Detroit Finnish Co-operative Summer Camp facts for kids
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Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2524 Loon Lake Rd., Wixom, Michigan |
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| Area | 76 acres (31 ha) |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architectural style | wooden summer camp |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000723 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 25, 2007 |
The Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association is a special place in Wixom, Michigan. It is a camping facility located at 2524 Loon Lake Road. People often call it "Finn Camp."
This camp is important because it helps keep Finnish traditions alive. It was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1997. Later, in 2007, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a historically important place in the United States.
History of the Finn Camp
Around 1906, some people from the Detroit area who had come from Finland wanted to share their culture. They formed a group called the Detroit Finnish Educational Association. They wanted to keep their traditions strong.
These group members enjoyed spending summers together. They would often rent beaches and parks for camping and swimming. In 1925, the Association decided to find a permanent spot. They wanted a place where they could always have their outdoor activities.
A special committee looked for the best location. They chose the spot where the camp is today. Then, they created a new group called the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association. This new group was open to anyone of Finnish descent who spoke Finnish and lived in the Detroit area.
In June 1925, the Summer Camp Association bought this land. Their goal was to build a lasting summer camp. The very first building, a sauna, was built in 1926. A year later, in 1927, they built a dance hall.
What is Finn Camp Like?
The Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association, or "Finn Camp," is a beautiful place. It sits on a wooded property right next to Loon Lake. A smaller lake, Sun Lake, is completely surrounded by the camp's land.
The camp property has clear boundaries. It is bordered by Loon Lake on one side. On other sides, it is next to the Hickory Hill Golf and Country Club. It also touches the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association subdivision and the Loon Lake Estates subdivision.
