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) 

2025 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

  • 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). 

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

5 – 7 P.M. on FEB 4, FEB 18, MAR 4, and MAR 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: NOV 5 & 19, DEC 3 & 17, JAN 7 & 21, FEB 4 & 18, and MAR 4 & 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).

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
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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)

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

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. 

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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