Lakenenland is a sculpture park located in Chocolay Township, Michigan. The park was founded in 2003, when artist Tom Lakenen moved his collection of scrap iron sculptures from his yard to a plot of land near the Lake Superior coast. Lakenenland contains more than 80 sculptures in the creator's "junkyard art" style.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
I think the last time I was here was around 25 years ago, and there is so much more here than my last visit!
If you love junkyard art, this place is a must-see! He's really built this place into something spectacular. It's free to enter, and takes around an hour and a half if you're hiking it (I wasn't actually paying attention to the time, so I'm making an educated guess. You can drive through, too, if you can't or just don't want to walk). I recommend getting out and walking it, though, if you're able.
There is a playground area, shelters, picnic tables, several porta-potties, and a decent amount of parking. There were quite a lot of vehicles in the lot when we arrived, but I had no issues getting a parking spot.
Besides the sculptures, there's also a lovely pond with beautiful flowers, a nature trail with a boardwalk (and hidden things to find along the way), a big area to rest and have something to eat, a playground area, small concert venue, and some nice memorials, including one for the Edmund Fitzgerald. There is a small souvenir shop, as well (I don't believe there were any snacks, though).
There's so much history here, some seriousness mixed in with silly zany craziness, and tons of beauty. What a great legacy!
If you're visiting the UP for waterfalls, rock hunting, fishing, relaxation, or whatever, I highly recommend adding this to...
Read more
Very talented artist. Each piece was representative of something personal to the individual. There were set tire pieces, there were governmental interpretational pieces, there was a piece for someone that had passed away. And they're not just individual sculptures, there are aerial type sculptures that cover small to large pieces of ground. Also had historical items on the property which I thought were very interesting. Beautiful construction of a covered large group picnic area made of extremely large lumber and tree trunks. Beautiful and majestic area. Also had a meeting place for concerts. I really enjoyed the place and sent a friend to see it as well. She enjoyed it as well. Highly recommend visiting. You can drive through or walk. I'm glad I chose to walk had more time to read the pieces. And reflect and interpret myself. Also had a walk through the bog with hidden things to find. Should have took bug spray but other than that it was a very beautiful calm Walk alone looking for things you are just had hid but showed you when to look on the boardwalk. No wheelchair access to the bog walk but I love the way it tests your ability to make the walk...
Read more
We were traveling through Marquette and happened upon this place. I’m so glad we stopped! My 3 and 13 year old both had a ton of fun. We got out and walked the trail to see things up close. I read a lot of reviews condemning this place because of the artist’s political views, which are apparent in some of the sculptures. While I do not agree with some of his views, I as an adult can respect them. Regardless of political stance, the sculptures were fun and whimsical. My little one climbed up the ladder to sit atop an elephant, high-fived a mermaid, snuck away in a cabin, crawled under a giant spider, sat with a skeleton, tried her luck at a slot machine, and so much more! Thank you Lakenen family for providing a family fun adventure FREE of charge. Our family appreciates more...
Read more
