There are over 100 state parks and recreation areas to experience 'Pure Michigan'. Officially 103 according to the State of Michigan in fact, with two new ones on the way. But have you ever wondered which park was first?

Interlochen State Park, Summer 2019
MI Dept. of Natural Resources
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What's the oldest state park in the State of Michigan?

According to the Michigan Department of Natural resources, Interlochen State Park is Michigan's oldest state park, it was founded in 1917 and officially became Michigan's first State Park in 1919.

Interlochen State Park / Facebook
Interlochen State Park / Facebook
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The park was established as Michigan's first state park by the Michigan Legislature in 1917, which paid $60,000 for the land. In 1928, the national music camp, Interlochen Center for the Arts, was established on the property adjoining the northern boundary of the park.

In fact, you might remember the DNR celebrating the centennial of Michigan's State Park system back in 2019, and that's because the date of the centennial was the date of Interlochen State Park's opening.

Interlochen State Park, Summer 2019
MI Dept. of Natural Resources
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How far is Interlochen State Park from me?

One of the great things about Michigan's oldest state park is that it's a relatively quick visit from Michigan's most populated areas.

MI Dept. of Natural Resources
MI Dept. of Natural Resources
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Here's the travel time to Interlochen State Park from Michigan's Major Cities:

  • Grand Rapids: 2 Hours via Northbound US-131, approximately 132 miles
  • Kalamazoo: 2 Hours 43 Minutes via Northbound US-131, approximately 182 miles
  • Lansing: 2 Hours 42 Minutes via Northbound US-127 & M-115, approximately 171 miles
  • Flint: 2 Hours 45 Minutes via Westbound US-10 & M-115, approximately 180 miles
  • Detroit: 3 hours 46 minutes via I-96 Westbound & US-127 Northbound, approximately 256 miles
MI Dept. of Natural Resources
MI Dept. of Natural Resources
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What are the highlights of the Interlochen State Park?

Interlochen State Park is situated between two well-known fishing and swimming lakes: Green Lake and Duck Lake. The park is home to camping, paddling, fishing, swimming, and much more.

DSK389-008.jpg | Interlochen State Park
MI Dept. of Natural Resources
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12 Michigan State Parks That Offer Winter Camping Options

If you are a winter enthusiast, there are 12 Michigan State Parks that offer winter camping options for you to enjoy. 

Venturing out of Michigan: Check out these popular National Parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

 

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