| Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association | |
| Nrhp Type: | hd |
| Nocat: | yes |
| Location: | 2524 Loon Lake Rd., Wixom, Michigan |
| Coordinates: | 42.5486°N -83.5175°W |
| Architecture: | wooden summer camp |
| Added: | January 25, 2007 |
| Refnum: | 06000723 |
| Designated Other1: | Michigan State Historic Site |
| Designated Other1 Link: | Michigan State Historic Preservation Office |
| Designated Other1 Date: | October 16, 1997 |
| Designated Other1 Num Position: | bottom |
The Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association is a camping facility located at 2524 Loon Lake Road in Wixom, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1997 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
In about 1906, a group of Detroit-area people of Finnish descent formed the Detroit Finnish Educational Association to preserve and share the traditions of their native land.[1] The Association members participated in communal summer activities, often renting beaches and parks for camping and swimming.[1] In 1925, the Association formed a committee to select a permanent spot for the group's outdoor activities. After some searching, the committee selected the present site, and formed the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association as a separate organization, open to anyone who was "of Finnish descent, Finnish speaking, of good character and [living] in the Detroit area."[1] In June 1925, the Summer Camp Association purchased this land with the purpose of constructing a permanent summer camp .[2] The first sauna was constructed in 1926, and the dance hall in 1927.
The Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association, fondly known as “Finn Camp”, is set on a wooded property along Loon Lake, and entirely surrounds the smaller Sun Lake.[2] The property is bounded by Loon Lake, the Hickory Hill Golf and Country Club, the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association subdivision, and the Loon Lake Estates subdivision.