Shelby Charter Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shelby Charter Township, Michigan
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Charter township
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| Charter Township of Shelby | |
Shelby Charter Township welcome sign
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Location within Macomb County
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 Shelby Charter Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Shelby Charter Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| County |  Macomb |
| Government | |
| • Type | Board of trustees–supervisor |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.2 sq mi (91 km2) |
| • Land | 34.4 sq mi (89 km2) |
| • Water | 0.8 sq mi (2 km2) |
| Elevation | 679 ft (207 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 79,408 |
| • Density | 2,307.9/sq mi (891.1/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
48315, 48316, 48317
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| Area code(s) | 248 and 586 |
| FIPS code | 26-72820 |
| GNIS ID | 1627062 |
Shelby Charter Township, also known as the Charter Township of Shelby, is a cool place located in Macomb County, in the state of Michigan. It's a busy northern suburb of Detroit. In 2020, about 79,408 people lived here, which is a big jump from 73,804 people in 2010. Shelby Charter Township is one of the fastest-growing areas around Metro Detroit.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Shelby Township was officially created on April 12, 1827. Its local government started working the next month. Originally, it included the area that is now Sterling Heights. Sterling Heights became its own township in 1835.
The village of Utica, which is on the southern edge of Shelby Township, first became a village in 1838. It was later officially made a village again in 1877.
There was once a small community called Disco near what is now 24 Mile Road and Van Dyke Road. It was planned out in 1849. Disco never became an official village, but it had a post office for many years. Today, only a few homes and old maps remind us of this historic spot.
Where is Shelby Township?
Shelby Township is in the western part of Macomb County. To its west, you'll find the cities of Rochester and Rochester Hills in Oakland County. To the south, it borders Utica and Sterling Heights.
Mount Clemens, which is the main city of Macomb County, is about 11 miles (18 km) to the southeast. The heart of downtown Detroit is about 24 miles (39 km) south.
The township covers a total area of about 35.2 square miles (91.2 km²). Most of this, 34.4 square miles (89.1 km²), is land. The rest, 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²), is water. The Clinton River, which flows into Lake St. Clair, helps drain the township.
Local Communities
Shelby Charter Township has no official villages within it, but it does have four smaller, unofficial communities:
- Preston Corners is located where 25 Mile and Schoenherr roads meet. A family named Preston bought land here in 1826 and built a sawmill and a picket fence factory.
- Shelby is found at the intersection of Shelby and 25 Mile Roads.
- Shelby Village is located where Auburn and Ryan roads cross. Homes were built in this area starting in the 1940s.
- Yates is right on the border with Rochester and Rochester Hills in Oakland County.
Major Roads and Highways
Shelby Charter Township is easy to get to thanks to two main highways:
- State highways
M-53: This road is often called Van Dyke Avenue or the Van Dyke Expressway. It goes north towards an area of Michigan known as the Thumb.
M-59: This highway is commonly known as Hall Road. It's an important east-west road that connects areas from just north of Mount Clemens, through Utica, and then becomes a freeway leading to Pontiac. It's a key link between Macomb County and Oakland County.
Who Lives in Shelby Township?
In 2010, there were 73,804 people living in Shelby Charter Township. The population grew to 79,408 by 2020. Most people living here are White (89.4% in 2010), with smaller groups of African American (3.1%), Asian (3.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.4%) residents.
Schools in the Area
Most kids in Shelby Charter Township go to schools in the Utica Community Schools district. This district also serves parts of other nearby communities like Sterling Heights, Macomb Township, Washington Township, and Ray Township, as well as all of Utica. A small number of students in Shelby Township attend Romeo Community Schools.
Famous People from Shelby Township
Many interesting people have connections to Shelby Charter Township:
- Robb Brent: A racing car driver.
- Joe Cada: A professional poker player.
- Kyle Connor: A hockey player for the Winnipeg Jets.
- John DiGiorgio: A former linebacker for the Buffalo Bills.
- Karl Iagnemma: A robotics expert and writer.
- John Mazza: An eight-time champion in professional bowling.
- Justin Meram: A professional soccer player for Charlotte FC.
- Jax Taylor: A model and actor known for the TV show Vanderpump Rules.
- Greg DeLiso: A model and actor known for Certain Burton.
- Shawn Fain: The current president of the United Automobile Workers of America.
Fun Places to Visit
Shelby Charter Township and its surroundings offer many cool spots for fun and nature:
- Stony Creek Metropark: While mostly in Washington Township and Oakland County, a small part of this large park reaches into Shelby Charter Township. It has beaches, golf courses, a nature center, and places for picnics and sports.
- Packard Proving Grounds: This is a historic site where old cars were tested. It's now a National Historic Place.
- Yates Cider Mill and Yates Park: This famous water-powered cider mill is mostly in Shelby Charter Township. You can get cider and treats, enjoy picnic areas, go fishing, and hike trails near the Clinton River.
- Macomb Orchard Trail: This long hiking trail, about 23.7 miles (38.1 km) long, starts in Shelby Charter Township. It connects with the Clinton River Trail and goes through northern Macomb County.
- Riverbend Park: A large 600-acre public park with its main entrance at 22 Mile & Shelby Road. It features the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, an 18-hole disc golf course, walking trails, and a playground for everyone. You can also fish, have picnics, and play various sports here.
