McMillan Township, Michigan

McMillan Township, Michigan
Name	McMillan Township
Settlement type	Civil township
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Michigan
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Luce County
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	1152.8
Area land km2	1108.8
Area water km2	44.0
Area total sq mi	445.1
Area land sq mi	428.1
Area water sq mi	17.0
Population as of	2020
Population total	2,216
Population density km2	2.0
Population density sq mi	5.2
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Area code	906
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	26-50340
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1626680

McMillan Township, Michigan is a civil township located in Luce County within the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The township encompasses a vast, sparsely populated area of forests and waterways, anchored by the community of Newberry, which serves as the county seat of Luce County. Its landscape is defined by the Tahquamenon River and proximity to the extensive wilderness of the Lake Superior shoreline.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of approximately 445.1 square miles, with a significant portion consisting of water features like the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and numerous inland lakes. The terrain is part of the Great Lakes region and lies within the Lake Superior drainage basin, characterized by dense coniferous and hardwood forests. Major geographical landmarks include the Tahquamenon River, which flows through the township toward Whitefish Bay, and the expansive Hiawatha National Forest to the west. The climate is typical of the northern Midwestern United States, with heavy snowfall influenced by lake-effect snow from Lake Superior.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,216, with the majority residing in the census-designated place of Newberry. The population density is very low across the rural township. Historically, the area saw growth during the lumbering boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, followed by a period of decline. Demographic data from the American Community Survey indicates a median household income below the state average, with employment historically tied to natural resources, corrections, and healthcare services provided by facilities like the Newberry Correctional Facility.

History

The region was originally inhabited by Ojibwe peoples before European American settlement expanded with the logging industry. The township was organized in 1888 and named for early state legislator and landowner Henry McMillan. Development was spurred by the arrival of the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway, which transported timber to markets. The establishment of the Newberry State Hospital in the early 20th century and later the Newberry Correctional Facility provided institutional employment. Conservation efforts led to the creation of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which became a major tourist destination.

Government

McMillan Township operates under the Michigan Township Association guidelines as a general law township. Administrative services are largely shared with the village of Newberry, which houses the Luce County government offices. The township provides limited services, with law enforcement provided by the Luce County Sheriff's Department and the Michigan State Police. The area is represented at the federal level by Michigan's First Congressional District and in the Michigan Legislature by the 38th Senate District and 107th House District.

Economy

The economy is a mix of public sector employment, tourism, and natural resource management. Key employers include the State of Michigan through the Newberry Correctional Facility and the Michigan Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Forest Service for the Hiawatha National Forest. Tourism centers on Tahquamenon Falls State Park, drawing visitors for outdoor recreation, which supports local businesses in Newberry. Historically, the economy relied on logging and paper mill operations, remnants of which can be seen in the region's industrial history. Agriculture is limited due to climate and soil conditions.

Education

Public education is administered by the Newberry Area Schools district, which serves the township and surrounding areas. The district includes Newberry Elementary School, Newberry Middle School, and Newberry High School. The township is also within the service area of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District. For post-secondary education and vocational training, residents often utilize institutions like Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie or Northern Michigan University in Marquette. The Newberry Library provides community library services.

Category:Townships in Luce County, Michigan Category:1888 establishments in Michigan