Van Buren State Park is Growing, Adding 17 Acres

Erosion often shrinks property along Lake Michigan, but Van Buren State Park is expanding, thanks to a partnership with the Michigan DNR.

A few miles south of South Haven, you'll find the Van Buren State Park along a scenic mile of Lake Michigan shoreline. People love the Lake, the camping and the dunes. Now, there will be more to love as the State Park has just annexed the Northpoint Conservation Area. This seventeen acre parcel of land sits just to the north and boasts "significant natural, scenic, ecological, biological and recreational assets," says the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Now, the DNR has signed a 25-year lease with Van Buren State Park to manage the entire parcel.

We’re excited to formally connect both parcels of public land through this unique partnership with the DNR. Because the DNR already manages the adjoining land, we determined that establishing common management would best ensure that the fragile, critical dune land is preserved and remains accessible to the public.

-Richard Godfrey, chair of the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners

For you and I, much will remain the same. Look for new signage, and plan on having a Recreation Passport for entry to access the hiking trails through the forested dunes to take in the views of Lake Michigan. Northpoint Conservation Area is also a popular spot for bird-watchers. Campers love the existing campground, with 220 modern sites, flush toilets, showers, and electric hookups.

The new addition means those long walks on the beach just got a little longer.