Welcome to Bear Lake Township

Bear Lake Township is a rural residential community (population 1465, 2010 Census) located in the Northern part of Manistee County. Our community's greatest assets are our beautiful lakes and creeks. The largest lake being the 1800-acre Bear Lake (of which approximately 590 acres are within the Township's 36 square miles). Bear Lake Township is also home of many other smaller kettle-hole lakes as well as numerous creeks that dot our landscape.

Today, over two thirds of the Township is dedicated to either agriculture or forest, while about a quarter is used for residential purposes. The remaining land is divided among commercial, institutional, and leisure purposes. The US-31 Commercial Corridor has business offering a variety of retail, medical services and leisure activities to the community.

NOTICE TO BEAR LAKE TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS

Bear Lake Township is a ZONED Community.
Land Use Permits are required.
Please call our Zoning Administrator, Jodie Lynch at 231-398-3587.

Currently, Bear Lake Township is seeking qualified applicants for a position on the Board of Appeals. If interested, please send a letter of interest to Bear Lake Township PO Box 187 Bear Lake, MI 49614. Or the letter can be dropped in the drop box.