township. The population density was 14.1 PD/sqmi. There were 438 housing units at an average density of 12.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.79% White, 0.60% Native American, 0.20% Asian, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.60% of the population.

There were 201 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the township the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $38,235, and the median income for a family was $39,028. Males had a median income of $36,944 versus $18,409 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,507. About 6.7% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Maple Forest Township, Michigan


text:
South Branch Township, Crawford County, Michigan

South Branch Township is a civil township of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,638 at the 2020 census.

Communities

 * Deerheart Valley is an unincorporated community located along the south branch of the Au Sable River at 44.53694°N, -84.57056°W.
 * Eldorado is an unincorporated community in the township along M-18 at 44.59167°N, -84.40083°W. A post office named Jack Pine opened here from 1885 until 1898, and it was then renamed as Jackpine until 1908.    The local residents petitioned to have the post office named changed to Eldorado, which was a name for a source of wealth that came from the area's abundant lumber resources.  In 1908, the post office named changed to Eldorado, and it remained in operation under that name until being disestablished in 1952.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 105.56 sqmi, of which 104.83 sqmi is land and 0.73 sqmi (0.69%) is water.

South Branch Township occupies the southeast corner of Crawford County and is bordered by Oscoda County to the east and Roscommon County to the south. The township takes its name from the South Branch of the Au Sable River, which flows nearly the length of the township, from the southwestern corner north and east to its mouth at the Au Sable River in the northern part of the township.

The Roscommon Zoo is located within the township along M-18.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,842 people, 735 households, and 557 families residing in the township. The population density was 17.5 per square mile (6.7/km$2$). There were 1,615 housing units at an average density of 15.3 per square mile (5.9/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 99.35% White, 0.05% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.11% Asian, and 0.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.49% of the population.

There were 735 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.4% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.2% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $34,537, and the median income for a family was $38,690. Males had a median income of $32,386 versus $19,868 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,763. About 9.2% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Baldwin Township, Delta County, Michigan

Baldwin Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 700, slightly down from 759 at the 2010 census.

Communities

 * Beaver is an unincorporated community in the township at 45.98556°N, -87.11°W. Beaver was established in 1872. It was named for numerous beaver dams near the town site.
 * Perkins is the village where the Township Hall is located.
 * St. Nicholas is an unincorporated community located west of Beaver, established in 1912 surrounding the site of St. Nicholas Cemetery, straddling Baldwin and Maple Ridge Townships.
 * Winde

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 84.2 sqmi, of which 83.8 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (0.51%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 748 people, 306 households, and 217 families residing in the township. The population density was 8.9 PD/sqmi. There were 460 housing units at an average density of 5.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.26% White, 2.27% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.40% of the population.

There were 306 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $35,917, and the median income for a family was $42,969. Males had a median income of $40,865 versus $21,563 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,532. About 3.4% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.7% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Bark River Township, Michigan

Bark River Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,595, slightly up from 1,578 at the 2010 census. The township takes its name from the Bark River.

Communities

 * Bark River is an unincorporated community within the township, near the Bark River at 45.71028°N, -87.30472°W. It is situated on US-2 and US-41, about 11 miles west of Escanaba and just east of the Hannahville Indian Community. The ZIP code is 49807.
 * Schaffer is an unincorporated community within the township, north of the Bark River at 45.76111°N, -87.29861°W. It is situated on M-69, about 14 miles northwest of Escanaba. The ZIP code is 49807.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 45.6 sqmi, of which 45.6 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (0.13%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,650 people, 612 households, and 479 families residing in the township. The population density was 36.2 PD/sqmi. There were 680 housing units at an average density of 14.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.09% White, 0.12% African American, 2.67% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.18% of the population.

There were 612 households, out of which 37.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.5% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.7% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,477, and the median income for a family was $45,221. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $23,188 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,649. About 3.7% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Bark River-Harris School District.

Transportation
Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service via Bark River between St. Ignace and Ironwood, Michigan.

title: Bark River Township, Michigan


text:
Bay de Noc Township, Michigan

Bay de Noc Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 300, slightly down from 305 at the 2010 census. The township covers the southern portion of the Stonington Peninsula separating Little Bay de Noc and Big Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan.

Ensign Township is to the north and Escanaba is to the west across the Little Bay de Noc.

