Lakenenland is a
sculpture park located in
Chocolay Township, Michigan
Chocolay Charter Township ( ) is a charter township of Marquette County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,899 at the 2020 census. The township is named for the Chocolay River
Geography
According to the United States Census Bure ...
. 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.
Description
Lakenenland consists of of land located on
State Highway M-28, east of
Marquette.
The park is located on a
snowmobile trail and contains a
lean-to
A lean-to is a type of simple structure originally added to an existing building with the rafters "leaning" against another wall. Free-standing lean-to structures are generally used as shelters. One traditional type of lean-to is known by its Finn ...
where snowmobilers or
cross-country skiers
Cross-country skiing is a form of skiing where skiers rely on their own locomotion to move across snow-covered terrain, rather than using ski lifts or other forms of assistance. Cross-country skiing is widely practiced as a sport and recreation ...
can warm up in winter months.
Sculptures are located along a trail which is accessible by walking year-round and driving when road conditions allow.
The park includes a pond stocked with fish, and an annual kids fishing derby is held each June.
A band shell also provides a venue for live music, and a music festival is held each summer.
More than 80 iron sculptures are located in the park and new works are added regularly.
Some sculptures are lighthearted, while others provide commentary on political topics, such as a pig representing corporate greed.
Others pay tribute to the history and culture of
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan – also known as Upper Michigan or colloquially the U.P. – is the northern and more elevated of the two major landmasses that make up the U.S. state of Michigan; it is separated from the Lower Peninsula by t ...
.
History
Construction worker Tom Lakenen began sculpting figures from scrap metal to fill his time between construction jobs after giving up drinking alcohol.
He welded in his garage and installed the sculptures in his front yard, but Chocolay Township officials told him they were considered signs and not permitted to be displayed in his front yard.
Lakenen bought land near the Lake Superior shore in 2003 and created Lakenenland to showcase his artwork.
Regulatory conflicts between Lakenen and members of the township board presented challenges when the park was first opened, but the community has embraced Lakenen's park; in 2011 he was named township citizen of the year by the local business community.
See also
*
Sculpture trails
*
List of sculpture parks
References
{{Reflist
External links
"Northern Michigan Voices: Tom Lakenen"5-minute audio interview with the artist describing the creation of Lakenenland from
WNMU-FM
WNMU-FM is a radio station in the United States, broadcasting at FM 90.1 in Marquette, Michigan. The station, owned by Northern Michigan University, is a National Public Radio member station, airing a large amount of classical and jazz music alo ...
(2016)
Sculpture gardens, trails and parks in Michigan
2003 establishments in Michigan
Roadside attractions in Michigan
Tourist attractions in Marquette County, Michigan