Lovells Township is one of the administrative units of Crawford County, as well as a corner of nature where the population density is low and forests and waterways form the basis of life. According to the 2020 census, the population is only 567 people.
Geographically, it covers an area of approximately 101.73 square miles, of which 1.18 square miles is water, with the remainder consisting of forests, swamps and areas suitable for development.
Its proximity to the North Branch Au Sable River gives the township a special aura: the river flows through the territory, providing opportunities for fishing, rafting and simply walking by the water.
How did the town come into being?
The area now known as Lovells Township began to take shape long before it was officially founded. The first land surveys were conducted as early as 1852. However, it was not officially designated as an independent entity until 1912, when residents separated from Maple Forest Township. The name is in honour of Judge Lewis Lovell.
The Lovells community within the township itself is an unincorporated area located on the riverbank, near the bridge over North Branch Au Sable. A railway station was built there in 1889, which played a role in the development of the settlement.
The same settlement is home to Douglas House (Douglas Hotel, North Branch Outing Club), an old hunting lodge built in 1916 and now recognised as a Michigan State Historic Site.
What to see and do in this area?
In Lovells Township, time seems to flow at a different pace. Nature is the main attraction. Forest trails lead to rivers, lakes and marshes. Fishing is common here, and Au Sable remains a magnet for fishing and rafting enthusiasts.
Douglas House, a historical gem of the area, is one of the places worth visiting. Its wooden walls remember the days when the timber industry developed the region and visitors sought solitude and natural beauty.
The bridge walk is a local event: every year, residents organise the Lovells Bridge Walk, a march across the bridge over the river. This is not a tourist show, but a tradition steeped in local knowledge.
For those who come for nature, campgrounds in the area, such as Shupac Lake State Forest Campground, complete the picture of life in the habitat – the opportunity to stay right on the edge of the forest, listen to the night-time forest and wake up at dawn.
Advantages and challenges of living in Lovells Township
The advantages are obvious: nature is close at hand, with forests, rivers and tranquillity. Life is slow here and you get undisturbed time to hear the rain at night or watch the stars without any city lights. But there are challenges as well.
The distance from the big cities makes it difficult to get to the places of medical care, shops, and entertainment. During the cold season, the roads can be quite difficult to drive on. The economy is also limited. There are few jobs locally, so people often have to travel to neighbouring towns to work or study. But those who choose Lovells Township are prepared for this balance between freedom and self-sufficiency.
Seasonal events and traditions
In Lovells Township, the year is measured not by the calendar, but by the rhythms of nature. In spring, fishermen return here – the trout fishing season begins on the Au Sable River. It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. During this time, dozens of boats appear on the river, and the air is filled with the tart smell of water and campfires.
One of the most anticipated events is the Annual Trout Opener Festival, which marks the start of the season. In the morning, you can hear laughter, the clinking of mugs and the quiet hum of conversations about fish, weather and tackle. At lunchtime, everyone gathers at local cafes and taverns, where they fry the fresh catch and discuss their successes on the water.
Summer in Lovells is a time for relaxation and gatherings. There are picnics on the shores of Shupac Lake, family fairs and small open-air concerts. Local artisans bring their wood and leather crafts, and children run around on the grass with ice cream.
In autumn, nature paints the surroundings in shades of amber and copper. Then the township becomes especially quiet. People come for photos, walks and a sense of peace. For many, this is the best season to experience what real northern Michigan is like. And in winter there is snow, skiing and cosiness by the fireplace. Locals say that winter here is not a challenge, but an opportunity to slow down, get together with friends, and truly enjoy the silence. In Lovells Township, each season has its own character. This is what makes the place truly alive – it breathes with nature without losing its spiritual rhythm.
Why Lovells Township is impressive
This area is not impressive because of its size or noise. It is impressive because of its sincerity. Here, nature is not pretended: it is real. Anyone who has been here for even a couple of days notices how their breathing changes – the noise of engines is replaced by the rustling of the wind. It’s like returning to something simple and meaningful. Lovells Township is not just a dot on the map of Michigan. It is a place you want to return to, even if the road there is long and slow.
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