The league was announced in late 2009 and began play in the Fall of 2010 with six member teams, all located within the state of Michigan.

Before the 2017-18 season Indiana Tech left to join the newly formed NAIA Division.

Calvin College moved up from ACHA Division 3 to fill the spot left by Indiana Tech.

The conference plays a 16-game league schedule, two games against each team—home team alternates each season.

The GLCHL holds a league championship tournament at the end of the regular season in February.