Skip to main content

Van Riper State Park & Michigan Iron Industry Museum property

lake with sun rising

Van Riper State Park & Michigan Iron Industry Museum property

General management planning for Van Riper State Park and Michigan Iron Industry Museum property  

The DNR is in the process of developing a new general management plan for Van Riper State Park in Champion and the 120-acre property that surrounds the Michigan Industry Iron Museum in Negaunee, which are both located in Marquette County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The process typically takes one year to complete and is in the beginning stages. The project is facilitated by Beckett & Raeder Inc., of Ann Arbor. Public and stakeholder input will be a critical part of the process.

A property's general management plan defines a long-range (10- to 20-year) planning and management strategy to protect and preserve the site’s natural and cultural resources and provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities.

  • Aerial photograph overlooking Lake Michigamme, building and sandy beach

    Van Riper State Park

    Van Riper State Park, located 35 miles west of Marquette off U.S. 41, spans 1,135 acres and features 1.5 miles of pristine waterfront along both Lake Michigamme and the Peshekee River. The park is a favorite destination for modern and rustic camping, featuring a buoyed swim beach, sandy shores, bicycle pump tracks, accessible playgrounds, trails, picnic areas and a pavilion. North of the highway, miles of scenic trails wind through the hills, offering glimpses of early mining ventures from nearly a century ago.

  • view of forest from viewing platform with interpretive signage

    120-acre Michigan Iron Industry Museum property

    Just eight miles west of Marquette, tucked into the forested ravines of the Marquette Iron Range, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum overlooks the Carp River and the historic site of the region's first ironworks. The 120-acre property – recently expanded to include the Upper Carp River Falls – features two short interpretive trails highlighting the Carp River Forge, local flora and fauna, geology and Native American culture. The plan will focus on enhancing visitor access to these expanded natural lands.