Powell Township, established in 1904, is a great place to live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The most common way to reach the township and its Big Bay community is to drive to the end of County Road 550, also known as Big Bay Road. With the “big city” of Marquette, Michigan, 25 miles away on the east end of the road, Powell Township is a place removed but so easily connected. Community events provide year-round opportunities, and the peaceful northern pace offers residents and visitors space to relax and enjoy the environment. 

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Powell Township’s population as 830 in 2023, with about 70% being year-round residents. The township has several lakes and rivers ideal for recreation, and it sits on approximately 45 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. Within the township is the community of Big Bay. In the center of Big Bay is Powell Township School, which received the 2022 Excellence in Education award and serves preschoolers through eighth graders. Big Bay’s stores and restaurants include Drury’s General Store and Cash’s Corner Cafe, the Historic Thunder Bay Inn & Restaurant, Huron Mountain Outfitters, the Lumberjack Tavern, the Big Bay Pointe Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, the Huron Mountain Creamery, the Picture Bay Motel, and the Big Bay Motel. Big Bay also has a locally owned and Michigan certified assisted living facility. For more camping, sailing, and recreation, Perkins Park rests on the shore of Lake Independence, and Dock of the Bay enables boat access to Lake Superior. Both sites are managed by Marquette County. The staff of Powell Township itself also maintains four additional parks: Draver Park and Ballfield, Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook, Burns Landing and Pavilion, and the Bill Dionne/Halfway Fire Hall Kids’ Park. Powell Township’s Parks and Recreation Committee also maintains multiple township and Noquemanon Trail Network trails, enabling year-round use.  

Residents can find general township information on this website. In addition to the site’s Tax & Assessing page, residents can view their assessing and tax information for free at this link.

OFFICE HOURS

General Office: Monday & Thursday, 09:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Treasurer: Monday & Thursday, 09:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., or by appointment (email treasurer@powelltownship.org)

Assessor: Thursday, 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Zoning Administrator: by appointment only (email zoningadmin@powelltownship.org) 

2026 MEETING CYCLES

To see upcoming meeting notices listed, special meetings, cancellations, reschedules, or virtual instructions, click here. For a calendar view, click here. To see public comment guidelines, check the Rules of Public Comment Participation. 

  • The Ambulance Department meets the first Sunday of each month – 7:00 P.M. at Powell Township Fire Hall

  • The Parks & Recreation Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month – 6:30 P.M. at Powell Township Hall

  • The Powell Township Board meets the third Tuesday of each month – 7:00 P.M. at Powell Township Hall (EXCEPT APRIL: RESCHEDULED TO 28 APR 2026)

  • The Planning Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month – 7:00 P.M. at Powell Township Hall

  • The Fire Department meets the last Thursday of each month – 6:00 P.M. at Powell Township Fire Hall

WATER OR EMERGENCY NEEDS? POWELL TOWNSHIP HALL IS AVAILABLE 

Address: 101 Bensinger Street, Big Bay, Michigan, 49808

If there are issues accessing the hall OR transportation needs to get to the hall, call or text 906-204-6833 or the Powell Township Emergency Manager at 906-362-7275 for assistance

  • For township residents or guests experiencing individual homestead or township-wide water supply issues after weather or other major events, the township hall is open with staff available to help or answer questions.  Water is available to fill up jugs or carriers. 
  • If there are long-lasting homestead or town-wide power outage emergencies OR moderate medical equipment power needs, the hall will open during the day or night once notified. Township residents and guests will be welcome.
  • The town hall and adjacent fire hall will have water, cots and blankets, power to include heat or cooling/fans, light, and outlets (for reasonable needs). 
  • Food Bank items are also prepared for use if/as needed.

