The name was presumably derived from the proximity to the Michigan meridian which divided the state into eastern and western portions for surveying.

However, nearby Jackson rapidly outpaced Michigan Center, which has since become a bedroom community to the city.

[5] Michigan Center is in eastern Jackson County, in the southern part of Leoni Township.

The community is situated primarily around the northern end of Center Lake, formed by a dam on a tributary of the Grand River in 1911.

Michigan Center hosts the annual Carp Carnival at Leoni Township Park in June.

The festival features a parade, fishing contest, midway games and rides, chicken barbecue dinners and beer tent.