Brandon Township
Brandon Township was created in 1837, named in honor of the settlers of the Town of Brandon, Vermont, whose descendants had migrated to this area of Michigan. Brandon Township is a charter township in Oakland County, Michigan and was formed in the 20th century. The population was 15,175 at the 2010 census. Brandon Township is within the metro Flint Michigan area. The Flint River headwaters are also in Brandon Township in Oakland County.
Village of Ortonville
The Village of Ortonville is in northern Oakland County's Brandon Township. .Some development near the village lies within adjacent Oakland County's, Groveland Township and Lapeer County's, Hadley Township. The population was 1,442 at the 2010 census.
This is a very rural community and has a definite feeling of returning to small town rural America. It is, however, located 41 miles north of Detroit and therefore is also considered a northern suburb of Detroit.
Scattered throughout the village are several historic homes, churches and other buildings. Several small parks are located throughout the Village area.
The Ortonville Community Historical Society is very active and the original Brandon Township Hall still has many community activities. In 1996, the Mann Schoolhouse was moved from the current state recreation area to its current location within the village.
Ortonville Recreation Area
The Ortonville Recreation Area is located in north Oakland and southern Lapeer counties on the outskirts of the Village of Ortonville. This approximately 5,400-acre recreation area contains high wooded hills and a wide range of recreational activities. The development began in 1945, but by the end of 1948, more than 3,700 acres had been secured for the purpose of public recreational use. Additional land acquisitions have increased the area to its present size. The original park, Bloomer #3 State Park, was donated by Howard Bloomer in December of 1922.
With dense forests and good fishing lakes, the recreation area draws sportsmen during all four seasons. The many off-road parking spots also make it a perfect place for birding or just enjoying a nature walk.
Groveland Township
Groveland Township is a civil township, in Oakland County, Michigan The population was 5,476 at the 2010 census. Groveland Township was established in 1835. Groveland Township is home to the Holly Recreation Area.
Holly Recreation Area
The Holly Recreation Area is a state recreation area located within the northern portion of Oakland County between Pontiac and Flint It is less than an hour drive from the Detroit metropolitan area.
Covering 7,817 acres (3,163 ha) of rolling woodland and open fields, the park area is bisected by Dixie Highway and Interstate 75, with a majority of park features to the east, and the Holdbridge Lakes Mountain Bike Area to the west, featuring the Gruber’s Grinder trail. Features include an 18-hole disc golf course, 35 miles (56 km) of hiking and mountain biking trails, a model airplane flying field, opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and hunting. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Camping is provided for at 160 campsites and 3 rustic cabins, one of which is the Rolston Cabin. There is a groomed beach with picnic tables, a snack bar and boat rentals on Heron Lake. The park area also encompasses McGinnis Lake, Valley Lake, and Wildwood Lake.
The park typically sees the highest number of visitors in August and September, coinciding with the Michigan Renaissance Festival, which is located near the park. The area is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.