Interlochen State Park | |
Iucn Category: | III |
Iucn Ref: | [1] |
Photo Width: | 280 |
Map: | USA Michigan#USA |
Map Width: | 280 |
Relief: | 1 |
Location: | Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, USA |
Nearest City: | Interlochen, Michigan |
Coordinates: | 44.6278°N -85.7628°W |
Designation: | Michigan state park |
Established: | 1919 (purchased in 1917) |
Administrator: | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
Website: | Interlochen State Park |
Interlochen State Park is a public recreation area covering between Green Lake and Duck Lake in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. It was the State of Michigan's first officially recognized state park. It was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1917; $60,000 was paid for the land. Originally named Pine Park, the park was created to preserve for future generations the virgin pine (Pinus strobus) stand. It is one of the few easily reached places in Michigan where old-growth (pre-European settlement) red pine can be found.
In 1928, the National Music Camp was established on the property adjoining the northern boundary of the park. It is located next to the Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Also popular at Interlochen State Park is the Three Discipline Triathlon Event hosted each July.
The park offers swimming, playground, year-round fishing, picnicking, camping, and three boat launches.