EMERGENCY/NOTICE – TRANSFER STATION (TRASH & RECYCLING) CLOSED & RE-ROUTED TO TOWN HALL -SAME DAYS/TIMES (SAT 8 – NOON, TUE 3 – 6PM) – NO LARGE ITEM DROP OFF UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

  • The Powell Township Transfer Station (for residents’ trash and recycling drop off) is closed until further notice.
  • Garbage drop off will take place at the Powell Township hall on the same days and times. Signs are posted throughout town.
  • Please drive in through the Powell Township Fire Hall (103 Bensinger, Big Bay, Michigan 49808) and drive around and behind Powell Township Hall (101 Bensinger, Big Bay, Michigan 49808) and exit through the Town Hall lot.
  • Household garbage and recycling only!! No large items will be accepted until further notice.
  • If needed, you can get a landfill passes for the Marquette County Landfill at Powell Township Hall for large items.

PRESS RELEASE – Structural Removal & Office Preservation Project at Transfer Station Bid Process Opened

DATE: March 23, 2026
CONTACT: Levi Ellis, Township Supervisor (906-345-9345 ext. 14)
SUBJECT: Structural Removal & Office Preservation Project at Transfer Station

BIG BAY, MI – Following the structural failure, Powell Township has officially opened the bidding process for the demolition and removal of the Transfer Station structure on County Road KG. The project focus is two-fold: the safe, “surgical” removal of the collapsed main structure and the preservation of the existing indoor office building. The winning contractor will be required to install a temporary, weather-tight roof and code-compliant electrical service to the office to ensure essential operations can eventually resume. “Our priority is clearing the site safely while protecting our existing assets,” said Supervisor Levi Ellis. “We are working closely with our waste hauler and the County to restore services as quickly as possible.”

Notice to Residents: The Transfer Station remains closed until further notice. All household waste and recycling services (excluding large items and hazardous waste) continue to be re-routed to the Powell Township Hall at 101 Bensinger Street, Tuesdays 3p.m.- 6p.m. and Saturdays 8a.m. – 12p.m. We thank the community for their continued patience during this emergency restoration phase.

Bids for the project are due by April 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Full bid specifications are available here, or on request by calling, emailing, or visiting the township offices at 101 Bensinger Street, Big Bay, Michigan.

NOTICE – BILL DIONNE (HALFWAY) FIRE HALL FOOD BANK OPENINGS EXTENDED:

5 – 7 P.M. on MARCH 18, APRIL 1, APRIL 15

  • With donated funds and volunteers, the Powell Township Emergency Management Department will open the Bill Dionne Fire Hall at Halfway Food Bank starting November 5. Continuing it through summer will be determined in April.
  • The Food Bank will open from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on two Wednesdays per month: NOV 5 & 19, DEC 3 & 17, JAN 7 & 21, FEB 4 & 18, MAR 4 & 18, and APR 1 & 15.
  • Non-perishable food, paper goods, hygiene and cleaning supplies are available for anyone in need.   
  • For more information, call Emergency Manager Kim Bourgeois (906-362-7275) or the township office (906-345-9345).

 

Food Bank Donations

  • You can make a monetary donation; make checks payable to Powell Township and note “food bank donation” in the memo line. A great holiday idea.
  • You can make a food/supply donation; drop off is available at the Powell Township office during regular office hours (Mon & Thu 9-12), or in the Powell Township Hall whenever it is open/active for events, or dropped off during food bank operating hours at the Halfway Fire Hall.
  • For more information, call Emergency Manager Kim Bourgeois (906-362-7275) or the township office (906-345-9345).

FREE SENIOR SERVICES DAYS – FIRST THURSDAY OF MARCH, APRIL, MAY

From the Marquette County Senior Services Center: More free Senior Services Days are scheduled for Powell Township Hall for the first Thursday of March, April, and May.

  • Appointments are free of charge and open to all seniors in the area.
  • One goal is to help clients with items such as health insurance enrollment.
  • Flyers with all information will also post online and throughout town soon.
  • To schedule an appointment, call 906-228-0456. 

