Interlochen State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Interlochen State Park | |
|---|---|
 Camping at Interlochen State Park | |
  Location in Michigan  Interlochen State Park (the United States) | |
| 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  |
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, 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]
