Van Buren State Park (Michigan)

For the Ohio State Park, see Van Buren State Park (Ohio).

Van Buren State Park
Sand Dunes at Van Buren State Park, winter
Location within the state of Michigan
Location	Van Buren County, Michigan, USA
Nearest city	South Haven, Michigan
Coordinates
Area	400 acres (1.62 km²)
Established	1965
Governing body	Michigan Department of Natural Resources
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=502&type=SPRK

Van Buren State Park is a 400-acre (1.6 km²) state park on Lake Michigan south of South Haven, Michigan, United States. The park, which is maintained and operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is located in the southwest corner of South Haven Township and the northwest corner of Covert Township, just north of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant.

Van Buren became a state park in May 1965 when the original 167-acre (0.68 km²) plot was purchased from the Harry LaBar Drake family. Since then two other land purchases have been made to make up the current park. It has forested sand dunes (see photo), modern camping and a popular swimming beach. A state park permit is required for entry.

Directly north of the park is the Van Buren County–owned North Point Conservation Area.

Facilities and activities

• Swimming
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Camping: The camping area has 220 modern sites and features flush toilets, showers, and electric hookups.
• Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is permitted in designated areas of the park; however, any found items are subject to review by park staff and may be retained pending further investigation.

Lake Michigan shore at Van Buren State Park, winter

Lake Michigan shore in winter, Van Buren State Park

External links

• Van Buren State Park Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Van Buren State Park Protected Planet (World Database on Protected Areas)