Livingston County SE Michigan Cities

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Cities: Brighton || Brighton Twp || Fowlerville || Genoa Twp || Green Oak Twp || Hamburg Twp || Hartland Twp || Hell || Howell || Pinckney

Neighbor Counties: Genesee || Oakland || Washtenaw || West Wayne County

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Livingston County is located in the SE section of Michigan's lower peninsula. It's county seat is Howell. This county was named after Edward Livingston, Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson, and Minister to France. Although the U.S. Surveyor-General in 1815 reported the soil in the area to be of such poor quality that it was unsuitable for farming, the Chippewa and Potawatomi had farmed it for years. This was eventually realized and the region became an important agricultural area for livestock and grain. After World War II, many people moved to Livingston County to escape the city. This caused agriculture to decline in importance. During the 1970's, Livingston County was the fastest growing county in Michigan, but 20,000 acres of public land were kept from development to retain the area's natural beauty. The Brighton, Island and Pinckney state recreation areas make this a great place for recreation.

Brighton || Map || Livingston County

Lake living and recreation top the list of why people move here. The city of Brighton is situated upon the four corners of Brighton, Genoa, Hamburg and Green Oak Townships in SE Livingston County. Founded in 1832 by Maynard Maltby, he named it "Ore Creek" for the mineral deposits he discovered. In 1836 it received a post office, and was re-named in 1838. It was named after Brighton, New York where many of its original settlers came from. A village in 1867, it became a city in 1928. Today, Brighton is the second most populated of the two cities in Livingston County - the other is Howell, the county seat. Brighton's growth continues to be spurred by the junction of two interstate expressways, US-23 and I-96 and its proximity to thousands of acres of state land and metro parks. Situated half-way between Detroit and Lansing, Ann Arbor and Flint, Brighton makes for ideal commuter living. A walk by the Mill Pond downtown is nice, where you can view the old town hall and St. James Church, each displaying unique historic architecture. Located in the heart of Brightons vibrant downtown, the Imagination Station is a 10,000 square foot playground. A series of wooden play structures create a fantasy child-size play area for kids of every age. While children explore the Imagination Station, adults can enjoy a stroll along the Millpond or tread on the new Tridge; a three spiked bridge with an adjacent gazebo. On Sunday evenings in the summer, free gazebo concerts in the new performance shelter are a favorite of visitors and residents alike. The Brighton Farm Market is the place to be Saturday mornings.

Brighton Township || Map || Livingston County

Fowlerville || Map || Livingston County

Fowlerville is a small town with serene countrysides. Here you will find many working farms and horse pastures. The Fowlerville Fairgrounds is a real hot spot in the summer, hosting the annual county fair, which brings big name stars to perform. The Livingston Centre is a fascinating collection of historical buildings gathered from various locations in the county. Building tours are conducted of the one-room schoolhouse, railroad depot, farmhouse, barbershop, cobblers shop and a lovely turn-of-the-century church. During the Fowlerville Fair and the Fowlerville Fallfest, the Livingston Centre is open to the public. The new Kensington Valley Factory Outlet Mall, built in 1996 is also a big attraction located between Howell and Fowlerville.

Genoa Township || Map || Livingston County

Green Oak Township || Map || Livingston County

Hamburg Township || || Map || Livingston County

Hamburg is surrounded by 30 lakes, the Huron River with its well known chain-of-lakes passes thru. The Gregory State Game and Pinckney State Recreation Areas are close by. Hamburg is a nice rural residential retreat from the city's hectic pace. The M-36 corridor joins Pinckney and Hamburg and provides and east/west connection to other major arteries.

Hartland || Map || Livingston County

Located at US 23 and M-59, Hartland is centrally located to all major urban areas of Southeastern Michigan. With small town charm, Hartland has everything a community needs. Many golf courses can be found here, including the world-class Majestic at Lake Walden. Three state registered historic sites are in Hartland: Hartland Music Hall, Tom Walker's Parshallville Grist Mill and the Florence B. Dearing Museum, which can be found in the Hartland Township Town House which was built in 1893. In Hartland you can find new larger homes, a countryside home with acreage, or a home fronting on one of the areas many lakes. Hartland is also very proud of its nationally accredited and award wining schools. Four generations of Spicers have been welcoming visitors to the Spicer Orchard since the turn of the century. The current building was designed after an old Victorian carriage house that once stood on the farm.The building has storage for 10,000 bushels, a sorting machine, donut shop, bakery, cider mill, gift shop and farm market. Pick-your-own fruit fans will love the FREE hay rides and picking a variety of fruits from July through October.

Hell || Map || Livingston County

Not what you might think! The roads to Hell are paved with... rolling hills, scenic farms and tree-covered roads. You can mail a post card from the official Hell Post Office or buy
souvenirs. There are free photo opportunities with the "Welcome to Hell" sign. Hell Creek Ranch is one of the few State-facility riding stables in Michigan. The Potowatomi Indians traveled many of the same trails you will ride. Lots of beautiful lakes in the area.

Howell || Map || Livingston County

This is the county seat. Howell has it all...an annual hot air balloon and Howell melon festivals. In the downtown area, beautiful historic buildings have unique, modern apartments with a touch of the past--high ceilings, arched windows. Do you want a traditional neighborhood? Sidewalks, street lights, front porches, a walk to town? Howell is best known for carefully maintained, restored homes. Gingerbread trim, front porches, gabled roofs and turrets all characterize the charm of the city. Perhaps a new home in a nice, quiet subdivision appeals to you. If you have animals, a homestead or small farm might fit the bill. A diverse range of housing is available in the Howell area to appeal to every taste and budget. In the middle of the "path of growth" this is an excellent investment location. Surrounding Howell, acreage parcels are common. Lakefront living is here for many area residents. Thompson lake and Lake Chemung are the two largest. The Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stable prides itself in premium riding stock and equipment. Take a guided horseback ride through 5,000 acres of the most beautiful countryside in Michigan.

Pinckney || Map || Livingston County

This south-central community appeals to those who desire a rural retreat from the city. The M-36 corridor provides an east/west connection to other major arteries and populated areas. The Village of Pinckney offers a quiet and stable environment. Pinckney Community Schools provide a quality education and a dedicated staff with high standards for individualized attention. A charming one-room schoolhouse in Pinckney is an excellent example of life in early America.