The city of Alpena is surrounded by the township, but the two are administered autonomously.

Lakewood is an unincorporated community on US 23 along the northeast side of Long Lake at 45°11′27″N 83°26′02″W / 45.19083°N 83.43389°W / 45.19083; -83.43389.

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 141.21 square miles (365.73 km2), of which 104.45 square miles (270.52 km2) is land and 36.76 square miles (95.21 km2) (26.03%) is water,[5] consisting of near-shore waters of Lake Huron, various inland lakes, and a stretch of the Thunder Bay River.

Half of Long Lake occupies the northern portion of the township.

25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.