Van Riper State Park

Van Riper State Park
Map showing the location of Van Riper State Park
Location in Michigan
Location Marquette County, Michigan, US
Nearest city Ishpeming, Michigan
Coordinates 46°31′26″N 87°59′03″W / 46.52389°N 87.98417°W / 46.52389; -87.98417Coordinates: 46°31′26″N 87°59′03″W / 46.52389°N 87.98417°W / 46.52389; -87.98417 [1]
Area 1,055 acres (427 ha)
Elevation 1,588 feet (484 m) [1]
Established 1956
Governing body Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Website Van Riper State Park

Van Riper State Park is a 1,055-acre (4.27 km2) park located in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan, 17 miles (27 km) west of Ishpeming on US Highway 41.[2] It lies 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. After a beach pavilion and changing house were built by the county in 1924, the property was turned over to the state in 1956.[3]

Activities and amenities

The state park offers a water park. swimming, picnicking, fishing, campground and cabins, and five miles of hiking trails.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 "Van Riper Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. 1 2 "Van Riper State Park". Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Park to celebrate golden aniversary, namesake". The Mining Journal. Marquette, Mich. July 4, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
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