Rapid River Township, Michigan

Rapid River Township, Michigan is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the United States, located near Traverse City, Michigan, and is part of the Traverse City Micropolitan Statistical Area. The township is situated near the Boardman River, which flows into Grand Traverse Bay, and is close to the Pere Marquette State Forest. Rapid River Township is also near the Manistee National Forest and the Au Sable State Forest. The township is home to several lakes, including Long Lake and Twin Lake, which are popular for fishing and boating.

Geography

Rapid River Township is located in Kalkaska County, which is part of the Northern Michigan region, and is near the Leelanau Peninsula. The township is bordered by Coldsprings Township to the north, Oliver Township to the east, and Garfield Township to the south. The township is also close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Rapid River flows through the township and is a tributary of the Manistee River, which flows into Lake Michigan. The township is home to several parks, including the Rapid River Park and the Long Lake Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and swimming.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Rapid River Township was approximately 1,100 people, with a population density of about 20 people per square mile. The township has a total area of 35.6 square miles, of which 34.6 square miles is land and 1.0 square mile is water. The median age in the township is around 45 years old, and the median household income is around $50,000. The township is served by the Kalkaska Public Schools district, which includes Kalkaska High School and Kalkaska Middle School. The township is also close to several colleges and universities, including Northwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University.

History

Rapid River Township was established in 1875 and was named after the Rapid River, which flows through the township. The township was originally settled by logging and farming families, who were attracted to the area's natural resources and fertile soil. The township is also home to several historic sites, including the Rapid River Cemetery and the Kalkaska County Courthouse. The township is close to several historic sites, including the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Fort Michilimackinac. The township is also near the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Economy

The economy of Rapid River Township is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The township is home to several farms, including dairy farms and crop farms, which produce a variety of products, including milk, corn, and soybeans. The township is also home to several sawmills and lumber yards, which process timber from the surrounding forests. The township is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and boating, which attracts visitors from across the United States and Canada. The township is close to several major employers, including Dow Inc. and General Motors.

Infrastructure

Rapid River Township is served by several major roads, including M-72 and US-131, which provide access to Traverse City, Michigan and other nearby cities. The township is also served by the Pere Marquette Railway, which provides freight and passenger rail service to the area. The township is home to several airports, including the Cherry Capital Airport and the Kalkaska Airport, which offer general aviation and charter flights. The township is also served by several bus and shuttle services, including the Bay Area Transportation Authority and the Kalkaska County Transit.

Government

Rapid River Township is a civil township and is governed by a township board, which is composed of several elected officials, including a supervisor, clerk, and treasurer. The township is also served by several other government agencies, including the Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police. The township is part of the Michigan 1st congressional district and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Jack Bergman. The township is also part of the Michigan Senate and is represented by Dale Zorn. The township is close to several government institutions, including the Michigan State Capitol and the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Category:Townships in Michigan