Long Lake Charter Township

Long Lake Charter Township is a charter township in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Located immediately west of Traverse City, the township is one of the fastest-growing residential communities in Northwestern Lower Michigan and is known for its lakes, forests, recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. The township takes its name from Long Lake, the largest inland lake entirely within Grand Traverse County.

Long Lake Township combines suburban neighborhoods, rural landscapes, waterfront communities, and protected natural areas, making it one of the most desirable residential areas in the Traverse City region.

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Population estimates indicate continued growth throughout the township.

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The area was first settled during the 1860s when pioneers established farms, logging operations, and small settlements west of Traverse City.

In 1867, residents successfully petitioned Grand Traverse County to create a separate township. The township was originally proposed under the name “Viola Township” before ultimately becoming Long Lake Township, named after the large inland lake at its center.

Historically, the local economy was supported by:

* Agriculture * Logging * Maple syrup production * Small-scale commerce

Throughout the twentieth century, improved transportation and growth in Traverse City transformed the township into a popular residential community while preserving much of its natural character. Long Lake Township officially became a charter township in 2022.

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Long Lake Township occupies approximately 35 square miles in western Grand Traverse County.

Major geographic features include:

* Long Lake * Bass Lake * Platte River headwaters * Forested uplands * Wetlands * Residential lakefront communities

Water covers approximately fifteen percent of the township's total area.

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The township's defining natural feature is:

* Long Lake

Located approximately six miles west of Traverse City, Long Lake is the largest inland lake entirely within Grand Traverse County and ranks among Michigan's larger inland lakes. The lake serves as the headwaters of the Platte River system and supports boating, fishing, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Long Lake is also recognized for its wildlife habitat, including one of the Lower Peninsula's largest loon nesting populations.

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Communities within the township include:

* Long Lake * Long Lake Peninsula * Neal (historic settlement)

The township borders:

* Traverse City * Garfield Charter Township * Green Lake Township * Elmwood Charter Township * Whitewater Township

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Major industries include:

* Healthcare * Professional services * Construction * Tourism * Real estate * Retail commerce * Small business

Many residents commute to Traverse City while enjoying the township's more rural and lake-oriented environment.

The township maintains one of the highest median household incomes in the Grand Traverse region.

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Outdoor recreation is central to life in Long Lake Township.

Popular activities include:

* Boating * Fishing * Swimming * Hiking * Cycling * Snowmobiling * Wildlife observation

The township's parks, forests, and lakes attract visitors throughout all four seasons.

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Notable recreational resources include:

* Long Lake * Bass Lake * Timbers Recreation Area * Platte River watershed * Township trail systems

The Timbers Recreation Area encompasses approximately 250 acres and includes extensive lake frontage, trails, and wildlife habitat.

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Educational services are provided primarily through:

* Traverse City Area Public Schools

Nearby higher education opportunities include:

* Northwestern Michigan College

located in nearby Traverse City.

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Major transportation routes include:

* M-72 * M-22 * County road network

The township benefits from proximity to:

* Cherry Capital Airport

which provides regional and national air service.

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Long Lake Township operates under a charter township form of government.

Township services include:

* Public safety * Planning and zoning * Parks and recreation * Public works * Community development * Ordinance enforcement

Township offices are located at 8870 North Long Lake Road in Traverse City.

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Long Lake Township is known for:

* Lakefront living * Outdoor recreation * Environmental stewardship * Community involvement * Northern Michigan heritage

The township places strong emphasis on preserving natural resources while managing continued residential growth.

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* Long Lake * Bass Lake * Timbers Recreation Area * Long Lake Peninsula * Platte River headwaters

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* Traverse City * Garfield Charter Township * East Bay Charter Township * Grand Traverse County * Long Lake * Cherry Capital Airport

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* United States Census Bureau * Long Lake Charter Township Government * Grand Traverse County Records * Census Reporter Demographic Data * Michigan History Publications

places long_lake_township long_lake_charter_township grand_traverse_county traverse_city northern_michigan long_lake