Communities

 * Stonington is an unincorporated community near the southern end of the peninsula at 45.72306°N, -86.97639°W. Stonington is the site of the 40 ft Peninsula Point Lighthouse.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 91.1 sqmi, of which 67.5 sqmi is land and 23.6 sqmi (25.88%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 329 people, 153 households, and 104 families residing in the township. The population density was 4.9 PD/sqmi. There were 528 housing units at an average density of 7.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.96% White, 0.61% Native American, and 2.43% from two or more races.

There were 153 households, out of which 15.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.1% were married couples living together, 2.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.56.

In the township the population was spread out, with 13.4% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 19.1% from 25 to 44, 38.6% from 45 to 64, and 24.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $33,571, and the median income for a family was $43,250. Males had a median income of $43,750 versus $30,250 for females. The per capita income for the township was $24,472. About 1.7% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.

Fire Coverage is provided by the Masonville Township Fire Department due to a paid contract between Masonville and Bay De Noc townships. EMS coverage is provided by Masonville EMS.

title: Bay de Noc Township, Michigan


text:
Brampton Township, Michigan

Brampton Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,023, down from 1,050 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 25.6 sqmi, of which 23.7 sqmi is land and 1.9 sqmi (7.35%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,090 people, 430 households, and 322 families residing in the township. The population density was 46.0 PD/sqmi. There were 483 housing units at an average density of 20.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.61% White, 0.09% African American, 1.56% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 430 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.4% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the township the population was demographically spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 30.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $45,441, and the median income for a family was $52,614. Males had a median income of $42,500 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,893. About 5.4% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Brampton Township, Michigan


text:
Cornell Township, Michigan

Cornell Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 565 at the 2020 census, up from 593 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 60.2 sqmi, of which 59.8 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (0.71%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 557 people, 217 households, and 172 families residing in the township. The population density was 9.3 PD/sqmi. There were 371 housing units at an average density of 6.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.56% White, 0.18% Native American, 0.36% Asian, and 0.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population.

There were 217 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.8% were married couples living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.7% were non-families. 16.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 33.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,528, and the median income for a family was $43,214. Males had a median income of $35,313 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,334. About 6.8% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cornell Township, Michigan


text:
Ensign Township, Michigan

Ensign Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 746 at the 2020 census, slightly down from 748 at the 2010 census.

Communities

 * Maywood is an unincorporated community in the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 65.8 sqmi, of which 59.0 sqmi is land and 6.8 sqmi (10.37%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 780 people, 327 households, and 236 families residing in the township. The population density was 13.2 PD/sqmi. There were 532 housing units at an average density of 9.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.62% White, 0.38% African American, 3.85% Native American, and 1.15% from two or more races.

There were 327 households, out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.5% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 29.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $39,375, and the median income for a family was $48,906. Males had a median income of $38,438 versus $28,333 for females. The per capita income for the township was $25,546. About 2.1% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Fire coverage is provided by the Ensign Township Fire Department. EMS coverage is provided by Masonville EMS.

title: Ensign Township, Michigan


text:
Escanaba, Michigan

Escanaba, commonly shortened to Esky, is a port city and the county seat of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan, located on Little Bay de Noc in the state's Upper Peninsula. The population was 12,450 at the 2020 census, making it the third-largest city in the Upper Peninsula after Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie.

There is also Escanaba Township, which is north of the city and is not adjacent to it, although a portion of the urban area around the city extends into the township. Both are named for the Escanaba River, which flows into the Little Bay de Noc of Lake Michigan just north of the city. The names are derived from the Ojibwa language.

History

Escanaba was the name of an Ojibwa village in this area in the early 19th century. The Ojibwa are one of the Anishinaabe, Algonquian-speaking tribes who settled and flourished around the Great Lakes. The word "Escanaba" roughly translates from Ojibwe and other regional Algonquian languages to "land of the red buck", although some people maintain that it refers to "flat rock".

As a European-American settlement, Escanaba was founded in 1863 as a port town by surveyor Eli P. Royce. Early industry was the processing and harvesting of lumber, dominated in this area by Daniel Wells Jr., Jefferson Sinclair, and Nelson Ludington. Ludington later moved his headquarters to Chicago, where he also entered banking. I. Stephenson established a successor lumber company in the area and also became a capitalist.