 

UPCOMING DAYS ARE:

  1. March 5, 8 A.M. – 3 P.M.
  2. April 2, 8 A.M. – 3 P.M.
  3. May 7, 8 A.M. – 3 P.M.

YOU MAY QUALIFY: FREE HOME WEATHERIZATION UPGRADES

A message from the State of Michigan offices: You may qualify for up to $34,000 in free home weatherization upgrades.

  • This could lower your heating and cooling costs and upgrade your home’s systems, seals, and insulation.
  • This program is state-funded and completely free for qualifying households.
  • Flyers with all contact information are in town hall, on bulletin boards, and available on request by contacting 906-767-0067 or visiting greatlakesweatherization.com.

YOU ARE INVITED – COMMUNITY DINNER

April 14, 4:30 – 6:00 P.M.

Community Presbyterian Church of Big Bay, Michigan, 49808

Menu will be posted throughout the township prior to the event.

THE ANNUAL BIG BAY RELAY IS MAY 16, 2026

What is the Big Bay Relay? Teams come together to go further than they ever have on a course that stretches from Marquette, Michigan, to Big Bay, Michigan, with friends and a community of runners by their side. Your relay experience is as competitive as you make it. Rally your team and challenge the other teams in your division for the top ranking, or simply make it your goal to cross the finish line together! The Big Bay Relay is about coming together as a team and going further than you could as an individual. From an elite runner to the novice runner, Big Bay Relay is the perfect race for anyone.

When Is It? 

  1. The 48th Annual Race will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026
  2. Starts at 8:00 A.M., at the Kaufman Sports Complex, Marquette, Michigan
  3. Finishes at Perkins Park, Big Bay, Michigan

How It Works: Teams are composed of five runners for adults and up to seven for youth teams. Teams cover 26-ish miles, starting in Marquette, MI and ending in Big Bay, MI. Runners run approximately 1 mile each before handing the baton to a teammate and resting until it is their turn again. While one person is running, the rest of your teammates are on support duty in your race vehicle. As each runner begins, the crew in the vehicle drives ahead and meets them at the exchange point to pick them up and drop off the next runner.Race HistoryIn spring of 1972, Marquette held its first Big Bay Relay coordinated by Race Director Karen Kunkle and her husband Jack. The first race brought only ten relay teams and has grown to include over fifty teams in the past several years. A note in the Upper Peninsula Road Runners Club named the Big Bay Relay the 1990 Race of the Year.Some relay teams have been racing for more than 20 years and hold a special place as part of the annual race’s history. If you are an elite runner who wants to compete, or a group of friends that want to try something adventurous, this picturesque relay is for you. For 47 years the Big Bay Relay has been uniting community members, families and friends, and we want you to be a part of this year’s race!

  1. More details  here
  2. Sign up you or your team(s)  here
  3. Email any further questions to  parksandrec@powelltownship.org  and/or  parks-trailsmanager@powelltownship.org

YOU ARE INVITED – MEMORIAL DAY & WEEKEND EVENTS

  • Sunday, May 24: Pancake Breakfast at Town Hall (8AM – Noon)

  • Monday, May 25: Big Bay Cemetery Memorial Day Tribute Event (TENTATIVELY 10:30 A.M.)

The breakfast menu is PANCAKES, EGGS, BACON, AND SAUSAGE. Suggested donation $10 (adults), $5 (children over 5 years old). Questions? Call 906-345-9345 (ext. 10). More details will follow soon regarding the Big Bay Cemetery Memorial Day Tribute Event. Residents, friends, and family are welcome!

YOU ARE INVITED – DRAVER PARK RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY – JUNE 6, 2026, 1 P.M.

  • The major renovation of Draver Park, in the heart of Powell Township, finished in 2025 just before the major snowfalls.
  • The park became open for use at that point.
  • The official ribbon cutting “opening ceremony” is June 6, 2026, at 1:00 P.M.
  • A THANK YOU to all residents for their patience during the 3-season-long construction. 
  • More details will follow as the event nears.

