About Empire Township

Empire Township was established in 1865 and is located at the southwest border of Leelanau County, Michigan.  The township includes the incorporated Village of Empire and according to the 2010 census has 1,182 residents.

The township is primarily bordered by beautiful Lake Michigan to the west and scenic Glen Lake to the north.  In addition, Empire Township has two inland lakes, South Bar and North Bar.  Approximately 7,700 acres are located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and nearly 1,800 acres are in State ownership.

Township amenities include a serene and rustic 60-site campground, a public airport for small private aircrafts, and a township hall that is available for public and private events.  In 2008, the Empire Township Fire Department merged with the Glen Arbor Township Fire Department to form the Glen Lake Fire Department.  The Glen Lake Fire Department now provides both townships with first-rate fire and EMS services.

In 2011, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area was voted the "Most Beautiful Place in America".  Empire Township is a beautiful corner of Leelanau County and offers a lovely location in which to live or visit.