Van Riper State Park

Van Riper State Park is a public recreation area located in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan, 17 miles (27 km) west of Ishpeming on US Highway 41.[4] The state park's 1,055 acres (427 ha) lie partly in Michigamme Township and partly in Champion Township, both in Marquette County. The park has about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of frontage along the eastern shores of Lake Michigamme, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of frontage along the shores of the Peshekee River.

Van Riper State Park
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)[1]
Location in Michigan
LocationMarquette County, Michigan, United States
Nearest cityIshpeming, Michigan
Coordinates46°31′26″N 87°59′03″W[2]
Area1,055 acres (427 ha)
Elevation1,588 feet (484 m) [2]
DesignationMichigan state park
Established1956[3]
AdministratorMichigan Department of Natural Resources
WebsiteVan Riper State Park

History

This park is named after Dr. Paul Van Riper, who practiced medicine in the area for most of his 91 years, and was involved in the local politics of the region. While serving on the Marquette County Board, he persuaded the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company to turn the property over to the local township for use as a public park. A beach pavilion and changing house were built by the county in 1924. In 1956, the property was turned over to the state to become a state park.[5]

Activities and amenities

The state park offers a water park. swimming, picnicking, fishing, campground and cabins, and five miles of hiking trails.[4]

References
  1. "Van Riper State Park". IUCN. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  2. "Van Riper Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  3. "When were Michigan state parks and recreation areas established?" (PDF). Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  4. "Van Riper State Park". Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  5. "Park to celebrate golden aniversary [sic], namesake". The Mining Journal. Marquette, Mich. July 4, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
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