Van Riper State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Van Riper State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Van Riper State Park
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Marquette County, Michigan, United States |
| Nearest city | Ishpeming, Michigan |
| Area | 1,055 acres (427 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,588 feet (484 m) |
| Designation | Michigan state park |
| Established | 1956 |
| Administrator | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | 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. 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.
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.
Activities and amenities
The state park offers a water park. swimming, picnicking, fishing, campground and cabins, and five miles of hiking trails.
