White Lake Charter Township is a charter township of Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Together with its two unincorporated communities, the township makes up part of the Detroit metropolitan area outskirts. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 30,950.

The Huron River rises in White Lake Township.

Communities

The Township has three unincorporated communities:

  • East White Lake was the name of a post office in the township from 1846 until 1850.
  • Oxbow is located at Union Lake and Elizabeth Lake Roads (; Elevation: 945 ft./288 m.). On June 11, 1873, White Lake Centre Post Office opened here. The Office changed its name to Ox Bow on March 10, 1875, and again in 1894 to Oxbow. On June 29, 1901, the Post Office was closed.
  • White Lake is located at Ormond and White Lake Roads (; Elevation: 1037 ft./316 m.) and is mostly known for its National Weather Service office, located within the township. White Lake had a post office initially named as Plainville when it opened on July 11, 1838. The Post Office was renamed White Lake on May 29, 1841, and closed on Jan. 31, 1910. It operated from 1962 to 1976 as a branch/station of Union Lake.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which is land and , or 9.44%, is water.

Several of the community's large parcels have been preserved as state recreation areas and county parks. Rural residential development and lake living is typical, as the township has 21 lakes within its borders.

Intersected by M-59, a majority of the township's commercial development has occurred along this major east–west corridor.

The southernmost area of the township is located northwest of the Detroit city limits, and from downtown Pontiac.

Demographics

As of the census

St. Patrick Catholic School is in White Lake.

Recreation

The nearby Highland Recreation Area offers many recreational activities with trails to accommodate equestrian riders, mountain bikers, hikers and skiers. Three different day-use areas provide ample space for picnics, swimming, horseshoes or volleyball. Access sites are located on four lakes within the park for fishing and recreational boating. Located within it now is Haven Hill, the Edsel Ford estate, designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen between 1922 and 1935. Haven Hill is designated as a Michigan State Historical Landmark and a State Natural Preserve. Jensen's landscape elements, with the diversity of tree, plant and animal life, combine aesthetics, history and nature.

The town is home to Alpine Valley ski resort which opened in 1961 and is a major attraction to the area during the winter months. This resort, the largest in southeast Michigan, is host to multiple lifts with a range of runs available. There are also terrain parks.

There are several other public and private parks and lakes that provide recreation to residents and non-residents. Pontiac Lake State recreation area offers public boat access, is renowned for its challenging mountain bike track, and is mostly within the borders of White Lake Township. Pontiac Lake is home to the annual "Quake on the Lake" hydroplane races. White Lake (the lake) also has public access. The township is also home to several parks with public golf courses, including White Lake Oaks and Indian Springs Metropark.

References

Notes

Sources

  • White Lake Township official website
  • White Lake Citizens League
  • White Lake Public Library
  • Haven Hill, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford estate
  • Crime Statistics for White Lake
  • Plat of White Lake Township, circa 1872