kids encyclopedia robot

West Traverse Township, Michigan facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
West Traverse Township, Michigan
Location within Emmet County
Location within Emmet County
West Traverse Township, Michigan is located in Michigan
West Traverse Township, Michigan
West Traverse Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
West Traverse Township, Michigan is located in the United States
West Traverse Township, Michigan
West Traverse Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Michigan
County Emmet
Established 1897
Area
 • Total 13.39 sq mi (34.7 km2)
 • Land 13.37 sq mi (34.6 km2)
 • Water 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation
945 ft (288 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,768
 • Density 132.04/sq mi (50.98/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code(s)
Area code(s) 231
FIPS code 26-86300
GNIS feature ID 1627252

West Traverse Township is a special area in Emmet County, Michigan. It is like a local government area, also known as a civil township. In 2020, about 1,768 people lived here. This township is known for its beautiful natural spots and a historic community called Harbor Point.

Exploring West Traverse Township

West Traverse Township is located in the northern part of Michigan. It is a great place to learn about local history and nature. The township is part of Emmet County, which is in the U.S. state of Michigan.

What is a Civil Township?

A civil township is a type of local government. It helps manage things like roads and services for the people living there. Think of it as a smaller area within a county that has its own local rules and leaders.

People and How They Live

In 2020, the population of West Traverse Township was 1,768 people. This number helps us understand how many people call this area home. The township is a mix of natural areas and places where people live.

Communities in the Township

West Traverse Township has different areas within it. One important community is Harbor Point.

Harbor Point: A Historic Community

The Point, showing the lighthouse (NBY 1318)
Harbor Point, around the 1900s
Historic homes on Harbor Point
A few of the historic homes on the Harbor Point peninsula

Harbor Point is a unique community. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own separate city government. Instead, it is managed by the township. Harbor Point is on a peninsula, which is a piece of land almost surrounded by water. It is located south of the town of Harbor Springs.

  • A Resort with History: Harbor Point started as a resort in 1878. It was first called Lansing Resort. People came here to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
  • The Little Traverse Lighthouse: At the very tip of the Harbor Point peninsula, you can find the historic Little Traverse Lighthouse. Lighthouses are important buildings that help guide ships safely. This lighthouse has a long history of helping boats on the water.

Geography and Nature

West Traverse Township has interesting geography, which means how its land and water are shaped.

Land and Water Areas

The township covers a total area of about 13.39 square miles (about 34.68 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, which is about 13.37 square miles (about 34.63 square kilometers). A small part, about 0.02 square miles (about 0.05 square kilometers), is water. This water area is very small, making up only about 0.15% of the total township.

Location Near Harbor Springs

The city of Harbor Springs is located just south of West Traverse Township. This means residents of the township can easily access the services and attractions of the nearby city.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Municipio de West Traverse para niños

kids search engine
West Traverse Township, Michigan Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.