Van Riper State Park, a Michigan State Park located nearby Ishpeming

VAN RIPER STATE PARK

VAN RIPER STATE PARK
851 County Road AKE
Champion, Michigan 49814

Phone: 906-339-4461
Reservations: 800-447-2757

Van Riper State Park contains one-half mile of frontage on Lake Michigamme with a fine sandy beach. There is also one and one-half miles of frontage on the Peshekee River. A slow drive through the north of the park may reward you with the sight of a majestic moose!

Nature of the Area

In 1985 and 1987, 59 moose were transplanted from Algonquin National Park in Ontario, Canada, to a release site six miles north of the park. The herd has grown considerably with the birth of new calves each year. A slow drive through the north of the park may reward you with the sight of one of these majestic animals. An information center within the park has pictures and information on the transplant and the story of Moose Life I and II told on video.

Camping

Van Riper-Modern(800) 447-2757 147 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms, Playground

Van Riper-Rustic(800) 447-2757 40 site(s)Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Van Riper-Rustic Cabin(800) 447-2757 Cabins & Lodges, Vault Toilet

Van Riper-Main TrailTrail Length: 0.50 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking

Van Riper-Miners LoopTrail Length: 0.25 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking

Van Riper-Old Wagon Road TrailTrail Length: 1.50 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking

Van Riper-Overlook TrailTrail Length: 1.00 (Miles)Hiking

Van Riper-River TrailTrail Length: 1.50 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking

Van Riper is located in an area rich in scenic, historic and recreational sites. It is only a few miles east of the park where iron ore was first discovered in the Lake Superior region in 1845. Evidence of early mining ventures of almost a century ago can be seen along several miles of good foot trails that wander through the hills on the north side of the highway. A fine scenic overlook of Lake Michigamme is found along these trails. Open pit mines are still operating in the general area and the Iron Industry Museum located in Negaunee is well worth a visit.

Michigamme Shores US Highway 41 West Champion, MI 906-339-2116	Country Village RV Park 1200 Country Lane Ishpeming, MI 906-486-0300