Before the war, iron ore was being mined from the Marquette Iron Range, which shipped out on barges from Escanaba. By the time of the American Civil War, this port was important to the Union as a shipping point for these ores, in addition to lumber. The Menominee Range and Gogebic Range of Michigan became important for iron ore after the war, in the 1880s. In 1994, Michigan produced about 25% of the iron ore nationally. Initially lumber was still integral to shipbuilding, and supported the construction of houses in cities throughout the developing Midwest. Iron ore supported industrialization, and became part of steel and other industries in the Midwest. As shipping increased, a lighthouse was needed to warn of a sand shoals in Little Bay de Noc, which extended from Sand Point, a sandspit located just south of and adjacent to the harbor area. The United States Lighthouse Service approved construction of the Sand Point Lighthouse at a cost of $11,000. Construction began in the fall of 1867 and was completed in early spring 1868.

Present day
Until 2017, Escanaba continued to be an important shipping point for iron ore to other Great Lakes ports, especially south to Chicago and northern Indiana. The local paper mill, for many years owned by Mead Corporation's Publishing Paper Division, was operated by the Verso Corporation until 2022 when it was sold to Billerud. Located on the outskirts of the city alongside the Escanaba River, in 2018 the mill was Escanaba's largest employer.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.50 sqmi, of which 12.88 sqmi is land and 3.62 sqmi is water.

Climate
This climatic region is classified as humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb", according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. It is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. Escanaba is described as being in the banana belt of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. While most of the peninsula is affected by significant lake-effect snow, Escanaba's winter climate is much milder due to its location on the windward Lake Michigan shoreline.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 12,616 people, 5,622 households, and 3,090 families residing in the city. The population density was 979.5 PD/sqmi. There were 6,178 housing units at an average density of 479.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% White, 0.4% African American, 2.6% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 5,622 households, of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.8% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.0% were non-families. Of all households 38.2% were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.82.

The median age in the city was 41.4 years. 21.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 19.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.1% male and 52.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,140 people, 5,800 households, and 3,294 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,038.3 PD/sqmi. There were 6,258 housing units at an average density of 494.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.66% White, 0.11% African American, 2.61% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.66% of the population. 17.0% were of German, 16.5% French, 11.4% French Canadian, 8.8% Swedish, 6.4% Irish and 5.2% English ancestry, according to Census 2000.

There were 5,800 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.2% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. Of all households 37.0% were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,125, and the median income for a family was $36,995. Males had a median income of $32,310 versus $21,204 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,589. About 10.8% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.7% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Culture and contemporary life
Although the Upper Peninsula is part of the state of Michigan, Escanaba and the western Upper Peninsula sometimes have closer cultural ties to the state of Wisconsin.

Yooper culture
Pasties are a significant tourist attraction. Many ethnic groups adopted the pasty for use in the Copper Country copper mines; the Finnish immigrants within the region mistook it for the traditional piiraat and kuuko pastries. The pasty has become strongly associated with all cultures in this area.

Theater and performing arts
Escanaba is home to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, The Waterfront Art Festival, The Players de Noc, The Bay de Noc Choral Society, the Escanaba City Band, and many smaller arts organizations, art galleries, and musical performing groups.

Parks

 * Ludington Park: A three-quarter mile stretch of lake shore where the city's easternmost point extends into Little Bay de Noc, it is one of the largest city parks in Upper Michigan. Karas Band Shell is located on the south end of the park and it is where concerts are hosted during the summer. A veterans memorial is located in the center of the park. At the north end of the park (across from municipal marina) there is a scenic gazebo and fountain.
 * Harbor Hideout: Located within Ludington Park, the 22,500 square foot playground is constructed of wood and features handicap accessible play areas.
 * Kiwanis Musical Playground: In June, 2018, the Escanaba Kiwanis installed a new handicap accessible musical play area next to harbor hideout. The equipment that was installed included a metallophone, a set of chimes, a kettle drum, and a goblet drum. All of the new equipment installed is ADA compliant.

Boating and beaches

 * Escanaba yacht club: Established in 1934, it hosts several races and events for members during the summer.
 * Escanaba Municipal Beach: located on Aronson Island, is open from early June to mid-August. The beach-house includes a changing facility with restrooms and showers. In addition, there is also a small playground and picnic area available for public use. The beach house usually has paddleboards and kayaks available for renting.
 * Aronson Island Boat Launch: In order to use the boat launch a day-pass or seasonal permit is needed prior to launching a boat. The launch has a weight restriction of 6,000 pounds and a length restriction of 26 feet, if a boat exceeds this, a special permit must be obtained from the harbormaster.
 * North Shore Boat Launch: located on the Escanaba River.

