Van Riper State Park

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!

Activities:

Biking

Boat Rental: Van Riper State Park offers kayak rentals from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. mid-May until the end of September. For additional information, contact the park at 906-339-4461.

Cross Country Ski: Trails are not groomed.

Fishing: Lake Michigamme is one of the top walleye lakes in the Upper Peninsula and also produces fine catches of bass, perch, trout, northern pike and muskellunge. Improved woods roads also provide access to many streams, lakes and the great forest which lies to the north of the park.

Hiking

Hunting

Paddling

Swimming: Lake Michigamme's water temperatures offer a relief from the cold water of Lake Superior.

Watchable Wildlife: 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 told on video.

Campgrounds

Van Riper-Camper Cabin
Van Riper-Modern
Van Riper-Rustic
Van Riper-Rustic Cabin

Trails

Van Riper-Main Trail
Trail Length: 0.50 (Miles)

Van Riper-Miners Loop
Trail Length: 0.25 (Miles)

Van Riper-Old Wagon Road Trail
Trail Length: 1.50 (Miles)

Van Riper-Overlook Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)

Van Riper-River Trail
Trail Length: 1.50 (Miles)

Facilities

Beach: One-half mile of sandy beach located on the east end of Lake Michigamme.

Boat Launch

Picnic Area: Fire pits/grills available.

Playground