Watch fireworks over the lake July 3
Van Riper State Park in western Marquette County invites campers and day users alike to celebrate the red, white, and blue during the park’s Fourth of July Jubilation, July 3-4. The park will also host a 50th anniversary celebration on July 5.
The celebration begins on Thursday, July 3, with Michigamme Township’s evening fireworks display. Van Riper State Park offers prime viewing locations for this spectacular show.
On Friday, July 4, the park will host a variety of patriotic activities for the whole family, including a bounce house, minnow races, and bike decorating for a parade through the campground. Decorations will be provided, or visitors can bring their own. Park staff will also host fun and educational programs on the bald eagle and the American flag. The following is a schedule of activities for July 4:
11 a.m. American bald eagle program
12:30-1 p.m. Bike decorating
1 p.m. Bike parade through campground
2 p.m. Minnow races
2-4 p.m. Bounce house
3 p.m. American flag program
On Saturday, July 5, the park will celebrate “Van Riper Day” in recognition of the park’s 50th anniversary. A bike parade will be held at 1 p.m. in honor of Dr. Paul Van Riper, for whom the park is named. Huron Mountain Bakery, the Friends of Van Riper State Park and the Friends of Craig Lake State Park will donate a cake for campers to enjoy at the campground host site immediately after the bike parade.
The public is also encouraged to visit the Michigamme Historical Museum, which features a display dedicated to the late doctor. The museum is located at 110 W. Main St, Michigamme.
Van Riper State Park is located 35 miles west of Marquette on US-41. This 1,044-acre park boasts one-half mile of fine sand beach on the east end of Lake Michigamme. The water temperature in Lake Michigamme is generally moderate — a pleasant alternative to Lake Superior’s cooler temperatures. The park also contains one and one-half miles of frontage on the Peshekee River. A slow drive north of the park may reward visitors with the sight of a majestic moose.
For more information about Van Riper Sate Park, visit www.michigan.gov/vanriper. Follow the park on Twitter @VanRiperStatePk for updates and other events or call the park at 906-339-4461. To make camping reservations for this or other events, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 800-447-2757.
The Fourth of July Jubilation at Van Riper State Park is free to attend; however, a Recreation Passport is required for all motor vehicles entering the park.
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