YOU ARE INVITED – 32ND ANNUAL FIRE ON THE BAY – JULY 11, 2026

The Powell Township Parks & Recreation Committee announces the 32nd Annual “FIRE ON THE BAY” Fireworks Display, July 11, 2026. This year’s specifics and accompanying concert details will post as the event nears.

Fireworks are traditionally fired from the north side of Big Bay Harbor on Lake Superior at dusk and last approximately 30 minutes. Spectators will gather in the public beach and Harbor areas. Due to crowds, the beach drive and the Marina will be blocked to motorized vehicles. Handicapped parking is available at the Marina or Harbor. Roadside parking is limited, so consider walking to the beach from downtown. For safety, no alcohol or pets are permitted.

The Township receives great support from the community in raising funds for the fireworks and is grateful for all event supporters. THANK YOU!

  • Fire On the Bay donations are accepted year-round and are used solely for the annual event.
  • Supporters can mail donations to: Powell Township Treasurer, P.O. Box 38, Big Bay, Michigan, 49808 and include in the memo “Fire on the Bay”.
  • Supporters can also drop donations off at Powell Township Hall offices (or the drop box outside of the offices).
  • Supporters can also use the code below or donate online at  https://givebutter.com/OI2fue. 

POWELL TOWNSHIP TRAILS UPDATES: 

Trail maps are available at Noquemanon Trail Network. Powell Township’s trails are part of this network. Additionally, a trails traffic report is available here.

Mino-Kwe-Jiigibiik-Pink-Set-2024
Mino-Kwe-Jiigibiik-Blue-Set-2024
Burns-Boardwalk-to-Beach-Stairs
Boardwalk-View-Toward-Burns-Cabin
Burns-Long-Boardwalk-to-Beach

SAVE THE DATES

Powell Township residents, please keep these annual township events in mind. Further details, including times, are in local newsletters (including the site newsletter), on the site calendar, and/or will post as they become available.

  • January: Thomas Rock Showshoe Event (3rd Saturday)
  • February: Fishing Derby (2nd weekend)
  • February: Honey Bear Classic Ski/Snowshoe Event (2nd weekend)
  • April:  Easter Egg Hunt (Saturday before Easter) 
    NOTE: 2026 EASTER EGG HUNT IS CANCELLED DUE TO COLD SEASON LOGISTICS ISSUES
  • May:  Spring Cleanups, Dash for Trash, and Potlucks (1st week)
  • May:  Big Bay Relay (3rd Saturday)
  • May:  Memorial Day Tribute at Big Bay Cemetery
  • June: Summer Concert Series season begins
  • June: Park & Trail Recreation Network Volunteers Picnic
  • July:  4th of July Parade
  • July:  Softball Tournament (weekend after July 4th)
  • July:  Fire on the Bay (2nd Saturday)
  • August-September:  Softball Tournament (Labor Day weekend)
  • September:  Fall Festival (3rd weekend)
  • Fall – Spring:  Community Dinners, Open Houses, and Food Banks
  • December:  Holiday Tree Lighting (1st Saturday)

GOT BOOKS? NEED BOOKS? FREE LIBRARY IN TOWN HALL

Powell Township Hall, 101 Bensinger Street, Big Bay, Michigan, 49808

The free lending library in Powell Township Hall is upgrading to a more organized and maintained collection (and a reading space), thanks to a team of energetic volunteers. You can stop by the hall to view or borrow items for free. Also, as you spring clean or organize your own collections to pay items forward (to include books, games, or puzzles), please consider dropping them at Powell Township Hall or the office. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Employment Opportunities

1. Basic Job Application

2. General Office Clerk Job Posting

3. Recording Secretary Job Posting

4. Election Inspector Job Posting

5. Planning Commission Member Job Posting

Powell Township Hall & Fire/EMS Hall

Bill Dionne ("Halfway") Fire Hall

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