Welcome to Birch Run Township, a place where history and community spirit intertwine. Established in 1852 as a station on the Pere Marquette Railroad, Birch Run was named for the creek that winds its way through a beautiful birch-dominated landscape. The founding postmaster, John Moore, played a pivotal role in its early development. Although briefly renamed Deer Lick in 1863, by 1868, the community reverted to its original name, Birch Run.
A significant moment in Birch Run’s history came in 1954 when it was incorporated as a village, marking its formal recognition as a distinct community. The village continued to grow and evolve, eventually becoming home to the Great Lakes Storm, a Continental Basketball Association team, which played at the Birch Run Expo Center between 2001 and 2005. This venue was a hub for local sports enthusiasts during its operational years.
One of Birch Run’s most notable landmarks is the Birch Run Premium Outlets, which opened in 1986. As the largest outlet mall in the Midwest, it has attracted visitors from all over, contributing significantly to the local economy and community life.
Another pillar of the community is the Birch Run Township Fire Department. Founded in 1917 with a second-hand Model T fire truck, the department has grown alongside the township. In 2018, the fire department moved into a new facility, a testament to the community’s ongoing commitment to safety and modernization.
Birch Run has long been a place where community and history are celebrated, from its railroad beginnings to its status as a shopping destination and community centerpiece.
