Michigan is known for beautiful parks, lakes, beaches, snow and Flint Style Coney Islands... (well, here in Genesee County for the latter). From cities of all sizes, smaller villages and the massive Detroit Metro, townships surround all of us.  Notice I didn't say "towns?" The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) has a clear description for our hometowns:

"While you might hear local units in Michigan referred to as “cities and towns,” that’s actually incorrect. Michigan doesn’t have towns—it has townships, cities and villages, with townships governing 96 percent of Michigan’s land area outside of cities. In fact, in Michigan, if you don’t live in a city, you live in a township."

What is a township in Michigan?

The aforementioned Michigan Townships Association admits "it's often difficult to tell the differences between townships, cities and villages." Townships (and Counties) only have powers provided by state law. Cities and villages have "home rule" which means they govern themselves so long as it's legal.

How many townships does Michigan have?

Our state has 1,240 townships -- some tiny in land area -- some massive (especially in the Upper Peninsula).

Do all states have townships or just Michigan?

Only 20 states have townships. History buffs believe townships are something settlers, of what would become the United States, brought their English systems of government with them. When the Erie Canal opened, New Yorkers moved to Michigan and brought that style of government to their new home, according to the MTA site.

What townships are in Genesee County, Michigan?

  • Argentine
  • Atlas
  • Clayton
  • Davison
  • Fenton
  • Flint
  • Flushing
  • Forest
  • Gaines
  • Genesee
  • Grand Blanc
  • Montrose
  • Mt. Morris
  • Mundy
  • Richfield
  • Thetford
  • Vienna

Whether you road trip all around the state or never leave your house, you probably haven't heard of these 13 Michigan townships from the Upper and Lower Peninsula.

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