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, and Powell Township staff maintain four additional local parks: Draver Park and Ballfield, Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook, Burns Landing, 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.
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The Ambulance Department meets the first Sunday of each month – 7:00 P.M. at Powell Township Fire Hall
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The Parks & Recreation Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month – 6:30 P.M. at Powell Township Hall
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The Powell Township Board meets the third Tuesday of each month – 7:00 P.M. at Powell Township Hall
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The Planning Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month – 7:00 P.M. at Powell Township Hall
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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).
NOTICE – BILL DIONNE (HALFWAY) FIRE HALL FOOD BANK OPENINGS:
(FEB 18 OPENING IS CANCELLED DUE TO STORM; please call if items are needed (service is still available as requested). Emergency Manager (906-362-7275), township office (906-345-9345 ext. 10), or backup (906-204-6833)).
5 – 7 P.M. on MARCH 4 and MARCH 18
- 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 including March 4 and March 18.
- 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).
NOTICE – HIGHLINE UPDATES AND Q&A FORUM
February 23, 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Powell Township Hall, 101 Bensinger St., Big Bay, Michigan, 49808
Highline management will be present to give updates and answer questions from the general public.
- The Highline Chief Executive Officer and the Highline President and General Manager will be here at 6 P.M. on February 23, 2026.
- They will discuss the status of Highline’s services and upgrades in Powell Township and answer any questions from residents.
NOTICE – Powell Township Committee of the Whole Meeting – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
February 25, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.
Powell Township Hall, 101 Bensinger St., Big Bay, Michigan, 49808
This meeting is open to the public. Board members and Trustees will also be present. The meeting purpose is to discuss items on the below agenda. No decisions requiring Board voting will be made. A committee of the whole is a meeting where multiple committees meet together, sometimes including the entire board. This type of meeting allows for more interaction between committees and board members.
AGENDA:
- Discuss the draft March 17, 2026, Powell Township Board Meeting Agenda
- Discuss the draft Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Powell Township Budget and budget worksheets
NOTICE – Powell Township 2026 March Board of Review (MBOR) Meetings
Powell Township Hall, 101 Bensinger St., Big Bay, Michigan, 49808
- Organizational Meeting: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 2:00 P.M.
- Written petitions must be received by: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- First MBOR Meeting: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
- Second MBOR Meeting: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 3:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
All meetings are at Powell Township Hall, 101 Bensinger Street, Big Bay, Michigan, 49808. For questions, contact: Dylan Jurasin / MCAO, Powell Township Assessor, 906-361-6787, assessor@powelltownship.org; powellassessor@gmail.com.
YOU ARE INVITED – COMMUNITY DINNER
March 10, 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.
NOTICE – POWELL TOWNSHIP DRAFT 2026-2027 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
March 17, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Powell Township Hall, 101 Bensinger St., Big Bay, Michigan, 49808
The Draft Budget will be posted, or available on request from the township offices, in the near future.
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.
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)
- May: Spring Cleanups, Dash for Trash, and Potlucks (1st week)
- May: Big Bay Relay (3rd Saturday)
- 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)