Places of interest

 * The House of Ludington - A landmark historic hotel in downtown Escanaba. Originally built in 1865 as the Gaynor House Hotel, it was renamed in 1871 after prominent lumberman Nelson Ludington. It was rebuilt as a brick structure in the Queen Anne Style in 1883, becoming the New Ludington Hotel. It is believed that Al Capone utilized the tunnels located below the basement of the hotel during the prohibition era.
 * Sand Point Lighthouse & Delta County Historical Museum - Deactivated in 1939, this lighthouse was used by the United States Coast Guard to house seamen assigned to Escanaba. The building was completely restored to its original design in the late 1860s, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with Escanaba's central downtown district.
 * U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Museum
 * Carnegie Public Library (Escanaba Public Library)
 * Hiawatha National Forest
 * Days River Pathway or Days River Nature Pathway
 * Escanaba Farmer's Market

Government
Escanaba is located in US Congressional District 1 represented by Jack Bergman (R-2017). The city is in Michigan's 108th State House District and 38th State Senate District, represented by Beau LaFave (R-2017) and Ed McBroom (R-2019), respectively.

As the most populous area in Delta County, Escanaba's four precincts span three of Delta County's five Districts: The Escanaba City Council consists of five council members who are elected to four-year terms. A Mayor, and a Mayor Pro-Tem are selected by the council members at the first regular meeting following the election.

Police and corrections
Escanaba established its own Department of Public Safety in 1975, which provides police and firefighting services to city residents.

Director of Public Safety: Robert LaMarche

Escanaba is also home to the Delta County Sheriff's Office, which employs ten deputies assigned to road and marine patrol. Additionally, the city is home to the newly constructed $17.9 million Correctional Facility with a capacity for 160 inmates.

Sheriff: Edward Oswald

The Delta County Sheriff's Office participates in the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) as part of a multi-agency operation to arrest criminals engaged in the use, sale, and distribution of drugs throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Courts
The Delta County Courthouse serves all of Delta County. The courthouse includes the 47th Circuit Court, the 94th District Court, and Probate Court.

Education
In 2003, the school board opted to completely renovate the historic 1930s junior high school, rather than move it outside of town. Escanaba Area Public Schools operate the public schools in Escanaba, which includes various elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school. There is also a private school, Holy Name Catholic School, which teaches pre-school children all the way up to eighth grade. Bay College, a public 2-year college, was founded in the city in 1962. It offers various two year degrees and certificate programs ranging from welding, public safety, business, nursing, among others.

Media
Local radio stations include KMB Broadcasting's WDBC 680 AM (adult standards) and WYKX 104.7 FM (country music), Lakes Radio's WCHT 600 AM (news/talk), WGLQ 97.1 FM (adult top 40), WCMM 102.5 FM (country), and WGKL 105.5 FM (oldies), and standalone WUPF 107.3 FM (classic hits). Escanaba is also served by low-power translator stations of WNMU translator W296AX from Marquette, MI (at 96.5 FM), WRPP translator W254AG from Sturgeon Bay, WI (at 98.7 FM), and WHWL translator W261AI from Marquette, MI (at 100.1 FM). WJMN-TV, the local MyNetworkTV television station on channel 3, formerly operated as a satellite of CBS affiliate WFRV in Green Bay. Radio and television signals originating from Door County, WI across the bay are also generally easily received in the Escanaba area as well.

During the solar eclipse of January 24, 1925, Chicago radio station WJAZ, which had been broadcasting from a "motor truck" mounted portable transmitter, was transported to Escanaba, Michigan, to document the effects of the dimming sun on radio transmissions.

Infrastructure
Escanaba's Harbor Tower, an 18-story apartment building, is the tallest building in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Transportation

 * runs eastward to St. Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge, 143 mi to the east. Along the way it passes through Gladstone, 9 mi north/east and Manistique, 54 mi east. It runs west concurrent with US 41 until Powers, and from there 21 mi west to Iron Mountain.
 * connects with Marquette 66 mi to the north and with Powers 24 mi west before turning south to Menominee.
 * runs northwest 51 mi through undeveloped areas to Gwinn. Going south, it provides a direct route along the shore of Green Bay to Menominee, 55 mi to the southwest.
 * runs northwest toward many rural communities before ending at Crystal Falls.

