Elmwood Township Today

🏛️ Gateway to Leelanau County in 2026
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2026

A Living, Dynamic Community

Elmwood Charter Township is Leelanau County's gateway community — the first stop on the peninsula when arriving from Traverse City. With 4,508 residents, it is the county's most populous township and one of the most dynamic communities in Northern Michigan.

The township is served by both the Traverse City Area Public Schools and the Suttons Bay School Districts. Its southeastern community of Greilickville — the most populous place in all of Leelanau County — functions as a suburb of Traverse City while maintaining its distinct Leelanau identity. M-22, a nationally designated Pure Michigan Byway and Scenic Heritage Route, runs along the bay shore through Greilickville, connecting the township to the wider Leelanau Peninsula.

Elmwood Township takes great pride in its careful balance of growth and preservation — maintaining open spaces, farmland, wetlands, and forested areas through thoughtful zoning and conservation partnerships with the Leelanau Conservancy and other partners.

Township Properties & Parks
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Greilickville Park
Located along M-22 at the entry point to Elmwood Township along the beautiful shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. Its direct connection to downtown Traverse City via the TART Trail makes it a popular stop. Featuring picnic pavilions, white sandy beach, playground, BBQ grills, and restrooms — the perfect place to watch the Cherry Festival Fireworks or gather with family and friends.
Sandy Beach Picnic Pavilion Playground BBQ Grills Restrooms TART Trail
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Elmwood Township Marina
Considered by many to be the finest marina on West Grand Traverse Bay. Located along M-22, a designated Pure Michigan Byway. With 178 slips and 6 deep-water launch ramps, the Elmwood Township Marina is home to over 3,000 boaters each season. Just one mile from town, boaters can walk, bike, or drive to local restaurants, TART trails, and famous wineries throughout the Leelanau Peninsula.
178 Slips 6 Deep Launch Ramps 3,000+ Boaters/Season M-22 Access
⚓ Visit Marina Website →
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Cherry Bend Memorial Park
Elmwood Township's inland park on Cherry Bend Road offers covered picnic pavilions with grills, playground equipment, tennis courts, baseball fields, and paddle ball courts — a true all-ages recreation destination for residents and visitors alike.
Tennis Courts Baseball Paddle Ball Picnic Pavilion Grills Playground
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Leelanau Trail
The Leelanau Trail (TART Trail) runs the entire length of Elmwood Township along the former Manistee and Northeastern Railroad right-of-way. A beloved multi-use corridor for walking, cycling, inline skating, and winter cross-country skiing connecting Greilickville to Suttons Bay.
Walking Cycling Inline Skating Skiing Full Township Length
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Cedar Lake Boat Launch
A public boat launch located off Cherry Bend Road provides access to Cedar Lake, a large interior lake north of Cherry Bend Road and west of M-22. Cedar Lake was historically central to farming and community life, and today offers excellent fishing, paddling, and scenic recreation for residents and guests.
Public Launch Fishing Paddling
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DeYoung Natural Area
A 104-acre preserved natural area along Cedar Lake, established in 2006 through a partnership between the DeYoung family, the Leelanau Conservancy, and Elmwood Township. A universal access trail (0.5 mile) leads to the lake's edge, honoring the agricultural heritage of one of the township's founding families.
Nature Trail Accessible Lake View Conservation Land
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Elmwood Township Hall
The Township Hall at 10090 E. Lincoln Road is the center of local government — home to the Township Board, Planning Commission, assessor, zoning administration, and all civic meetings. Adjacent to the Township Hall is the Elmwood Fire Department, providing fire and rescue protection to the 4,508 residents.
Government Planning Public Meetings Fire Department