Growing with Purpose and Pride

With a Strong Civic Focus and Community-Centered Initiatives, This Dynamic Township Has Much to Boast About

Located along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan in Southwest Michigan, Lincoln Township stands out for its careful planning, strong civic services, and dedication to a high quality of life. Home to around 15,000 residents, the township serves as a residential haven for professionals working in nearby St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, while maintaining its own distinct identity through a range of amenities, recreational opportunities, and economic growth.

“Lincoln Township is primarily a bedroom community for the city of St. Joe, Benton Harbor,” says Glenn Youngstedt, Township Supervisor. “Three school systems serve us and have about 150 acres of parks, including softball, baseball, and soccer fields. We even have a splash pad and two pavilions. Our proximity to Lake Michigan makes us a popular destination for summer residents from places like Chicago and Indianapolis.”

Outdoor Assets and Future Connections

Youngstedt highlights the township’s outdoor amenities, which include a beach currently under reconstruction and nearby Grand Mere State Park, a 600-acre natural forest. “St. Joe is a lovely lakeside town that attracts a lot of summer tourists,” he adds, noting the synergy between the township and surrounding areas.

From a civic standpoint, Lincoln Township’s development vision is clear. The main commercial artery, Red Arrow Highway, is the central corridor for current and future growth. “We’re working on more non-motorized trails,” Youngstedt explains. “We’d love to have a bike trail that runs from Stevensville—our central village—all the way into St. Joe. That’s a four- to five-mile stretch, and it would connect a lot of our residents to recreational and commercial areas.”

Economic Ties with Stevensville

Stevensville, a charming village encircled by Lincoln Township, is a key part of the area’s social and economic landscape. Although it operates under its village government, the connections between Stevensville and Lincoln Township run deep.

The two communities share residents, services, and a variety of public events that bring people together. “There was a Mother’s Day market downtown last weekend that was well-attended by both township and out-of-town residents,” Youngstedt adds, illustrating the collaborative spirit and shared momentum that define their relationship. Events like these not only strengthen community bonds but also energize the local economy by attracting visitors and generating foot traffic that benefits small businesses throughout the area.

Reviving Spaces, Welcoming Growth

Lincoln Township is focused on practical, forward-looking development, striking a balance between preserving established areas and planning for future expansion. Township Assessor John Baumann describes a two-part strategy: revitalizing older village properties and expanding commercial use along Red Arrow Highway. “In the village, revitalization is key—we’re looking at tax incentives and commercial reuse of older industrial properties,” he explains.

Meanwhile, available space in the township continues to attract new investment. “Since the post-COVID recovery, we’ve seen new hotels and restaurants coming in,” Baumann says. These additions serve both a growing tourist population and residents seeking local amenities.

“We thrive on our summer tourism—hotels, restaurants—but also serve our year-round population with amenities like grocery stores and medical offices,” Baumann continues. The Southwest Michigan Chamber of Commerce plays a crucial role in attracting new businesses and investments to the area.

These efforts are yielding results. “A new 200-unit apartment complex is coming to the township,” Baumann shares. “It’s a public project and a major step forward in addressing our housing needs.”

Agritourism and Industrial Strength

Beyond retail and housing, Lincoln Township benefits from an impressive mix of agritourism and industrial operations that bolster its economic resiliency. Township Clerk Michael Brown highlights the rich agricultural heritage of the area. “Just south of us, there are eight to ten wineries, and we have a slice of agritourism here as well. One-third of our township is agricultural. Our Treasurer runs a large farmers market,” he says. These farms and vineyards not only contribute to the local economy but also shape the township’s identity, offering authentic rural experiences to visitors and locals alike.

Meanwhile, the township’s industrial backbone continues to support regional employment and growth. “We have several tool-and-die shops employing hundreds, and Bosch has a plant here that manufactures braking systems for the auto industry—employing up to 1,000 people,” Youngstedt notes. These companies offer high-quality jobs, bolster the township’s tax base, and serve as an essential component of the broader Southwest Michigan manufacturing ecosystem. Their presence, alongside a growing tourism and agribusiness sector, reflects Lincoln Township’s commitment to economic diversity and sustainable prosperity.