Airport

 * The city is served by Delta County Airport (KESC), with daily flights to Detroit and Minneapolis via Delta Connection.

Buses

 * Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between St. Ignace and Ironwood, Michigan and between Hancock, Michigan and Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Railroads
The Escanaba area has been serviced by several railroads. The former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad connected Green Bay to their main system around the same time that they built their mainline to Escanaba. The CMSP&P otherwise known as the Milwaukee Road connected Escanaba to their system shortly thereafter. In 1898, the Escanaba & Lake Superior owned by Issac Stephenson constructed a line from its connection to the Milwaukee Road. Both the C&NW and the CMSP&P ran passenger service to the Escanaba area as well. The C&NW also connected to the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range railroad in Escanaba. The C&NW would acquire the CMSP&P's trackage in Escanaba and Wells. With the creation of the Wisconsin Central railroad, most of the lines in Escanaba were unified in a single operation with the exception of the DMIR and the E&LS. In 2004, when CN controlled the WC, the DMIR sold to Canadian National. As of April 2021, just the E&LS and CN remain. CN owns the last two yards in Escanaba, being the Gladstone Yard, and the Escanaba Ore Docks.

Notable people

 * Tom Bissell, author and Guggenheim Fellow
 * Kevin Chown, American bass player most notable for his work with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tarja Turunen, Finnish soprano artist.
 * Fahey Flynn, television news reader
 * Karla M. Gray, Montana's first female chief justice
 * Becky Iverson, professional golfer
 * Nelson Ludington, settler who named the city
 * Willard A. Saunders, Rear admiral, USN and Navy Cross recipient during World War II
 * "Roaring Dan" Seavey, Great Lakes pirate
 * Johnny Seymour, racing driver
 * Kevin Tapani, baseball player
 * Jack Tower, racing driver and riding mechanic
 * Chauncey W. Yockey, Wisconsin State Assemblyman.

title: Escanaba, Michigan


text:
Escanaba Township, Michigan

Escanaba Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,496 at the 2020 census, down from 3,482 at the 2010 census.

The City of Escanaba is south of the township but is administratively autonomous. Both are named for the Escanaba River.

Communities

 * Chandler is an unincorporated community in the township at 45.87°N, -87.15583°W. It was founded in 1898.
 * West Gladstone is an unincorporated community in the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 60.3 sqmi, of which 59.6 sqmi is land and 0.8 sqmi (1.24%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,587 people, 1,290 households, and 1,038 families residing in the township. The population density was 60.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,398 housing units at an average density of 23.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.88% White, 1.45% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.20% of the population.

There were 1,290 households, out of which 39.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.0% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.5% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $44,730, and the median income for a family was $48,839. Males had a median income of $41,227 versus $22,952 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,454. About 3.5% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Escanaba Township, Michigan


text:
Fairbanks Township, Michigan

Fairbanks Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 297, up from 281 at the 2010 census.

Communities

 * Fayette is an unincorporated community on the eastern shore of the Big Bay de Noc which opens into Green Bay on Lake Michigan at 45.7175°N, -86.66778°W. It is at the southern terminus of M-183 about eight miles south of Garden within Fayette Historic State Park. It was created around an iron smelter in 1867.
 * Fairport is an unincorporated community at the southern end of the Garden Peninsula at 45.62111°N, -86.65833°W. It is approximately six miles south of Fayette on Delta County Road 483, the locally maintained extension of M-183. It was founded in 1886 by fishermen who had relocated from St. Martin Island.

History
In 1867, the Jackson Iron Company had Fayette Brown build a charcoal iron smelter at Fayette, which grew up around the smelter and named after Brown. A Fayette post office opened on September 13, 1870 with Marvin H. Brown as postmaster. In 1891, the smelter was dismantled.

Fairport was founded in 1886 by fishermen who had relocated from St. Martin Island. The community was a commercial fishing port.

Fayette continued on as a small resort community until the mid-1950s, and then became a state park in 1959.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 299.2 sqmi, of which 47.2 sqmi is land and 252.0 sqmi (84.23%) is water. The northern Potawatomi Islands are in Fairbanks Township, while the southern Potawatomi Islands are in the town of Washington in Door County, Wisconsin. Part of St. Martin Island is owned by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians as a Tribal Trust Land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 321 people, 143 households, and 93 families residing in the township. The population density was 6.8 PD/sqmi. There were 267 housing units at an average density of 5.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 91.59% White, 4.98% Native American, 0.31% Asian, and 3.12% from two or more races.

