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Access Site MI

Van Riper State Park

Peshekee River - Lake Michigamme

Source: michigan_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Michigamme, MI
County: Marquette County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 46.52065722, -87.99371421
G2C4+7G Michigamme, MI, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Middle Branch Escanaba River at Humboldt, MI 3.3 mi away
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M Branch ESCANABA River At US Highway 41 Near HUMBOLDT, MI 3.9 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Peshekee River - Lake Michigamme
1 run
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-III Upstream from here (2.6 mi from take-out) Peshekee Grade Road (various, up to 18 miles)
15.3 mi 14 ft/mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Van Riper State Park offers convenient water access on Lake Michigamme and the Peshekee River, located 35 miles west of Marquette off U.S. 41 near Michigamme. The park features a public boat launch ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters accessing the expansive Lake Michigamme—one of Michigan's largest lakes at over 4,000 acres—as well as the adjacent Peshekee River. The park itself encompasses 1.5 miles of waterfront and provides a full range of amenities including picnic areas, swimming beach, trails, and accessible facilities.

This is a well-developed state park access point suitable for various water recreation activities. Whether you're launching for a calm lake paddle on Michigamme or exploring the Peshekee River, the facility provides dedicated boat launch infrastructure. The park's sandy beaches and developed infrastructure make it a comfortable base for day trips or extended paddling adventures in the area.