Our very own Alan Cook, Director of Forsyth Forward, was recently recognized by the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) as the recipient of the 2026 Small Business Champion Award! Alan personally knows nearly every small business in our community. And if he doesn't, he will go out of his way to introduce himself, build a connection, and find ways to offer support wherever possible. His commitment to small business goes beyond simply promoting local businesses. He genuinely cares about the people behind them and understands how much their success contributes to the overall success of our community.

At Forsyth Forward, we believe that strong communities are built through investment, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. One of the things that makes Forsyth Township special is the people, places, and recreational opportunities that bring our community together.

A regional study identified Gwinn and K.I. Sawyer as areas where additional trail access may be needed. Learn how regional trail plans and studies help guide the future of recreation in our community and how Forsyth Forward works to complement these efforts!

Construction continues on the Gwinn community pump track in Forsyth Township, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and it has been so heartwarming to see the time, effort, and community spirit our local volunteers are putting into making this outdoor recreation project a reality! This project is an exciting step toward creating more opportunities for youth, families, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts in our community.

At Forsyth Forward, we believe that collaboration is an important part of creating new opportunities for Forsyth Township. Supporting local businesses, improving community infrastructure, and expanding recreational opportunities all contribute to building a stronger community. Exploring ideas that we may not have been able to accomplish on our own. One project at a time!

This weekend, the forests around Anderson Lake will come alive with runners, volunteers, friends, families, and community members coming together for an incredible challenge. The Anderson Lake Backyard Ultra is more than a race! It is an opportunity for our community to come out, support local and visiting runners, and experience a truly unique event right here in Gwinn, Michigan.

A bag of coffee might seem like a small purchase, but small purchases can add up. Choosing local businesses, local nonprofits, and locally connected products helps strengthen the connections that make rural communities work.

With thoughtful planning, a future non-motorized multi-use trail network could become an important community asset supporting outdoor recreation, accessibility, tourism, transportation, economic development, and quality of life!

We are excited to announce a major investment in the future of recreation, connectivity, and quality of life in our community! After months of planning and working through the process, Forsyth Forward is excited to share that we have been awarded a $100,000 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) grant to support the planning and engineering of a new non-motorized trail network connecting Little Lake, Gwinn, and K.I. Sawyer.

Each Forward After 5 event will be hosted by a local business or organization, giving them an opportunity to put their business in the spotlight while also creating a space for others to connect.

The Explore Our Wild initiative seeks to encourage residents and visitors to discover, understand, and appreciate the natural world. While highlighting the people, places, research, and stories connected to the Upper Peninsula.

This summer, Forsyth Forward is thrilled to support Travel Marquette with their Junior Explorer Pass. Available now until September 7th, this fun tool is a great way to help get kids and families outdoors. The pass invites children to explore Marquette County responsibly, learn about the Leave No Trace principles, learn practical stewardship principles, and build a deeper connection with nature.

Rodeos and concerts to community markets, garage sales, parades, and family events, this summer has shown the incredible impact tourism has on Forsyth Township. Every visitor, every volunteer, and every local purchase helps strengthen our economy while showcasing the welcoming spirit that makes our community so special.

Tourism is often thought of as something that happens in larger destinations, but community events play a significant role in driving economic activity in rural communities like ours. Every visitor who stops for a meal, shops locally, fills up their gas tank, or spends the weekend exploring contributes to the local economy. Just as importantly, these events introduce new people to our community and encourage them to return in the future!

The grand opening celebration was the perfect reflection of what Little Trout Lake Park was created to be. A place filled with life, activity, and community spirit. Read about the grand opening of K.I. Sawyers Little Trout Lake Park.

More than provide a fun activity. These books are designed to help children and families connect with Forsyth Township through exploration and discovery! By combining creative coloring pages with QR codes that lead to local destinations, the books encourage hands-on learning and community engagement!

Gwinn welcomed thousands of visitors for the annual Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in Forsyth Township. With more than 900 players, along with families, volunteers, and spectators filling the community throughout the weekend, the event brought energy, excitement, and a major boost to local businesses.

5/22/2026

In communities like Forsyth Township, where we truly experience the shift between seasons, this transition is more than just routine, it’s an opportunity. As we move out of the long winter months and into a more active time of year, resetting your home helps create a space that supports outdoor living, family time, and the renewed energy that spring naturally brings.