Van Riper State Park

Reading about the moose herd at Van Riper State Park.

Van Riper's 1,200 acres of conifer and hardwood forest include a half-mile fine sand beach on Lake Michigamme and 1.5 miles of frontage on the Peshekee River.

About four miles of trails wander through the hills and reveal evidence of the early iron ore mining ventures that occurred here a century ago. An overlook offers fine views of Lake Michigamme.

Michigamme is one of the top walleye lakes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Anglers also take northern muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass and an occasional whitefish and trout.

Moose, introduced to the area a few years ago, now number 700 and some of the animals wander through the park. An information center tells the story of the "moose lifts" with pictures and video.