Van Riper Miners Loop

Van Riper Miners Loop

Trail Distance:

Trail Length: 0.25 (Miles)

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!

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.

Van Riper State Park is located 35 miles west of Marquette on US-41. This 1,044 acre park contains one-half mile of frontage on the east end of Lake Michigamme with a fine sand beach. The water temperature is generally moderate -- a pleasant change from Lake Superior temperatures. There is also one and one-half miles of frontage on the Peshekee River.

Click to see the Van Riper Miners Loop Map

Information courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources

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