Interlochen State Park is a public recreation area covering 187 acres (76 ha) on the isthmus between Green Lake and Duck Lake in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. The park offers swimming, year-round fishing, picnicking, camping, and boat launches.[3]
Interlochen State Park | |
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Location | Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, United States |
Nearest city | Traverse City, Michigan |
Coordinates | 44°37′40″N 85°45′46″W / 44.62778°N 85.76278°W |
Area | 187 acres (76 ha) |
Elevation | 837 feet (255 m) [1] |
Established | 1919 (purchased in 1917)[2] |
Administered by | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
Designation | Michigan state park |
Website | Official website |
History
editInterlochen State Park, originally called Pine Park, was established in 1917 when the Michigan Legislature paid $60,000 for the land, making it the State of Michigan's first officially recognized state park.[3][4] It was created to preserve for future generations the virgin pine stand (Pinus strobus).[5] It is one of the few easily reached places in Michigan where old-growth (pre-European settlement) red pine can be found.[6][A]
In 1928, the National Music Camp, Interlochen Center for the Arts was established on the property adjoining the northern boundary of the park.[4]
Notes
edit- ^ Hartwick Pines State Park preserves the other stand of virgin eastern white pine in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Duck Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "When were Michigan state parks and recreation areas established?" (PDF). Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
- ^ a b "Interlochen State Park". Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
- ^ a b "Interlochen State Park Slideshow" (PDF). Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
- ^ Michigan Public Domain Commission (1919). Biennial Report of the Public Domain Commission, pp. 43, 68-69. Fort Wayne Printing Company.
- ^ Dickmann, Donald I., & Leefers, Larry A. (2003). The Forests of Michigan, p. 101. The University of Michigan Press.
- ^ "Hartwick Pines State Park". Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
External links
edit- Interlochen State Park Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Interlochen State Park Map Michigan Department of Natural Resources