Infrastructure that Supports Progress

Lincoln Township’s ability to foster long-term growth is tied directly to its robust infrastructure investments, many of which are strategically aligned with increasing residential and commercial demand. Township Manager Ralph Bansen emphasizes that addressing housing affordability is a key component of this strategy. “We’re encouraging more residential buildings. Like many communities, we’re struggling to provide affordable housing for our workforce,” Bansen says. “We have residents working at Whirlpool and Corewell Health, and we need to make it easier for them to live here.” The lack of local housing options for workers often results in long commutes, which can impact workforce retention and regional economic growth.

Beyond residential development, the township’s long-standing investment in essential utilities creates a strong foundation for expansion. “We’ve got a well-established water and sewer system dating back to the 1960s and 70s,” says Youngstedt. “That foundational infrastructure is still going strong, and it supports both our current population and future development.” The township has also made sidewalks a mandatory feature of new developments to ensure safe pedestrian connectivity. “We’re just completing a new section that links our township with the village,” Youngstedt adds, noting that this kind of walkability enhances livability, reduces traffic congestion, and encourages healthier lifestyles among residents.

Recreational Facilities as Economic Drivers

Lincoln Township’s reputation as a premier destination for youth and amateur sports is bolstered by its outstanding recreational infrastructure, which has become both a community cornerstone and an economic catalyst. “We have one of the best park systems in the area,” Bansen states. The township’s park system features high-quality fields for softball, soccer, and baseball, as well as dedicated lacrosse facilities and a state-of-the-art indoor skating rink that draws visitors year-round for tournaments and events.

“The lakeshore baseball and softball complex is one of the best in West Michigan,” Brown adds. “This past weekend’s lacrosse tournament had over 1,000 people from as far as Illinois and Detroit.” These large-scale sporting events not only energize the township’s community life but also generate significant tourism dollars, boosting the local economy through increased patronage of hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. The consistency of these events throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons ensures that the economic benefits are sustained and widespread, reinforcing the township’s role as a regional hub for competitive youth sports.

Community Voices Guiding Township Vision

Youngstedt shares that community input directly shapes township priorities. “We did a master plan survey last year, and residents said they want more parks and more non-motorized trails. We’re looking at a trail along the creek that could connect to the St. Joe River and Whirlpool facilities.”

Looking ahead, a larger regional trail is also in development. “There’s a trail being developed that will run from Chicago up to South Haven, going right through Lincoln Township,” he adds. “It’s a long-term project, but we’re proud to be part of it.”

This community-focused mindset defines the township’s leadership. “You’re always in service to the citizens—it’s never about you,” says Brown, who joined as township clerk after three decades in law enforcement.

A commitment to growth matches a commitment to learning. “Four of us attended the Michigan Township Association conference,” Brown notes. “It’s important to keep learning and running an effective government.”

Protecting What Matters Most

Safety remains a defining attribute of life in Lincoln Township. The township operates its full-time police department, which comprises over 17 sworn officers, as well as a professional and well-equipped fire department. “Having a full-time, professional police department adds to the prosperity of the township,” Brown says. “People want to live, work, and raise families in safe communities.”

Bansen, who spent 38 years in law enforcement before becoming township manager, brings a personal perspective to the role. “I’ve served here for most of my life, and when this position opened up, I knew I still wanted to contribute to my community. What better way than to keep serving the people I care about?”

Top Priority: Housing the Future

Looking ahead, one priority rises above the rest: housing. “We hear it from tool and die shops and the school superintendent,” says Youngstedt. “Apprentices are commuting 20 to 30 miles each way—we need affordable housing for them and new teachers.”

With a 200-unit apartment complex in progress and more single-family homes in the pipeline, the township is turning that need into action. These developments aim to reduce commute times, strengthen workforce retention, and ensure that those who work in the community can also call it home.

“There’s a strong, statewide push to expand housing,” Youngstedt reflects. “And Lincoln Township is proud to be doing its part—responsibly, and with the future in mind.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Lincoln Township, Michigan

What: A peaceful, family-friendly community in Berrien County known for its excellent schools, scenic parks, and proximity to Lake Michigan.

Where: Southwestern corner of Michigan, bordered by Lake Michigan to the west and situated between the cities of St. Joseph and Bridgman.

Website: www.lctberrien.org