There were 143 households, out of which 19.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the township the population was spread out, with 15.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $24,643, and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $28,214 versus $25,417 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,327. About 14.0% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable residents

 * Professional football player Lynn Chandnois was born in Fayette. An All-American at Michigan State University, he played from 1950 to 1956 for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

title: Fairbanks Township, Michigan


text:
Ford River Township, Michigan

Ford River Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Its population was 2,019 at the 2020 census, down from 2,054 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 65.3 sqmi, of which 64.8 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (0.69%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,241 people, 909 households, and 675 families residing in the township. The population density was 34.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,098 housing units at an average density of 16.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.52% White, 0.13% African American, 1.52% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.36% of the population.

There were 909 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.0% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the township the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 29.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $42,260, and the median income for a family was $47,837. Males had a median income of $39,625 versus $22,298 for females. The per capita income for the township was $25,299. About 3.2% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ford River Township, Michigan


text:
Garden, Michigan

 * There is also Garden City in Wayne County.

Garden is a village in Delta County of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 174 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Garden Township.

M-183 runs through the village, connecting with Fayette eight miles (13 km) southwest and with U.S. Highway 2 at Garden Corners, nine miles (14 km) to the north.

History
When this area was first settled around 1850 by Metis it was known as Garden Bay or Haley's Bay. It was incorporated as a village in 1886.

Geography
The village is situated on the Garden Peninsula where the Garden Creek flows into Garden Bay, a small inlet off the Big Bay de Noc, which opens onto Green Bay, on Lake Michigan.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, of which 0.81 sqmi is land and 0.21 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 221 people, 99 households, and 63 families living in the village. The population density was 272.8 PD/sqmi. There were 134 housing units at an average density of 165.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 87.3% White, 5.0% Native American, and 7.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 99 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.4% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.65.

The median age in the village was 49.4 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.7% were from 25 to 44; 34.8% were from 45 to 64; and 22.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 52.0% male and 48.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 240 people, 104 households, and 74 families living in the village. The population density was 283.1 PD/sqmi. There were 129 housing units at an average density of 152.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 80.42% White, 8.75% Native American, and 10.83% from two or more races.

There were 104 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.70.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,250, and the median income for a family was $46,500. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $30,469 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,605. About 3.0% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 13.2% of those 65 or over.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Garden has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Notable people
These notable people were born in Garden, Michigan.
 * John B. Bennett
 * James D. Dotsch
 * Kellyn Potvin-Gorman

title: Garden, Michigan


text:
Garden Township, Michigan

Garden Township is a civil township of Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township had a total population of 772, up from 750 at the 2010 census. In 2012, it became home to the first wind farm in the Upper Peninsula, the 28 MW Garden Wind Farm.

Communities

 * The Village of Garden is located within the township.
 * Garden Corners is an unincorporated community in the township at the northeast of the Big Bay de Noc at 45.89028°N, -86.53667°W. It is on U.S. Highway 2 about 16 mi west of Manistique, and is also the northern terminus of M-183 which connects with Garden, nine miles (14 km) to the south and with Fayette, about 17 mi to the south.
 * Isabella is an unincorporated community about four miles (6 km) west of Garden Corners on US 2 at 45.8975°N, -86.60583°W.

Geography
The township occupies the northern portion of the Garden Peninsula, with the Big Bay de Noc, which opens onto Green Bay on the west and Lake Michigan on the east. The township also extends about 16 mi northward along the entire eastern boundary between Delta County and Schoolcraft County to the northern boundary of Delta with Schoolcraft.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 184.4 sqmi, of which 159.9 sqmi is land and 24.5 sqmi is water. The total area is 13.27% water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 817 people, 348 households, and 249 families residing in the township. The population density was 5.1 PD/sqmi. There were 654 housing units at an average density of 4.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 88.25% White, 0.12% African American, 5.75% Native American, 0.37% Asian, and 5.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.86% of the population.

There were 348 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 3.1% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,083, and the median income for a family was $40,313. Males had a median income of $34,750 versus $29,063 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,445. About 5.4% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.9% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Garden Township, Michigan