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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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Michigan
Upper Peninsula Region
Michigamme State Forest
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MICHIGAMME STATE FOREST
MICHIGAMME STATE FOREST
The Michigamme State Forest, nestled in Upper Peninsula Michigan, is a natural paradise encased in breathtaking beauty. This forest boasts a diverse landscape, consisting of stunning hardwood forests, tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and captivating waterfalls. Spanning over 50,000 acres, it offers abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation. As you explore its trails, you will be mesmerized by the vibrant colors of autumn, the peaceful solitude of winter, and the vibrant lushness of summer. The Michigamme State Forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a chance to connect with the serene wonders of the great outdoors.
History of the Area
Michigamme State Forest is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and encompasses over 114,000 acres of land. It is named after the nearby Michigamme River, a major waterway in the region. The state forest has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.

In the late 1800s, Michigan experienced a rapid increase in logging activity, as the timber industry boomed. The abundant forests of the Upper Peninsula attracted logging companies, and the land that now makes up Michigamme State Forest was part of this logging frontier. Many old-growth trees were harvested for timber, transforming the landscape.

After the logging era, the state of Michigan acquired the land and established the Michigamme State Forest in 1922. The primary purpose was to manage the forest for sustainable timber production and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The forest was initially smaller in size but has expanded over time through additional land acquisitions.

Throughout the mid-1900s, the state forest underwent various management practices, including reforestation efforts and forest fire prevention. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) also played a role in the development of the forest during the Great Depression. CCC camps were established in the area, and workers engaged in projects such as building roads, trails, and campgrounds.

Michigamme State Forest continues to be managed for sustainable timber production and offers a wide range of recreational activities. The forest provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Multiple trails, such as the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and the Iron Range Off-Road Vehicle Route, traverse through the forest, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) actively manages the state forest, ensuring the conservation of its natural resources and the preservation of its historical significance. The history of Michigamme State Forest reflects the broader history of Michigan's natural resource exploitation and subsequent conservation efforts.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Camping
1. Craig Lake State Park: This is the most remote state park in Michigan, offering six full-fledged campgrounds and three rustic cabins for rent.

2. Van Riper State Park: Located on the shores of Lake Michigamme, this campground offers modern facilities including electricity at each site, hot showers and flushing toilets.

3. Norway Beach Campground: Situated near a beautiful sandy beach with access to fishing opportunities as well as hiking trails within the forest area.

4. Marquette Tourist Park Campground: Offers both RV camping spots along with tent sites; amenities include water hookups, electric service and Wi-Fi availability.

5. Country Village RV Resort Ishpeming: A family:friendly resort that provides various recreational activities like swimming pool & playgrounds apart from regular camping options.

6. Michigan Oaks Camping Resort: It's an ideal place if you are looking for luxury while being close to nature.

7. Peshekee River Bridge Dispersed Camping Site: If you prefer primitive or dispersed camping experience then Peshekee river bridge can be your choice where no reservation required but it's first come first serve basis only.

8. Perch lake westside campground: Another option for those who love backcountry style of living without much human intervention around them during their stay.

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Location
Michigamme State Forest is

Trails
1. Craig Lake State Park Trails: This park within the Michigamme Forest offers six miles of hiking trails that wind through rugged terrain, past lakes and streams, offering stunning views of untouched wilderness.

2. Van Riper State Park Trail System: The trail system in this state park includes a 3-mile loop around Peshekee River with scenic overlooks and opportunities to spot wildlife like deer or moose.

3. North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT): A portion of this long-distance trail runs through the forest providing hikers an opportunity for multi-day backpacking trips amidst dense woods, wetlands and rolling hillsides.

4. McCormick Wilderness Area Trails: These remote backcountry trails offer solitude as they meander over rocky outcrops along Whitefish river; some areas are challenging due to lack of marked paths but reward adventurers with pristine landscapes rarely seen by others.

5. Three Lakes Loop Hiking Pathway: An easy-to-moderate difficulty level pathway covering approximately seven miles round trip passing three beautiful inland lakes - Ruth lake, George lake & Ted's lake.

6. Bill Nicholls Rail-Trail: Stretching from Toivola to Mass City it is primarily used for biking however also open for walking/hiking during summer months ; provides panoramic view across Ontonagon river valley.

7. Baraga Plains ATV/OTV Trail: Although designed mainly for off-road vehicles, these wide dirt tracks can be utilized by hikers too who wish explore more than just footpaths.

8. Jumbo Falls Walking Route: Short yet picturesque route leading up towards small waterfall known locally as 'Jumbo falls' nestled deep inside hardwood forests near Greenland road junction.

9. Peshekee Grade Road Nature Walks: Numerous short nature walks branching off main gravelled roadway which cuts right across heartland area giving access into otherwise inaccessible parts wild country side region encompassed under Michigamme State Forest jurisdiction.

10. The Rocking Chair Lakes Pathway: A 3-mile loop trail that takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including hardwood forests and wetlands; the pathway also offers views of two beautiful lakes - North lake & South Lake.

11. Silver River Reserve Trails: Network trails crisscrossing across reserve area known for its diverse birdlife ; ideal place avid birdwatchers or anyone interested in ornithology.

12. Peshekee Highlands Hiking Trail: This challenging route traverses some highest points within forest boundaries offering breathtaking panoramic vistas over surrounding wilderness areas especially during fall season when trees change color creating spectacular visual spectacle.

13. Michigamme Reservoir Shoreline Walks: Numerous unofficial paths running along reservoir shoreline providing tranquil waterside hiking experience amidst peaceful natural surroundings away from usual tourist crowds found at more popular locations elsewhere inside state forest region.

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Directions
1. Start by heading north on US:41 from Marquette.
2. Continue driving for approximately 15 miles until you reach Negaunee.
3. In Negaunee, turn left onto County Road 492 (also known as Teal Lake Avenue).
4. Stay on County Road 492 and drive for about 10 miles until you arrive at Ishpeming.
5. Once in Ishpeming, continue straight onto Lakeshore Drive/County Road AAAH towards Champion/Michigamme/South Republic.
6. Follow Lakeshore Drive/County Road AAAH for around 20 miles until you enter the town of Michigamme.

At this point, there are multiple access points to different parts of the Michigamme State Forest depending on your desired destination within it:

To access Van Riper State Park:
7a: From downtown Michigamme, take Main Street eastbound and cross over railroad tracks.
8a: Turn right onto Townline Rd/West Shore Dr., which will lead directly into Van Riper State Park.

To access Craig Lake Wilderness Area:
7b: From downtown Michgiammeme,take Main Street westbound.
8b: Merge onto MI-95 S toward Iron Mountain/Gwinn.
9b: After approximately a mile or so after passing through Three Lakes junction area, look out signs indicating entrance road to Craig lake wilderness area.

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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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