[5] It was named in honor of Hannibal Hamlin, 15th vice president of the United States.

[6] The township is in western Mason County, sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.

Hamlin Lake, a dammed lake on the Big Sable River, occupies a large portion of the township, and the Lincoln River forms the southern border of the township.

Big Sable Point Light and Ludington State Park are located within the township along Lake Michigan.

22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.