East Bay Township, Michigan

East Bay Township, Michigan is a civil township of Grand Traverse County in the U.S. state of Michigan, located near Traverse City and Acme. The township is situated on the Grand Traverse Bay and is close to the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula. It is also near the Boardman River and Fife Lake. The area is known for its natural beauty, with nearby attractions including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pere Marquette State Forest.

Geography

The geography of the area is characterized by its location on the Grand Traverse Bay, with the Boardman River flowing through it. The township is surrounded by other townships, including Garfield Township and Peninsula Township. The area is also close to the Leelanau County line and is near the Village of Fife Lake. The terrain is varied, with a mix of forests, wetlands, and agricultural land, similar to other areas in Northern Michigan. The township is also home to several lakes, including Fife Lake and Spider Lake, which are popular for fishing and boating. Nearby cities include Traverse City and Kingsley, and the area is also close to the Cherry Capital Airport.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of the township was approximately 10,663 people, with a mix of rural and suburban areas. The demographics of the area are similar to those of other townships in Grand Traverse County, with a population that is predominantly White American. The area is also home to a number of Native American tribes, including the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The median income in the township is around $50,000, with a range of occupations, including farming, tourism, and manufacturing. Nearby cities, such as Petoskey and Charlevoix, also have a significant impact on the demographics of the area.

History

The history of the area dates back to the 19th century, when it was first settled by European-Americans, including French Canadian and German American immigrants. The township was officially established in 1865 and was named after its location on the Grand Traverse Bay. The area was initially agricultural, with farming and logging being the primary industries. The township is also close to the Old Mission Peninsula, which was established by French missionarys, including Jacques Marquette and Étienne de Veniard, sieur de Bourgmont. The area is also near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which was established in 1970 to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Economy

The economy of the township is diverse, with a mix of agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The area is known for its cherry farming, with many orchards located in the township. The township is also close to the Traverse City Cherry Festival, which is held annually in Traverse City. The area is also home to several wineries, including Chateau Grand Traverse and Left Foot Charley, which are part of the Leelanau Peninsula AVA and Old Mission Peninsula AVA. The township is also near the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, which is a major tourist destination in the area.

Government

The government of the township is a civil township form, with a township board and supervisor. The township is also part of the Grand Traverse County government, with the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners providing services to the area. The township is also served by the Traverse City Area Public Schools and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office. The area is also represented in the Michigan State Legislature by State Senator Wayne Schmidt and State Representative Jack O'Malley. The township is also part of the United States House of Representatives Michigan's 1st congressional district, which is represented by Congressman Jack Bergman.

Education

The education system in the township is provided by the Traverse City Area Public Schools, which operates several schools in the area, including Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School. The township is also home to several private schools, including Traverse City Christian School and The Leelanau School. The area is also served by Northwestern Michigan College, which is a community college located in Traverse City. The township is also close to several universities, including Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University, which offer a range of academic programs. The area is also home to the Grand Traverse Area Library, which provides library services to the community. Category:Townships in Michigan